2010-05-19
By Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA)
The Janome Magnolia 7330 is a "beginner's" sewing machine, according to some sewing forums, but my feeling is that it really is a workhorse that does most things an average sewist or quilter wants to do, and while it doesn't have all the features of a very expensive model, it delivers sturdy performance and enough bells and whistles to make it my new favorite "go-to" machine.
What it looks like:
The Magnolia line is an affordable line of machines including sergers. The 7330 is the top of this line and competes with the Decor models (such as the 2010) and the Threadbanger TB30. It is larger than the Gems (used for schools and portability) and smaller and less feature-rich than the Memory Craft and higher Decor models. What this all means is that if you are looking for a basic machine that does everyday tasks and quilting, this is a good machine at the right price point. What you will need to decide is how many extras you need based on your sewing tasks. The machine has smooth lines--a sewing table with rounded edges covers the free arm and contains an accessory box. The machine is a warm white, and the front has a couple of flowers as decoration in yellow and pink. I like more serious-looking designs and even the goth style of the Threadbanger, but the Magnolia had some features that made me choose it over the TB-30. The weight is about 15 pounds and can be carried with a built-in top handle. No case comes with the Magnolia; you can choose to add a hard case top, but you also might use a padded tote if you go to sewing classes or events.
Features:
The best feature, and the one that had me choose the 7330 over the DC2010 was the auto start-stop. This is a way to sew without the foot pedal. I had started sewing and was sewing until recently with a knee-lever. The coordination of foot up and down while moving fabric if you are quilting is not as easy as either a knee-lever or no pedal or lever at all. It's one less movement to coordinate. To use the hands free, you choose a top speed with a speed push bar on the front, and press START. The machine ramps up to your chosen speed and you can move fabric (for freestyle quilting) or just pay attention to the fabric as the feed dogs move the piece through. There is a needle up-needle down button; it has memory meaning you can press needle-down and every time you stop, the needle remembers its start position (up or down.) For quilting, again, this is fabulous. If you are stitching a design, you can simply stop, have the needle drop down and you can pivot on the stitch. You can handle this by hand on any machine, even a treadle, but you have to REMEMBER to drop the needle before pivoting, The needle memory and foot-free operation were what I really wanted most, along with good buttonhole variation, so this made the 7330 a top contender. There is also a needle threader; handy if you wear bifocals. There are 30 decorative and utility stitches (the DC2010 has 50, including heirloom stitches, fyi.) There are six buttonholes including standard dense, keyhole, stretch (for knits), hand-stitch look (like hand buttonhole stitch), laddered and rounded. The buttonhole uses a button sensor; plug a button into the back of the buttonhole foot, drop down the sensor lever and the hole will be the right size for your button. One feature on the Magnolia that was NOT on the TB30 Threadbanger (which is quite similar in all other respects) is a darning stitch that uses the buttonhole foot. While you can drop the feed dogs in both machines and darn freehand, this quick mending feature decided me against the nice decorative stitches and easier front panel of the Threadbanger. The machine will punch through 4 to 6 layers of tee shirt material (I tried this) but I am not sure how well this will do on layers of denim, even with a sturdier needle. Generally, machines such as the Magnolia cannot handle multiple layers of heavy canvas or denim but I have a "gut" Elna that can pound through nearly anything.
Negatives:
Few accessory feet come with the 7330. Only a satin stitch foot, regular presser foot, a zipper foot and a buttonhole foot. If you need a stitch-in-the-ditch guide foot, a hemmer, ruffler, walking foot or other fancy foot (piping or cording foot, pintuck) you have to pony up extra. The button sewing feature was a bit difficult to use compared to my Elna 1010. You push a button under the satin foot (has a space underneath), direct the needle to the left hole while using the zigzag stitch, adjust stitch width to the right to hit the right hole and then zig on slow for about 10 stitches. I found it almost impossible to position a small shirt button that had a more rounded rim than a standard flat shirt button. An open-toe foot may solve this. There are no fancy heirloom stitches beyond the useful blanket stitch and herringbone and a pretty leaf, star and scallop or two. No ladder stitch or eyelet or Parisian stitch. If you like heirloom sewing on linens, you have to move up to the DC2010 and give up the foot-free stitching, or go to the next level of machine with better feed system and--pay fifty percent more.
Summary:
For free quilting, home mending and standard home garment and decorative sewing, the Magnolia 7330 has a lot of bang for the buck. It is almost indistinguishable from the slightly more expensive TB30, and has features that are absent from the bottom of the Decor line 2010. For the price point, this is a great machine for average sewing and the foot-free features make this more efficient and easy to use.
