The sturdy, mechanical Janome Magnolia 7318 is one model in a line of affordable machines for beginners that deliver the same state of the art technology and precision that has earned Janome such a solid reputation from its more expensive products.
It’s also known for smooth stitching and ease of use. It’s still portable but heavy enough to stand up to the bulk of thick fabrics and quilting layers. The aluminum cast body stays rigidly in place while you sew and the good sized work space allow your hands to freely work around the machine arm.
Table of Contents
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Stitch Count / Presser Feet / Functionality / Accessories / Customer Reviews / Pros, Cons & Manual
REVIEW SUMMARY
MODEL: Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
REVIEWED BY: Erin
RATING: 4.2 
LAST UPDATED: April 9, 2015
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It costs a bit more than some of the comparable Singer and Brother models with similar functionality but it doesn’t skimp on size and weight in order to cut down on the manufacturing expense.
I have to assume the objective of this line of machines is to offer a low cost alternative without sacrificing on production that would also cut short the life of the machine. As this line of machines has only been out for a few years, it is too early to tell how they’ll hold up in relation to the cheaper Singer or Brother machines but considering the construction quality it should hold up very nicely.
Because of the drop feed system and combination of utility and decorative stitches, home décor, mending, garment construction, quilting, and free motion embroidery are all possible.
Built In Stitches Allow for Some Creativity
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Everything you’ll read about this machine says it comes with 18 built-in stitches, but the Janome Magnolia 7318 is getting short-changed. Many machines count the straight stitch center and straight stitch left of center as two separate stitches when totaling their built-in stitch count but Janome counts them together as one stitch.
The 4-step buttonhole is also not included in the stitch count, although other machines do include that in their totals. So, in comparison, there are really 21 built-in stitches on this machine. Just keep that in mind when comparing your options. Look at the actual names of the stitches and line them up to be sure you understand which you are really getting on each of the possible machines on your list.
Stitch width is adjustable to 5mm and length is adjustable to 4mm. Both are controlled with dials on the front of the machine. Stitch selection is also done by dial.
- Blind Hem Stretch
- Blind Hem
- Shell
- Fagoting
- Bridging
- Satin
- Arrowhead
- Overcasting
- Stretch Overcasting
- Knit Stitch
- Double Overedge
- Thorn
- Satin Stretch
- Straight
- Straight (left of center)
- Zigzag
- Multi-stitch Zigzag (also known as a Tricot stitch)
- Straight Stretch
- Straight Stretch (left of center)
- Stretch Zigzag
- Smocking
- 4 Step Buttonhole
Included Snap On Presser Feet
The Janome Magnolia 7318 comes with 4 snap-on style presser feet. Presser foot has 3 height settings: normal, up and extra up (also called “industrial”) to accommodate thicker layers of fabric.
- General Purpose
- Zipper
- Blind Hemming
- Sliding Buttonhole
Mechanical Functionality and Features
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Janome is known for innovation when it comes to sewing machines and this model includes many of the most popular advancements in sewing machine technology.
All of the upgrades that make thread flow smoothly and that make the machine easy to use are included such as a top loading, drop-in bobbin system they call “jam proof” and horizontal top thread delivery.
This is a mechanical sewing machine with foot control pedal and a top speed of 830 stitches per minute.
Thread tension has an automatic setting but is also dial adjustable for flexible stitch control. The bobbin cover is see-through so you don’t have to remove it to check thread remaining before starting a project. There is also an extra spool pin so you can load the bobbin without unthreading the machine.
The Janome Magnolia 7318 uses a box feed system with a four piece feed dog. There is a drop feed dog lever to lower them out of the way so you can use the machine for free motion embroidery, darning, and quilting.
The extension arm removes so you can perform free-arm sewing. Needle position is variable from center up to 5 settings to the left. A convenient lever-style quick-reverse button is located on the front of the machine.
There is a built in, retractable carrying handle at the top and a work lamp over the work space.
This is Janome’s demonstration video for the Janome Magnolia 7318. It helps to see the machine in operation and in relation to a person so you can get a feel for the size and ease of using the machine.
