Janome DC1050 is one of the best medium range and medium size sewing machines.

In case a big and old-fashioned industrial machine is an overkill for what you want to achieve with a sewing machine, and a portable one is simply not powerful enough for your day to day sewing needs, you need something like Janome DC1050.

Janome DC1050

Janome’s DC1050 is a powerful sewing machine with bigger number of built-in stitches when compared with Janome 7330 and other old models, and better features. Even with all its power and features, this machine is actually a very compact, easy to pack and easy to move machine.

Review of Janome DC1050

As is the case with all other previous reviews that I’ve been writing before, this one is also based on a three-fold framework. I’d discuss in detail the features; I’d mention the pros and cons and then I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

And the review is based on my personal testing, experts’ opinions and reviews given by the verified purchasers of this sewing machine.

Let’s take a look at the features first.

Features:

• 50 Built-in Stitches – Unlike 7330’s 30 built-in stitches, this one offers 50 built-in stitch styles. There is a big stitch selection card or panel on the front. You can choose the style from there and then use it.
• 3 One-step Buttonholes – Included in the 50 built-in stitch styles are 3 one-step buttonhole styles. One step means that unlike the difficult and time-taking buttonhole process that some old machines used to force on their users, with this one all you have to do is to have the buttonhole foot on, pick the style you want and make it on the fabric.
• 7-Piece Feed Dog – Just like 7330, this one also has a 7-piece feed dog. What are these 7 pieces? They look like pointy teeth and these pieces help you have proper control on the fabric to have seamless sewing. Unlike the 2 or 3-piece feed dogs, this type of feed dog is known for better grip – even on thick/layers of fabric.
• Locking Stitch Button – While this machine also allows you to reverse stitch, there is this locking stitch button that you can use to secure the seams. When you press the button, the end of the seam gets tied off and thus there remains no chance of that coming off.
• Memorized Needle Up/Down Positions – It’s one thing to be able to choose where you want the needle to stop when it goes up or down; it’s another thing to be able to make your machine memorize your favorite needle up and down positions. This machine allows you to do that.
• Auto-Declutch Bobbin Winder – So an auto-declutch bobbin winder is basically an advanced feature. When you’re winding the bobbin, the machine is not supposed to be moving the needle up and down. This is what auto-declutch bobbin winder feature achieves; it automatically stops the needle while the bobbin is being wound.
• Reverse Button – Your machine comes with an easy reverse stitching button. Just press the button and go from straight stitching to reverse stitching. This feature is used to strengthen the seams. Also, in case you want to end a stitching pattern before it ends, you can press this button and the pattern would stop then and there.
• Free Arm – Remove the accessories box next to the needle plate and turn this machine into a free arm sewing machine. What is a free arm sewing machine? Well, you get more space and freedom to control the fabric and you can easily sew the corners of cuffs and collars etc.
• Extra High Presser Foot – Just like the 7330 machine, this one also has an adjustable height presser foot. The foot would go up and down as per the normal settings, but pushing the lever can lift it higher than normal, giving you enough space to accommodate a thick fabric or more layers.
• LCD Screen with Quick Navigation Buttons – This machine comes with a big and semi-backlit LCD screen. Why do I call this a semi-backlit LCD screen? It is because the numbers are sort of backlit so you can easily see them. Also, when compared with 7330, this one has more buttons which means you can make more selections from the LCD panel.
• Stitch Length 5mm Max & Width 7mm Max – Just like the 7730, this one also has adjustable stitch length and width. The maximum length is 5mm while the maximum width is 7mm.
• Manual Tension Adjustment – Just like 7730 and other Janome machines of the same category, this one also has manual thread tension adjustment feature. As compared with auto adjustment, in case of manual one you can have a more precise setting.
• One-Hand Needle Threader – The built-in needle threader is not automatic; it is manual, but when compared with manual threading that seamstresses had to do in old days, this one hand swift threading is way quicker and simpler.
• Snap-on Presser Feet – All the presser feet that come with this machine/are compatible with it, are snap-on. This means that you can slid them on easily and you’re good to use them.
• Speed Control – The kind of speed control slider that you notice in case of 7730and other similar Janome machines, comes with this one too. You can adjust the speed anywhere from minimum to maximum.
• Accessories – There are many much-needed accessories that you get with this machine. So, this is kinda plug n’ play thing. You do not have to buy anything separately to use the machine. The accessories include, soft cover, assorted needles, bobbins, feet including buttonhole foot, felt, foot control, screw driver, seam ripper, spool pin and spool stand etc.

Pros

• 50 Built-in Stitches
• Free Arm
• Lock Stitching Button
• Adjustable Height of Foot

Cons

• Not Good for Multiple Layers of Fabric
• LCD Could be Bigger and Fully Backlit

FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about this machine and answers to those questions.

Would this machine work only with Janome needles?

No. You can get the same size needles from any other company and those too will work with your Janome 1050. Although, because of the quality concerns, it is better if you use Janome ones or at least Schmetz needles.

Does it come with different feet like rolled hem foot?

It comes with a wide variety of feet and all of them are mentioned on the product description. However, rolled hem foot is not included among them. You can buy the rolled hem foot separately from Janome and it would definitely work with this machine.

Does this machine work with 220v?

No. This machine is made for American households so the exact voltage is 110v. You can use it anywhere in the world where voltage is 110.

How long is the arm on Janome 1050?

It is a bit tricky. The dimensions of free arm are 7.5” (from base of machine) and 4” from needle.

How much does it weigh?

This machine’s dimensions are 19” x 11” x 14” and the item weight is 10.4lbs.

Can I use its snap-on feet on other Janome machines too?

Yes. The snap-on feet of this machine can be perfectly used on any similar Janome machine.