Feature List:
30 Stitch Patterns
2 Digit LED Stitch Pattern Indicator
Auto-lock
Lock-A-Matic Stitch
Adjustable Stitch Width from 0 to 7 mm
Adjustable Stitch Length from 0 to 5 mm
Buttonhole System: One-step Sensor Type Automatic 6 Styles
External Feed Balancing Dial
SFS (Superior Feed System)
Box Feed System
Drop Feed System
Manual Thread Tension Control
Horizontal Thread Delivery
Lay-in Threading with Numbered Paths
2 Different Sized Thread Caps
Built-in Needle Threader
One Hand Thread Cutter
Snap-On Feet
Conveniently Located Reverse Button
Electronic Foot Control
Speed Control Lever
Failsafe Device: Electronic Beep
Jam Proof, Magnetic, Top Loading, Full Rotary Bobbin System
Auto Declutch Bobbin Winding
See Through Bobbin Cover with One Touch Release Button
Extra High Presser Foot Lift for Extra Clearance
15 Needle Positions
Free Arm Removable Accessory Tray
Needle Stop "Up"
Memorized Needle Up/Down Key
Retractable Carrying Handle
Machine Weight: 18.2 lbs (8.2 kg)
Front Position Halogen Lightbulb
DC Motor
Uni-directional Blanket Stitch
2010-03-22
By Rosie Matula (New Jersey)
Got this machine after reading several reviews on sewing machines just trying to pick one that I thought would be great for me. I've had brother and singer machines before but always had some problem develop fairly shortly after getting it. Such as tension problems, loud when sewing, inconsistent length of stitches when sewing. The machines are all manual so I decided to try a computerized machine. This machine is defintiely quieter, is easier to use with it's one button push to get the stitch you want, and the stitching so far is consistant and smooth in my simple mending projects. I'm giving this machine a 4 star only because I want to use it on a bigger project before giving it a perfect score.
2010-02-24
By Amanda J. (Santa Clara, CA USA)
I bought this machine after doing a lot of research and I'm so happy I did! I sewed in high school but now 10 years later, I wanted to get into quilting. At first I set my budget at $200 but quickly realized that machines in that price range were not dependable. I didn't want a machine that would be more trouble than it was worth. The features I wanted were needle down, adjustable speed, and start/stop button. This machine has all 3. If I had a bigger budget, I would love a knee-lift, adjustable foot pressure, and thread cutter, but that will have to be for my "some day" machine. If your budget is $300-400, this is the machine for you!
2010-02-19
By Darkenmoon (Chicago, IL)
I received this for Christmas and I love it. I would say my sewing skill is about intermediate. I wanted a machine that would be good for where I am currently, grow with me some, but also be affordable. After much research, this was the one I wanted. My mom surprised me with it. This was an upgrade from an old Singer Touch and Sew 600e. This machine won't ever be as sturdy as that baby, but it's a really nice replacement... and at any rate, I don't think any machine you'd buy these days would be that sturdy. However, this machine is AWESOME. The bobbin was easy to wind. It is easy to thread. It has memory of your needle position. This thing doesn't take fiddling and is extremely easy to work with. I like to make things like clothing, purses, little things like bags and eye pillows. I do a lot with my sewing machine and ask a lot. This machine really pulls through and does what I want without complaint or worry. I love all the marks on both sides of the food and needle to guide your fabric. It makes it SO easy. The fabric feeds very easily. One thing I found weird to get used to is that when you first press the peddle, the first few stitches go quite slow and then it will go up to speed. It's weird, but as I continue with it, I find it is also quite useful. I love this machine. I cannot stress enough how much I love it. It's fairly quiet. It's easy to set up. It's easy to use with a distinct lack of needing to fiddle with it. It's easy to select stitches and size of stitches. I really love this machine. I can't say that enough.
2010-02-17
By A. J. Van Hal (ND, USA)
I purchased the Janome 7330 Magnolia sewing machine a couple months ago based on customers' reviews...in particular, the first review here caught my attention...I'm an experienced sewer, and this is my third machine...I'm very happy with it...it's very easy to thread...after reading the instructions about the various settings/buttons, I found it easy to operate. The stitches are nice; I didn't have to adjust the tension or anything. It comes with basic attachments/accessories, and there are quite a few additional accessories that can be purchased separately like a ruffler, darning foot, etc.
