Join Jan as she walks you through sewing on the amazing Janome Skyline S5! Interested in buying The Skyline? Click here to learn more: www.sewitonlin...
I just bought one and I am having fun with home decor fabric. I've been sewing garments for decades, and recently started dabbling with quilts on small machines, but I wanted to step it up. Thanks to another one of your videos I decided on the Skyline S5. I didn't need to be extravagant and get a machine that was too much money and too much machine for what I wanted to do. This machine is perfect for me.
I bought this machine several years ago and LOVE it. I expect a lot out of my sewing machine and this one totally delivers. Very easy to use, and I've never had trouble with it. The stitches are always perfect. Thanks for doing the review - you give quite a bit of information. (I had forgotten what the circle button was for so thanks for the reminder.)
I loved your review! I have a Janome Skyline S5 and also recommend it! It’s so powerful with wonderful features. Thanks for sharing your experiences with many layers of fabrics and also leather. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I just happened to find your video when looking for a video on my machine and I am so thrilled I did! I purchased my machine around the same time you posted this video. I am having a problem with my bobbin and I'm sure it is because I am not using a Janome bobbin. By watching your video, I have learned so much. During the holidays, I have made so many bags out of vinyl and love the way it sews. It is by far my favorite machine in the last 30+ years since I've purchased my first one. I was thinking about purchasing a heavy duty industrial, but so far, I have not had the need for it. Thank you for the video! :D
I’m a new subscriber and am really enjoying your videos. You explain things very well and I wish I lived closer to your shop, in order to benefit from your knowledge. We here in BC, Canada, now have a very real lack of fabric/sewing machine stores to visit. I really miss the days when there were 3 great fabric stores on one street corner, in my hometown. This machine looks amazing and even though this is an older video, this machine looks like the perfect machine for me. I currently have an older Kenmore sewing machine and serger (both made by Janome) but would gladly trade those both in for one of these. Please keep making your videos. They are very informative and great to watch. Happy New Year.
I bought the Skyline5 three years ago. I find the auto scissor feature causing bunching of threads at beginning of stitching. Always need to take a scrap fabric to sew a few stitching then continue to sew onto the actual sewing.
Wong Mimi Yep, I’m just figuring this out now. Mine is about 2 years old. But what I find funny is that this lady is sewing on that dark fabric and there is no bunching of threads so now I’m confused. I belong to a Janome online group and everyone says the same, it leaves a nest of thread at the beginning of each seam and to use a leader to avoid this or to hold your threads back to avoid bunching. I bought this machine for the thread cutter and now I can’t use it, it seems. Maddening. I made a mask today and just cut my thread myself and held the threads behind the foot and my mask was beautiful, but couldn’t use the thread cutter. :(
I appreciate the review. I have a huge Janome 9400, which I LOVE. However, I need a machine that is more portable to take to classes and retreats. I wanted the thread cutter, lift button for the presser foot, knee lift, etc that I’m used to using at home. This one fits the bill!
My 25 yo pfaff top of the line computerized sewing machine just died. Ran out and got a new S5. Will let you know how it performs! PS. Thanks for the very informative video!
Suzy T well, I do have to hold the threads when starting a seam. After using the cutter, and starting up a new seam, the thread bunches up leaving a nest of threads. So maddening. People have said to use a leader (a pce of fabric) or to pull on the threads, well with a thread cutter, you don’t see your bottom thread so you can’t hold it. Have youhad that problem yet?
Hi ~ I was just reading the comments and saw yours. I have this machine for almost a year now and I cannot tell you how much I love it. I have sewn lots of bags with vinyl and cork and absolutely love how the Skyline S5 handles these materials. It is so worth the money. I purchased a floor model to save money.
For some reason she seems to think she has to be talking all the time, and often the actual words don't make sense. She talks in hyperbole. Everything is the most important thing. Somehow, despite all this, she gets her point across.
