Photo: Janome
Janome Janome Travel Mate 30
SewingSpecs does not sell and does not show shop prices: check the price where you buy.
This is a computerized machine built to travel: it fits in a class or retreat bag and starts up with an LED panel showing the 30 available stitches, chosen with buttons rather than a dial. The bobbin drops in from the top without a case to fit by hand, and the needle threader is automatic.
Stitch width reaches 5 mm and length 4 mm: less than the 7-9 mm of a full-size domestic machine, but enough for hems, straight seams and basic decorative work. It sews up to 820 stitches per minute, and the 4-piece feed dog keeps fabric moving without a differential. The free arm converts for cuffs and small tubes, and the presser feet snap on.
It measures 16 x 7 x 12 inches (roughly 41 x 18 x 30 cm) and weighs 11 pounds, about 5 kg: it lifts with one hand. It suits someone taking sewing out of the house, to a class or on holiday, who already has a main machine for heavier work: it is not built for heavy fabrics or long embroidery sessions.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 820 spm | Declared by the brand |
| Built-in stitches | 30 | Declared by the brand |
| Stitch types | Straight stitch, Zigzag stitch, Triple stretch straight stitch, Three-step zigzag, Blind hem stitch | Declared by the brand |
| Maximum stitch width | 5 mm | Declared by the brand |
| Maximum stitch length | 4 mm | Declared by the brand |
| Hook type | Horizontal rotary | Declared by the brand |
| Feed dog pieces | 4 | Declared by the brand |
| Needle threader | Built-in | Declared by the brand |
| Free arm | Yes | Declared by the brand |
| Thread tension | Manual | Declared by the brand |
| Display | LCD | Declared by the brand |
| Presser foot attachment | Low shank, snap-on | Declared by the brand |
Pros and cons
In favour
- The needle threader is automatic: a lever does it instead of threading by eye.
- The free arm converts for sewing cuffs and small tubular pieces.
- The bobbin drops in from the top, without manually fitting a case.
- At 11 pounds (about 5 kg) it carries in a bag without effort. source
Worth knowing
- Stitch width stops at 5 mm, less than what a full-size domestic machine offers.
- 30 built-in stitches are enough for hems and basic seams, not for complex decorative work.
Similar machines to consider
Alternatives in the catalogue
Chosen by the declared use tier and footprint, not by price: we don't publish prices.
Simpler, entry level