The Janome Jem Gold 660 is a ¾ size sewing machine – compact and portable but with complete functionality and a design layout that makes it feel full-sized.
This 12-lb. machine offers 8 stitches, including 2 stretch stitches and a built-in buttonhole.
Standard Janome quality and durability make this 3/4-size machine perfect for a first time sewist or as a travel machine for taking to classes.
Table of Contents
(Click Ahead!)
Stitch Count / Presser Feet / Functionality / Accessories / Customer Reviews / Pros, Cons & Manual
REVIEW SUMMARY
MODEL: Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine
REVIEWED BY: Erin
RATING: 5.0 
LAST UPDATED: April 9, 2015
COMPARE PRICES
Amazon
Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Stitches for On-the-Go
(Back to Top)
Certainly not the number of stitches you’d see on larger sewing machines but for a beginner or those who need a 3/4 size sewing machine for travel this set of 12 built in stitches includes the most important patterns.
In addition, there is a 4-step buttonhole stitch. Zigzag stitch width adjustable to 5mm and stitch length adjustable to 4mm. Top thread tension is adjustable using a dial located near the lay-in tension slots.
Stitches include:
- 4 straight stitches (covers basting, gathering, mending and a straight stretch stitch)
- Overcast
- Shell Tuck
- Blind Hem
- Stretch Blind Hem
- Multi-stitch Zigzag
- 3 Zigzag stitches
Janome Jem Gold 660 Presser Feet
(Back to Top)
Besides the general presser foot, you get a two additional presser feet for a total of three. All presser feet are low-shank, snap-on feet for quick changing. Presser foot pressure is not adjustable but there the height lever includes an extra-up setting for extra-thick fabrics and projects.
- General Purpose – used for most stitches.
- Overedge Foot – used with the Overcast stitch. This presser foot holds the fabric as needed to allow the thread to wrap around the edge of the fabric to prevent raveling.
- Buttonhole Foot – used to sew the four-step buttonholes.
Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine Functionality
(Back to Top)
The Janome Jem Gold 660 sewing machine has great, basic functionality. It’s not loaded, of course, but it’s not a full-size machine so I wouldn’t expect it to be. It does have enough features to help you get the top and bottom threads ready to go in no time.
One thing I find Janome does consistently is to ensure sufficient solid construction so as not to lose the precision, even stitches for which they are known no matter how big or small the sewing machine and this is no exception.
A magnetic, full rotary hook houses the bobbin. These descriptions can be confusing but this is an engineer’s way of saying the machine has a drop-in bobbin system enhanced with the use of magnetic housing. It’s a good thing and provides one of the easiest, least finicky bobbin threading set ups.
Threading the top thread is easy following the lay in threading guide and further supported with an automatic needle threader. Thread delivery is horizontal which means your top thread spool lays horizontally on the pin instead of vertically. This helps prevent thread breakage.
The automatic declutch bobbin winder makes loading bobbins a breeze. Drop them in the bobbin case and you’re set to go.
This arrangement is so goof-proof that you can even sew right off the edge of the fabric and never see a thread jam. The bobbin cover is see-through so you always know how much thread is left on your bobbin before you start sewing.
Markings on the needle plate are in both inches and metric. A work lamp above the needle helps you better see what you’re working on regardless of your surrounding lighting conditions.
Sewing stitches are selected by turning a dial and all the patterns are displayed on the front of the machine for easy reference. The reverse stitch lever sits a little higher than it does on some other Janome models but is solid, sturdy and easy to activate.
At a max speed of 650 stitches per minute you’ll have nice, even control over your work. A thread cutter at the needle arm makes snipping your threads as simple as slipping your fabric out and to the left to remove it upon completion.
You can also buy a quilting kit for the Janome Jem Gold 660 that includes a number of quilting focused presser feet, a darning plate, and a quilting guide.
The extension arm holds the included accessories and can also be removed for free-arm or circular sewing.
Dimensions: L 10″ H 10″ D 7/12″
Weight: 12 pounds
Janome Jem Gold 660 Sewing Machine Video
This is a very short demo video of the Janome Jem Gold 660 sewing machine but look at how straight it sews – and the person doesn’t even have their hands on the fabric!
Accessories
- 3 – Bobbins
- 1 – Package of Needles
- 1 – Seam Ripper
- 1 – Screwdriver
- 1 – Spool Holder (Large)
- 1 – Spool Holder (Small)
- 1 – Spool Pin
Janome Jem Gold 660 Customer Reviews
(Back to Top)
There’s just not an unfavorable review in the bunch, no matter where you look. Those who have used this sewing machine bought it specifically to have something reliable but powerful for on-the-go sewing or for taking to class. If they had any complaint at all it had to do with not being able to do free motion quilting because the feed dogs do not lower on this machine. Otherwise, it’s a gem, performance is great, and the stitch quality is very high.
One woman who purchased in 2002 has updated her review several times including most recently in 2009. She highly recommends this sewing machine and uses it as a backup and for travel. You can read her review here: Epinions Customer Review. Important to note are the fact that she’s used this machine for over 7 years and only just recently had it serviced just for a cleaning. She mentions it is a workhorse and handles even some large projects easily considering its overall size.
I have not been able to find any customer rating less than 4 stars. (Click to read more consumer reviews)
Average Rating: 5.0
Pros, Cons & Manual
Pros: Lightweight and compact size perfect for travel, class or as a backup machine. Automatic needle threader. Jam proof bobbin system. Horizontal thread delivery. Nice choice for an extra quilting machine, for beginners who need something small, or anyone who just wants a sewing machine to use for periodic mending and alterations. This is a machine that will hold up over time.
