Sewers love the quality of Janome machines and the Janome Sewist 500 does not disappoint.
It is a nice, sturdy machine that runs quietly, includes the kind of automation that helps you set up the machine quickly, and can do everything from mending to quilting, including free motion embroidery.
There aren’t as many decorative stitches as some of the less expensive machines but what you get in exchange is a worthy trade-off.
Table of Contents
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Stitch Count / Presser Feet / Functionality / Accessories / Customer Reviews / Pros, Cons & Manual
REVIEW SUMMARY
MODEL: Janome Sewist 500 Sewing Machine
REVIEWED BY: Erin
RATING: 3.7 
LAST UPDATED: April 9, 2015
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Things like an included hard cover case (which most of the other machines we’ve reviewed do not include), stable weight (which is helpful when working with heavy fabrics), automatic needle threader, jam-proof bobbin system, adjustable presser foot pressure, the ability to drop feed dogs so you control fabric movement, and (of course) the Janome quality make this a popular sewing machine for both beginners and more experienced sewers.
A Mix of Stitch Types
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The Janome Sewist 500 sewing machine comes with 25 built-in stitches including utility, stretch, and decorative plus a 1-step buttonhole stitch. Stitch length is adjustable up to 4mm and stitch width is adjustable up to 5mm. Thread tension is manually controlled by use of a dial on the machine. Stitches include:
- Straight
- Straight (needle in left position)
- Zigzag
- Multi-stitch Zigzag
- 2 Blind Hem stitches
- 4 Overcasting stitches (Overedge, Overcast, Slant Overedge, Double Overedge)
- 4 Decorative Satin stitches (Crescent, Arrowhead, Diamond, and Three-step Zigzag)
- Straight Stretch
- Straight Stretch (needle in left position)
- Zigzag Stretch
- 4 Decorative stitches (Shell Tuck, Rampart, Double Ric Rac, and Honeycomb)
- 3 Decorative Stretch stitches (Peak Point, Pulse, X Stretch)
- Bartack Buttonhole stitch
Presser Feet Include Some Extras
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Easy, snap-on presser feet can be changed quickly. The machine comes with 6 presser feet:
- General Purpose (called the Zigzag foot on this machine)
- Overedge
- Zipper
- Blind Hemming
- Buttonhole
- Automatic Buttonhole (handles buttons up to 1” – buttonholes for larger than 1” can be done manually)
Solid Performance with Basic Features
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The Janome Sewist 500 has a built-in automatic needle threader that helps get the thread through the eye of the needle, a top loading bobbin system they refer to as “Jam Proof”, and adjustable presser foot height to three different levels including ¼” extra-high up for working with extremely thick layers of fabric.
The bobbin cover plate is clear so that you can quickly see how much thread is left before starting the next step in any sewing project. A horizontal full rotary hook is used in the bobbin compartment which is what helps reduce thread jamming (hence, the “jam proof” description).
Reverse stitching is done with the quick-press lever on the front-right of the machine. The carrying handle at the top retracts to stay out of the way while the machine is in use. A drop feed-dog lever can be accessed at the back of the machine by removing the extension table. When the extension table is removed, you can do free-arm sewing and tackle pant legs, sleeves, and cuffs.
There is an extra spool pin hole so that the bobbin can be loaded without unthreading the top thread. The needle is adjustable to five positions. An incandescent work lamp lights the work space. Top speed is 860 spm.
The following videos demonstrate the jam proof bobbin technology, stretch stitches, and how the sewing machine handles changes in fabric thickness. (Thanks to Kristen for finding these videos!)
This is the ideal choice for anyone who likes the ease and simplicity of a mechanical machine but needs the power and precision that you can get with manual presser foot pressure and thread tension controls. Most of Janome’s machines, including the Sewist 500, have solid metal interior frames with metal parts.
Dimensions: L 16.5” x W 11” x D 6.7”
Weight = 16 pounds
Accessories
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Accessories fit in the storage tray under the extension table:
- Pack of 5 Needles
- 4 Bobbins (3 in accessories and one inside the machine)
- Screwdriver
- Lint Brush
- Seam Ripper
- Quilting Guide
- Large Spool Holder
- Small Spool Holder
- Additional Spool Pin (for winding the bobbin without having to unthread the machine)
- Felt Cushion
- Hard Case for Storage and Transport
Consumer Ratings Seem to Struggle
Easy to use. Several beginners have purchased this machine and like how easy it is to set up. Great bobbin winding system. Solidly built and runs smoothly. There are 2 reviews in this thread: Mothering, both of which express how pleased they are with the Janome Sewist 500. There are 16 reviews on Amazon and quite a few of them mention an issue with a grinding noise coming from the machine. Whether this is a result of a faulty bobbin thread and needle combination or a sign of something more serious is yet to be determined.
