If you are taking up sewing as a hobby or learning to sew, you probably don’t want to spend a tremendous amount of money on a complicated sewing machine packed with features you won’t ever use unless you are an experienced tailor. Janome Magnolia 7318 is an excellent entry-level machine that is easy to use and comes packed with a number of advanced features.
Whether you are looking to sew a new garment, carry out repairs on a torn one, or stitching together a quilt, the Magnolia 7318 is a powerful sewing machine that does not compromise on quality. It offers a variety of styles with customizable stitches up to 4mm in length and 5mm in width and an advanced buttonhole feature for those extra-precise buttonholes. The machine allows for easy threading and maintenance. Plus, the variety of free essentials that the Magnolia 7318 comes with enabling users to stitch together remarkable pieces in half the time of a regular sewing machine.
Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine Features
18 Built-In Stitch Patterns
The Magnolia 7318 gives advanced users a lot of control over the designs they want to stitch with easily adjustable settings. The machine, however, is just as suitable for beginners as it is for professionals. Janome acknowledges this by including 18 pre-set stitch patterns that make it a breeze for even less experienced users to stitch the perfect garment. Users can choose between an impressive number of stitch patterns, from utility to decorative, using a dial on the machine.
Utility stitch patterns include the most frequently used straight stitch pattern, the blind hem which helps conceal the stitch for a finished look when used in conjunction with the included blind hem foot attachment, the zigzag stitch pattern to simplify stitching on delicate fabrics, and the tricot and fagoting pre-set patterns among others.
Users can also choose from an array of decorative stitching pre-sets for fashionable designs including the feather and scallop satin stitches, pin tucking, and the honeycomb stitch, all with the added advantage of adjustable settings to fine-tune each design. The decorative pre-set patterns are best for sewing projects like designer garments, curtain stitching, cushion and pillow cover stitching, and other jobs that require an added level of finesse.
With 18 different sewing options overall, this machine is a well-rounded package for beginners.
7-Piece Feed Dog for Enhanced Control
The included 7-piece feed dog gives first-time as well as more experienced users remarkable control over their fabric. The feed dog pushes the fabric through effortlessly for even stitching without the user having to push it manually. It grasps the fabric and smoothly guides it under the needle to ensure uniform stitching.
When working on more demanding designs that require an added level of control to accurately space the stitches or when you need to sew buttons, the feed dog can be dropped to give you more control over the fabric, ensuring a seamless design.
The drop level can be adjusted by a lever on the back of the machine, sitting right below the needle. Moving your hand across the back will let you feel the lever and adjust the height of the feed dog as required.
Specifications
- The 7-piece feed dog allows for added control over the fabric
- 18 pre-set stitch patterns and a 4-set buttonhole make stitching complicated garments easier for beginners
- A clear cover encases the bobbin to protect it from dust, and users can easily see when it’s time to switch theirs out
- With adjustable thread tension settings, users can set the desired stretch depending on the type of thread and fabric being stitched for precise stitching
- The horizontal-axis full rotary bobbin hook makes stitching tasks more efficient without users having to compromise on stitch quality
- Storage compartment for accessories
- The max speed of 830 stitches per minute offers a considerably fast stitching experience at this price point
Customers’ Reviews and Conclusion
Customers commend the Janome Magnolia 7318 for its efficient threading process and quality build. At the lower end of the price spectrum, Magnolia manages to offer an impressively durable machine that can withstand time and heavy use. The top-loading bobbin is another feature that customers like, who commented that it enhances the machine’s usability. The Magnolia’s ability to handle thicker fabrics like denim is also a welcome feature at this price point.
The machine offers 18 different stitch options, which may be a tad lower than some other machines, but its adjusting capabilities let users achieve customized stitching patterns.
Users have also lauded Janome for shipping the machine with an abundance of free accessories that would add up as quite an expense if purchased individually. This helped users get on with their stitching tasks without having to compile the relevant stitching essentials. Some free accessories the machine comes with are the buttonhole, zigzag and blind stitch feet, a felt and seam ripper, a needle set, a spool holder and spare spool spins, a bobbin, and a screwdriver and lint brush for maintenance.
A recurring complaint about the Magnolia 7318 is the absence of a storage case or cover, but the array of other features that the machine provides more than makeup for this shortcoming. Some users also had trouble with adjusting the feed dog, though Janome includes a comprehensive user manual with the machine to walk users through the basics of setting up the machine.
Janome offers a generous 2-year full and 15-year limited warranty for any manufacturing faults, so in case you encounter any, they should be reported immediately to the distributor.
The Magnolia 7318 is a simple-to-use machine for new users and the ideal machine to learn sewing on. Despite being an entry-level machine, it is sturdy enough to be kept as a backup device for professional sewing work. Its versatility allows for a variety of projects to be undertaken, whether it be regular garment stitching or quilting, which is why it is an obvious recommendation for anyone venturing into the world of professional or hobbyist sewing.
