If we’re looking at sewing strictly as a hobby, there are a few ways you can go about it. You can do it for fun, limiting yourself to the basic designs just to pass some time or you can take it a bit more seriously by committing to learn. This will take a lot more effort and would also require a proper sewing machine. In this janome mod 15 review we will look at one such machine that won’t break your bank.
If you’re on a budget and looking for a sewing machine, you will still have a lot of options to choose from as it is a pretty big industry. However, this is not always a good thing and you might be overwhelmed by the different brands and the features they advertise.
Choosing the right sewing machine for your needs, that is also within your budget can turn out to be a monumental task but it is actually quite easy if you start looking at the basics. Most modern sewing machines come with built-in stitches that make up their core functionality and define what they can be used for.
This should always be something you should look at but it’s not the most important thing, especially not in a budget machine. For something with a limited budget, the most important things you should look at are the drawbacks as these are often the corners that have been cut to keep the price down.
If you’re okay with the drawbacks and it has most of the features you want in working condition, then it is a good budget sewing machine. It sounds simple enough but in practice, very few actually manage to fit the bill. Let’s take a look at this janome mod 15 review to see if this particular model fulfills those criteria.
Janome MOD 15
This machine is a relatively non-expensive investment that provides most features a casual user would need and a little more. Some of its features like the auto tension and adjustable stitch dimensions add a lot more value to this device.
In contrast, on most budget sewing machines around this price, you will find only the bare minimum features that are still good for a beginner but do not go any further. With this however, beginners can make a transition into more advanced stitches without any additional tools.
It also has a surprising amount of built-in stitches for a budget machine that lets you work on pretty much any type of cloth. It is not computerized but the interface is clean and easy enough to work with from the start.
FEATURES
15 built-in stitches: This machine comes with 15 distinct stitches that are built in to it and can be accessed and used at any time. These stitches are well integrated and made easy to access through a simple enough interface.
Automatic tension adjustment: Too often does one face the trouble of having the adjust the tension of the thread to a proper level so that it does not snap. This machine is capable of automatically maintaining the required pressure to keep everything operational and safe.
Top loading bobbin: This is technically a less efficient system when compared to a front loader but it comes with a clear cover that lets you see through and keep track of how much thread you still have left.
Adjustable stitch dimensions: This is a very handy feature that will save a lot of extra work and frustration for a lot of users. It allows you to manually pre-set the length or width of the cloth you want to be stitching so the machine can adjust the movement accordingly.
Drop feed system: This is a system that uses the feed-dogs underneath to continuously keep the cloth moving while the needle goes in and out. This works really well for thinner materials because the operation is smooth and accurate.
Storage compartment: There is a spacious compartment provided on the side for you to store your tools but what makes this special is that this compartment can be easily detached making this a free arm sewing machine which adds plenty to the comfort while using it in certain cases.
Pros
Presented with a well implemented 4-step button hole.
Drop feed system ensures fast and smooth operation for long periods of time.
General purpose foot that can be used for different types of operations.
Comes with a screw driver, spool holders and a pack of needles.
CONS
The machine is not straight forward to use and takes some getting used to.
The foot operates at a relatively high speed at all times, not really capable of slowing down.
Our Expert’s Opinion
There are plenty of budget sewing machines out there and even more so in the sub 100$ segment. But making a proper budget machine is a challenge in itself as you’re working with limited funding and you will have to choose where you want to focus your efforts on.
When it comes to this machine, most of the focus went in to its quality and design choices which is a good thing. The build of this machine is fantastic and it would be hard to differentiate this from a much more expensive counterpart.
It also has very well implemented feed system. The drop feed mechanism is great for smaller machines as you don’t typically use them to work on thicker cloth and this way, you can ensure that it will keep running smoothly at all times.
Another small advantage this model in particular has is the transparent cover at the top letting you see how much thread you have left so that you can always keep track of it and replace whenever necessary adding further into the consistent flow of work.
If you’re out looking for a sewing machine that is cheap but still has all the functions necessary to get you started, then this one absolutely does and it works well. However, it might not be such a great option for beginners in particular.
Reason being, the machine itself is a bit clunky when it comes to operation. You will need some time to get used to the various functions and how you can get it to work more consistently which is not ideal for anyone who doesn’t have previous experience with sewing machines.
Although what it lacks in ease of use, it makes up for by offering some very handy features that will make your life easier once you get the hang of them. These include a top loading bobbin and a drop feed system which makes things a lot easier to move while also considerably reducing the effort required to do so.
CONCLUSION
This janome mod 15 review clearly shows both the advantages and a disadvantage of a budget sewing machine. It comes with a lot of useful features but when it comes to actual functionality it falls short compared to other more expensive products.
This isn’t to say, this is a product that is never worth buying though. For anyone with previous experience, this shouldn’t be too hard to operate and, in that case, it offers a lot of value for your money purely in terms of the features it offers.