You can read the Amazon reviews here: Janome Sewist 500 Review
Average Rating: 3.7
Pros, Cons & Manual
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Pros: Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure, decorative stitches for quilting, feed dogs lower so you can do free motion embroidery, easy to use, runs quietly, sturdy weight keeps machine from jumping while working on large projects, handles multiple layers of fabric easily, and includes a quilting guide.
Cons: Thread tension is manually adjusted which can be challenging for some beginners but the instruction manual provides clear directions for achieving the right setting. (Keep in mind that manual thread tension control is often a plus for more experienced sewers.)
Manual available online here: Janome Sewist 500 Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: In the US, as of this date, the Janome Sewist 500 comes with a 20 year warranty on parts, 2 years on electrical, 1 year on labor and may be voided by certain activities.
Two sites you should check for comparison shopping:
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Features Summary Review:
I’ve been considering the Sewist 500, and I found some short videos that show various features of this machine. These have been helpful to me, since my local dealer didn’t have this model in store the last time I was there.
Kristen – Those videos are the perfect addition to this page so I’m adding them above for all others to view as well. Thanks so much for sharing!
Erin
No problem! I was excited to find them myself. 🙂 I’m surprised at how difficult it is to find good information on sewing machines online!
I give this machine the best top rating available. After having used my Singer (the old ancient black one) I just could not believe how simple, quick, and convenient this machine would be. I love it! The functions the additional stitches that I now have available to me are awesome! You can’t beat the price for the quality of the machine and all the included general accessories you receive. For a novice, the manual instructions that it comes with is very easy to follow and understand. The above mentioned “con” of it having a manual thread tension I find that it is not that difficult for a beginner. I find that setting the tention on 4 is your automatic tension for just about every basic function of your sewing needs. I have found no problems yet with this machine. My old Singer makes me feel like a beginner but my new Janome Sewist 500 I feel like and stitch like a pro! Truly you are getting what you paid for and it is worth it!
Lucia – I LOVE when people share their experiences with these sewing machines! Your opinions will be a great help to those who are considering buying the Janome Sewist 500. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. It is very much appreciated. 🙂 I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying your machine!
Happy October,
Erin
Wow, what a wonderful site! Spent all day yesterday reading reviews and trying to narrow down my search for which machine to buy. Thank you so much for this wonderful resource!!
There’s a machine at my sewing machine dealer that I can’t find on your list. It’s the Janome MyStyle 100. Is there anything you can say about it?
I’m undecided between the Singer Stylist 7258, the Brother CS6000i and a Janome (mystyle or sewist 521). SO hard to make a choice!!
Em – It is easy to get lost for awhile checking out all the machines and options, isn’t it? I was thinking the other day the reason it’s so hard to pick is that when we finally settle on just one machine we give up all the “what could have been” with the other models on our list. If only we could date them for a little while before settling down…! 😉
I hadn’t seen the MyStyle yet but I scoped it out. It’s very different from the others on your list. Not in a bad way, mind you. It’s mechanical, not computerized, and lacks the automation of the other two – no Start/Stop button, no programmable Needle Up/Down, etc. Everything is dial controlled. It has fewer stitches and the ones it has are very much focused on sewing – clothes, home decor – and not specialty sewing like quilting or heirloom. It reminds me very much of the machine my mom has used for YEARS. She loves that machine and has put out some absolutely stunning work. The MyStyle 100 is a sturdy, reliable performer that does one kind of sewing really well.
Here’s what it has: 12 built in stitches, 1 4-step buttonhole, comes with 4 presser feet, drop feed dog, twin needle, horizontal thread delivery, it weight 11.7 pounds and is a full-size machine: 15 x 11 x 6.5 pounds.
The others on your list are all well rated and come with a wider variety of features, automation and stitches but that can also make them more complicated. If you’re looking for a machine to punch out clothes, pillows, curtains and you aren’t going to explore other kinds of sewing, the MyStyle could be a great machine for you. If, however, you want to try a little quilting or play around with decorative stitches at any point the other machines on your list are a better fit.