Love your videos and watch them religiously. In one of your S five demonstrations you mention the Sassy Cow stitch. Which stitch is that on the Janome S5? Would love to try it!
Could you please tell me if the Janome Skyline range of machines have all of the features you explained were the most important when choosing a sewing machine to purchase. EG solid state electronics, automatic foot pressure, tri-motion. Thank you for your informative videos.
If they get rid of foot controls I guess I won't be buying any new sewing machines if that happens. I want my hands free to control fabric my foot does a perfect job of controlling my machine.
Agreed!! I don't get the love of hand controls. Half the time I have my hands all over my project, and taking one away destabilizes things. I'd rather have MORE controls in the foot pedal, as Juki machines have.
I just bought this machine your video was informative i have already had some problems trying to figure out, when i put the reverse sewing it picks the fabric and puckers it under the needle any suggestions?
Full metal bobbin but what about the gears? I assuming plastic gears and there are a lot of refurbished machines on Ebay and some that imply they may be refurbished and they're not cheap and these are newer machines.
Great video. I'm in the market for a sewing machinery. I have finally narrowed it down to this make & model. I'm curious if the Skyline 5 has the double needle function?
Hi there. I inherited an S5 a while back and just watched your video. Very informative! Learned some good things! You mentioned, in this video, a serpentine stitch for sewing on bindings? Can you give me the mode and stitch number for this? I would like to try it. Again, thank you very much from cold and snowy northern Michigan!
I purchased the janome 4120qdc with the upgrade option within 30 days. I think the S5 looks better. Is it worth another $700? I would appreciate your input. I am a fairly advanced sewer, downsized from an aging embroidery machine. Thank you. Love your instructional videos.
Dale Darnell I started with a 4120qdc and loved it. Then had the opportunity to upgrade to s5. I sew clothes and quilts. I sew in thin fabrics, as well as thick heavy fabrics. Both machines handles the fabrics beautyfully. The bigest difference between the machines are: The s5 has automatic tension of the needlethread, it works very well. I use the kneelift for the presserfoot all the time. The quarter inch seam is perfect on the s5, a perfect scant seam allowance when you choose the quilt setting. To clean under the needleplate, you only press a button to remove or change the needleplate. The lighting of the sewingarea is better on the s5. I love my s5 and can not be without it. The accuracy when I quilt and the kneelifter is addicting. But, I really loved the 4120 too. So many functions and so much strength in such a compact machine, and the sewingtable, so well worth the price. I had the luck to stumble upon a used 4120 on craigs list recently, and I bought it for ”almost nothing”. The seller had problems with it and had bought another machine. I took the machine to service, the serviceman said the machine was a find! It only needed proper cleaning.
I have both and the qdc is more a machine to carry to the quilt shop to piece on or to a retreat. It’s a excellent machine no doubt but it’s small and easy to carry to classes. The QDC also has never given me any problems and I’ve had it many years.
I am impressed with your video on this machine. For many years I had the Memory Craft 6000. It was a workhorse for me. I have a question. For price consideration is there any difference in the S3 and S5 as far as the ability to sew heavier fabrics? I have a project coming that I will be sewing a soft faux leather but possibly several layers if they decide to have piping. I do not need all the stitches on the s5 and I do not think the difference in the stitch width will be a problem either. Are they basically the same machine? I guess the s5 has a special feed dog something. Is this on the s3. There are so many choices in machines but I do want a heavy duty machine, not a pack around to quilt classes. I loved the one I had until it froze up one day. I had replaced it with a Bernina that I was not happy with. I did have it repaired but gave it to my ex-daughter-in-law. Now trying to find a replacement that I will be happy with at a reasonable price. Thanks for any help you may have.
The only basic differences I see is the s5 has the knee lift capability that the s3 doesn’t and the s5 I think has more stitches. The s3 can sew just as well as the s5. There are just a few more bells and whistles in s5 but as far as straight sewing no difference.
