Janome 5050 review
a simple computerised machine with plenty of stitches for the price
7.6/10 provisional Provisional
The 5050 gives a beginner 50 stitches, a 7mm stitch width, needle up/down and drop feed for free-motion work, in a light machine. It suits light to medium fabrics; for regular heavy denim, look at sturdier models. Researched from retailer and maker listings; we have not tested it, and the score is provisional.
you want buttons and a screen rather than dials, and a few decorative stitches.
you mostly sew thick fabrics, or want a thread cutter.
What owners and reviewers like
- 50 built-in stitches
- 7mm maximum stitch width
- Drop feed for free-motion embroidery and darning
- Needle up/down
What to watch for
- Better for light to medium fabrics than heavy denim
- No automatic thread cutter listed
Key specs
| Stitches | 50 |
|---|---|
| Max stitch width | 7mm |
| Speed | 820 stitches per minute (as listed) |
| Weight | About 6kg (as listed) |
| Guarantee | 2 years (as listed) |
How the score breaks down
| Core performance on paper | 2.3 / 3 |
|---|---|
| Ease for beginners | 1.7 / 2 |
| Value | 1.4 / 2 |
| Reliability reports | 1.1 / 1.5 |
| UK support and warranty | 1.1 / 1.5 |
Weights from how we score. Scores are provisional and based on cited sources, not a test.
Price and where to buy
£399 inc VAT (John Lewis, checked 1 Nov 2026)
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.