Whether you're a seasoned sewist aiming for intricate designs or a beginner eager to explore diverse stitches, a computerised sewing machine offers intuitive features, speed control, and versatile programming to elevate your creative journey.
Summary
An easy-to-use computerised machine that’s ideal for crafters and dressmakers who want lots of decorative stitches to embellish their projects.
- Buy now in the UK from Amazon (£949)
- Buy now in the US from Walmart ($749), Joann ($749.99)
About this expert: Anna-Lisa De’Ath
Anna-Lisa De’Ath has been sewing for over 40 years. After gaining a degree in Fashion at Central Saint Martins she has worked as a magazine editor, specialising in homes, interiors and crafts, and has produced sewing and craft projects for magazines such as Your Home, HomeStyle, Bella, Prima and Good Housekeeping.
When she’s not writing, styling and producing features for interiors magazines, she teaches craft and sewing workshops from her studio in Somerset.
How we tested the Janome Atelier 3
We thoroughly tested the sewing machine's setup, accessory attachment, and stitching capabilities, exploring a range of fabrics - viscose to denim - to assess its performance across different materials and stitch options.
Is the Janome Atelier 3 good value for money?
At £949, this machine is definitely an investment purchase, but if you’re a keen crafter or dressmaker who wants to take your projects to the next level with lots of embellishments and personalisation, then it is worth buying.
Investment in Craftsmanship
Although it comes with a good choice of feet and accessories, there’s a comprehensive range of optional extras that you can buy to expand your sewing repertoire.
These include a long quilting bar guide, pin tucking foot set, ribbon and sequin foot and three-way cording foot.
Extended Warranty and Optional Accessories
The machine comes with a standard two-year warranty, extendable up to three years for an additional £20 per year.
Janome's website and trusted retail partners offer replacement parts and servicing.
What are the Janome Atelier 3 features & stitch options?
Machine Design and Size
- Computerised Sewing Machine with Touch Panel LCD
- Stop/Start Button with Auto Lock Key
- C-1036 Foot control
- Instruction Book and DVD
- Free Arm / Flat Bed Conversion
- Top Loading – Category C 7mm (High Shank)
- Machine Size: W 510 x H 330 x D 250 mm
- Approximate Machine Weight: 10.20kg.
Feed System and Controls
- Automatic Tension Control
- Programmable Needle Up/Down
- Maximum Sewing Speed: 820spm
- Max Stitch Length: 5mm; Max Stitch Width: 7mm
- Speed Control Slider
- Superior Feed System (SFS)7 Piece Feed Dogs
- Adjustable Foot pressure
- Automatic Thread Cutter and Built-in Needle Threader
Convenient Features & Accessories
- Semi Rigid, Flip-up Top Cover with Folding Carry Handle
- Spool Pin, 3 Different Spool Holders, Spare Spool Pin
- Easy Change Needleplate
- Easy Set Bobbin
- Various Feet including Standard, Zipper, Satin stitch, Blind hem, Overedge, ¼” Seam and Auto buttonhole
- Lint brush, Seam ripper and Screwdriver
Stitch options include:
120 stitch options including alphabets, 7 buttonholes, clasp stitch, stippling and patchwork piecing
Is the Janome Atelier 3 easy to use?
We found this digital sewing machine remarkably user-friendly.
The clear LCD display, supported by an easy-to-follow instruction manual and a 23-minute instructional DVD ensured a smooth learning curve for users, making it convenient to explore its diverse functions.
Stitching Variety & Personalization
With 120 stitch options, including alphabets and European accented and Cyrillic letters, this machine offers versatile choices for personalizing garments.
Programming pattern and letter combinations into the machine's memory adds a convenient touch for replicating designs across multiple projects.
Efficient Setup & Operation
Setting up the machine was a breeze, thanks to features like a foolproof drop-in bobbin, quick-release hook cover plate, and drop-down needle threader.
Three adjustable speeds, simple foot changes, and one-touch stitch selection buttons further enhance the efficiency of the operation.
Convenient Features & Accessories
The machine's thoughtful design includes one-touch buttons for repetitive tasks, an auto function on the tension dial for perfect stitching, and an extra spool pin for added convenience.
The easy-to-reach lever for dropping the feed dogs is a boon for those interested in freehand embroidery.
Considerations for Portability
Weighing 10.2kg, this machine is more stationary than portable, as indicated by the semi-rigid cover that lacks a slit for the carry handle.
With this in mind, this may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a sewing machine for on-the-go use in classes.
How well did the Janome Atelier 3 perform?
This machine demonstrated excellent performance on both heavyweight and lightweight fabrics, requiring minor tension adjustments for optimal results with decorative stitches.
With an impressive seven buttonhole stitch options, it stands out as an ideal choice for dressmakers seeking diverse functionality.
Comprehensive Accessory Set
Equipped with standard feet like zigzag and automatic buttonhole, the machine also includes additional accessories such as a zipper foot, overedge foot, blind hemming foot, and satin stitch foot, ensuring it can handle a wide range of sewing tasks.
The array of decorative stitches and alphabets adds creative possibilities.
Memory and Extension Table Convenience
Memorizing pattern and letter combinations, this machine offers a convenient way to replicate designs across projects.
The extension table, featuring a built-in double-layer storage compartment, not only provides organizational space but also easily transitions to a free-arm for tasks like stitching trouser hems and circular projects.
Quilting Capabilities
For quilting enthusiasts, an optional quilting kit with a table is available for purchase, enhancing the machine's versatility and making it suitable for a variety of creative endeavours.
Where to buy the Atelier 3
- Buy now in the UK from Amazon (£949)
- Buy now in the US from Walmart ($749), Joann ($749.99)
Our verdict: Should you buy the Janome Atelier 3?
This feature-packed machine is a good buy for keen crafters and dressmakers who will make good use of the 120 stitches and memory functions that this machine offers.
It’s ideal if you want to make multiple items to sell at craft fairs, or want to personalize garments with monograms, for example.
It’s sturdily built and has plenty of room and capability to cope with bulkier sewing projects, such as quilts and curtains.
It benefits from a two-year warranty and an optional quilting kit can be purchased if you plan to use it to mostly sew quilts.
However, it’s a hefty machine and not particularly portable, so it’s not really the one for you if you want to move it frequently from room to room or take it with you to sewing classes.
Looking for other sewing machines?
Check out our complete Gathered guide to the best sewing machines for more of your favourite sewing machine brands, plus and tips and tricks to consider when buying a new sewing machine.
