Janome Embroidery Machine: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned embroiderer, Janome must be a familiar name to you. The brand’s embroidery machines and accessories are known for their reliability. So, let’s get started! This blog is to help you get a deeper understanding of Janome embroidery machines.

1. Is Janome a Japanese brand?

Yes, Janome is a Japanese sewing machine manufacturing brand. Founded in 1921, the Japanese company has been through over one hundred years. Started by sewing machine production, now Janome makes a wide range of products and has expanded into over 100 countries. Their sergers, sewing machines, embroidery machines and long arm quilters all receive a warm welcome by the market. Check the table below for more information on Janome Corporation:

1.1 Who makes Janome embroidery machines?

Janome makes Janome embroidery machines. To ensure the quality for its products, Janome insists on manufacturing by itself. It has built its own production plants in Japan, China and Thailand. All of its machines are made in the same factories. Thanks to the company’s manufacturing prowess, Janome also made machines for other brands sometimes. The high quality earns Janome a good reputation in the industry, making it a trusted brand in the eyes of embroiderers worldwide.

1.2 Who manufactures Janome sewing machines?

Janome manufactures its sewing machines since the establishment of the company in the last century.

In 1921, Janome built its first manufacturing center in Tokyo as the company established. 48 years later, the Taiwan production hub was set, and after another 19 years Thailand factory was opened. Now the company has set apart its production among the three hubs. The Tokyo factory is responsible for its top-picks like embroidery capable sewing machines. The mid-range computerized, electronic and mechanical sewing machines is made by Taiwan factory. And Thailand produces the most popular models.The combined number of sewing machines produced by the three plants exceeds 2 million annually.

1.3 Is Janome still in business?

Yes, Janome is still in business, and it runs quite a good business actually. With a history spanning over a century, Janome has grown into a powerhouse. In August 2023, Janome proudly announced that the sewing machines ever made by the company reached 75 million. Its products has been sold to more than 100 countries and districts. Janome has set divisions in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, it also has agents in Africa, and throughout the Pacific Rim of Asia.

And there is a surprising fact: the Swiss embroidery machine brand Elna is a subsidiary brand owned by Janome. Elna is also viewed as a premier brand in the industry nowadays. In the fierce business competition, Janome leverages its own advantages to firmly occupy a share of the market.

2. What does Janome mean?

Janome means “eye of the snake”. It’s a transliteration of the Japanese term “snake’s eye”. Nowadays the word is not commonly used with the meaning, while in the past it was popular. It refers to a blue ringed design used on sake testing cups, paper umbrellas and other items.

The company changed its name to Janome in the 1920s, when the founder replaced the traditional long shuttle with round metal bobbin system. The Japanese thought the bobbin ensembles to the snake’s eye, thus the company’s new name was born. It was viewed as a representation of its innovative spirit.

3. Is Janome Made in China?

Yes, Janome has their products made in China. To be more specific, those machines are made in Taiwan Province. To ensure the standard quality of its machines and accessories, Janome has been relying on their own plants for production since the very beginning. They gradually build three manufacturing hubs in the domestic Japan, Taiwan Province of China and Thailand. The Taiwan factory mainly manufactures its mid-range sewing machines.

3.1 Is Janome American made?

No, Janome are not made in USA. Janome manufactures all the products in Japan, China and Thailand. But it does have a distributor in the US.

Janome America, Inc. is a distributor of Janome machines. Founded in 1860, it was called New Home Sewing Machine Company. After 100 year’s development, Janome purchased it and rename it later.

3.2 Are Janome sewing machines made in Japan?

Yes, Janome sewing machines are made in Japan, though not all of them. Some of its sewing machines are made in China and Thailand. Here is a visual answer to the question:

4. Are Janome and Juki the same company?

No, they are not the same company. They are just both Japanese company manufacturing sewing machines. Juki Corporation manufactures sewing machines since 1945. Headquartered in a city near Tokyo, it operates factories in Japan, China and Vietnam. With sewing machines available in around 180 countries, Juki is now another leading brand globally.

