I really need some help with choosing my new sewing machine! I thought I had made my decision a few months ago but I'm undecided yet again! I have a big birthday coming up in December (my 50th, but shhhh, don't tell anyone) and have told DH Colin that he is going to be buying me a shiny new sewing machine to replace my 30 year old Singer that gave up on me well over a year ago! I'm not that experienced with a sewing machine, up to now only really using it for straight stitch and zigzag for taking up hems (DH and I are both shorties) and making a few little
pillows and wall hangings. I would really like to have one that I can learn to do lots of exciting new things on.
My problem is that I can't decide between a Bernina or a Janome and searching the web have read great reviews on both. I would really appreciate any help and advice as I have now totally confused myself and need to make a final decision before Colin arrives back home at the end of October, as I will probably have to buy it before he is next due to go away again.
Thanks ever so much in advance for any help. :o)
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13 comments:
Oh I have been there my friend. Back around my birthday I was in your shoes, couldn't decide on a new sewing machine. I knew my budget and ended up getting a Singer at Walmart. AFter looking at Janomes for so long, I wanted one of those, but this Singer does everything I need it to and more and half the price of a low end Janome. I'm not experienced much with sewing. I just like it to finish some backings after I cross stitch and such.
I spoke with an owner of a quilt shop locally and she sells Janomes and thinks they are the best if you are doing quilting but she told me that the lower end ones did not go through several layers for quilting as the higher end ones. Of course she was in the business of selling them. I've read a little about the Bernina but am not as familiar with those.
I've heard good things about Janome though!..
So, I guess it depends on what you want to do with the machine, what your budget is, and stuff.
Good luck,
Jennifer
Feathers in the Nest
http://www.feathersinthenest.blogspot.com/
You can find a pick of the one I selected at my blog, can't remember the exact date issue but sometimes end of August, first of Sept.
I have a super basic Janome machine and love it (1600P-DB). It only sews a straight stitch. I looked at Bernina when I bought this one. I have the Janome TB12 on my wish list for a fancier machine - I prefer mechanical over electronic.
I have a Bernina that I love.
I am afraid I have both a Janome and a bernina I have had my Janome fo about 9 yr and have maded loads of cloths with it, I only got my Bernina about 18 months ago but mainly obtained it for Quilting as I was unable to do free style quilting with my Jamome both machines are good it depends what you are going to do with it.
Hi Carol. I have a Bernina, splurged on it 17 years or so ago. Its a 1010 model and was almost $1,000. (This same model goes for a few hundred nowadays on ebay.) It isn't a fancy electric model, but it has 15 stitches and does what I need it to do and is just a little workhorse. I love it and would get another Bernina in a heartbeat. I used to sew on it alot more than now..and I have only taken it in twice for general cleanings and its been great. I think you couldn't go wrong with a Bernina...I do hear people love their Janomes too though.
Hi Carol, I love my Janome DC3050. Have had it avout 4 years and no trouble at all. It has 50 different stitches and lots of great features ie: needle threader. I've heard great things about Bernina but have no experience there. If you're buying from a shop make sure they include some classes so you can learn about the features from a pro. Goes so much better than trial & error.
I guess it depends on what you are planning to sew. I'd start comparing features and trying some machines out. Write out what features are most important to you and eliminate from there.
I had been hinting loudly all year that I wanted another machine so I could take it to classes, etc. without dismantling my sewing room. I ended up with new kitchen appliances instead. I'll get my machine yet!
Happy hunting!
Barb
I have a Bernina & LOVE it!
I have a Bernina and once you've tried and used a Bernina you you'll never want any other make - a bit biased naturally :)
Hi Carol,
I have just purchased a machine after 3 years of indecision, so I know what you are going through. I purchased a Brother Innovis-40. I have not done alot with it yet, but love how it works. Just to give you another machine to think about! My sister has a Janome (not sure which model) and she loves her machine....
Good luck!
Lori
(I have been reading your blog for awhile - your stitching and finishing as me in awe)
I have simple Janome and I'm in love with it - superior quality for reasonable price :)
I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help. I bought Janome last year and I love it. It's simple to use and that is what I wanted. Also you don't even have to use the foot pedal if you don't want to as there is a button you can press instead. Let me know what you chose in the end. Lots of Love Patti xxx
P.S. Why don't you go into a sewing machine shop and try some out.
Tough call Carol but it really depends on what you plan to do with it. I've had a Bernina for abotu 12 yrs and love it. I have a very small Janome Gem for traveling to classes an weekend getaways. It's okay but tends to knot up a lot - I'm sure it doesn't compare to their full-blown more expensive machines which I hear are fine. The one thing I don't like about the Bernina is how it makes buttonholes and the walking foot which is a pain to get on and you can't see where you are stitching very much. If I was to get another 'major' machine I would get a Pfaff which has a built-in walking foot that is always there. So it really depends if you plan to sew clothing, home decor, quilting, etc. A walking foot is a necessity for quilting and doing very long seams - it keeps the 2 layers of fabric moving at the same speed so you don't have any slippage. Good luck with your choice!
Definitly a BERNINA. I had to take the same decision a few months ago. Now I could not sew without my "Bernie". I just love it. When I was asking what sewing machine to buy someone told me: A Bernina is just as a Rolls-Royce in sewing machines. I would say like a Rolex, since it is swiss.I hope I have help you.
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