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Product Details
The Janome J3-20 is a mechanical sewing machine. It has 20 built-in stitches and an automatic needle threader. It also features a one-step buttonhole function.
This machine is remarkably lightweight, with a total weight of just 6 kilograms. This makes it incredibly portable and easy to use.
Users can move it easily from one place to another. You can easily move it around your home, take it to a job site, or store it when not in use. Its lightweight design makes sure it won’t be a burden.
In addition to its portability, designers created this machine with user-friendliness in mind. Its easy controls and simple setup mean that even people who are not tech-savvy can use it easily. Clear instructions and an easy-to-use interface create a smooth experience. This helps users focus on their tasks instead of dealing with complicated features.
The J3-20 has 16 utility stitches and 4 decorative stitches. It uses a simple two-dial system. You can easily choose your stitch and change the length without any complicated menus.
The machine is an upgraded version of the J3-18 model, adding extra decorative options and the automatic buttonhole feature. It includes a free arm for circular sewing, a drop feed for freehand embroidery, and a front-loading bobbin system.
Janome J3-20 Overview
The J3-20 offers 20 built-in stitches that cover your basic sewing needs. You get 16 utility stitches for everyday tasks like hemming and seams. You also get 4 decorative stitches to add creative touches to your projects.
The machine features an automatic buttonhole function and easy controls for stitch pattern and settings adjustment.
You'll find an automatic needle threader built into the J3-20, which saves time and reduces eye strain during setup. The machine can sew up to 750 stitches per minute, giving you decent speed for most projects.
The front-loading bobbin system and free arm feature simplify bobbin changes and working on cylindrical items.
The Janome J3-20 is a lightweight, compact sewing machine with a stable design for easy transport and storage.
The mechanical sewing machine is strong and easy to move. It stays stable at high speeds. It has a simple, user-friendly design with clear settings.
The J3-20's mechanical design means you won't face complex menus or programming. Threading follows a clear path, and the automatic needle threader reduces one of the trickiest steps for beginners.
The J3-20 sewing machine has easy stitch selection with dials. It has a clear bobbin cover and quick free arm conversion. Retailers offer same-day dispatch, so you can set it up fast and start sewing right after unpacking.
Stitch Capabilities and Sewing Functions
The J3-20 provides 16 utility stitches designed for everyday sewing tasks. The text describes various sewing stitches used for seams, hems, and finishing raw fabric edges.
The automatic one-step buttonhole feature simplifies sewing by creating consistent buttonholes quickly and easily for various projects.
The utility stitch range covers the fundamental techniques needed for most sewing work. You can adjust both stitch length and width on these stitches to suit different fabric weights and project requirements.
The machine includes 4 decorative stitches to add visual interest to your projects. These stitches work well for embellishing clothing, customising home décor items, or adding detail to children's garments.
The J3-20 offers simple decorative stitches suitable for basic embellishments on various fabric items.
The J3-20 includes stretch stitches specifically designed for knit and elastic fabrics. These stitches move with the fabric instead of breaking when the material stretches. This makes them important for working with jersey, ribbing, or other stretchy materials.
You can use stretch stitches when making T-shirts, activewear, or any garment that needs to flex during wear. The stitches create seams that won't snap when you pull the fabric or when the wearer moves.
The J3-20 has a simple two-dial control system. You can use it to choose stitch patterns and adjust stitch length and zigzag width. This makes it easy for beginners and allows for customisation in sewing projects. You do not need a digital interface, which ensures straightforward operation.
Threading, Bobbin, and Tension Systems
The J3-20's automatic needle threader simplifies threading by pulling the thread through the needle's eye with ease.
The built-in needle threader works with standard needle sizes that come with the machine. Make sure the needle is in its highest position before using the threader. If it is not, it won't line up with the needle's eye.
The front-loading bobbin system sits behind a clear panel at the front of the machine. You can access the bobbin case by opening this panel. This lets you see the bobbin area without removing the needle plate.
To insert the bobbin, you need to ensure the thread comes off in the correct direction through both notches in the bobbin case. The front-loading design makes it easy to check your thread supply whilst sewing since you can see the bobbin through the clear cover.
Winding the bobbin uses a dedicated winder on top of the machine. You thread the bobbin manually through the small hole and hold the thread tail whilst the machine winds it evenly.
