Janome 525S review
a simple, sturdy mechanical machine, now discontinued
7.4/10 provisional Provisional
A no-fuss mechanical machine with the features beginners actually use: a one-step buttonhole, a top-loading bobbin, a needle threader, drop feed and adjustable foot pressure. Hard to fault for learning, but it is discontinued, so a second-hand one should be checked carefully. Researched from retailer and maker listings; we have not tested it, and the score is provisional.
you are offered one second-hand in good order and want simple dials, not screens.
you want a new machine with a warranty (get the 725S), or a speed slider and thread cutter.
What owners and reviewers like
- One-step buttonhole and built-in needle threader
- Top-loading bobbin you can see through the cover
- Free arm, drop feed and adjustable presser-foot pressure
- Hard cover included
What to watch for
- Discontinued, so no new UK stock found on 1 Nov 2026
- Max stitch length 4mm, a little short for topstitching
- No speed control beyond the pedal
Key specs
| Stitches | 25 (some sellers list 24) |
|---|---|
| Max stitch width | 5mm |
| Max stitch length | 4mm |
| Buttonhole | One-step |
| Bobbin | Top-loading |
| Weight | About 8kg |
| Extras | Free arm, drop feed, adjustable foot pressure, hard cover |
| Warranty (when sold new) | 2 years |
How the score breaks down
| Core performance on paper | 2.4 / 3 |
|---|---|
| Ease for beginners | 1.7 / 2 |
| Value | 1.3 / 2 |
| Reliability reports | 1.1 / 1.5 |
| UK support and warranty | 0.9 / 1.5 |
Weights from how we score. Scores are provisional and based on cited sources, not a test.
Price and where to buy
No current UK price found.
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.