I’ll have to go look but I think both the s3 and s5 have the same feed dog system. The s5 used to be like 1500 dollars but now I’m seeing new ones for around 999.00 on the Amazon I think so there’s just a few hundred dollars between them. I want the s9 but I rarely see them anywhere.
I agree there's too much plastic junk on the shelves these days. The most horrible overpriced plastic piece of junk I've ever tested is the Juki HZL-G220. This Janome looks alright, I've already ordered it.
I’ve had it several years and if it was a singer it would already be skipping stitches etc. back twenty or thirty years ago I had the Athena by singer and singers first electronic and it was a real workhorse but Singer isn’t what it once was so I have two top of the line singers and they don’t compare anymore so my go to for reliability, and that stands up to quilting is Janome and Juki. I’m sure Bernina is top notch but I can get the same thing in Janome for less. My go to for long arms is Juki but for normal sewing My Janome skyline doesn’t miss a beat even after years of use.
I don’t know what’s going on but I’m trying to put my walking foot on, and I have to admit, I have many machines. I have 2 Janomes and my last one is the S5 like this one used for demo. I cannot for the life of me put on my walking foot and use it. Somehow it’s too high, as if I need one for a longer shank. I know I’ve used it before on this machine but for whatever reason, it fits nicely on my old Janome but sits too high on this one. Even if I put my foot down, it doesn’t lay flat on my fabric. Any ideas anyone. I’ve looked all over so I don’t remember using a different walking foot that the 2 I have right now. I’m stumped.
i am in the market to purchase a machine. I have looked at: Babylock Lyric, Janome S5, Viking Opal 690Q and a Juki that is in the same price range. Does anyone have any feedback on how these models compare to eachother? The monitors on the Janome and Babylock seem so easy and logical at first sight to use - including the Juki.
loraine otte I see some women using a Juki on tutorials and they sew so fast. It seems like a very good machine. I think most machines from any company are all decent nowadays. I have the Janome (can’t recall what size) but it’s been very good and a few years ago, bought the Skyline 5 and I love it. I’d love to have the S7 that does embroidery, but I can’t justify buying it, cuz I probably wouldn’t use it as often as I should. Which kind did you end up buying?
I have the Juki DX7 and I just love it. I would highly recommend it. I have never owned a Janome. Maybe it's better, but I don't know. All I know is I wouldn't trade my Juki for anything. I once owned a Singer which was a piece of crap. I also have a Bernina, which is a great machine but doesn't have all the bells and whistles. My Juki DX7 has it all. I've had it for three years now and haven't had any problems with it.
I just bought one and I am having fun with home decor fabric. I've been sewing garments for decades, and recently started dabbling with quilts on small machines, but I wanted to step it up. Thanks to another one of your videos I decided on the Skyline S5. I didn't need to be extravagant and get a machine that was too much money and too much machine for what I wanted to do. This machine is perfect for me.
I bought this machine several years ago and LOVE it. I expect a lot out of my sewing machine and this one totally delivers. Very easy to use, and I've never had trouble with it. The stitches are always perfect. Thanks for doing the review - you give quite a bit of information. (I had forgotten what the circle button was for so thanks for the reminder.)
The straight stitch plate is amazing!!!! Now I know! I want this machine!
I loved your review! I have a Janome Skyline S5 and also recommend it! It’s so powerful with wonderful features. Thanks for sharing your experiences with many layers of fabrics and also leather. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I just happened to find your video when looking for a video on my machine and I am so thrilled I did! I purchased my machine around the same time you posted this video. I am having a problem with my bobbin and I'm sure it is because I am not using a Janome bobbin. By watching your video, I have learned so much. During the holidays, I have made so many bags out of vinyl and love the way it sews. It is by far my favorite machine in the last 30+ years since I've purchased my first one. I was thinking about purchasing a heavy duty industrial, but so far, I have not had the need for it. Thank you for the video! :D
This is so good to hear! I just bought this machine. Do you have a case? If so, which one?
