When Janome contacted me a few months ago, asking if I would review their new machine Skyline S5, I couldn’t jump at the opportunity fast enough. I have been sewing on a budget machine for years now and have been interested in researching new models. Now, don’t get me wrong… there is absolutely nothing wrong with sewing on an inexpensive machine, but I recommend that people purchase the most machine for their budget. My budget has recently increased and I have been dying to see what that could afford me and what features it would give me. I was not disappointed and it is now difficult for me to see my old machine in the same way.
I ripped open the box and found a TON of machine feet and I couldn’t wait to figure out which was which. The sewing machine comes with an instructional DVD and a great instructional manual to guide you. And boy, they give you a ton of feet with this!
On top of everything else, I have to give a major shout out to Michael Miller fabrics for sending me a pile of gorgeous fabrics! Ainsley has already asked for an art journal (pattern by LBG Studios)!
This machine has SO many stitches. At first, I thought…. “Who needs this many stitches??” Then, I started looking at them. They are genius and I can honestly see myself using almost every single one. I am not a quilter, so some of them are null and void to me, but the really unique stitches are intriguing and I know I would find a way to use them. Oh, and I tried the buttonholes and OH MY GOODNESS…. I have struggled with those for years and these were like buttah! (butter for those that don’t read slang )
I am not normally a sucker for the cutesy stitches, but well….. this machine has me hooked. I spent probably hours playing with these and I can’t stop. I mean, I literally can’t stop. I have seen machines with cute stitches before, but these were just too fun.
A spool of thread? Bows????? A house with a tree?? A car? I mean, stop the cuteness.
So, aside from the cute stitches, this machine is solid. When I sewed several layers of fabric, I could feel the difference. It was quiet and steady. The entire machine is much larger than my regular one and I could literally feel the difference during the sewing process. It felt so smooth.
The options on this machine are great. Not only does it have the self cut, it also has the option of auto sewing and the optional knee bar (not shown). I would never use these options, but I do know of people that love them!
Okay so can we go back to those cute stitches? I had originally planned to stitch them onto a hem of a skirt, but decided to make some cards. I am NOT a scrapbooker or a card maker, so this was just for fun. (yes, you can sew onto paper, just make sure you change your needle before switching back to fabric)
I made a cute bow card…. and envelope. Perfect for a birthday or a thank you?
Then, I made a Christmas style one…. snowflakes, trees, some random red flowers at the bottom. I think it would be cute with some words in the middle?? The snowflakes are my favorite!
Can you tell who designed this gift tag?? (ahem, Ainsley). In fact, Ainsley stitched this one up… yes, my 5 year old made this one. It was super easy, even for her!
Finally, a circle tag with stars and a ribbon embroidered with a swirl. Maybe good for a baby boy gift?
Overall:
This machine retails for $1499. My regular machine is $200.
I am proof that you don’t need to purchase an expensive machine to be good, in fact, I have sewn on a $200 machine for years, but I would always always recommend that you buy what you can afford. So if your budget is within this higher range, I would HIGHLY recommend this machine. In fact, I plan to upgrade to this model shortly (and no, I don’t get it for free!) There is an incredible difference between the $200 machine and a $1400 machine.
Thanks so much Janome for letting me try this out. I can’t wait to make it MINE!!!
Hayley
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What a great review! Janome should let you keep that machine for the fabulous review!
Thank you Amber! Wouldn’t that be wonderful!
Agree with you absolutely!
How much does it weigh. I need a new machine to take to quilting class
it’s quite a bit bigger and heavier than my 18 pound MC3000, so I’m guessing 25 pounds? way too big for me to consider taking it to a class :o) what an awesome machine it is! love it love it love it! wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have the 8050 for classes.
It is a bit heavy…. not sure how easy it would be to transport!
Love Janome! So versatile that you can sew on paper too! What needle did you use for sewing on paper?
Hello, I saw you had tried the new Skyline S5 machine. I found some other good points on it too, but didn’t find the different feet that came with it.