Of course, half the fun is shopping around so enjoy that, too. When you find certain features or stitches you really, really want, put them on a list. The stronger the list of “ideal features”, the easier it will be to cross off the ones that don’t match. You’ll find the best one for you in no time. 😉
Enjoy!
Erin
Thank you so much for your fast reply, Erin!! I did start making a list so that was a good tip. But the more you look, the more things I come accross that I think: oh, that should go on my list. That way every time I think my choice is made, it isn’t! 😉
I really appreciate you pointing out the major difference between the MyStyle and the other 2. I hadn’t thought of it that way. I have decided against it for that very reason – I would like to try some quilting and decorative stitching and am afraid the MyStyle won’t suit my needs in the long(er) run.
I am leaning most towards the Brother at this point. Mainly due to your review and how smitten you seem! lol . Now all I need to find out is if it’s available here (I live in Canada).
You are right though: making a choice seems tough because you have to stop thinking about all the other “what ifs” … 😉
Em – I know, there’s no really easy way to pick just one. I try to make it sound doable, but I know exactly how hard it is. I’m working on a way to make this easier but it’s a few weeks from being done – my top secret background project, at the moment. 🙂
I tell ya, even though I own and LOVE a Janome, a Brother machine is next on my list and it would be either the SE400 (because I want to try embroidery) or the CS6000i. They’ve done a great job packing a lot of stuff into a low price AND making machines that last.
I recall someone having a similar issue with finding a machine in Canada a few months ago and for some reason I think Costco was the solution…? You might check them out, although I just peeked at their Canadian site and I’m not seeing it. Did you try finding a store near you through Brother’s Canadian website? It’s here: http://www.brother.ca/en/customer_care/wheretobuy.asp
Crossing my fingers for you. 😉
Erin
Erin, I appreciate the link!!
What I’ve heard is that the Brother machines made for Walmart are of inferior quality to the ones made for dealers. Is that true? When I read these kind of reviews I think it might be?
Em – This comes up a lot and here’s what I know. Several salespeople at retail locations have said to me personally that the parts inside Brother’s online-only models are of inferior quality. They never give me more than that no matter what I ask. My educated guess is that the interior parts probably are made of different material. Obviously something is different that allows one model to be so much less expensive than an identical machine with another model number.
My concern is around the choice of the word “inferior” on the part of those salespeople. I’m not sure Brother would agree that the parts are “inferior” and I’d be shocked if that’s how their own representatives would refer to those models. They’re probably less expensive from a production point of view which is why they’re able to sell them for less. However, many of those models have held the test of time (relatively speaking, considering the price). A sewing machine for under $200 that lasts five years is pretty darn affordable, all things considered. I think Brother has found a way to tap into the market of buyers who want to enjoy sewing without spending $700, $800, $900, etc, and that probably puts a damper on those whose livelihood is made by selling those more expensive machines.
Maybe I’m tiptoeing around it to make it sound better than it is but retail salespeople selling something other than one of the online only models are the only people who seem to be relaying this message. Whenever this question comes up I go back to how many online reviews you can find for a specific model and the average rating of all those reviews. When I’m looking at a product, I scour the web for feedback in addition to testing the machine in person when that is an option. (I need a “testing room” in my house. My husband just hasn’t agreed yet. 🙂 ) Knowing that only a small percentage of buyers take their time to write a review online AND my suspicion that those with a negative experience are more likely to voice their opinion, when I see tons of great online reviews it means something to me.
After I finish my super-secret project, I’m going to have to buy two Brother machines, take them apart and document the findings! Would be an interesting test, I think!
Clear as mud, I’m sure, but maybe this helps you frame your own opinion in some fashion? 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
That was very helpful, thank you!!
(any way to speed up your super secret project? Sounds like I should wait so I can ‘use’ it? 😉 )
Don’t I wish! Don’t worry – you’re getting the manual version of the super secret project so you’re not missing out! Of course, testers would be nice…hmm… 😉
Sure, let me know if I can help!! 🙂
Good luck! It sure sounds intriguing!!
