The Janome MOD-50 and the Spiegel SP3201 are two of the most popular affordable sewing machines we will compare today. In addition to being packed with features in an affordable price range, these two sewing machines produced excellent stitch quality.
What are the main differences between them? Allow me to simplify my answers here.
Table of Contents
Janome MOD-50 vs. Spiegel SP3201: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Janome MOD-50 is a computerized sewing machine, while the Spiegel SP3201 is a mechanical sewing machine. Since the machine types decide they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion.
The decision has to be made on an individual level.
Janome MOD-50 vs. Spiegel SP3201 : Built-in Stitches
With Janome MOD-50 sewing machine, you get an attractive amount of stitches – 50 to be exact. The 50 stitches include standard stitches, decorative stitches, and buttonhole stitches. As for Spiegel SP3201, it contains 32. These stitches include standard and decorative stitches, which are similar to those found on the Janome MOD-50.
Weight
The Janome MOD-50 sewing machine weighs approximately 12.7lbs, while the Spiegel SP3201 sewing machine comes with a weight of 15.76 lbs.
When you don’t have a specific spot in your home where your sewing machine belongs, the extra weight can become burdensome.
Start/Stop Button
The Spiegel SP3201 sewing machine doesn’t come with a start/stop button, while the Janome MOD-50 does. A huge number of sewists don’t realize that using the start/stop button effectively can make sewing a whole lot easier. It is very useful for decorative stitches for example, as well as with free-motion quilting.
Speed Control Slider
The Janome MOD-50 sewing machine arrives with a speed control slider while the Spiegel SP3201 sewing machine doesn’t. A speed control slide is a useful feature that allows you to set the maximum speed you are comfortable with.
Automatic Needle Threader
Many sewing machines sold today come with an automatic threader function. This is essentially a lever that will guide the thread through the eye of your sewing needle for you so that you don’t have to do it yourself. Many sewists prefer to thread their own needles, but if you have difficulty performing this task, then a machine with an automatic needle threader might be very useful for you. Fortunately, these two sewing machines both come with automatic needle threader, allowing you to thread the machine with ease.
Drop-in Bobbin
The advantage of easy drop-in, top load bobbins is that you can readily see how much thread is left on the bobbin through the window. You do not have to remove the bobbin case to insert a new bobbin, and you do not have to remove the accessory tray from the free arm to change bobbins. Both the Janome MOD-50 sewing machine and the Spiegel SP3201 sewing machine come with this user-friendly feature.
Programmable Needle Up/Down
Unlike the Janome MOD-50, the Spiegel SP3201 isn’t equipped with a programmable needle up/down function. And using the needle-down function allows the needle to act as a third hand in holding the stitching position, such as when you want to stop and turn a corner or stitching a curve.
Drop Feed
The most common type of feeding mechanism in a home sewing machine (and some industrial machines) is the drop feed, also known as the regular feed system. Both Janome MOD-50 and Spiegel SP3201 come equipped with a drop feed system, which grabs the fabric and moves it along through the machine.
Free Arm
There is free arm on both the Janome MOD-50 and the Spiegel SP3201. The free arm is a very useful feature to all sewing machines as it makes sewing one layer of fabric without catching another. This is because all of the workings around the bobbin race, feed dogs, and needles are housed there.
Janome MOD-50 | Spiegel SP3201 | |
Product Image | ||
Sewing Machine Type | Computerized | Mechanical |
Stitches | 50 | 32 |
Buttonhole Styles | 3 one-step | 1 one-step |
Start/Stop Button | Yes | No |
Built-in Memory | – | No |
Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | No |
Monogramming Font | No | – |
Drop Feed | Yes | Yes |
Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
Working Light | Yes | Yes |
Speed Control Slider | Yes | No |
Weight | 12.7lbs | 15.76 lbs |
Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | Yes | – |
Snap-on Presser Foot | Yes | – |
Automatic Thread Cutter | No | No |
Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | Yes |
USB Connectivity | No | No |
Stitch Selection | LCD Display and Push Button | Dial |
Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | Yes | Yes |
Included Feet | Please confirm at the time of purchase | All purpose foot, Zipper foot, Button Hole foot, Button sewing foot. |
Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | Yes | No |
Tension | Adjustable by dial | Adjustable by dial |
Knee Lifter | No | – |
Warranty | – | 25 Year Limited |
Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Janome MOD-50 Video Review
Spiegel SP3201 Video Review
The Verdict
The Janome MOD-50 and Spiegel SP3201 differ significantly in terms of features. The stitch quality is, nevertheless, a recurring factor. These two machines can sew a wide range of textiles with reliable results. I’d choose any of these two machines if you asked me to choose an affordable, sophisticated sewing machine. I won’t offer a recommendation because they have such disparate features. You must base your selection on your stitching ability and experience.
Q. How to use double needle on sewing machine
- STEP 1: PREP YOUR EDGE.
- STEP 2: PREP YOUR SEWING MACHINE.
- STEP 3: TEST ON A SCRAP OF FABRIC.
- STEP 4: SEW THE DOUBLE NEEDLE HEM.
Q. How do I thread a sewing machine?
To get started with your sewing project, you’ll need to first thread your sewing machine. While your machine’s manual should guide you in the specific sequence for your make and model, the basic process starts by placing the presser foot in the up position.
Next, put your thread spool on the spool holder and bring the thread across the top of the machine, through the thread guide. Insert the thread through the tension mechanism, sliding it between the metal disks before pulling it back upwards. Find the take-up lever and place the thread into the hole. Pull the thread towards the sewing machine needle, using available thread guides as you go.
Finally, bring the needle into an accessible position by adjusting the handwheel. Insert the thread. Your sewing machine should be threaded and ready to go, but it’s always a good idea to make a test run on a sample swatch to check your work.
However, if you sewing machine comes with an automatic needle threader, that would save you lots of time.
Q. Why adjust tension on sewing machine
A. Sewing machine tension adjustment is controlled by devices that separately control the needle thread and the bobbin thread, putting varying amounts of tension (or strength) on the threads they control to form a strong, balanced stitch.
Q. How much electricity does a sewing machine use
A. A typical home sewing machine may be in the 100-watt range. One estimate for portable sewing machines says that you are paying about 0.013 cents per hour every time. For the day you may be spending about 10 cents.
Q. Can i use clipper oil on my sewing machine
A. Yes, you can as some people do recommend it as an alternative to sewing machine oil.
Q. What type of maintenance do sewing machines need?
A. Today’s sewing machines usually require just a few basic steps to keep them in good working order. While the manual included with your machine will spell out the details, it’s important to regularly remove the throat plate and use a small, soft brush to remove thread, lint, and debris that might have become lodged inside the machine. Your machine may also require oiling to keep everything lubricated and running smoothly.