I am a quilter, mainly, and I wonder if the machine allows you to free stitch (360 degrees)?
I’m really impressed with it, and it is on my list to consider for my next machine. For me, I want the widest neck possible with the ability to free stitch, and a price I can handle.
Any information you can give me will be much appreciated, thank you!
Cindy”:-)
it has drop feed and a hopping foot PD-H included, is that what you mean by free stitch? along with a 1/4″ foot O with metal guide, open toe (satin stitch) foot F, standard 9mm zigzag A, zipper foot E, button sewing foot T, overcast foot M ,rolled hem foot D, blind hem foot G, auto buttonhole foot R, even a walking or even feed foot! rolled hem foot. There’s also an easy-switch straight stitch needle plate, no screws just a button to release. There’s 8.25″ from the needle to the case, and the opening is right at 5″ high. It also has adjustable presser foot pressure which is a must for me, and the knee lever for raising the presser foot which I haven’t mastered yet. It has everything I need when I get ready to start a new quilt :o)
There’s a you-tube by stecker-be that is the exact program on the DVD, so I knew ahead of time just about everything about the machine before I bought it.
that is a good question! I am not a quilter, so I can’t answer that too well…. I do think that it would be able to do that, but again, I don’t feel qualified to answer…. Amaline below me seems to have good input!
I have an older Bernina which I inherited from my Mom, which I love. However, you really tempted me with this review. It sounds like a great machine and I love those cute extra stitches. The cards/gift tags you made are adorable!
thank you!!
I learned this lesson about buying a machine about two years ago. I bought a $300 machine and loved it. It sewed great for the most part. Then I had the opportunity to purchase a new larger machine. The Janome 8900. Yes, it was a lot more money but wow! What a difference. I always suggest now that you buy the most machine in your price range and from a dealer.
yes the lower priced machines can sew great, but man, these higher priced ones really really make a difference!
I learned this lesson about buying a machine about two years ago. I bought a $300 machine and loved it. It sewed great for the most part. Then I had the opportunity to purchase a new larger machine. The Janome 8900. Yes, it was a lot more money but wow! What a difference. I always suggest now that you buy the most machine in your price range and from a dealer.
I can’t believe you have been sewing on such a cheap machine and making such lovely stuff!
This machine looks great. It looks just like the Janome I have, the MC5200, which has since been retired. I love my machine. I love all the stitches and how strong and solid it is. I cannot find this one on the Janome website, tho, which is strange. Must be super new!!
thank you Kathy!! I appreciate that!
Is it just me , but those stiches don’t look right. I tried a machine like this a couple of weeks ago, and to be honest, the stitches were awful. Not filled in , looks like it skips . I know I was VERY disappointed by what I saw .I had money and was ready to buy one, but just decided not to. I thought it was going to be my next dream machine. I have a very old MC 8000, it was a wonderful machine. Maybe I will try to get that one fixed.
Maddie, I am not sure which stitches you are referring to? If you mean the ones on the cards, that is likely because the paper tears as it stitches and it shows the white insides… these were all just very quick projects that I didn’t spend much time on. The blue fabric… well, I should have used interfacing for a “real” project. I have sewn up several things with this machine and the stitches are perfect! But again, not sure which ones you mean
I just purchased the Janome Skyline S5 and I’m having a lot of difficulty with the stitching; I’ve determined maybe it is a bobbin problem, but a brand new machine! I finally got the stitching right and then was changing the pattern and bobbin and had the same problem again. Any suggestions are most welcome. I had an old Singer Featherweight for years and took the big step and the financial hit for what is supposed to be a GREAT MACHINE? I’m very tired of trying to get it all to work.
It’s possible some parts shifted during shipping. Did you try having it serviced? There should be no charge under warranty if you go where you bought it.
