REASONS TO BUY
Top-load bobbin with printed instructions
Great needle threader
REASONS TO AVOID
Plastic bobbin winder with plastic clip
Subpar bobbin winding
Janome MOD-19 Review
This average sewing machine has a higher price tag, but it's good for those who like to take their time with things
A basic sewing machine for a moderate to larger budget.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Austin Palmer ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ June 12, 2023
Contributions From: Ruth Bruckbauer
RELATED: The Best Sewing Machines of 2025
Our Verdict
Janome has a favorable name and image in most sewing circles, but unfortunately, the Janome MOD-19 fell short of many of its siblings. The setup directions are molded onto the machine, which means they're handy but not very readable; the sewing test results were uninspiring; and the buttonholes, though somewhat easy to set up, were of poorer quality. Most of the directions are in the manual, so you'll spend some time going between the machine and the manual, but once you figure it out, it should be fine. An experienced sewer would be able to figure out and use this sewing machine without a problem, but it could be too overwhelming for a novice.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Janome sewing machines have been around a good number of years and have a loyal following among sewers. The Janome MOD-19 will have a loyal following, too, thanks to its above-average sewing results. However, some other things will leave many Janome brand lovers shaking their heads.
Performance Comparison
Dials help you choose which of the 19 different stitches to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sewing
Overall, the MOD-19 came out slightly above average for this metric. The tension was a little tight, causing a lot of bunching with chiffon, but satin, silk, and cotton jersey all looked pretty good. Some little bottom threads popped up here and there, but nothing that would cause big problems.
The stitching looked pretty good on the quilting test fabric.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Overall, the MOD-19 performed well with the zigzag stitch, although it experienced some bunching issues with chiffon (although most machines have some bunching problems with chiffon). Overall, the MOD-19 scored slightly better in our sewing tests than the other Janomes we tested, but lower in some other categories.
The different stitches are clearly defined and easy to adjust. Simply turn the dial to get the desired stitch.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Overall, the Janome MOD-19 did exceptionally well at threading the needle and very well with the thread cutter and lighting. The other areas were below average, with the needle stop position being far below average.
It's a little complicated getting this machine ready to sew, but once you understand the system, you'll be fine.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
As it turns out, the MOD-19 doesn't have a complicated list of stitches, but there is no clear explanation on the machine for what any of the numbers or symbols on the dials mean. That said, the instruction manual explains how to set the machine up and how to use the dials, so once you've done it a couple of times, you'll be fine. And the bobbin has clear directions on it for how to insert it into the bobbin holder once it's wound.
Loading the bobbins into the machine required some trial and error to get them even.
Buttonholes
This sewing machine was the only one we tested with a 4-step buttonhole process; the others all have a 1-step buttonhole. But all is not lost because the 4-step buttonhole is easier than average to set up and use. However, it can be tedious as you'll have to lay the button on the garment, mark the top and bottom, then add some length so the button can go through.
Clear results of the buttonholes on several different machines.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our testers recommend drawing your line on the back side of your garment — you'll likely need to practice a bit before you get the hang of doing it. It's not a terrible process, and it even works better than some of the 1-step buttonholes we tested. And as one of our testers noted, “It gets the job done.”
Choosing a buttonhole size before getting started.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Janome MOD-19?
Well, we tested other sewing machines that were easier to set up and use and also cheaper. We do not think that the MOD-19 would be a good beginner sewing machine, nor is it for everybody, especially those who always want the latest and greatest. But it may be a good fit for a veteran sewer who has the money and isn't afraid to take the time to figure things out.
The MOD-19 requires a little more finagling to get the settings right than many others we tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Other Sewing Machines Should You Consider?
If you are a Janome fan, both the Janome MOD-50 and the Janome 3160QDC-T performed better in our tests. You'll have to shell out a little more, but you'll likely be much happier in the long run. If you are open to other brands and would appreciate something a little more user-friendly, the Brother HC1850 is an excellent choice that costs less. If you're okay with paying a premium price, the Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist performed excellently in all our testing metrics.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Janome MOD-19 versus top competing products:
—Austin Palmer and Ruth Bruckbauer
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