Do These Cute Sewing Machines Really Work?… for beginners, upcyclers, travel 

i have the pink one, my grandma gifted it to me when i was around 9 years old. Now im 16 and im in sewing lately. I made a corset out of denim with this machine and it got through 4 layers easily (that's the number of layers i had to sew through). My grandma who has a big machine is also impressed with the job this tiny thing can do and i recommend it sm edit: maybe something important. You cant control the sewing speed.

You talking about how much denim layers we love to do made me laugh because I'm constantly trying to do too much on my overlooker and then I'm always shocked when I break a needle! 🤣

I am 71 yrs old. I live full-time in a camper so space is important. I quilt and i sew my pieces on my mini New Home Janome. I got it about 3 years ago for about $68.00 at JoAnns. I absolutely love it. Its simple, it has 6 different types of stitches, works very well! It also back stitches. No complaints whatsoever. Its super cute. And it fits in my camper cubbies.

When I got back into sewing I bought a $79 Singer from Aldi. I had my mom’s old machine but couldn’t get it to work well so the one I bought was a “let’s just see if I really can get back to sewing” and I haven’t stopped!!! Little machines are good starters!

After seeing your video, I went to Joann’s and bought the Arctic Crystal. I travel with my job for 2-3 weeks per trip, and usually just stay over rather than flying home. I have pieced 3 quilts on this machine, still runs like it is new. Why is the 3 important? I first bought a small Singer for on the road use, and by half way of quilt #2, it started having fits. Took it to the repair guy, and he showed me how the new ones are full of plastic - great for repairing the occasional hem, but actually using them, the plastic loses just enough shape to make the needle have mis-strikes with the bobbin. He recommended “get the heaviest one you can comfortably carry on the plane.” Thanks for giving me great advice for a traveling machine. Arctic and I are good traveling buddies!

the little pink one was my first sewing machine (but in purple) but I loved it so much if it wasn't for that machine I never would have been able to sew

I about killed my first sewing machine (a beginner one like those shown above) making a quilt out of old wool coats, and then turning around and making a recycled denim quilt. I’m so thrilled to see that there are still companies making great beginner machines.

Another shout out to the arctic crystal machine- I’ve had it for 4 years now and have used it for masks, heavy curtain hemming, and even a couple quilts. It has been perfect for me and I did not have any problem with the feed dogs during quilting. I was beginning to wonder if I just didn’t know what a good machine felt like in comparison, but this review reinforces that it is really great already.

I have the arctic crystal one and I love it! I'm brand new to sewing and it is so easy to learn. :) It works great, no issues.

This was very helpful. I wish they made fully featured machines in these pretty colors.

Thank you! I wanted functional, easy to use, cute, and affordable!!!

Thanks. All the encouragement I needed. Arctic Crystal.

Hi Angelina, great video!! I have often wondered how serious these little machines are, myself. Turns out they are more powerful than expected. Loved this very thorough assessment, thank you! Angela

Thank you so much had been looking at the little pink one for my 7 year old granddaughter. She has been using mine and is on honor roll this was exactly what I needed.

I have the full size mint one. Just made me a dress yay!!

Loving the colors. I like how you show us the perks and down falls.

I just opened mine after having it for about a year. I love it.

Thank you so much for the reviews on these machines❣️I have been trying to decide what to buy my granddaughters to learn to sew on!

Those two machines look nice and affordable as well and second one is like the 2 Singer machines I own.

On the blue one, the last pressing foot was for hemming. The plastic plate is to HIDE the feed dogs, for darning. If you can't lower them, cover them ;) My Veritas Janis machine looks almost identical to the blue one -minus the color and number/types of stitches. has similar accessories, especially that plastic plate.

Wow! Thank you for this thorough and fun review!

You! Yes, you thank you for this review. I bought my first sewing machine!