If you use the wrong bobbins, you will have problems. It needs the 15J bobbins, not the 15’s. They have a slight curve to the plastic. My old baby lock took either the 15 or 15J and I tried putting the 15 in the S5 and had ISSUES. No more. Only the J’s from now on.
Sabra, Have you been to your dealer?
I realize this is way past the time you questioned the stitching, however for those reading, the reason could be the machine was not threaded correctly. If the machine is not threaded correctly you will have uneven stitches. This was my experience on the Skyline 5. While threading be sure to get the thread under the cover where #1 & #2 are housed (the cover can be removed and snapped back on to see what I am referring to). There is a “clip” under the cover that the thread must get under. Also the thread must be properly pulled up into the round hole on the take up lever. These were two areas that I experienced my own improper threading and once corrected the machine became my dream machine.
Thank you so much, I will have to try out another one. When I tried out the decorative stitches they did not fill in all the way, like the hearts you did, Even the dealer was a little disappointed by how it sewed. When sewing on fabric the bottom thread was showing on top. As I said I think I will try out another one. Thank you!
Hi, I just unpacked my S5! I have had MANY Janomes and loved them all! I started sewing with them in 1990 on an MC8000 and have worked my way up to Horizon 15000. I got the S5 to use while I am embroidering and to take to take to workshops that don’t require embroidery. I love the fact that it has a 9MM stitch and most of the feet on the 15000 will also work on the S5! That along with the fact that the bobbin case is the same as the 15000 so if I get the circle maker attachment it will work with either machine! This works for me since my mechanical Janome is no longer working (poor baby gave it her all) and I don’t have to re-invest in feet and most important not as expensive as the 8900! Glad to hear others enjoy the goodness that is Janome.
If the bobbin threads were pulling through and showing on top, that is simply a tension issue and anyone working in the business of sewing machines should know!
April, I am not sure which bobbin threads you are referring to, but yes, you are definitely right!
April – my Janome S5 is brand new but I live VERY rural; I think you are right that I am having a bobbin issue but am not sure I should be trying to adjust the tension for the bobbin. The instruction book does not address bobbin tension – do I have to return it to the shop where I bought it? Thanks
I just got a Skyline 5s and can’t wait to open it . I’m so happy . I still have my new home janome 6000 and I love her to.
I am considering this machine! I’m a quilter and have used my trusty Victoria Viking for over 30 yrs!! I will keep her (my hubby doesn’t get why) and I’m excited to get some of the new features like the thread cutter, faster sewing speed, drop in bobbin, etc. Thank you for the great review and for the card making idea! I wasn’t sure I would use those fancy stitches — but I would use them to make cards!! Great idea!! Thank you!!
Hello…I NEED HELP!!! I recently went to a dealer looking at sewing machines. They directed me to the Janome Skyline S5. At first I thought it was out of my budget but they offered me a $300 credit for my (broken) machine AND 6 months 0% financing. So I went home to research the S5 to see what others thought of it. I have also been looking at a Necchi EX30. My question here is, has anyone had experience with a Necchi machine? The Necchi is $649 and the Janome is $1500 ($1200 after the credit). That’s just about double the price. Is the Janome worth that much more? Necchi machines are now built by Janome so I’m sure they are an excellent machine. Any advice would sure be appreciated. Thank you!
Shop around for a better price! I JUST bought the Janome for my wife as her older (inexpensive ) machine started having issues. She doesnt even know i have it yet! But i just got it for 999.00!
Wow! That’s a great deal, Randy! What an awesome surprise for your wife! 🙂
Its excellent as your diary posts, appreciate it for putt up.
I will say that Janome charges fair price, I like it and the machines are also with good features for the price compared to other sewing machine brands.
I bought one. What a lemon. Had to set thread tension at 9 and still had a loose thread. Took it back to the shop. Lady that sold it to me was not happy either. Shee tried all sorts of thread and settings. She offerd me the other new skyline she had in stock or suggested that i buy a 6600p. I didnt risk the other skyline. Biy sad cause im new to sewing and it was my first machine..