Cons: Presser foot pressure is not adjustable. Limited number of stitches.
Manual available online here: Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: In the US, as of this date, the Janome Jem Gold 660 sewing machine comes with a 20 year warranty on parts, 2 years on electrical, 1 year on labor and may be voided by certain activities.
For current pricing information, check these stores:
COMPARE PRICES
Amazon
Features Summary Review:
This is probably a common question but how does this one compare to the popular Brother CS60001. I am looking for my first beginning machine and the options are just so overwhelming. I am going through the other reviews on the site right now and they are very helpful. Thanks!
The main difference between the Janome Jem Gold 660 and the Brother CS6000i is that the Janome machine is mechanical (meaning there are no computer chips or parts inside and no computerized controls). The CS6000i, on the other hand, is a computerized sewing machine.
Computerized machines often provide more stitch variety. The CS6000i has 60 built in stitches compared to only 12 on the Janome. Twelve may be sufficient as these 12 would include the most often used utility stitches so you can still do clothing, alterations, and quilting – you just won’t have some of the more decorative stitches. If you have plans on adding a hem of criss-cross stitches around the bottom of a blouse or at the collar of a little girl’s dress, only the CS6000i has that capability.
Because the Brother CS6000i has computerized controls, it also has some extra features like the ability to lift and lower the needle with the push of a button instead of by rotating the wheel on the side.
What the Janome Jem Gold has going for it is that is much more compact which makes it a great machine for those who need a machine for travel. (The Janome name also means that the stitches will be very precise but to my rather untrained eye, the Janome and Brother stitches look very much the same.)
If you go here and select both Brother and Janome options, click on Clothing, and Machines between $100-200, you can then click on the Janome Jem Gold and the Brother CS6000i, scroll down to the little compare button and see how the two machines line up side by side: https://www.erinsayssew.com/machine-search/
Sincerely,
Erin
thanks, erin! i am having such a hard time choosing a machine but this is very helpful. still not sure which i would prefer but this is going to help. thank you so much!
Hello, enjoying your website, thank you.
2 machines I am checking now, brother xl2600i and janome jem gold 660.
read somewhere that janome machines don’t need lubrication, is this true?
can these machines be used with 240v outlet with a proper transformer?
checked the prices, brother $80, janome $200, quite a difference?
another possibly relevant factor, brother is smaller and lighter?
thank you so much for your help
Alice
Alice – Both of those choices are very nice machines and different in a number of ways – including, of course, that big price difference. 😉
The Brother XL26000i has broad appeal because for such a low price it has a lot of stitches, is easy to use, and is reliable. You can do just about anything with it from hemming jeans to home decor projects to quilting.
The Janome Jem Gold 660 is a 3/4 size machine ideal for anyone who wants a very portable machine but wants the higher end quality that Janome is known for – all metal interior parts, precision stitching, and a more reliable threading system. It has fewer stitches than the XL2600i and is shorter by about 2 inches.
In a nutshell, the Janome is built to last longer and create more retail-quality stitching. The price difference has to do with the interior parts and manufacturing process. However, the XL2600i is no slouch and you’ll still get years and years of use out it.
Choosing between the two comes down to HOW you’re going to use it and how OFTEN you’re going to use it. If you need something you can use every day, will be working with a variety of difficult fabrics, and need superb quality stitching, then the Jem Gold 660 may be the better choice between the two.
If, however, you need a hobby sewing machine and you’d like to have a few more stitches so you have more craft options, I wouldn’t shy away from the XL2600i.
Neither of these machines needs oil – in fact, you can’t use oil on them. More and more machines are built that way these days. SO much more convenient! (Not every machine, just more and more of them and these two in particular.) 😉
Oh, boy. As soon as questions about 240V outlets and transformers come up, I get a little out of my element. I can tell you that if you buy the XL2600i in another country (other than the US) it MIGHT come with a re-wireable plug you can outfit with a 3 pin plug. However, most of the time it comes with a two-pronged plug.
The Janome Jem Gold also comes with a two-pronged plug.
Hope this info helps you in your decision making process. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I recently purchased the Janome Jem Gold 600 and I am very happy with it. I wanted some light enough to be able. To carry it to quilting classes. Can anyone tell me how to lower the feed dogs on the Janome Jem Gold?
You can’t lower them but you can easily cover them up. Run a “not so sticky scotch tape ” Magic tape on either side of needle hole. remove when done. They also now sell a cover that fits over the feed dogs but has not worked all that well for me. the tape works better and is way cheaper. I have used this more on my Hello Kitty machine with the
Big Foot. Works amazingly well. That frees up my other machines for the other sewing stitches. Hope this helps.
Sew long Sparky
Hi! Love the Jem 600 and want to buy it just want to make sure I can change the needle position to straight stitch on the left or right of center. I can’t seem to find this out. Thanks!!
Christina, I don’t think you can adjust the needle position. That and not having a needle down feature are the only two disadvantages that I’ve found with this machine. I purchased it last Summer to take on the plane to retreat with me. I used my 1/4″ foot, but found that my seams were over that. Normally I would move the needle to adjust. I am seriously considering trading in my Jem and replacing it with the DC1050 or maybe even the Brother SQ9000 (although I would prefer to stick with Janome).