The plastic plate for the Arctic Janome covers the feed dogs so you can quilt. I use it for free motion sewing

Oh wow❣️ I can’t believe how darn cute those machines are😇 I love em thank you 🙏🏻💙🦋

That Aqua machine is beautiful lol I have that exact machine but in Candy Pink🌸🎀

Just purchased this one! So excite to start making my own clothes!

Just ordered! Thanks so much!

The Arctic blue has a sticker price of $119 and is $130 at checkout. I loved this review so much that I went and ordered ASAP.

Thank you!! Have been debating buying and now I will! 8 layers of denim !!

I’ so happy to see this review! I have the Hello Kitty Janome- I think it’s the same as the arctic one you tested. It has been amazing! Such a work horse! And so cute! I’ve not had any material that it wouldn’t go through. I’ve done denim and layers of marine vinyl for crafts, and it’s been awesome! It also doesn’t bounce up and down like the value-priced Brother I have.

Love the machines

Another day of me loving your videos! Thank you!!!

I have one similar the the pink one, but in white. Love it! It is great for small sewing projects when you don't want to have to get the big machine out. I made covid mask on it, using multiple layers, no problem at all.

Thanks for sharing a throrough and cogent review of these two machines. I own a Janome DC-1050 sewing machine. But there are times when I get the urge to consider a smaller/simpler machine. Your review does a good job of highlighting the compromises and features that get sacrificed to meet the lower price-points of very affordable sewing machines. The Janome drop-in bobbin feature is something I love on my DC-1050 and it is convenient and reliable, in my experience. Seeing it on other machines is desirable, in my opinion. Nice to see the Pink Lightning model has it, though other desired features were omitted for minimal price and optimal performance. I'm glad you demonstrated the bobbin-case/shuttle design of the Arctic Crystal model/machine. Good to see the pros & cons. Again, thank you. :-)

Thanks for the review, I just bought a lime and blue one for my granddaughter.

I bought the Arctic Crystal and it's pink sister (Pink Sorbet) for my granddaughters who say they want to learn to sew. I really like them.

This information is exactly what I needed. I am looking for a nice travel machine. Thank you for the information!

Thank you! I was looking at the larger of the two Janomes because I'm sewing denim and also make heavy use of a machine hemstitch. I already own one of the itty bitty ones (I paid around $50 at a store's going out of business sale).

Love this video!

Great video! I just bought the metal frame one off Amazon for $111 ! Can’t wait to use it !

I have a Jamone skyline s5 for years now I did a ton of research before I got it . I had a very basic brother before didnt handle everyday use I found that Jamone at any price level has quality machines

Thank you so much for this video!

Thank you for taking the time to educate the public! :) I’ve been looking for a sewing machine online and I was hoping it wasn’t too good to be true🥰 so excited to get the pink!!

it might be useful to get those little multiuse tools that you can also use for changing your needle. It lets you go over humps/thick layers of fabric!

I bought the arctic crystal at hobby lobby for $89.00 on sale to use just for crafts, my bigger machine for quilting, but this cute machine has been awesome,! I love it for little things

Cool Beans!!

Thank you so much for the reviewsI have been trying to decide on what to buy my granddaughters to learn to sew on!

17:00 the plastic needle plate you showed earlier is a darning plate, you snap it in place over top of the regular needle plate to keep the feed dogs from coming up to meet the fabric, and then you can do darning and free motion quilting and so on without having to have a feed dog lowering mechanism.

I have always been a bernina fan, but I got my daughter a janome years ago to be her first. It is a fun sew.

Thanks you!!! I'll be getting my mom the arctic crystal for her Bday

I bought the lilac mini Janome during the beginning of the pandemic. If it wasn't so cute, I wouldn't have started my sewing journey. After 1 year of making masks, I upgraded to the Brother ST371HD after watching your review. Not long after that, I bought the Brother 1034D also, after watching your review. Not long after that. I bought the Brother 2340CV. That is still in the box, but I am now ready for anything, THANKS TO YOU!!

I have the pink one (haven’t opened it yet) thank you for the review!