I am so happy to have found this website! I have just purchase the Janome Sewist 500 and am so excited to receive it and get going! I have been sewing on my mom’s machine here and there since I was little so it’s about time to get my own machine. However, I am wondering if this machine has foot control, as in a foot pedal to control the speed of the machine or is it just has the little dials on the actual machine. I can’t imagine trying to guide a quilt through with just one hand, but maybe that’s just me. I’m going to try it out and see how it goes but wanted to see what everyone else had to say.
Thanks!!
Katie – It does come with a foot pedal so you’re set! That’s one thing I often neglect to mention in the supplies list of most machines but I haven’t done a review on one yet that didn’t have one even if it gave the option of sewing without one. As handy as I think those buttons are, though, I have noticed many quilters often need both hands free to do their work and actually prefer to just use the foot pedal.
I’m sure you and your new machine are going to make wonderful quilts together! 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks Erin! I’m looking forward to it and will let you know how it goes. I needed a machine that was versatile as I make quilts, and am going to start sewing some of my own clothes, baby clothes and toys since I’m surrounded by pregnant women lately, :). I appreciate this forum and how it has guided me in my purchase.
Regards, Katie
I purchased a Janome Sewist 500, and am having some grinding sounds and the dial gets stuck at times when I try to manually turn it after it jams.
I wish I knew why. I have only had this machine about six or seven weeks.
Mande – Although I’m not a repair expert, I know there are a few things you should try. First, clean out the bobbin area according to any instructions in your manual. Dust builds up, even if you haven’t used your machine a lot. The area I live in is really dry and dusty and even with a protective cover I have to take extra steps to keep dust off of my machine.
Try the machine again and see if the noise persists. If so, swap out the needle for a fresh one. Even the slightest bend in a needle can throw things off. Try the machine again. If it’s still making the noise, change out the bobbin. Finally, try a different thread weight.
If none of those things fixes the problem, you may need to get a licensed Janome repair person to take a look at it but often one of the above steps fixes this kind of issue.
Let me know how it goes.
Sincerely,
Erin
I was reading reviews on amazon and there are a lot of other complaints about the grinding sound. One reviewer said that he had it repaired and the problem was the motor not being properly secured inside the machine (or something like that). Thought that might help. All of the complaints seem to be in the last few months, so I’m guessing that there was a bad batch somewhere that didn’t get caught by quality control. :o(
PS. Erin – love this site! Just found it and already it’s making my search so much easier!!!
Hello!
I am living in Japan for the next 3 years and I am learning to sew. (my dear friend is teaching me)
I need/want to buy a really easy-to-use, durable and long-lasting versatile machine with as many metal parts as possible. I am liking what I’m hearing about the Janome!
Here are the things that are important to me:
All metal parts
drop-in-bobbin
One step button hole
Adjustable speed control
Drop-able feed dogs
Multiple needle positions
Long lasting
Hard case
Works in Japan
I don’t care about portability and price isn’t much of an issue as long as it’s less than $1000.
I am really appreciating your site! Very helpful and thorough. Thanks a lot!
Jess
I’m trying to decide on a machine to give my daughter for her college graduation. I’m so bummed by all the plastic parts these days! 9I’m also bummed that I traded in my old 1975 metal Kenmore, which I could have passed down to her, for what I thought at the time was a better machine, a plastic New Home.) I do not want a computerized machine for her, but something that will last longer. She doesn’t sew right now, but would like to try and mend, etc.
I want to spend no more than $300. I saw a Singer Talent and a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 116, at JoAnne. Then I’ve read about the Janome Sewist 500 and the Brother CS6000i (is this computerized) and the BabyLock Molly. HELP!! I’m so confused! I have a week to do this. The JoAnne store prices are so much higher than online, too. Do yu have any knowledge on the comparison of these brands regarding overall quality?
Bobbie – College graduation! Oh!!! My oldest son will be a senior in high school next year. College right around the corner. I can’t believe how fast it goes!
What a great gift idea. So let’s get you the info you need.
First, brand info. Husqvarna, Janome and Brother all have very good reputations. Husqvarna and Janome tend to be more expensive but are also high quality. Brother, however, puts out great quality but at a bargain. There might be more plastic parts inside but many models have been on the market long enough to have demonstrated some really good longevity. They are the ideal solution when you don’t want to spend a fortune but you want a lot of automation and popular, modern machine features. The Singer brand has struggled and some models have not been well received while some of the more recent models have started to help pull the brand up. New Home and Janome are similar. In fact, Janome bought New Home in 1960 and Janome manufacturers parts for some of today’s New Home models. If you see a machine that starts with JNH, it means Janome New Home.