Lots of people don’t want to deal with computerized sewing machines. Either they’re simply more comfortable with mechanical setup, they want a simple machine, or they may have concerns with the longevity of computerized mechanisms. Janome limited the automation in this machine without giving up anything that would compromise its reputation for beautiful stitches and reliable performance.
If you’re looking for an uncomplicated option that you know will work day in and day out, this is a neat option.
Dimensions: L 16” x W 11.7” x D 7”
Weight: 16.8 pounds
(Overstock has 19x11x15 but that information is incorrect – no way the machine has a depth of 11 inches!)
Accessories
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A slide out tray within the extension table holds all the accessories that come with the machine:
- 3 pack of needles
- 4 bobbins (including the one that comes in the machine)
- Screwdriver
- Lint Brush
- Seam Ripper
- 2 Spool Holders (small and large size)
- Additional Spool Pin
- Felt Cushion for Spool
Very Good Ratings from Owners
Beginners looking for basic machines love this model. It sews through everything (towels and quilts included), sews very smoothly at all speeds, and is sturdy and solid. The weight keeps the machine in place while working with heavy fabrics and large projects, There are no reviews on Amazon so I included the 4 reviews on Overstock to help gather feedback and ratings.
Average Rating: 4.2
Pros, Cons & Manual
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Pros: Easy drop-in bobbin, solid construction, variable needle position, adjustable thread tension, drop feed dog system, top loading bobbin, horizontal thread delivery, and capable of handling thick fabrics and heavy projects without jumping around. Smooth, precision stitching.
Cons: Fewer decorative stitches than some Singer and Brother models that cost the same or less (but those machines are generally smaller and weigh less). Does not come with a case.
Manual available online here: Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: In the US, as of this date, the Janome Magnolia 7318 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.
Check these two great stores for the best deal:
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Features Summary Review:
I’m looking for my 1st sewing machine. 🙂 I was looking at this Magnolia 7318, but then I saw the Sewist 500. They seem fairly similar to me (Sewist has a few more stitches, 1-step buttonhole as opposed to 4-step, and a hard cover case included). Are there other important differences?
Also, for someone who has zero sewing experience, how important is the 1-step buttonhole? (I don’t see myself needing to make tons of buttonholes.)
Kristen – Congrats! Buying your first sewing machine is so much fun. It’s making the final selection that’s most difficult. 🙂
The Magnolia 7318 and the Sewist 500 are very similar. The only other difference other than the ones you noted is that the Sewist 500 also has an automatic needle threader which the 7318 does not. I don’t think that makes a significant difference unless you have any issues threading a needle. A 1-step buttonhole is really just a time-saver – it doesn’t necessarily make better buttonholes.
The only other thing to take into consideration is whether or not you would separately end up buying a hard cover case and additional presser feet down the road. If so, then the Sewist might be your best deal as the cost of a hard cover case and the few additional presser feet would mean you’d have to outlay additional cash that nearly equates to the additional cost of the Sewist 500. The current price difference is about $50. Buying a case for the Magnolia 7318 would cost about $20-30 and the additional presser feet might cost $10-20 – which puts the total cost for the Magnolia at about the same as the Sewist but you’d have the 1-step buttonhole, extra stitches, and the automatic needle threader. That makes the Sewist a pretty good deal but ONLY if you thought you were going to purchase the case and presser feet anyway at some point in the future. Otherwise, the Magnolia 7318 is a wonderful sewing machine and likely to meet all of your needs.
I’m not trying to guide you either way, just trying to lay out anything I’d take into consideration if I were in your position. I hope it’s helpful and good luck with your choice. You’ve certainly picked a marvelous brand so either choice will serve you well!
Good luck!
Erin
Oh goodness, I’m glad I found your reviews. I am trying to decide between these two models and the Singer Heavy Duty 4432. I have been leaning towards the Sewist but then the Magnolia had better reviews.
Now to decide between the Singer 4432 and the Sewist 500.
How important is the automatic bobbin versus the push and pull bobbin threader?
Thanks for your help! I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything really important. 🙂 I’m in no hurry to choose (other than just being excited to get started), so I’ll definitely take those points into consideration.