I have the Janome 9400qcp and I love it. I just love Janome. One thing that would help with the lightless machine and even those with lights is the Daylight slimline table lamp that attaches to your work table, sewing table etc. I love mine so much that I forget my machine has an extra light. It lights up my work area so well.

Thank you so much for this awesome review! I am a new subscriber!

I've been waiting for this review ever since I saw the Arctic Crystal in your studio! When I decided to get back into sewing, I got this model because I wanted a mechanical machine but didnt want to spend too much until I knew I was serious about sewing this time around. I used to own the HD3000 and have been actively talking myself out of a refurbished HD5000 (both of which have drop in bobbins). You video shows that it could handle jeans if i needed it to and I didn't even realize it had an extra high lift. I just have to practice my 4 step buttonholes, but this will handle everything else! [Also, I believe Joann has the blue and pink versions of the Arctic Crystal for $109.]

My old singer machine that my grandma gave me in my early 20s was old and way too fast for me. I originally wanted to get a serger, but it’s a little bit more pricey and complicated than a sewing machine. I can’t wait to try my new machine in arctic crystal. I’m planning to make as many one shoulder tops as I can so that I could have an unlimited amount. It’s been my favorite design since I was a kid.

I have a Janome HD3000, which is mechanical, and the bobbin goes in the top, not front. :) My husband bought it for me, specifically for hemming and patching jeans. Another lady that had reviewed it said she tested it with 12 layers of denim😳 and it sewed thru them! That was good enough for me. 😂 I love it for any heavier duty sewing. On the other hand, it sews cotton alright, but any lighter weight fabric doesn't go so well. So hence why I am here, watching the review for the Arctic Crystal one! 😁

im so happy u made the exact video I needed :o

I got the bigger of the two machines this summer from Joanne for $120 and I haven't used it yet, but I want to get started. I loved this video. Great content. New sub. :D

Thank you for your review

Janome makes good machines. I bought a Janome 7318 about 10+ years ago and it has worked fine and continues too. I've aquired and older Bernina 1630 which is an excellent machine but, my Janome serves me better in some respects. You can't go wrong with a Janome. Thanx for your video, well done.

Fabulous review.

I'm not really into sewing and was looking for a sewing machine for my friend's birthday, but watching BluprintDIY videos made me excited about it, and now I want to get a sewing machine for myself and learn how to sew 😁

Girl I love your review!!!!!!!🎉🎉😊

My wife got the New Home a few years ago from a friend and it’s sat in the closet since then. I decided I wanted to teach myself how to sew because there’s a few projects I want to try. So few I like it and it’s been easy to learn. It’s been a learning curve but been fun so far.

Thanks 😊

Singer, Janome, Viking Husqvarna...all work and are worth the money, from the beginners basic machines to the more elaborate ones. Make sure you know how to read, and READ the instructions. If you still have questions, Jo-Ann's has people to answer your a questions.

Hi there. I'm so glad you did this review. In 2014, I was staying in a hotel for a couple of months (working) and didn't bring my big machine. I ordered the Purple Thunder (like the pink one) and have had it ever since. I only use it for sewing scrap blocks. BUT... seeing you use it with 8 layers of denium is a game changer since I'm now making denium tote bags. I even purchased one for my friend's daughters to teach them to sew. Do not sleep on this machine! It's a little loud and not as fast as my other machines...no light and no buttonhole stitch does not bother me as I still have my big Brother machines. I have to admit I was hesitant as I only use Brother machines and only bought it for the color purple, but I do love it. Thank you!!

AFTER DISCOVERING/ SUBSCRIBING, I ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS 📹 ESPECIALLY YOUR ORGANIZING SEWING ROOM. CAN'T WAIT FOR SATURSDAY.

The algorithm sent me this video because I’ve been watching a million janome reviews and demos, and I’m so glad! You have excellent screen presence and a great sense of humor, and I love that shade of lipstick 😁! Thanks, RU-vid!

