Janome JW8100 Sewing Machine Review

I had the opportunity to review a Janome JW8100 Sewing Machine recently and I found it to be a wonderful, computerized machine!  The technological revolution has made it to the sewing industry, and basic machines no longer cut it. Unfortunately, most computerized sewing machines are usually very costly.  This one is only $370!

It's one of the most affordable computerized machines I've come across and works great for both beginners and experts. Here's the specifications:

The Janome JW8100 has all the benefits of a computerized sewing machine but is beginner-friendly. It’s entry-level and has a lot of features compared to mechanical models, but it doesn’t have so many gadgets and options that you get overwhelmed.

It only weighs 12.7 lbs and measures 16 x 7 x 12 inches. This makes it easily portable. It has a digital LCD screen that displays important details such as the width & length of the stitches, the type of stitch being used, and the recommended foot.

It’s hard to find a stitch that isn’t included in the Janome JW8100 sewing machine because it has 100 built-in stitches! They are divided as follows:

Heirloom style stitches: 27

Basic and fashion stitches: 20

Quilting stitches: 18

Button holes: 7

Home decor: 28

The machine comes with a stitch chart which means you don't have to keep checking the manual every time you need to change a stitch. This feature is so handy. You can, however, remove it if you don’t need the chart.

 Janome JW8100 has an automatic needle threader. You can see it in the photo above, it's easy to use! It comes with a detachable table to extend your working area and has a free arm when you remove the storage compartment.

Here are the accessories that are included with the machine.  There is a cute little pin cushion you can place on top of the machine while you're sewing!  And there are additional feet available for the machine, which you can order by going to the Janome website or any online quilt shop that sells Janome.

Some of the features that make this sewing machine easy to use include:

Start/stop button: this feature allows you to use the machine without pressing on the foot pedal.

Locking stitch button: this button ties off the thread ends which means that you don’t have to backstitch to lock seams.

Easy reverse button: you should use this feature when you’re securing seams by backstitching.

Another button is the drop feed to control the speed and direction of the fabric when you’re using free motion.

All in all, this is a fabulous machine for only $370!

My latest quilt project

 I've been working on a king size quilt for a few months now.  All I need to finish the top is add the borders.  This one will go on my bed when/if I get it finished.  The fabric collection is by Melissa Gilbert, of Little House on the Prairie fame.  

True Story

 

Video: How to install Butler robotics on the KQ II Longarm

 

Change the foot on a King Quilter II Longarm

 I'm feeling sheepish today.  I've owned my King Quilter II Elite longarm for 5 years and just today learned I can raise the presser bar up to make changing the foot easier.  All this time I've been finagling and fussing to change feet and saying some not so nice words!

For those with the same machine, here is a video showing how to do this...

The Best Explanation of Thread Spools and Cones

 I found a video on the Superior Threads website that explains the need to pull thread off of a spool differently than a cone.  I highly recommend this video!  

I ordered the thread holder shown in this video because I need a thread holder with an 

adjustable spool pin, one that can be placed vertically or horizontally.  

This fits the bill quite nicely.

A Cross Stitch tip

I thought I'd share a tip for those of you who cross stitch using black linen or aida cloth.  Use one of the little lights you tap to turn on and off underneath as you stitch.  The light makes seeing the little holes easy!  I use it with all dark colors of linen or aida cloth.  In fact, the light is too bright so I taped Kleenex over the light to dim it a bit.

Here are some pieces I made.

I made this one around our 20th anniversary.  
We've been married 36 year now!

I made this one when my daughter was 3 months old.  

She's 34 yrs old now!

 

2026 Christmas Drawing

 Attention all clients!  I have a set of tools from Missouri Star Quilt Company I'd like to give away at the end of 2026.  Everyone who brings a quilt for longarming gets an entry, 1 entry per quilt brought during 2026. This is a high quality set of tools all stored away in a metal tool box. For example, the rotary cutter has ball bearings in it and you use less pressure to make your cut!

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!