The Janome Sewist 525S has earned its reputation as one of the most popular machines in the UK, thanks in part to its appearance on BBC 2’s The Great British Sewing Bee. While it might be tempting to think it’s a high-end model, the 525S is actually a mid-range, budget-friendly machine that performs well beyond its price tag.
It consistently gets 5-star ratings, positive customer feedback, and is often marked as an Amazon’s Choice. This review looks closely at what the Janome 525S has to offer and whether it delivers good value for money.
Let’s take a closer look.
Janome 525S Sewist Overview
Main Features
Here are some of the core features that come with the Janome 525S:
- 24 built-in stitches
- 1-step automatic buttonhole
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Built-in needle threader
- Jam-proof drop-in bobbin
- Drop feed for free-motion sewing
- Free arm for circular work
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
These features make it a solid, no-frills machine suited for general sewing, basic dressmaking, and home projects.
Ease Of Use
The 525S is a mechanical machine, which means there are no screens or menus to navigate, just straightforward dials. For beginners or intermediate users, this keeps things simple. Stitch selection is done with a turn of the dial: pick the corresponding letter and you’re ready to sew.
Because it’s not computerized, it’s easier to learn on and less likely to feel overwhelming to someone just starting out. That said, advanced sewists who want dozens of decorative stitches or digital features may find it a bit limiting.
Stitches and Buttonholes
The Janome 525S offers 24 built-in stitches, including utility, stretch, and decorative options. Sixteen of these are decorative, which is more than you’d expect in this price range. It also includes a 1-step automatic buttonhole, a feature often reserved for higher-end models.
With a maximum stitch width of 5 mm and length of 4 mm, it’s versatile enough for most everyday projects, whether you’re making garments, mending clothes, or doing light crafting.
Stitch Quality and Speed
The 525S delivers consistently clean and reliable stitches. With a maximum sewing speed of 820 stitches per minute, it’s quick enough for most users without feeling rushed. Beginners won’t feel outpaced, and more seasoned sewists will find the speed more than adequate for standard sewing tasks.
Speed is controlled via the foot pedal, and the machine responds smoothly. Even at higher speeds, it stays relatively quiet and stable – something many users appreciate.
In terms of fabric, the 525S handles denim, canvas, and even soft leather fairly well. It’s not built for heavy-duty work, so thick layers or tough materials might require extra patience, but it’s definitely capable of sewing through multiple layers with the right needle and thread.
Bobbin System and Needle Plate
One of the standout user-friendly features is the jam-proof drop-in bobbin. It makes setup easy and prevents some of the common frustrations like tangles or missed stitches. This kind of system is especially helpful for beginners who are still getting used to winding and inserting bobbins.
The transparent cover also lets you see how much thread you’ve got left, which is a nice bonus during longer projects.
Presser Foot
The presser feet on the 525S use a simple clip-on system, so swapping them out is quick. You can also adjust the foot pressure with a dial, and it includes an “extra up” lift, a small but helpful feature when working with thick seams or layered fabrics.
Needle Threader
The built-in needle threader is a convenient touch, though feedback on it is mixed. Some users find it a little fiddly, especially at first, while others prefer to thread by hand anyway. It’s not the most refined needle threader out there, but it does the job once you get the hang of it.
The Feed Dogs
The ability to drop the feed dogs means you can try out free-motion embroidery or darning. This gives the machine a bit more creative flexibility and is something not always found in machines at this price point.
Design
The overall design is clean and functional. While some parts are plastic, which is standard in this price range, the machine still feels sturdy and well-made. It’s clearly built to last for home use, and everything from the knobs to the bobbin system feels thoughtfully designed.
Portability
Weighing in at around 6.8 kg (about 15 lbs), the 525S is light enough to carry to classes or sewing meetups without much trouble. Despite being lightweight, it doesn’t shift or wobble much during use, which speaks to its balanced build.
Accessories
The 525S comes with a useful selection of accessories, including:
- Zipper foot
- Overedge foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Blind hem foot
- All-purpose foot
- Extra spool pin
- Large and small spool holders
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- 3 bobbins
- Assorted needles
It’s everything you need to get started, and the variety of feet means you can handle a good range of sewing tasks right out of the box.
A link for me the Janome 525S manual can be found here.
Janome The Brand
Janome is a Japanese brand known for reliable, long-lasting sewing machines. Their models are popular with sewists of all skill levels and generally have a reputation for quality construction and thoughtful design. The 525S fits right in with this legacy, well-built, dependable, and user-friendly. For more info on the Janome brand, read: Janome Sewing Machines; History, Questions and Everything you want to know.
Summary
The Janome Sewist 525S is a solid choice for beginners and intermediate sewists looking for a reliable, easy-to-use machine. It doesn’t try to do too much, and that’s part of its charm. With clean stitch quality, enough features to support growing skills, and a sturdy feel despite its size, it holds up well for everyday use. Whether you’re just starting out or want a reliable second machine, the 525S is worth considering.