Thank you for this review! I’m looking into getting one of the small janome Derby’s for my younger sister, and this video answered all the questions I had!

I used to have the blue one in white. I used it almost to DEATH during the vid making hundreds of masks! Sold it to a sewing teacher and upgraded to a semi computerised same brand. It’s a great machine if you look after it.

Thanks for the review. I just bought this and found your video while looking for instructions. I’m a super beginner - no idea how sewing machines even work or what the heck a bobbin is 😂 I just wanted a < $200 machine to figure out how to use it and maybe help with random household needs like hemming pants. So far it’s been great. Nothing else to compare it too but their videos explain everything so clearly that I’ve already learned a ton. * I have the arctic crystal one.

I'm going to get one. I'm not good at sewing, and for the little things I need a machine for, hemming curtains, and repairs, etc. This is perfect for me. The big ones are intimidating. 😏 Thank you for reviewing! 🌹

That green one, the plastic plate fits over the feed dogs instead of dropping them for free motion stitching

I recently took sewing classes and we learned on the blue Janome machines! I'm just a beginner and still need practice, but I came to this video to see what another experienced person would think. In our classes we made a pillow case, draw string backpack, a pouch and then the final project was one of our choosing(I made a scrub cap because i'm a healthcare worker) and that lil blue one was excellent! I found no issues even with my VERY minimal skill😆

I got the gray one on Amazon for 54. For some reason the prices vary by color. Thanks for this! Planning to start sewing with kids this year.

So glad I found your vid it's a relief that I didn't spend money too early. Just got one for $76 at hobby lobby and quite excited to use it. I'm a novice to the craft but your explanation was so easy to follow! ☺️💙💙

I’m so excited! I just got my 1st sewing machine (Janome Artic Crystal) as a bday gift & I can’t wait to use it now!! Also it was still on sale for $119 @ Joann

The chiffon is impressive to me… I have strayed from light fabrics with my super expensive singer machine because of the tendency to suck the chiffon down. Pain in the butt. I’ve switched over to using backing if I must sew light fabrics and or holding the fabrics pretty taut. Plus, turquoise is like one of my favorite colors.

I had a heavyweight middle-range Kenmore machine for 20 years. It got an electrical melt and went int he dump. The new Janome New Home I bought to replace it works better and sews more nicely than that big heavy fancy machine ever did. After a year of solid use, I can say, the small Janome New Home is absolutely a very safe buy for a beginner or lower-cost machine. Very good for small-space living. Got it at Hobby Lobby for like $69.

I'm thinking of getting that pink one for my 7 year old. I like the limited stitches for her.

I LOVE your videos! They are so informative and extremely helpful, especially where sewing machines are concerned. I've sewn on and off for many years. How many is a secret. My first machine was a White, which my parents bought for me back in 1968. It was when the zig zag stitch first came out. I used that machine to death! Of course it was all metal. I've since used vintage Kenmore machines. Also all metal mechanical. Love them! I am much newer when it comes to the modern machines, especially the computerized ones. I'm very happy with my Brother PE535 Embroidery machine. I bought it used, but when I received it and took it to be serviced first, they didn't think it had ever been used. It was in perfect condition. Got it for a great price! I also have the Brother CS6000i. It's a great machine too. I have been looking for a GOOD mini machine for traveling. Since I watched your video regarding the Janome, I think I'm going to try to find one of them. Thanks SO much for all of your help and guidance.

You are so much fun! Thank you for your video. I am intrigued about this fucsia janome machine.

