The Janome DC1050 sewing machine is new for 2011 and while it doesn't have the flash and glamour of some of the manufacturer's machines, it does offer a great amount of functionality at a very affordable price. The list of features and the built in stitches are more than adequate for many home sewers.
Janome DC1050 StitchesThe collection of 50 built in stitches has a little bit of everything. There are plenty of utility and basic construction stitches - straight, zigzag, blind hem, overcasting, and stretch stitches - and three styles of one step buttonholes.
You'll be able to personalize hems or blankets with your choice of satin and appliqu stitches. Finally, you'll find the most popular heirloom stitches.
Heirloom stitches are modeled after traditional French hand sewing techniques. These are the types of stitches often used for working with lace, wedding gowns, bridal veils, and christening outfits.
Janome DC1050 Presser FeetThe Janome DC1050 comes with four SLIDE ON presser feet. Most Janome models come with "snap-on" presser feet so this is a bit different.
This means that low-shank presser feet you may have from another Janome model are probably going to be compatible with the DC1050 but the way in which they connect to the machine is slightly different. On the DC1050, you slide the pin of the presser foot into the front of the presser foot holder instead of the snap on style where you attach the presser foot from underneath the presser foot holder. In either case, it's still extremely easy to swap out presser feet on the DC1050.
The following four presser feet come in the box when you buy the DC1050:
- Zigzag
- Satin Stitch
- Zipper
- Automatic Buttonhole Foot
FunctionalityThis sewing machine will fit many a wallet and it does so without shortchanging the buyer on features. There's an automatic needle threader, a jam proof bobbin system, an auto declutch winding bobbin winding setup, start/stop button, needle up/down button, built in autolock feature, speed control, and a reverse lever.
The superior feed system and seven point feed dog allow the user to have the ultimate fabric control and the machine will handle a wide variety of specialty fabrics.
There's also a drop feed mechanism, DC motor, one hand thread cutter, variable needle position and it sews at a speed of 820 stitches per minute.
Instead of using the foot pedal, you can use the Start/Stop button and the speed control slider to work the sewing machine. Being able to sew without connecting the foot pedal is a neat option. If you don't have a lot of space below your work area or if you move your machine a lot, it's a small blessing not having to deal with the foot pedal and cord all the time.
The LCD screen is in the middle of the machine rather than to the extreme right by the hand crank. This isn't new, several styles have this, but I do think it's a convenience feature that subtly works a little magic. Your eyes don't have to roam as far to the side to select or adjust your stitches. Everything you might need to see while sewing is under the needle or just above. The screen digits are also very clear, concise, and easy to read. In total, the Janome DC1050 is a precise and powerful machine that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