Does anyone know whether the Magnolia 7318 and Sewist 500 have metal parts internally(gears etc)? I’m trying to decided between either
one of these or the Janome 11590/Kenmore 16231 which is all-metal construction. I’d like something that’s built to last! Thank you.
Birthbelle – I don’t know the answer for sure but I do have the Janome Magnolia 7330 and with the light on, I can kind of peek into the threading slots and see the interior. All the parts I can see appear to be metal. I’ve only had this for a couple of months now and while the exterior is heavy duty plastic, the way it sews feels very solid. It operates very smoothly, isn’t at all fussy or particular, and puts out a nice, high-quality stitch. I have seen both the 7318 and the 500 and they’re very similar in construction, performance and feel to the 7330. I have not seen the other two you mentioned for comparison sake but I really do like the Janome machines for performance.
Erin
So Kristen, which magnolia did u end up buying?
i’m thinking b/w the janome magnolia 7318 vs janome sewist 500 as well.
does the sewist 500 have a thread cutter also?
Lyn – I’m not sure if Kristen will see this message so I’m jumping in to reply. Hope that’s okay! The Janome Sewist 500 does have a thread cutter on the side of the machine. It’s the manual kind so you just slip the fabric out from under the presser foot, hold it up to the left of the machine and clip the threads by pulling them through the cutter.
I will say that after writing all of these reviews, I settled on the Janome Mangolia 7330 (you can read my opinions here) for myself and while it’s slightly more computerized, lots of the other functions are the same and the stitches are absolutely beautiful. It also looks so darn cute it’s hard not to want to sew every day. I think you’d be pleased with either of the Janome models you’re looking at. The only regret I have is that sewing with the decorative stitches is addictive that I often wish I had more of them to play with.
Erin
Hi Lyn!
I actually ended up getting the Sewist 500. I decided that I wanted the easier buttonhole function, and the hard case is nice to have also. Plus, I’m not big on the flower design of the Magnolias — pretty minor in the grand scheme of things, but I guess it counts for something. Haha. I’ve read nothing but good things about Janome, so I knew that I probably couldn’t make a bad decision. These models seem very similar.
All in all, I’m pretty happy with my Sewist 500 so far. (I ended up ordering from Amazon, and the first machine I got was a dud — sounded awful when I tried to sew. But the return process was easy and now I’ve got one that works correctly!) I made a pair of pajama pants last weekend — my first project ever! 🙂
thank you ladies for your help…i wanted automatic needle threader, thread cutter and enough stitches to sew and play with….maybe after advancing from beginner to embroidering, i can move up to a more advanced machine 🙂
Your review is very good! I am looking to buy my first sewing machine and it did help me a lot. I was actually looking at the Magnolia 7330 and the 7318. Which one would you recommend? I personally don’t care about the additional stitches or button whole. I want a machine that runs smooth, it is not loud, can take heavy fabric and I can use to make pillows, fabric purses, quilt. There is a difference of $100 between the two of them and I would like to know if it is worth it? Thank you
Lorena – Glad the information helped!
Both of these machines should handle the projects you described just fine. The price difference is driven by a few extra stitches and some automation that may or may not be worthwhile to you.
There are some control buttons on the 7330 that the 7318 doesn’t have. These are the Start/Stop button, the Needle Up/Down button, and the speed control slider. I have the Magnolia 7330 and now I’m not sure I could sew on anything that doesn’t have those buttons. They’ve made me so lazy! 😉 However, they’re nice to have – not a must have. I did test out the 7318 when I was shopping around and they sew similarly and operate quietly.
If the extra stitches and those more automated controls don’t matter to you, there’s no need to spend the extra money.
Sincerely,
Erin
I am getting my first sewing machine and I am also deciding between the Sewist 500 and the Magnolia 7318. On the YouTube demo I watched for the 7318, it has an adjustment feature that moves the needle position in increments (I think) from left to right. I cant tell if the Sewist 500 also has this feature. It seems like it would be useful.
