“Much easier to use than I expected and the service when i bought the machine was very good.”

Janome Overlocker 8004D Product Review
The Janome Overlocker 8004D is a reliable, budget-friendly overlocker that delivers beginners and experienced sewers a polished, hard-wearing seam. It handles both 3 and 4 thread overlocking, so you can create strong, durable seams and neaten raw edges in a single pass. Plus, it arrives pre-threaded, making it ready to use straight out of the box.
Threading is kept straightforward with colour-coded thread guides and a printed threading chart, which means you can follow each path clearly and get set up without the usual overlocker frustration. The manual tension dials are easy to see and adjust, giving you balanced stitches across different threads and fabrics.
This overlocker runs at up to 1,300 stitches per minute, so it works through seams quickly and consistently. The differential feed prevents stretching and puckering, which is particularly useful on jersey and knit fabrics and can also create gathered effects when you want them. Adjustable stitch length from 1mm to 4mm gives you further control for different weights of fabric.
Switching to a rolled hem is quick and simple, perfect for finishing lightweight fabrics like napkins, scarves and fine edges. The retractable upper knife disengages when you want decorative sewing without trimming the fabric.
Lightweight at 8kg with a built-in carry handle, the 8004D is easy to move and store, making it a practical choice for sewers who share a space or pack their machine away between projects. Offering excellent value, this machine streamlines your sewing process by enabling faster, cleaner project finishes with minimal effort.

Top Uses for the Janome 8004D

This machine is perfect for
- Complete beginners keen to explore if overlocking is right for them
- Sewers who do occasional overlocking
- Light to medium weight fabrics (cotton, jersey, standard dressmaking)
Can sew but not ideal for
- This model covers 3 and 4-thread stitches which are the workhorse options for everyday seam finishing on knits and wovens. If you need 2-thread for rolled hems or flatlock seams, use our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
Not suitable for
- Heavy daily use in workshops or teaching environments
- Anyone who changes thread colours frequently (consider air-threading models)
- Multiple denim layers or upholstery fabrics regularly
- Not sure if this is the machine for you? Try our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
Janome Overlocker 8004D: A Machine for Every Maker
Colour-Coded Threading Guides
Get threaded and sewing faster, with each path clearly marked so you spend less time setting up and more time making.
Differential Feed Control
Fine-tune the feed to match your fabric, keeping knits flat and even while still allowing deliberate gathers.
Quick Change to Rolled Hem
Switch to a narrow rolled hem with minimal effort, giving lightweight fabrics like scarves and napkins a neat, professional finish.
Inside the Janome 8004D
3 and 4 Thread Overlocking
Choose 3 or 4 threads to create strong seams and neat edge finishes, trimming and overlocking the fabric in one pass.
Manual Tension Dials
Turn the clearly marked dials to set each thread's tension, so your stitches sit evenly whatever you are sewing.
Adjustable Stitch Length
Set the stitch length from 1mm to 4mm to suit different fabrics, giving you more control over the finished seam.
Retractable Upper Knife
Disengage the upper knife for decorative sewing, so you can overlock without trimming the fabric edge.
Speeds Up to 1,300 Stitches per Minute
Sew through seams quickly and consistently at up to 1,300 stitches per minute for efficient project finishing.

Product specifications
Key features
- 3 or 4 thread overlocking
- Flatlocking
- Rolled hemming
- Quick change to rolled hem
- Threading chart
- Colour-coded thread guides
- Manual tension dials
- Up to 1,300 stitches per minute
- Adjustable stitch length 1mm to 4mm
- Adjustable cutting width 3mm to 5mm
- Differential feed ratio 0.5 to 2.25
- Retractable upper knife
- Thread cutter
- Janome ballpoint HAx1SP needle system
- Machine weight 8kg
- Carry handle
- Foot control
- Instruction book
Accessories in the Box
- Presser foot (on machine)
- Pack of needles (HAx1SP)
- Spool holders x 4
- Screwdriver (large)
- Screwdriver (small)
- Tweezers
- Foot control
- Instruction book
Manufacturer's Specifications
- Overlocker
- Mechanical control
- 3 and 4 thread overlocking
- Number of threads: 3 or 4
- Seam widths: 3mm to 5mm
- Stitch length: 1 to 4mm
- Differential feed ratio: 0.5 to 2.25
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,300 s.p.m.
- Needle system: Janome ballpoint HAx1SP
- Rolled hem: yes
- Retractable upper knife: yes
- Adjustable foot pressure: yes
- Needle threader: no
- Free arm: no
- Hard cover: no
- Machine weight: 8kg
- Carry handle: yes
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Weight: 8kg
- Dimensions: Approx. W320mm × D270mm × H279mm
- Carry handle included
Design Options and Controls
- 3 and 4 thread overlocking
- Flatlocking and rolled hemming
- Quick change to rolled hem
- Adjustable stitch length: 1mm to 4mm
- Adjustable cutting width
- Differential feed ratio: 0.5 to 2.25
- Retractable upper knife for decorative sewing
- Maximum speed: 1,300 s.p.m.
Needle and Threading System
- Colour-coded thread guides
- Printed threading chart
- Manual tension dials
- Janome ballpoint HAx1SP needle system
- 3 or 4 thread configuration
- Thread cutter
Warranty and Support
- 2-year parts and labour warranty included
- An extension of 5 years is available within 30 days
- Authorised Janome service support nationwide
- Expert advice from The Sewing Studio team
Frequently Asked Questions About the Janome 8004D
Let us help with the answers.
Is the Janome 8004D suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is a friendly first overlocker: clearly marked threading and simple dials mean you can get set up without the frustration overlockers are known for, and the 3 and 4 thread options give room to grow.
What is the difference between 3 and 4 thread overlocking?
Four-thread overlocking creates a stronger, more secure seam ideal for garments that need durability, while three-thread overlocking is lighter and well suited to neatening edges and finishing seams.
Can the Janome 8004D sew stretch and knit fabrics?
Yes. Its differential feed handles stretchy fabrics well, feeding them evenly so jersey and knit seams sit flat without waves or ripples.
How do I sew a rolled hem on this overlocker?
The 8004D offers a quick change to rolled hem, letting you create a narrow, neat edge that suits lightweight fabrics such as scarves, napkins and fine cottons.
What needles does the Janome 8004D use?
The machine uses the Janome ballpoint HAx1SP needle system, and a pack of needles is included in the box so you can start straight away.
What warranty comes with the Janome 8004D?
The overlocker includes a 2-year parts and labour warranty.
Is the Janome 8004D easy to move and store?
Yes. It weighs just 8kg and has a built-in handle, so lifting it onto a table or tucking it away on a shelf between sessions is easy.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).
