Janome 9300DX

I bought this to replace a very expensive (at the time) Elna Pro overlocker that could not be repaired as it was so old. Used that a lot to make baby clothes, basket lining and cot sheets, and then a complete double bed duvet and sheets, not did not use half the stitches, accessories etc. So had to weigh up whether to replace it for non-professional, occasional use. Well, this machine has been wonderful. About a third of the price or less too! I have had it working to reduce its daily cost! I started by making six cushions out of very heavy, chenille material with double sided pattern, giving a silky side and a raised weave side, and used piping on three sides. The material was as new, in a recycling shop for £.10.00, so the overlocker was going to have to pay for itself. The material frayed so easily when handled, that I overlocked each side of the piping strips as well as all the cushion edges, before I made the cushions up. This machine behaved impeccably, despite the ups and downs and thickness etc. I was delighted and so inspired at how quietly it worked, staying stable and feeding the material in with ease. Loved the flat, even stitching, so I embarked on altering an expensive, (in a sale though) waxed coat that I never really liked as it was country style and far too wide at the hips, for riding. Now, you do not take on removing lining, cutting and adjusting seams needing overlocking before sewing and inserting new lining, also needing to be reduced in size, if you are not an expert seamstress unless you have confidence in your machines. Amazingly, the overlocker went down the waxed cotton seams, that were turned and oversewn after, with consummate ease!!! I actually achieved my aim and re-waxed it. Already, I have a Janome sewing machine and cannot imagine needing anything else. The old machine would have chewed up polyester padding and soft cotton, but it just coped! Threading is about the same as the old machine. It has a clear diagram and each thread is colour coded with spots right from the spool level. I did not find it difficult at all but I am experienced in threading up machines. I use large spools or the smaller 1000 metre ones and, by lifting up the bar, it keeps it all flowing. While the variety of stitches is basic, in width and length, I would highly recommend this machine and the Janome make. I did buy an old brand new sewing machine, but it went wrong very rapidly, was clunky and think that it is worth paying double for a better make, for an amateur or hobbyist!

This replaced a recent purchase of a Brother, which didn't suit. Which in turn had replaced one I'd had for 26 years, so I have some experience of home use. The first thing I needed to do was either increase the tension settings, or change the cutting width. I tried the tension set first, then decided on the harder course of changing the cutter. Little bit tricky to understand at first, but logical and easy once you know how! That done, it sews beautifully. The foot pedal is responsive, with no need to 'help' the machine to start stitching (by turning the wheel). It sounds like a precision made machine. Smooth running, it gives you confidence that the metal parts within the machine have been well manufactured, and assembled. The only fly in the ointment - which probably wouldn't exist if my eyesight was better - was the re-thread of the loopers when a thread broke. Have ordered a generic overlocker threader, which I hope will help. In all, very, very pleased with purchase.

The lady who services my machines (I have a few!) told me Janome overlockers are the best as they have metal gears. Which makes the machine more durable and easier to fix. So I have bought this one as an upgrade of my other machine. It arrived threaded with little cones of threads. And I just plugged it in and started sewing. I have been able to rethread it easily and it is still sewing fine. At the bottom where you open to thread, the other side opens as well so you can easily clean out the insides of fluff and threads. Only 2 negative differences to my previous machine 1. It has no thread catcher at the front 2. The foot lifter lever is in a different place These are not a big issue for me. I would recommend this machine And I still haven’t watched the dvd or read the instructions yet

light weight overlocker. good quality and has 2 needles to you dont need to sew a row then overlock it . does both together

This was a replacement for my old Jaguar Epilock which decided to burn its own motor out! (it was old) The Janome was ready to use straight out of the box as it came pre threaded - this wasn't a concern for me though as I've used overlockers for years. I put it to work straightaway and was pleased with the results. The instruction manual is as always from Janome, thorough and tells you all you need to know. The only tiny thing that I can say is a downside is that the machine didn't come with thread arresters. I use cones the majority of the time so not too much of an issue, but if I need to use ordinary spools, I'll have to hunt round for some. Most surprisingly, it didn't come with a lint brush! I thought this was standard fayre for any machine whether overlocker or regular?! Overall. A decent machine for a fair price.

I read a lot of reviews before investing in this machine. My sewing machine is a Janome and I trust the brand. It arrived very much sooner than expected so, that was a bonus. It came with a DVD as well as the manual although, I found clearer videos on YouTube. I thought it might be difficult as I had not used an overlocker before but, with a little practice and a little patience, I found the threading easier than expected. It is easy to use and the stitching is good. I would recommend this one every time.

I first saw a Janome overlocker machine being demonstrated at J. Lewis in Oxford St. London, and was amazed by the results. On arrival home, I read the Amazon reviews before purchasing the Janome 9300. Delivery was prompt, and well packaged. The overlocker produces a much more professional look when binding edges, much better than the zig zag done on my sewing machine. It's good on fine summer fabrics, medium weight fabrics and heavy fabrics. Also very good on towelling as it cuts and binds the edges straight away with no fraying. Also it's going to save me so much time, last week I spent three evenings oversewing by hand a skirt hem, made from a very thick fabric. This machine does it in a flash. The cutting blade can be turned off, although I haven't tried it yet. It comes with four spools with a small amount of thread on them, they worked loose in transit. I leave the telescopic arm in the fully extended position, when not in use. I stapled together a clear plastic bag to cover the machine and keep the dust off the spools when not in action. The first spool was the most difficult to thread, as one of the holes has to be threaded beneath the cutting blade and about 2" towards the left. The rest much easier and by pausing and rewinding the dvd that comes with it, it was a great help. I found the dvd of greater help than the diagram on the machine.

I have an overlocker so know how to thread one. This one though is proving difficult to thread the lower looper. Been at it for hours. Watched the video and read the instructions many times but not helpful. One of the thread guides is too inaccessible.