I love this machine. Thank you for a good lesson on the machine. You sew like me, everything.
Thank you so much for the review, mine arrives tomorrow, my husband may not see me for a few days!
I’m a new subscriber and am really enjoying your videos. You explain things very well and I wish I lived closer to your shop, in order to benefit from your knowledge. We here in BC, Canada, now have a very real lack of fabric/sewing machine stores to visit. I really miss the days when there were 3 great fabric stores on one street corner, in my hometown. This machine looks amazing and even though this is an older video, this machine looks like the perfect machine for me. I currently have an older Kenmore sewing machine and serger (both made by Janome) but would gladly trade those both in for one of these. Please keep making your videos. They are very informative and great to watch. Happy New Year.
I bought the Skyline5 three years ago. I find the auto scissor feature causing bunching of threads at beginning of stitching. Always need to take a scrap fabric to sew a few stitching then continue to sew onto the actual sewing.
Wong Mimi Yep, I’m just figuring this out now. Mine is about 2 years old. But what I find funny is that this lady is sewing on that dark fabric and there is no bunching of threads so now I’m confused. I belong to a Janome online group and everyone says the same, it leaves a nest of thread at the beginning of each seam and to use a leader to avoid this or to hold your threads back to avoid bunching. I bought this machine for the thread cutter and now I can’t use it, it seems. Maddening. I made a mask today and just cut my thread myself and held the threads behind the foot and my mask was beautiful, but couldn’t use the thread cutter. :(
I appreciate the review. I have a huge Janome 9400, which I LOVE. However, I need a machine that is more portable to take to classes and retreats. I wanted the thread cutter, lift button for the presser foot, knee lift, etc that I’m used to using at home. This one fits the bill!
Thanks for this great video! Trying to figure out which Janome sewing machine to buy.
My 25 yo pfaff top of the line computerized sewing machine just died. Ran out and got a new S5. Will let you know how it performs!
PS. Thanks for the very informative video!
I went to your website and ordered this machine , I hope it comes with free online tutorials.
carcomer 1 not that I know of. I got a free lesson from the dealer but that’s it. No other free lessons.
Hee! Hee! No longer are you holding the threads for dear life hoping they don't jam. 😍 Love your sense of humor.
Suzy T well, I do have to hold the threads when starting a seam. After using the cutter, and starting up a new seam, the thread bunches up leaving a nest of threads. So maddening. People have said to use a leader (a pce of fabric) or to pull on the threads, well with a thread cutter, you don’t see your bottom thread so you can’t hold it. Have youhad that problem yet?
Sue Bean I know.
Great advice and demonstration! Thank you so much!
Great advice and demonstration! Thank you so much❤️
How does Skyline S5 compare to MC6650 featurewise and qualitywise? Which one is better?
Excellent review. Thanks so much!
Thank you... I’m looking for buy a new machine, and I’m between Husqvarna Opal and skyline S5 😄😁
Hi ~ I was just reading the comments and saw yours. I have this machine for almost a year now and I cannot tell you how much I love it. I have sewn lots of bags with vinyl and cork and absolutely love how the Skyline S5 handles these materials. It is so worth the money. I purchased a floor model to save money.
Thank you for you comment. I got the S5 last month. I’m in love with it😊.
You're a good teacher
For some reason she seems to think she has to be talking all the time, and often the actual words don't make sense. She talks in hyperbole. Everything is the most important thing. Somehow, despite all this, she gets her point across.
Love your videos and watch them religiously. In one of your S five demonstrations you mention the Sassy Cow stitch. Which stitch is that on the Janome S5? Would love to try it!
I loved your video. I will be purchasing a new Janome S5 soon. My question is - are your lessons A to Z on line. I would love to learn more.
Very nice and informative review.
