Janome 49360 is a quality sewing machine. Janome has done a good job in providing an all round package. It is slightly expensive though.

Janome New Home 49360 Main Features

• 60 built-in stitches
• Start/stop button
• Speed control slider
• Programmable needle up/down
• Automatic needle threader and thread cutter
• Locking stitch button

Janome New Home 49360 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : HIGH

New Home 49360, have you heard this name before? Not many would have, because in US, it is only available through one dealer. Even though it is not very easily available, people still are running for it, so there must be something good about it. There is no question about the fact that, it is beyond the budget of an average beginner (well, in most cases). So what we want to know is, whether the dollars we shell out on this machine will be worth or not.

Janome 49360 is a computerized sewing machine. Janome projects this machine as a quilting machine, but it is capable of doing all other works as well (The whole quilting thing is just a marketing gimmick). The machine comes with 60 built-in stitches including 6 one-step buttonholes. The machine has a top drop-in bobbin with clear cover (which makes sense, as you can keep an eye on the thread supply). Markings on the needle plate is nicely done. There are even angular markings and markings on bobbin cover.

Janome 49360 comes with 7-piece box feed system which pulls the fabric nice and straight. The box feed adds a lot to the stitch quality and consistency. I really like the LCD screen of this machine. It has a premium feel to it, with blue illumination. The stitch chart is printed on the machine itself. Stitch selection is done by pressing the arrow keys. Even though the machine comes up with optimal stitch width and length, you can always override them. 7mm is maximum zigzag stitch width and 5mm is the maximum zigzag stitch length.

To justify its slightly high price tag, Janome 49360 comes with a lot of automatic features. The automatic needle threader obviously is something that you normally expect, but this machine also comes with an automatic thread cutter (Now, this is something that you will find only in expensive sewing machines). You don’t need to reach out for the scissors to cut the thread, instead push the automatic thread cutter button and pull the fabric out.

Janome 49360 has presser foot pressure control which is really handy while sewing lightweight fabrics. Adjusting the pressure applied by the presser foot prevents stretching (this adds a lot to the stitch quality). The locking stitch button locks and finishes the stitch (the pattern won’t be stopped in the middle). The programmable needle up/down is absolutely useful while quilting. It is handy while pivoting.

A drop feed dog lever is provided to do free-motion quilting. The sewing start/stop button and speed control slider lets you sew without using the foot pedal. The speed control has slow, medium and fast speed settings. The reverse sewing button is conveniently placed as well. An accessory storage compartment is provided, which on removal makes the machine ready for free arm sewing. The machine comes with a hard cover as well.

Even though Janome 49360 is packed with features, it is very light in weight. It weighs just 12 pounds, which makes it an easy candidate for sewing classes.

Usability

The machine is easy to set up. The instructions are very clear. Janome 49360 is a very smooth sewing machine. It operates quietly as well (one of the quietest machines around). The build quality is excellent (the high price is justified in that department). It has a nice variety of built-in stitches. The stitch quality is very impressive. The machine doesn’t struggle with multiple layers of thick fabrics. Its motor is powerful enough to go through any type of fabric. This machine is portable, thanks to its light weight. One good thing is that, this machine is not picky about thread. You can use most kinds of thread on this machine.

Limitations

As I have said earlier, Janome 49360 is slightly on the expensive side. Other than that, it is a wonderful sewing machine.

Pros

• Feature packed
• Excellent build quality
• Quality stitches
• Smooth and quiet operation
• Portable

Cons

• Availability
• Slightly high price

Is It Worth Buying?

Yes, if you are okay with the price. As far as performance and quality is concerned, Janome 49360 is an absolute gem. It looks premium and it sews quality stitches. It is definitely a machine to consider.