Compared: the Best Janome Overlocker (Review)

The best Janome overlocker

Janome AirThread 2000D Overlocker Review:

Pros

The AirThread 2000D is a great choice for sewers who want more stitch options, really easy threading, and sturdier build quality.

2/3/4 threads

It can do 2, 3 and 4 thread stitches. This will let you create more stitches like the 2 thread overlock, 2 thread rolled hem, and 2 thread mock flatlock. Most overlockers can only use 3 or 4 threads.

(Not sure what I’m talking about? Check out my post on overlocker stitches. I talk about what these stitches look like and when they’re useful. I included lots of close-up photos too!)

Really easy threading

• You can air thread the loopers with one push of the lever.
• It has a built-in needle threader. No more poking a thread through the eye of a needle!

These 2 features make threading much faster. You’ll also be less scared of changing thread colours often.

Good build quality

The AirThread 2000D has better build quality than budget and mid-range overlockers. Important for regular sewers who want a more durable machine.

For example, one of its selling points is that the main shaft has been redesigned with “two ball bearings [that] provide low torque”. The product page says this makes the machine more durable and more stable at high speeds.

But is this just marketing stuff?

I asked a technician about it.

He said it’s a feature that only a few machines have, typically higher-end ones.

A shaft that goes through roller bearings will create less friction on components. It will last longer and is better quality than standard bush-driven shafts.

In simple terms, he confirmed that it does make a difference.

It can handle different fabric thicknesses

It can handle a variety of fabric thicknesses.

• It has a high presser foot lift for overlocking thicker fabrics.
• It has an easy to use adjustable pressure dial with 5 levels (many only have 3 levels). You’ll need this to increase or decrease the pressure when working on very thin or thick materials.
• It has a more controlled 8 piece differential feed to feed fabrics more smoothly.

Easier to switch to 2 thread stitches

If you want to do 2 thread stitches you normally have to find your spreader gadget and attach it to the machine.

However, the AirThread 2000D is even easier because the spreader is built-in.

That’s a nice time-saving convenience. And you don’t have to worry about losing your spreader at the bottom of your sewing drawer.

Cons

The biggest con for most people is the price. It’s double to triple the cost of most overlockers.

There’s also no free arm. You can still sew tubes of fabric without it, you’ll just have to learn a different technique.

Janome AirThread 2000D Videos:

How to thread it:

How to thread it and see it stitching at the end:

Who this overlocker is best for:

• The air threading is great if you have eyesight issues.
• Air threading is also great if you sew a lot and the time it saves would make a big difference to you.
• You’re willing to invest in a high-end machine.
• You want to make 2 thread stitches.
• You sew a lot and need a sturdy, well-built machine that can handle regular use.

The next best Janome overlocker:

Janome 6234XL Overlocker Review:

Pros

2 thread stitches

Like the premium AirThread 2000D, this overlocker can make stitches using 2, 3 and 4 threads.

Most overlockers can only use 3 or 4 threads.

This will let you create extra stitches like the 2 thread overlock, 2 thread rolled hem, and 2 thread flatlock (photos here). Important for sewists who want to experiment.

Easier threading system

Apart from the premium air threaded model, the 6234XL is the easiest Janome overlocker to thread.

Improved lower looper design

Janome really improved their lower looper system. It’s much better than the system they used in their budget overlockers: the 9300DX, 9200D and 8002DG.

Their old system made you reach deep inside the overlocker to get your thread inside the fiddly, hidden lower looper.

Their new system lets you push a switch to bring the lower looper out of hiding. Now you can thread it in plain sight. It’s so much easier and faster!

I wouldn’t buy an overlocker without an easy lower looper, because it’s the hardest part of the threading process.

Improved colour-coded guides

The cheaper models have less detailed colour-coded guides.

This Janome model has stitch illustrations printed next to each tension dial.

This tells you which thread makes which part of the stitch.

It’s really useful when you’re troubleshooting why your stitches don’t look right. You can look at the illustrations to find out which thread needs a tension adjustment.

Cons

Adjustable pressure design

I don’t love the adjustable pressure dial. It’s an unlabelled screw.

Screws have no markings on them, so it’s harder to get back to normal pressure. A numbered dial would be much easier to use.

When compared to other brands, it’s not your best option

While this mid-level 6234XL is better than Janome’s cheaper overlockers, I don’t think it competes with Brother’s mid-level 4234D.

They both have:

• 2, 3 and 4 thread stitches.
• Easy to thread lower loopers.
• Waste bins included.
• High presser foot lift for overlocking thick layers of fabric.

However, the Brother 4234D has these extras:

• Built-in needle threader.
• Free arm for sewing tubes of fabric easily.
• Extra foot included; the blind stitch foot for creating blind hems.
• Large extension table available to buy separately. This will stop knit fabrics hanging down and stretching out while you overlock.
• A user-friendly pressure dial. No unmarked screw.
• It’s about £60 cheaper (at the time of publication).

The Janome version can sew slightly faster at 1500 stitches per minute versus Brother’s 1300 stitches per minute, but both are still very fast. You probably won’t be sewing at maximum speed a lot of the time anyway.

Janome 6234XL Videos:

How to make rolled hems and narrow hems:

See the improved looper threading system from 1:33

Who this overlocker is best for:

• You want 2 thread stitches.
• You sew a lot, so need a well-built and durable machine.
• You’re willing to invest, but not at premium prices.
• You don’t need a needle-threader. (If you do, check out the similar Brother 4234D instead).