Could you please tell me if the Janome Skyline range of machines have all of the features you explained were the most important when choosing a sewing machine to purchase. EG solid state electronics, automatic foot pressure, tri-motion.
Thank you for your informative videos.
If they get rid of foot controls I guess I won't be buying any new sewing machines if that happens. I want my hands free to control fabric my foot does a perfect job of controlling my machine.
Agreed!! I don't get the love of hand controls. Half the time I have my hands all over my project, and taking one away destabilizes things. I'd rather have MORE controls in the foot pedal, as Juki machines have.
I love mine!
I just bought this machine your video was informative i have already had some problems trying to figure out, when i put the reverse sewing it picks the fabric and puckers it under the needle any suggestions?
I bought the skyline s5 on Saturday, December 2, 2023. I like to know how to set the stitch length?
Full metal bobbin but what about the gears? I assuming plastic gears and there are a lot of refurbished machines on Ebay and some that imply they may be refurbished and they're not cheap and these are newer machines.
Great video. I'm in the market for a sewing machinery. I have finally narrowed it down to this make & model. I'm curious if the Skyline 5 has the double needle function?
Hi there. I inherited an S5 a while back and just watched your video. Very informative! Learned some good things! You mentioned, in this video, a serpentine stitch for sewing on bindings? Can you give me the mode and stitch number for this? I would like to try it. Again, thank you very much from cold and snowy northern Michigan!
I purchased the janome 4120qdc with the upgrade option within 30 days. I think the S5 looks better. Is it worth another $700? I would appreciate your input. I am a fairly advanced sewer, downsized from an aging embroidery machine. Thank you. Love your instructional videos.
Dale Darnell I started with a 4120qdc and loved it. Then had the opportunity to upgrade to s5. I sew clothes and quilts. I sew in thin fabrics, as well as thick heavy fabrics. Both machines handles the fabrics beautyfully. The bigest difference between the machines are: The s5 has automatic tension of the needlethread, it works very well. I use the kneelift for the presserfoot all the time. The quarter inch seam is perfect on the s5, a perfect scant seam allowance when you choose the quilt setting. To clean under the needleplate, you only press a button to remove or change the needleplate. The lighting of the sewingarea is better on the s5. I love my s5 and can not be without it. The accuracy when I quilt and the kneelifter is addicting. But, I really loved the 4120 too. So many functions and so much strength in such a compact machine, and the sewingtable, so well worth the price. I had the luck to stumble upon a used 4120 on craigs list recently, and I bought it for ”almost nothing”. The seller had problems with it and had bought another machine. I took the machine to service, the serviceman said the machine was a find! It only needed proper cleaning.
So now I have a 4120 again! I am so happy to have both the machines now, almost unbelievable.
Thank you for your input. I did go ahead and upgrade to the S5. Love it and so glad I did.
I have both and the qdc is more a machine to carry to the quilt shop to piece on or to a retreat. It’s a excellent machine no doubt but it’s small and easy to carry to classes. The QDC also has never given me any problems and I’ve had it many years.
You mention classes? Are they online?
Can you do different stitches with the monogramming on the S6 ??
I am impressed with your video on this machine. For many years I had the Memory Craft 6000. It was a workhorse for me. I have a question. For price consideration is there any difference in the S3 and S5 as far as the ability to sew heavier fabrics? I have a project coming that I will be sewing a soft faux leather but possibly several layers if they decide to have piping. I do not need all the stitches on the s5 and I do not think the difference in the stitch width will be a problem either. Are they basically the same machine? I guess the s5 has a special feed dog something. Is this on the s3. There are so many choices in machines but I do want a heavy duty machine, not a pack around to quilt classes. I loved the one I had until it froze up one day. I had replaced it with a Bernina that I was not happy with. I did have it repaired but gave it to my ex-daughter-in-law. Now trying to find a replacement that I will be happy with at a reasonable price. Thanks for any help you may have.
