Janome UK & Ireland

What Janome UK & Ireland does

Janome UK & Ireland is the wholly-owned UK and Ireland subsidiary of Japan-based JANOME Corporation, operating from the Janome Centre in Stockport and trading since 1968 (originally as New Home Sewing Machine Co Ltd). The entity distributes domestic sewing machines, overlockers, software, accessories, and sewing-education resources under the global Janome brand, which claims the position of world's No.1 sewing machine manufacturer with more than 2 million units sold in the UK and 75 million worldwide.

The product portfolio spans entry-level to professional-grade domestic machines, anchored by the Continental M17 Professional flagship (featuring A.S.R. stitch regulation, Wi-Fi connectivity, 343mm workspace, and high-resolution touch screens) and complemented by overlockers such as the MyLock 654D and the HD9 QC Professional. Supporting software includes the Artistic Digitizer embroidery design package and Janome Apps, both sold separately to extend the hardware ecosystem. Technology differentiation rests on a history of category firsts — the 1979 Memory 7 (first computerized home sewing machine), the 1990 Memory Craft 8000 (first home-market professional embroidery machine), and the 2003 Memory Craft 6500P (first home long-arm quilting machine).

The business model combines hardware sales across a multi-channel retail network (independent dealers plus John Lewis, Hobbycraft, Abakhan, and Dunelm) and a direct Shopify storefront, with recurring revenue from extended warranties up to 5 years underwritten by Janome UK Ltd itself. Customer acquisition is reinforced by a content and education layer that includes the Janome Training Centre in Stockport, nationwide sewing courses, YouTube programming, and community partnerships with Fashion Rebellion, Sew Fabulous CIC, and Wench Wear. The overall operation functions as a brand-led, channel-distributed consumer durables subsidiary rather than an independently funded growth business.

Name

Janome UK & Ireland

Legal name

Janome UK Ltd.

Website

https://janome.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Janome UK & Ireland distributes Janome-brand domestic sewing machines, overlockers, software, and education resources across the UK and Ireland via independent retailers, major chains, and its own online shop, serving hobbyist and enthusiast sewers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sewing Machines

NAICS

Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Retailers (459130)

SIC

Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130)

akta.pro primary industry

Sewing Machine & Serger Retail (CRALADAD)

Keywords

• Sewing machines
• Overlockers
• Embroidery machines
• Quilting machines
• Sewing accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Stockport

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Sewing Machines and Overlockers: Sale of domestic sewing machines and overlockers through independent retailers, major retail chains (John Lewis, Hobbycraft, Abakhan, Dunlem), and direct online sales.
2. Extended Warranties: Extended warranty coverage up to 5 years available on most models, covered directly by Janome UK Ltd rather than subcontracted or insured.
3. Software: Sale of Janome software products including Artistic Digitizer for embroidery design.
4. Janome Apps: Mobile applications and digital tools for Janome users.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Janome UK & Ireland distributes Janome-branded domestic sewing machines, overlockers, embroidery software, mobile apps, and accessories for the UK and Ireland markets. The range spans entry-level machines to professional-grade models and is supported by extended warranty services, training workshops, and sewing education resources.

Product overview

Janome UK & Ireland offers a comprehensive portfolio of sewing machines and overlockers for domestic use, ranging from entry-level models to professional-grade machines. The product line is anchored by the Continental M17 Professional (CM17) flagship model featuring advanced Wi-Fi connectivity, A.S.R. technology, and 343MM workspace. The range includes sewing machines such as the Atelier 9 and HD9 QC Professional, along with overlockers like the MyLock 654D. Supporting the core machines, Janome provides software products including the Artistic Digitizer embroidery software and Janome Apps. The company also offers extended warranty services and maintains an extensive network of authorised retailers throughout the UK, with products also available at major retailers including Abakhan, Dunelm, Hobbycraft, and John Lewis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Continental M17 Professional (CM17) Flagship professional sewing machine with 343MM (13.5 inches) workspace, A.S.R. (Accurate Stitch Regulator), high-definition sewing, quilting and embroidery capabilities, and Wi-Fi connectivity for sending designs directly and monitoring stitching via iPad or PC. Targeted at serious home sewers and professional-grade enthusiasts.
• Atelier 9 Sewing Machine Domestic sewing machine featured as a flagship product on the Janome UK homepage for home sewing and creative projects.
• HD9 QC Professional Professional grade sewing machine introduced in 2025, positioned as a new addition to the Janome UK product range.
• MyLock 654D Overlocker Overlocker machine for finishing seams and edge stitching, announced as a new product in the Janome UK range in 2025.
• Janome Artistic Digitizer Embroidery design software compatible with MS Windows and Mac, available as a free trial and for purchase through authorised Janome retailers and the J-Shop online storefront.
• Janome Apps Mobile applications and digital tools for Janome sewing machine users, distributed as subscription-based digital offerings.
• Extended Warranties Extended warranty coverage extending the standard 2-year parts and labour warranty up to 5 years on most Janome models sold in the UK, covered directly by Janome UK Ltd rather than subcontracted or insured.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2 million Janome machines sold in the UK
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Fashion RebellionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJanome sponsors Fashion Rebellion sewing clubs with sewing machines to help build pupils' confidence in learning how to use a sewing machine. Founder Amanda Riley created an online programme in 2020 to support schools and communities in teaching sewing skills.
• Sew Fabulous Community Interest CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJanome partners with Sew Fabulous CIC based in Brighton, East Sussex, a community interest company promoting reuse and recycling of fabrics and clothing as an antidote to fast fashion.
• Wench WearminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJanome supports Wench Wear, an independent recycled clothing label which also specialises in hands-on recycled clothing workshops. The mission is to help people make their own recycled creations.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• John Lewis: While a retailer rather than a brand, John Lewis is a key channel partner carrying Janome and competing sewing machine brands, shaping pricing dynamics and consumer choice in the UK.
• Hobbycraft: UK's largest arts and crafts retailer and a primary distribution channel for Janome, also stocking competitor machines and influencing consumer buying decisions in sewing.

Direct peers

• Husqvarna Viking: Premium sewing and embroidery machine brand sold through independent sewing machine dealers, competing with Janome in the mid-to-high-end home and quilting segments.
• Singer Sewing Machines: Singer is the heritage competitor in domestic sewing machines, with similar retail channels and product breadth (mechanical, computerized, embroidery) directly overlapping with Janome UK's offering.
• Brother International Europe: Brother sells a comparable range of home sewing machines, overlockers, and embroidery machines through European retailers and directly online, competing head-to-head with Janome across beginner to professional segments in the UK.
• Pfaff Sewing Machines: Pfaff competes with Janome in computerized home sewing machines with similar advanced features and the same specialty retailer distribution model.
• Bernina International: Bernina is a premium Swiss sewing and embroidery machine maker selling through an independent dealer network, directly competing with Janome's higher-end Continental M17 tier.

Emerging players

• Baby Lock: Baby Lock offers home overlockers and embroidery machines overlapping with Janome's MyLock and Memory Craft ranges, with growing specialty retail presence in the UK.
• Elna: Elna sells computerized home sewing machines and overlockers through independent sewing retailers, with a comparable mid-tier product portfolio competing with Janome.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/JanomeUK
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCj5OBcHpP5ClsHezHLh0SlQ
• Instagraminstagram.com/janomeuk
• Pinterestuk.pinterest.com/janomeukltd/boards
• Facebookfacebook.com/janomeuk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Janome UK & Ireland