5. Is Janome the same as New Home?

No, Janome is not the same as New Home. New Home is an American company founded in 1860 in Massachusetts, who used to be a household brand in the United States. Janome purchased it in 1960 and didn’t change its name until 1995. Today, the New Home company is called Janome America, Inc.

6. What is the difference between Elna and Janome?

The difference between Elna and Janome is reflected in many aspects, such as stitches, foot pressure dials, user interface, etc. Elna is a subsidiary brand of Janome.  It’s establishment was to further expand Janome’s global footprint. The two brands both manufacture sewing machines and embroidery machines. Since the launch of Elna’s first sewing machine Elna # 1, Elna made a success. After years’ commitment to the industry, the Elna trademark becomes a symbol of quality and innovation in current times.

Since mid 1990s, Janome produced a large portion of Elna’s machines. Therefore, most of Elna models now have a Janome equivalent model with main differences being the color, logo and fonts, etc. What’s more, there are prices and after-sale support of course.

7. Does Janome have an embroidery machine?

Yes, Janome makes embroidery machines. Knowing for its sewing machines, Janome manufactures quite good quality embroidery machines as well. The table below will give you some of the embroidery machines’ basic information, thus you can have a easier navigation through dazzling Janome models.

8. Where is Janome embroidery machine made?

Janome embroidery is made in Japan, China and Thailand, the same as Janome sewing machine. To guarantee the quality of their machines, Janome is responsible for their manufacturing. They have plants in these three countries. Sergers, sewing and embroidery machines are all produced in these places.

9. What embroidery file does Janome use?

Janome embroidery machines use the below embroidery formats: .JEF, .JEF+, .JPX, .DST, .SEW and .EMD. Among the numerous sorts of embroidery file formats, .JEF format is the universal one that all Janome machines (and Elna embroidery machines) can use. Some newer models also support .JEF+ files. While .SEW and .EMD are used by older Janome machines. Here is a table indicating most of the modern Janome embroidery machines with embroidery file formats they are compatible with.

10. Janome Embroidery Machine Recommendation: Memory Craft 550E

MC 550E is Janome’s top computerized standalone embroidery machine.

10.1 What format does Janome 550E use?

Janome MC550E uses .JEF, .JEF+, .JPX and .DST file formats

10.2 What hoops come with Janome 550e?

The MC550E comes with 4 embroidery hoops, which are RE36b hoop, SQ20b, RE20b, SQ14b. The hoop sizes of them are listed as follows: Hoop RE36b (200 x 360mm/ 7.9" x 14.2") Hoop RE20b (140 x 200mm/ 5.5" x 7.9") Hoop SQ20b (200 x 200mm/ 7.9" x 7.9") Hoop SQ14b (140 x 140mm/ 5.5" x 5.5") Come with an wide extension table and a maximum embroidery  size of 7.9" x 14.2", MC550E offers great versatility of hoop sizes.

11. Janome Combo Machine Recommendation: Continental M17

The Continental M17 is a high-level combo machine of Janome. With a high level of technology and craftsmanship, there is no reasons to not fall for it.

11.1 How big is the Janome M17?

Machine Size

W43.8"x H13.9"x D28.0"

Machine Weight

44.25 lbs

Work Space

W 13.5" x H 5.5"

Maximum Stitch Width

9mm

Maximum Stitch Length

5mm

11.2 What is the largest hoop size in Janome M17?

The largest hoop size in Janome M17 is 280mm x 460mm (11.1" x 18.2"). The RE46d Hoop offers an embroidery area of 11” x 18.1”, which is a good match.

Conclusion

For more guidance on Janome embroidery machine and all other mainstream brands, contact our team on YouTube, or join our Tiktok, Facebook and Instagram Community. We specialize in making high-quality magnetic hoops and tubular hoops for both domestic and industrial use. Our hoops are compatible with a variety of mainstream machine brands, feel free to contact us! Have a nice journey in embroidery!