The only basic differences I see is the s5 has the knee lift capability that the s3 doesn’t and the s5 I think has more stitches. The s3 can sew just as well as the s5. There are just a few more bells and whistles in s5 but as far as straight sewing no difference.
I’ll have to go look but I think both the s3 and s5 have the same feed dog system. The s5 used to be like 1500 dollars but now I’m seeing new ones for around 999.00 on the Amazon I think so there’s just a few hundred dollars between them. I want the s9 but I rarely see them anywhere.
How to set the stitch length on the skyline s5
I agree there's too much plastic junk on the shelves these days. The most horrible overpriced plastic piece of junk I've ever tested is the Juki HZL-G220.
This Janome looks alright, I've already ordered it.
Is there an extension that comes with the S5?
I’ve had it several years and if it was a singer it would already be skipping stitches etc. back twenty or thirty years ago I had the Athena by singer and singers first electronic and it was a real workhorse but Singer isn’t what it once was so I have two top of the line singers and they don’t compare anymore so my go to for reliability, and that stands up to quilting is Janome and Juki. I’m sure Bernina is top notch but I can get the same thing in Janome for less. My go to for long arms is Juki but for normal sewing My Janome skyline doesn’t miss a beat even after years of use.
buona sera vorrei sapere se il gancio d'incastro della JANOME SKYLINE S5 è da sei millimetri GRAZIE
I bought an s3 is that one as good but with less features? I just have trouble sewing stretchy fabric.
My J S5 Skyline ‘a needle goes up and down fast while I load the bobbin
How do you take your classes in Canada?
LOVE IT!
what about the s3 for those who who don't need the more? most of the spec are similar.
J. J. If you like the knee lift for example, the s3 do not have the knee lift for the presserfoot.
I don’t know what’s going on but I’m trying to put my walking foot on, and I have to admit, I have many machines. I have 2 Janomes and my last one is the S5 like this one used for demo. I cannot for the life of me put on my walking foot and use it. Somehow it’s too high, as if I need one for a longer shank. I know I’ve used it before on this machine but for whatever reason, it fits nicely on my old Janome but sits too high on this one. Even if I put my foot down, it doesn’t lay flat on my fabric. Any ideas anyone. I’ve looked all over so I don’t remember using a different walking foot that the 2 I have right now. I’m stumped.
Sue Bean The s5 is a high shank machine. So you need a high shank walkingfoot.
I returned it. The motor is too weak - only 50 Watts is ridiculous.
i am in the market to purchase a machine. I have looked at: Babylock Lyric, Janome S5, Viking Opal 690Q and a Juki that is in the same price range. Does anyone have any feedback on how these models compare to eachother? The monitors on the Janome and Babylock seem so easy and logical at first sight to use - including the Juki.
Which one have you bought?
loraine otte I see some women using a Juki on tutorials and they sew so fast. It seems like a very good machine. I think most machines from any company are all decent nowadays. I have the Janome (can’t recall what size) but it’s been very good and a few years ago, bought the Skyline 5 and I love it. I’d love to have the S7 that does embroidery, but I can’t justify buying it, cuz I probably wouldn’t use it as often as I should. Which kind did you end up buying?
That’s an excellent question. I hope that some more people will give you answers on the sewing machines they chose and why.
I have the Juki DX7 and I just love it. I would highly recommend it. I have never owned a Janome. Maybe it's better, but I don't know. All I know is I wouldn't trade my Juki for anything. I once owned a Singer which was a piece of crap. I also have a Bernina, which is a great machine but doesn't have all the bells and whistles. My Juki DX7 has it all. I've had it for three years now and haven't had any problems with it.
I wish I could hear what you r saying....
But I DO cut a tomato with a butcher knife...
You can't tell the machine anything because it can't hear you.
I am not creating a channel . I don’t even know what you are talking about, yet alone what you are doing. 3/ 5/ 2021.