Janome 11574 Heavy-duty Sewing Machine (Refurbished)

I ordered this product after reading the reviews and just had to add my input after receiving and using this machine. Ordered on Saturday (non-shipping day) and received on Wednesday. I was so anxious I tracked its every move and was basically waiting at the door when FedEx showed up. I immediately unboxed the machine and used the directions to thread and wind the bobbin all within a few minutes. The machine appears to be BRAND new. I checked to make sure all the accessories were included, which they were. I had read reviews that the zipper foot did not work. UNTRUE! It does work but you just have to make sure your needle is set to the CENTER straight stitch option. It has LEFT, CENTER and RIGHT side straight stitching which I really love. I think it is important to mention that I am a novice sewer, certainly new to Janome but I was sewing literally within 10-15 minutes of it arriving on my doorstep. I have only previously taught myself to sew a few months ago on my grandmother's old Singer, so old she had it in storage and was using a new machine but I wanted it. I had no trouble with the directions for this machine, I found them to fairly straight forward, totally different than my Gram's old machine but I got it done really quickly. I was looking for an 'industrial' machine but dont have the funds for one now but this one, like my old Singer, goes through denim like butter. I actually went through 8 layers of denim with a strap I made to go on a purse. I made two mini purses with zippers for gifts within two days of receiving the machine. The key is to use the proper needle. I know people say to go slow through heavy fabric but I found it better for me to go quickly back and forth through the denim. When I went slow, the needle had a harder time piercing the first layer of the 8 layers. Probably because I left the needle on that came on the machine and did not change to a denim needle. But keep in mind it does come with several needles, seam ripper, screw driver, and all sorts of stuff. I have learned a lot about sewing since purchasing this machine, like how straight a stitch can be. LOL Also I learned about being able to use two thread holders so you can wind a bobbin without having to unthread your machine. You can also use the twin needle on this machine for double-edging or fancy stitches. You would just have to purchase the twin needle separately really cheaply, I checked. Also, I learned how to use the self threader on this machine. Never saw that before this machine but I use it each time I change thread. Lastly, Janome is the maker of many Kenmore machines, so if you like Kenmores, you will like this machine a LOT! The price, although it seems to have gone up a bit size I ordered mine two weeks ago, can not be beat. Even the same model of Kenmore is pricier. I checked because I'm considering ordering another one of these awesome machines (will use my 10% coupon Overstock sent me once I ordered)!

I love this little machine! Knowing Janome quality, I felt comfortable ordering a factory refurbished model. But, I didn't expect the easy, fluid mechanical running of this little machine which I use mercilessly for heavy-duty piecing and quilting... daily! I've gotten a quilting foot for it and a 1/4" foot, and it handles both "lighter" and "more bulky" loads with equal ease.It also gets hauled around in my machine trolley from home to quilting sites where I take it out, set it up, and start sewing again.... Maybe I should expect it, but I'm always amazed at how beautifully, simply it performs. It has the range of stitches I need and a constellation of others I haven't even tried out as yet...I really love it and feel confident knowing its substantial nature...

Was very pleased with the machine did not at all look like a refurbished machine, A real work horse I have three other machines but this will always get my nod for heavy sewing,just finished doing new seats in my grandsons chevy nova, the Janome never missed a stitch.

This is the first product I've ordered from Overstock, and I have to say, first, that the service was excellent. It came in less than 48 hours - I ordered in the evening and received it two days later in the morning. The machine itself is fantastic. It's indistinguishable from brand new, except that the instruction manual is a photocopy, it runs like a dream, and I am thrilled with its sewing capabilities. The first thing I did was try every type of fabric combination, from silk chiffon to three layers of denim, and everything came out perfectly because of the fine adjustments that you can make. Also, the instructions are quite clear and very helpful. My "old" machine (only a few years old, a more expensive *****) had such incomprehensible directions for the button holing that I had to go back to the store for help. Definitely worth every penny. Thanks. Overstock!