The CS6000i IS computerized so if you want to stick with a mechanical machine in the under $300 price range, I’d focus on Janome models. Here are a few great options:
Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 14 Built-In Stitches
Janome Magnolia 7318 Sewing Machine
Janome Sewist 500 Sewing Machine with 25 Built-In Stitches and Hard Case
I put them in order of their average consumer rating as of today. The HD1000 might be more reminiscent of your Kenmore (or, we could talk to my mom about parting with her 1973 Kenmore, but I haven’t been able to do that in the past year so chances are slim… 😉 ).
Let me know what you think and if I can answer any other questions as you work through your decision. Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day!
Sincerely,
Erin
I got this machine last year from Amazon and I love it! I was a little apprehensive, as it’s an “internet retailer” only machine. So you are unable to take to an actual store for service. But I think that gets you more bang for your buck. I graduated to this from a cheap Brother machine, and couldn’t be happier!
I just purchased a Sewist 500 and discovered it didn’t have a sewing machine speed control adjustment on it to prevent the machine from going too fast. I won’t be doing a lot of sewing and I think this is a useful feature, from having tried a demo Magnolia 7330 in a store. Are there any machines (that can go thru heavy duty/thick layers of material like the 7318, Sewist 500 and 7330) that have this feature that are priced between the 500 and the 7330? I was hoping not to have to pay almost double but I think it is something that would be very helpful for me. Thanks.
Like others, I’ve recently been comparing several sewing machines, including Janome’s Sewist 500, Jem 3, Jem Gold 660, My Style 100 and DC-1050.
All of them use the horizontal full-rotary hook bobbin.
Some were mechanical while the DC-1050 is computerized.
~I liked the Sewist 500 for its combination of features, accessories and price.
~The My Style 100 was attractive for its simplicity and low price.
~The Jem series was also attractive for its portability, features and overall value for the money.
~The DC-1050 offers a greater number of stitches, wider & longer stitch lengths, a “speed control” feature, and a few other bells & whistles. It comes with fewer accessories and doesn’t come with a hard cover, though.
I was doing my research and comparison shopping during November & December of 2011. Many sewing machines were on sale and prices were competitive.
Eventually, a few things helped my decision process.
#1) I decided that having the speed-control feature was desirable and necessary because I’m a beginner and didn’t want my machine to “run away from me” if I stepped on the foot-pedal too hard.
#2) I wanted a machine that I wouldn’t outgrow too soon.
#3) I asked a local shop whether or not mechanical machines were more reliable than computerized machines. Their answer was that they were about equal. Neither type was more or less reliable.
In my selection process, the DC-1050 edged out the Sewist 500 because of the speed-control feature. Otherwise, they were competing very well on value for the money.
Hi,
Just wondering if anyone has tried to take the cover off the Sewist 500’s machine head yet. I took out the screw, per manual instructions, but the cover will not come off. It loosens everywhere but one area, around the top of the machine toward the back, as if a couple of plastic tabs might be refusing to let go somehow. I spent 20 minutes gently coaxing it and finally had to just pop the whole thing back into place. Any ideas? Thanks!
Linda
I purchased my Sewist 500 six months ago and have just recently started sewing knit fabrics. Bought a twin needle for hemming, but have been unable to find any reference to using or threading it on my new machine. I tried the Janome site, but still have been unable to find out if my Sewist 500 supports the twin needle. Appreciate any advice or wisdom on this subject
Thanks!
Ellen
I tried the sewist 500 and I love the way it works, the way it looks and how quiet it is. A dealer on line is attempting to sell me one “Janome New Home (sewist 500)” instead of “Janome (sewist 500)”. Is there a difference in quality. Someone else told me that the New Home is a downgrade model. Is there any truth to all this?
Please Help.
Janome does own the New Home name and, in the past, the quality of the New Home machines lived up to the Janome reputation. I myself would be fine owning a New Home model. What I don’t know is if the one they’re selling is manufactured to the same specs used for the Janome name or if those have changed. One thing you might ask is the weight of the sewing machine. If it’s the same weight as the Janome model then you’re probably just fine. If it’s significantly lighter then it might have less inferior parts inside and could be an indicator that the life of the machine may not last as long as the Janome model. Good luck!