I need another sewing machine like I need a hole in my head. I'm just so in awe of good sewing machines. I have the singer one in blue that I plan on giving time my granddaughter. I'll replace it with that artic blue one🤪

Hey Angelina! I love your channel - your videos inspired me to embark on a project to create a capsule wardrobe out of upcycling things I already had, and some wicked thrifts! This is a question for you or really anyone else who may have good advice. I am looking at purchasing a new machine that is more user friendly. I am currently rocking my grandmother's old 1960's Kenmore, and it's awesome, but is starting to be super fussy sometimes. I am looking at the Janome Arctic Crystal, as well as the Singer Heavy Duty 4452. The Janome seems to be more affordable, so here is my question - is the Arctic Crystal as versatile and useful as the Heavy Duty 4452, or is it worth my while to spend the extra cash? Any and all replies are super appreciated! Thanks

First time to your channel and you’ve already got me buying another sewing machine! 🤦‍♀️ I have a fancy Janome machine I love for quilting, but it’s like dragging around an anchor when I want to take it somewhere. Was toying with getting a singer featherweight (they are so adorable), but your video sold me on the Janome green machine. Which, come to find out, if you get it in “blue couture” instead of “arctic crystal” it’s $10 cheaper. So blue it is! Thank you for the realistic review and good camera work. Subscribed!

Just bought the arctic & im reassured that it was not a bad purchase after watching this video. I don’t know what a 1 step or 4 step button hole is though.

A perfect upcycler and allrounder has to be Janome MC6700P. Would love to see you test that one even though it is a more expensive machine.

This seems to be exactly like the Janome cherry 21 in Europe, my friend has it as her beginner machine and recommend it to me. I choose the magenta 43 who doesn't seem to have an equivalent in the us but it is actually pretty similar to this one and I loove it ❤

Happy BIRTHDAY 🎈🎊🎂🎁🎉

This could definitely be for quilters who piece their quilt tops and send them out to be quilted. So it would not be for "free motion quilting". Most quilters have people with long arm machines who do the actual quilting. 😄

I got one of those adhesive strips of USB-powered LED lights and stuck it around the j underside of the arm to make up for the lack of the light bulb I've seen in other sewing machines

I have an ELNA from the late 70's, does about 8 different stitches, buttonholes, a stretch stitch, dual needle, can embroider and it hasn't let me down. I have sewn denim, lycra, silks, velvet you name it - just need to check your tension/needle/thread. Yes its a bit heavy, all metal but I could never throw my baby away!

Finally Janome gets their props 😂🤣 I love my vintage Janome. Have you done any research on their computerized machines?

They're so pretty. Too bad they're not easy to find here. I hope you'll be able to make a video about the Singer Simple 3223 too.

Hi from Brasil 🇧🇷😉🤗,Try a eversew machine,I"m in love for them ♥️😍😘

When you hit a thick edge like on the denim, use a jean-a-majig under the back of the foot and it will help continue the stitching. It levels the foot and assists you. It is a small rectangular plastic tool.

I'd definitely go for the green Arctic model than the pink one. Who wants a sewing machine without a buttonhole? So what are you supposed to do? Sew each buttonhole by hand?? At least the Arctic model has a 4-step buttonhole, and that's still better than no buttonhole at all. Btw, these small & lightweight models sew very slowly compared to a regular machine. For me, if I attended sewing classes, I'd just bring my regular machine along, but I don't need lessons since long ago. Who brings a machine while travelling anyway? You may as well bring your regular machine. The sewing classes I took 40 years ago, they were provided to the school on loan from a sewing machine shop. The teacher provided about 6 new model machines of different top brands. So when a student liked a particular machine and wanted to buy it, the teacher would send that student (and I was one) to the shop and tell them that Joan sent me. I bought a Pfaff 1069 model. Joan, the teacher, would get her commission AND I would get a good discount. They knocked of AU$200.00 off the retail price which was good. It worked so well all round. I haven't seen this system anywhere else, but it was great. Sadly Joan no longer teaches to sew as she had packed up long ago. I don't know what became of her. She was the best teacher ever. She was kind and patient and she charged as we went along, we never had to pay for a set number of lessons, or by term, or other. She also sold some haberdashery. These days they charge a fortune for sewing lessons & they have to supply their own machines, unfortunately. Yes, they really were the good old days and how I miss them.

The Janome has a metal base(?). I’m getting one.