The J3-20 features a manual tension dial that you adjust based on your fabric and thread type. The dial typically ranges from 0 to 9, with 4 to 5 being the standard setting for most projects.
Adjust sewing machine tension if stitches are loose or puckered; re-threading may help. Increase tension if top thread shows below, decrease if bobbin thread shows above.
A built-in thread cutter sits on the left side of the machine body near the presser foot. You pull your threads across this small blade to cut them cleanly after finishing a seam.
The machine uses a vertical oscillating hook system that works with the bobbin to create stitches. This oscillating hook mechanism is reliable and requires less maintenance than other systems. You should clean the bobbin area regularly to prevent lint build-up that can affect the hook's performance.
Buttonhole and Specialty Sewing Features
The J3-20 has an automatic 1-step buttonhole function. This lets users make even buttonholes easily without moving the fabric. It is perfect for shirts, dresses, and baby clothes. It works well for people with basic sewing skills.
Your J3-20 features two pull-up spool pins that allow you to use twin needles for decorative stitching. Both spool pins are push-down when not in use for safe storage. When you need them, you simply pull them up.
The twin needle facility allows for simultaneous parallel stitching, ideal for hems and decorative garment details.
The drop feed facility on the J3-20 gives you control over fabric movement during sewing. You activate this feature using a switch located at the back of the machine. When you drop the feed dogs, they sit below the needle plate surface and stop pulling your fabric forward automatically.
This drop feed for freehand embroidery is essential when you want to guide fabric manually. You can use it for darning, free-motion quilting, and creating embroidered designs. The feed dogs re-engage when you switch them back up for regular sewing.
The machine converts to freearm by removing the detachable storage box from the base. This freearm for circular sewing gives you access to tubular areas that won't fit flat under a standard sewing bed.
You can slip sleeves, trouser legs, cuffs, and armholes over the freearm to sew them easily. The narrow freearm surface lets you rotate circular pieces as you sew without bunching or awkward positioning. This feature is particularly useful when hemming children's clothing or repairing the legs of jeans.
Included Accessories and Practical Features
The J3-20 includes important presser feet for basic sewing tasks. It has a soft cover for protection and a flat bed design. The flat bed also has built-in storage. These practical additions help you start sewing straight away without purchasing extras.
Your J3-20 includes several snap-on presser feet to handle different sewing techniques. The standard foot works for basic straight stitching and zigzag stitches on most fabrics. You'll also receive a zipper foot, which sits to one side of the needle so you can sew close to zip teeth without bulk getting in the way.
The buttonhole foot works with the one-step automatic buttonhole function to create consistent buttonholes. A blind hem foot helps you sew invisible hems on trousers and skirts. The satin stitch foot has a grooved underside that lets dense decorative stitches feed smoothly without bunching.
All feet use the snap-on system designed for Category A machines. You'll also get a seam ripper to unpick mistakes and open buttonholes cleanly after stitching.
The machine includes a soft cover that protects it from dust when not in use. This lightweight cover slips over the top of the machine and keeps the mechanical parts clean between sewing sessions.
Basic accessory storage keeps your bobbins, needles, and small tools organised. The machine provides space for storing frequently used items so they're within reach whilst you work.
The J3-20 features a flat bed conversion design with a detachable storage box that serves two purposes. When attached, it extends the sewing surface to support larger projects like curtains or quilts.
Remove the storage box and you'll access the free arm underneath. This narrow cylinder lets you sew tubular items such as sleeves, trouser legs, and cuffs. The detachable box offers storage for accessories, bobbins, and spare needles. You can also use it as a work surface extension.
Janome J3-20 Features
20 stitch selection
Front loading bobbin
Variable stitch length
Variable zig zag width
1 step auto sizing buttonhole
Needle threader
Drop feed facility
Stretch stitches
Satin stitches
Max right of needle space 16cm
Machine dimensions W 39cm x H 28cm x D 15cm
Weight – 6.0kg
Feet & Accessories – Category A
Janome J3-20 Brochure - Click Here
Your Janome sewing machine has a standard two-year warranty.
Presser Feet
830823004 Automatic buttonhole foot
940370000 Adjustable blind hem foot
200129002 Satin stitch foot
940200000 Standard foot
940310000 Zipper foot
Other accessories
366413003 Screwdriver
200133009 Seam ripper
C-2022 Foot control
Soft Cover
Bobbins (3)
Needles
Instruction book