Andrea – Yes, the Janome Sewist 500 does have variable needle position (you can see my detailed overview here). You use the stitch width dial on the machine to move the needle to the left of center. It moves the same way you saw in the demo video of the 7318.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks, Erin. I just went to my local sewing machine store that carries Janomes. They had a 7330 on display that I could play with, but not the 7318 or Sewist 500. I’ve never sewn before and I just started weaving. I want to use the machine to secure my cloth from unraveling, to finish hems (I think the 500 has a serger stitch that can do this, but not sure if the others do), and to sew weaving made from recycled tshirts into market bags (which have fairly thick corners, and variable widths of cloth to sew over, so I need extra height on the pressure foot and a machine that can go up and down over the fabric as the thickness varies.) Some decorative stiches might be nice to use on the hemming of kitchen towels, but rolled over hems that are blind stitched are what I initially had in mind. Each machine is in a different price range. I think they all should work, but would one be better than the others? I was leaning towards the Sewist 500 until I read some of them have had problems with motors not being properly secured, and the machines being returned or repaired. Do you know if that issue has been resolved? I also really liked the 7330 I was able to use, but it is a lot more expensive than the other 2 machines. Any recommendations or things to consider would be very useful. Thanks.
Andrea – The Janome Sewist 500 has adjustable presser foot pressure while the 7318 does not. I’m not sure what was causing the motor issue nor whether it has been resolved or not but it’s an issue for you mostly because you’re going to be doing some sewing through thick layers on a regular basis. As a result, you might want to look at the SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Model Sewing Machine. It has adjustable presser foot pressure, high speed, ability to handle thick layers of material, and 23 built in stitches including several overedge stitch patterns, a couple of satin stitches, utility stitches, a cross stitch, and some stretch stitches. It’s also pretty inexpensive, easy to use, mechanical for simple operation, and highly rated.
Of course, I own the Magnolia 7330 so I do happen to be a bit partial to it and it could do what you’re after, too, but the heavy duty power in the Singer might be a great match for finishing those thick hems and corners on a regular basis. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Do you happen to know if Janome makes a hard case for the 7318. I want to get something that will keep it dust-free when not in use, but haven’t been able to find anything specific. The store I purchased it from does not carry any.
Thanks.
Jared
I had been leaning towards the Brother XL2600i while researching sewing machines. However, I went to my local sewing machine dealer this morning, and got talked into a Janome MyStyle 100. It’s over twice as expensive as the Brother XL2600i would have been ($199 Janome vs. $75 Brother), doesn’t have as many different stitches (12 vs. 25) and has a 4-step buttonholer instead of a 1-step buttonholer. However, it appears to be a very sturdy machine, and I’m already impressed by the level of support I’m getting from the local dealer. (45-minute lesson on basic machine operation before I left the store (badly needed, since it’s been 20 years since I last machine-sewed), promised future free lessons whenever I’m ready to learn how to do buttonholes & zippers, 10% off on thread, extensive selection of remnants & fat quarters on sale (just the right size pieces for the doll clothes I’d like to make), etc.) Besides which, those 12 stitches that are included with the MyStyle 100 are probably the 12 stitches I’m most likely to actually use.
I haven’t seen a review of the MyStyle 100 on this site yet, though. Perhaps this could be added sometime?
Catherine – I’ve been answering your comments one at a time (trying to catch up in order) but I should have paid more attention and I would have caught up with you! So sorry!
First, Janome is simply an excellent brand so while it costs more, you should get excellent stitch quality and a very solid, reliable machine that will hold up well to all kinds of fabric. Let us know how you like it when you’ve had a chance to use it. 😉
I’m about 100 reviews behind! Will add this one to my list. I had a very large project take up nearly a year of my time but that is mostly out of the way and I’m planning on getting back to some new posts. Also hoping to get more video reviews and hands on demos going. So much to do!
Thanks for keeping me posted throughout your shopping journey. The feedback and examples are always so helpful to others!
Sincerely,
Erin
Currently my bobbin at the winder spindle is stuck on the top of the machine. I have used it many times before with no problems but today I went to take off the bobbin and something is holding it on the machine. I did not want to break the machine so before I got to frustrated I thought I might ask if there was something I was missing.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
After reading the majority of your responses to others’ questions, I think I’ve decided on a Janome 7318 with additional bells and whistles from The Sewing Machine Shop. They have a QS25 that sounds just right! Thanks for letting me sound out!