Janome Sew Mini
A REAL Mini Sewing Machine

The Janome Sew Mini, made to the high Janome standards we have come to expect, is the only REAL sewing machine in its mini sewing machine class.

Weighing only 5 pounds, the little mini machine can be easily carried on trips, to classes, or to quilting bees.

Not like the other pretend mini sewing machines, the Janome ¾ size mini can be used for simple projects like crafts, scrapbooking, curtains or piecing quilts.

It can do straight stitching, zigzagging stitches in 3 widths, go backwards and even do buttonholes. And the stitches are of a good quality.

Janome Sew Mini

Reviews indicate that people have found that the manual, with its step by step graphics is helpful when learning to use the machine.

And using the machine is straightforward, not confusing or complicated – a criticism of most of the other mini sewing machines on the market.

Positive Features
Janome Portable Sewing Machines

Most reviewers spoke highly of the Janome Sew Mini. Many recommended its use as a sewing machine for beginners or for children.

Others cited the Janome mini as a good choice for an experienced sewer for small mending projects, simple craft or home projects, for traveling or for carrying to class.

The positive features that were most often sited were:

Easy to carry – only 5 pounds!
Choice of straight stitch (4 lengths) or zigzag (3 widths) – most minis just do a simple straight stitch in 1 length.
Can do a reverse stitch – a complaint with other mini sewing machines. Without the ability to reverse, other mini machines have loose stitches that easily come apart (unless you tie the ends together).
Instruction book included – a complaint common with other minis.
Drop in bobbin – a feature found in newer, full scale sewing machines.
4 point feed dog system keeps the fabric moving straight.
The sewing machine doesn't move around or vibrate – despite its small size.
Sturdy and well built.
Can sew up to 5 layers of light weight cloth.
No problems with thread tension or bobbin thread jams.
Sews over straight pins with ease

Negative Reviews – Janome Mini Machines

While I didn't find any reviewers that totally disliked the Janome minis, nothing is perfect, and there were some complaints. Here are the most common:

There is no built in light, making it hard to see when threading a needle or sewing.
It does not have a lid or case for travelling or going to class.
You can't remove the built in pressure foot.
It can't handle heavy fabrics – like leather or 12 layers of denim.
No seam allowance markings on the throat plate.
No thread cutter

While not perfect, the Janome Sew Mini is as close as you can get to a full size sewing machine. It has many of the fine features and quality of full sized Janome machines , and the negatives are fairly minor.

This Janome Mini Sewing Machine is a great little machine for a beginner or child, especially because it goes slowly. And it also would serve as a terrific portable sewing machine for simple projects or mending for an experienced sewer.

If you're looking for a portable sewing machine, don't overlook this little gem. It's a great deal at around $70, and it comes with a 25 year warranty!