Janome L-108 (Limited Edition L108) Sewing Machine Review
Nope, this is not a vintage machine, but as far as new machines go, I rather like this one. Janome must like it too. They released a "new" version of this machine called the ThreadBanger TB12 . It retails for $300. I'm sure that part of what you are paying for is the gothic graphics, but the machine is better than average as far as simple basic, new machines go.
First of all, it's sturdy. Most of the exterior of the machine is cast aluminum. This gives the machine a sturdy solid, but lightweight feel to it. The selection of stitches includes all of the necessary utility stitches, a decent 4-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length & width, low shank, snap-on feet and a simple straightforward user interface a storage compartment and a free-arm. What's not to like??
Limited Edition L-108 * ThreadBanger TB12
Stitch package comparison
More on the plus side: The covers are VERY easy to remove. The L-108 comes with oiling and maintenance instructions right in the manual! Woo-hoo! That means a lot fewer trips to the sewing machine tech, and more money for fabric! Some people get their knickers in a knot when they see oiling instructions. They think that it will be difficult and time consuming to do. Well, on some new models, it can be a real pain to just get at things, but not so with the L-108. It can easily be cleaned and oiled in less than 15 minutes even by a sewing machine novice.
The machine was easy to thread and stitched through some heavy denim without a hiccup. It was easy to thread, the stitches looked quite nice and the tension worked perfectly.
I got this machine because the owner wanted someone to fix it and send it on to a new home. She used it for a few alterations, and was going overseas. She couldn't see tossing it out, and I was the only buyer to step forward. What was broken? Somehow, she had managed to unscrew the bobbin wider stop so much that the nut on the inside that holds it in place fell off. So the bobbin wider stop was off of the machine, and the little nut was inside the machine, rattling around. Other than that, this machine was in great shape. I opened it up, fixed the bobbin winder stop, cleaned, oil, lubed and tested this machine. It's in super condition!
Here are the statistics this machine:
- Weight - approx. 17 pounds
- Aluminum body
- Free arm with storage compartment
- Fold down carrying handle
- 11 built-institches, including some stretch stitches
- 4-step buttonhole (the Janome site lists in one spot that the TB-12 has a 1-step, but it doesn't)
- snap-on feet (can low shank screw-on feet as well)
- Adjustable stitch length, width and reverse
- Class 15 bobbins (metal or plastic)
- Standard, home sewing machine needles (15x1, 130/70H, etc..)
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Feed dogs drop
I found the old model of this machine in a thrift store for $60.00
Should I get it? I sew everyday and need something reliable!
If you have tested the machine and are comfortable that it is in proper order, $60 doesn't seem outrageous for a machine that works ok, at least not to me. Bottom line, it's your money, your machine and your call.
I just bought one, works great. Didn't had manual, but I found it on your web. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much. I have downloaded the Manual. I had to take the bottom off the machine because while I was cleaning and oiling I dropped the feed dogs and could not get them to come back up into the proper position. I figured out how to fix it but if I drop them again I will have to remove the bottom of the machine to get them to come back up. This doesn't seem right, I'm the origional owner of this machine and have never had this problem although I can't remember ever dropping them before. I'm going to fiddle with it some more but it's strange, have you had any problems with this?
When you want the dogs to pop back up, move the lever as instructed in the manual and then TURN THE HAND WHEEL BY HAND for a couple of cycles. The dogs should just pop back up. If it doesn't, then wither something is binding, misaligned or broken.
Glad to have found your site! After much searching for a manual for the Janome L108 I found your free download. Thank you for posting this for users of this machine. I am passing on this machine that was my daughters' (she has no more interest in sewing)to a little neighbor girl who has discovered the wonderful world of sewing and quilting. I could not find the manual and did not want to give it to her without one.
Thanks for your review! I've had my L-108 for several years and love it. I just took my first quilting class and am trying to find out if there's a walking foot made for this model. I haven't been able to find one yet. Do you know if one exists? Thanks!
I have a walking foot in stock that will fit the L-108. It's Sew-Classic part number SCF001 and sells for $11.95. As you can see from the photo is has an all metal foot and mount. Just the cover is plastic.
(click on image)
Is this attachment the same as a Plaid Matcher?
Plaid matcher = even feed foot = walking foot. Same device, different names.
Thanks so much for the fast reply!!
Thanks for letting me know. I found a Janome dealer in town and they had one in stock! Thanks again for a great site.
Hi I was curious if you know how this machine free motion quilts? Well I bought one for the size of the throat space which is wonderful. But my free motion quilting isnt all that it can be. I dont know what I'm doing wrong. If you have any tips that would be great.
Hi-- what is the throat space on the machine? I've searched everywhere and cannot find it. Also, do you know if the machine has the needle up/down feature? Thank you!!
Didn't measure the throat space, but it is a full size machine. No- there is no needle up/down feature, but a simple turn of the hand wheel will put the needle exactly where you want it.
Nice review on sewing machine. Thank you.
I have the L-108 and sew very little and really don't know much about sewing. I retried my bobbin and inserted back into the bobbin case as shown in the manual. However my stitches are loose on the bottom of the fabric. I have redone everything several times and dismantled the hook race and reassemble. I have tried higher tension on the thread and re threaded the needle and still can't get the stitch so it is not loose and bunchy on the bottom of my fabric. The manual is very vague, do you have any suggestions? Would appreciate any.
Thanks
Sharon
Sharon,
Try this:
Hi,
Today my bulb flickered on and off and now it's dead. Does this make the machine not function? I assumed I could set up a lamp and still sew without a working bulb. Do you know what's going on with it? Do I just have to replace the bulb or is there something worse happening?
Thanks,
Cheryl
THANK YOU for posting this manual. You just saved my life!!! Could not figure out the weird little blind hem foot attachment and cannot find my manual anywhere.
Thank you for the manual! I inherited this machine after my grandmother passed away but had no manual and had no idea how to thread it!
hi there. i have this New Home Janome model 108 and it seems that all of the sudden my zig zag stitch is reversed!
the zig zag is on the bottom of my material rather than on top where it should be. i have heard this is due to the tension needing to be adjusted, but can't seem to figure out how to do this.
help!
I have the L-108 and would like to get a ruffler foot...what do you rcommend???
Do you sell Janome Limited edition 108 power cord/foot control?
I need to purchase one.
I can order them: http://www.shop.sew-classic.com/Foot-Control-with-H003825-cord-SO-SCE33770217.htm