Oh, wow! So sorry you had such a bad experience.
Well John – I hope this is not a trend. I’m having awful problems with the tension. My machine has approximately 6 hours on it, all trying to correct the problem. I think your idea of returning it to the place of purchase is the best idea. I’ll keep you posted as I am not new to sewing and can only hope this is not a problem with the machine. Thanks.
I have been researching and came upon the S5. I have a Janome embroidery machine which I purchased 5 years ago and LOVE it!!!. I have been sewing for many years and have a Kenmore which I love. I sew a lot of clothes for myself and grandchildren and I think I would benefit with all the features of the S5. I think I will just close my eyes and jump in….wish me luck!!!
Hi Hayley,
It’s great to read this review, Skyline S5 is really good sewing machine, it has many good features, suitable for all levels. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing this article.
I have a Janome Skyline S5 and I love it! When doing the cutsie stitches, I find that I may have to back the fabric with something stiffer to get the proper tension…either double a lightweight fabric or use some type of liner. I’ve used tear-away paper…
I’ve just bought this machine and pick it up on Monday. I have had a basic Brother for 23 years ad imagined I would upgrade to a $500 (Australian $). However, my frugal husband reminded me not to skimp on quality and features given that this would be my machine for the next 20 years. I had NEVER considered spending more than a $1000 but started doing research and then went into some sewing stores, talked and watched demos. This was invaluable, as, being a self taught sewist, I don’t know what I don’t know, and so discovered all sorts of things to consider and evaluate. $1500 is not a lot to spend spread out over 20 years and the fact that at some stage in the future I want to learn quilting, this is definitely the machine for me. Now I just have to get through the weekend without sewing! Pam in Australia
Hello Hayley and ladies in general. Great review – thank you. I have been sifting through reviews gauging what my next machine should be. I have a slightly complicated situation though.
Hubby bought me a memory craft 4800 nearly 15 years ago. Baby never gave me a moments hesitation to take on and conquer anything I threw at her. She was a dream. We moved to Australia from Canada, got a transformer for her, she continued to be amazing. Took her to a reputable dealer who stuck a european lead into her, plugged it into the wall putting 240 volts through a 110 volt machine. He blew up my baby (lots of nashing of teeth)! He now has to replace the machine. The closest thing in Janome’s line up is the mc4900 but have had several dealers and reviews warn me away from it, so I have been thinking about an s3 or s5 instead. Opinions ….?
I haven not used those other machines, so I might not be of too much help! Do you have a shop nearby to try them out!
We’re considering Janome S5 or %7 machines for my wife who is a beginner. No question the S7 is a more feature filled machine and a much nicer display. The accuefeed seem a real nice useful feature but doesn’t come on the S5. What concerns me is all that pre- programming . It seems disproportional to the actual sewing time. In other words setting things up manual seems faster and easier at times. With a thousand features which machine is really more user friendly? That said if you do a lot of repeat work then programming a procedure once makes sense sewing, time then is much easier and faster. Having all these variable options is nice but may add to the work load Granted when the time comes when you need a feature its always nice to have it at your disposal.. The simpler S5 does a lot after all and seems simpler. We are torn .
Help please! I have a couple of questions about this machine, one is in relation with the needle plate, in a video they say that I have to replace it if I want to sew straight stitch, my question is if I have to get another needle plate besides the original one that comes with the machine purchase?
If that’s the case, which one must I buy and for what kind of sewing? Or is it only replaced when it’s damaged?
My second question is about the bobbins, is it hard to get them?
Thanks for your attention.
I would suggest contacting Janome for this information!!
I have had my s5 for a few months. I love it. I have made 3 quilts on it and it’s quilts beautifully it does come with both plates. A great buy.
Jen
The bobbins are freely available and the s5 does come with both needle plates. I love my s5
How many volts and watts consumed? Thaks! 🙂
I am unsure! I am sure if you call Janome, they could offer more input!