Janome 1017 Review

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Janome 1017 has a good stitch quality, but some features are not really ideal for beginners. Another problem is availability.

Janome 1017 Main Features

10 built-in stitches
650 SPM engine
Free arm

Janome 1017 review

Doyousew Recommendation Level: LOW

Janome 1017 is an inexpensive beginner sewing machine. I’m not entirely sure whether it has (it appears to be retired) as it is not available in major sewing machine stores in the US. The machine comes with 10 built-in stitches and a 4-step buttonhole. There are 17 stitch functions in total. It features a bobbin wider with an automatic release that stops winding the bobbin when it is full. It has a motor that can deliver Janome 1017 can adjust 650 stitches /. The maximum zigzag width is 5 mm and the maximum stitch length is 4 mm. The reverse sewing lever is conveniently located. The machine is also convertible with the free arm. The spool is side loading type which can be an inconvenience for beginners. There is a sewing work light. The machine weighs only 11 kilos. So you can easily take it with you. They also provided a retractable carry handle.

Utility

Janome 1017 is a compact sewing machine. It is sturdy, which you normally expect from Janome. The machine is easy to thread. To be honest, this is not the most user-friendly machine. You can read more about it in the section on restrictions. The foot control is quite responsive and the stitch quality is quite good. Overall operation is very smooth.

Limitations

From a beginner’s point of view, Janome 1017 is not an ideal machine. It lacks some of the basic features you’d expect from a modern beginner machine. It lacks features such as automatic needle threader, 1-step buttonhole, indented bobbing, feed teeth lever, etc. These features are very important for a novice seamstress.

Advantages

Durable
Portable
Decent stitch quality

Disadvantages

No automatic needle threader
No 1-step buttonhole
No drop-in bobbin
No drop feed dog option

Is it worth buying?

As far as beginners , Janome 1017 is not the world’s most user-friendly sewing machine. It has its drawbacks (in terms of properties). But that doesn’t say much about the stitch quality. It works for basic things like crafting and repairing. As a beginner, you overgrow this machine pretty quickly.

Looking for a highly recommended Janome sibling? Check out our Janome DC1018 sewing machine review here.

Alternatives to consider are Janome 2212 and Brother XL2600I. Janome 2212 is the more expensive option, but has an exceptional stitch quality. Those who bought 2212 love the machine for its quality and durability. 2212 comes with 12 built-in stitches. In functionality, 2212 is more or less comparable to 1017.

Brother XL2600I comes in the same price range as Janome 1017 and is much more advanced in features. I have called XL2600I the’king of cheap sewing machines. It is also the best seller in the under $100 category. It has 25 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin, 1-step buttonhole, etc.