I have a Viking that is 20 years old. It generally does a pretty good job (unless it's in the shop for repairs). Am looking at a new purchase. I'm leaning toward a Janome 6600, but also considering Vikings again. Have looked at Pfaffs and Berninas-- they all are a step up from my old machine and any of them would be a treat. I would really appreciate input from the experts (you).

I am a huge Janome fan and highly recommend the Horizon...it has a larger throat space than the 6600 and better lighting. Has the same accufeed system and I love mine.

I love my Pfaffs. I've been sewing with them for more than 30 years. However, if you hear from 100 people, you will get 100 opinions. They are all good machines, and I would buy the one that has the best dealer in your area. Make sure you will be able to get lessons on how to operate the machine, and that they offer good and speedy service.

Ditto Mamaw. I have the Horizon as well, and I love it.

I have Viking machines and they are a good machine, but just to toss another one in the mix.... I have been really looking at the Babylock machines..... Do a test drive on one... It made me stop and rethink my next machine.... so much so ... I just can't pull the trigger.... on any machine. I had been a devote Viking owner... now ..... Like I said it was a game changer.

I have a 10-year old Viking Designer I that has been serving me well, although I envy many features on Berninas that are lacking in Vikings and this Viking model is considered a dinosaur among machines. Over the years, my annual maintenance and cleaning cost has risen from $89 to a whopping $150. I am not wedded to Vikings and at some point, when I begin shopping around, I will thoroughly investigate Berninas and Babylocks. I hear raves about both.

I love my Bernina. I had a basic Janome that gave me nothing but trouble.

Having a supportative dealer is important, I am in the Viking camp however, I have a Bernina too depends on what I am working on...........but actually the Pfaff with the IDT is nice too......as I said depends on what I am working on..........

Having a trustworthy dealer is essential. Then test-drive with your own fabrics, threads, and typical sewing tasks. Prepare samples of piecing, quilt sandwiches, rolled hems, jeans to hem, whatever YOU need. You've got to love the feel of your machine. That said, I've got several machines, and I think BERNINA has the most power, precision, durability, and reliability. They are more expensive, but totally worth it.

I have a Janome 6600 which I love but really wish I could trade it for the new Janome 12000!

Ditto all the way through. I do love my Pfaffs but what works for you is what is important.

I like the Janome Horizon. I have had mine for a year and I love it.

Love my Janome machines!

I am also a huge Janome fan and can't see ever giving up my old Memory Craft 9000. However, I got to use a Bernina in a class one time and absolutely fell in love with how well it did free motion quilting. Loved it so much that I bought a used one!

The type of machine you get will depend on what you want it for. For FMQ, I definitely recommend a Bernina. For ease of use and regular stitching, I definitely recommend a Janome.

Since I haven't used any other brand sewing machines, I can't comment on them. But the best thing for you to do is to go check all your friends sewing machines and the ones in the stores. This will be a tough decision!

I have a Bernina and a Viking. They are both very good machines. I use the Bernina for stitching blocks and other stuff. I use the Viking for my machine quilting. The Bernina has a stitch regulator but I like the Viking because it is high speed.

Janome is my choice.

I have the Bernina 440 EQ and love it. Would not trade this in for anyother machine. Orginally purchased it to do embroidery, but I quickly moved to quilting.
NormaBeth

I have two Vikings and loved the first which is about 30 years old now. The second is fine, about 12 years old. With this one it's been okay, but no chemistry. I got a Bernina about a year ago and am in love again. It has made me a believer.

I absolutely LOVe my Janome6600. Am seriously considering the 12000.

I agree with everyone's advice about buying one through a reputable dealer close by. I love my Pfaff because of the IDT & the fact you can use different feet (1/4", SID, etc) while having the IDT engaged. I love my Janome 1600 because it is a workhorse & the large bed space makes FMQ easier. I love my old Kenmore because it has the best overcast stitch & buttonhole. Figure out what features are essential to you & go from there!

I have had my Bernina for over 15 years and I will never own any other brand than Bernina. I love that it is all metal and sews like a dream. I've never had a minute of trouble with it.

I recently used a Janome machine and while it was nice, it felt cheap to me because it wasn't made of metal (mostly plastic).

Janome, Janome, Janome! I love my Horizon 7700, loved my MC4900, loved my New Home! Sew easy, sew fun!

You could ask a similar question about cars: Do you think I should buy a Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, or Ford? I'm afraid the answers would be about as meaningful. We all have our favorites, mostly because the ones we ended up with meet our personal needs. However your needs and wants will probably be different. I always recommend you check for the best local shops first. That will narrow the list significantly. For example, if there isn't a good Bernina store nearby, it probably should come off your list. Then go to each of the shops with samples of what you normally sew with - piecing, FMQ, garment fabrics, home dec. If you do buttonholes, come prepared with samples to do those one. Spend some significant time with your options. One of the machines will probably "speak" to you. BTW: If the shop doesn't want to let you just play with the machine a bit to try it out, move that shop to the "not very good" category!

As to purely personal experience, I love my Berninas and my vintage Singers. I value perfect straight stitches and heavy-duty metal construction so those fit my style. But note: Your style may vary completely!

Pam

I've owned Janome, Viking, Pfaff and Bernina. You need to test drive all models to find what you want. To ask which manufacturer you should buy is like asking what flavor of ice cream is best.

You'll get lots of opinions. I think most of us will recommend our current brand. For me that's a Viking. My advice, test drive and decide for yourself.

I have three Janomes..#1 22 years old, #2 17 years old, #3 10 years old. NONE have ever seen the inside of a machine shop for service or repair. Talk about workhorses, they last and last and I will probably put them in my will so they will go on living after I am gone. LOL

I have been using a Janome Memory Craft can't remember model for some 25 years, it has never missed a beat, and my patchwork teacher who swears by berninas said it was the quietest machine she has heard. I love it, but then we don't all love the same things

Janome all the way! I have the Horizon now but have had the 6500 and the 6600. For class I have the 3160QC and love it!

I have to chime in my two cents here for the person that said look at the babylocks, because i love love my babylock. Best machine I have ever own. Even my teacher who said she has own different machines from different manufacturers and is a die hard bernina fan said the only machine she would have other than a bernina is a babylock

I have a Janome 6500 and Love it. BUT... I highly reccomend that you decide what is most important to you of what you want and need. Make a list, research online and then GO and VISIT local dealers. TEST DRIVE their machines.
They all have a different feel and what I like you may not and what you like I might not.

They have no problem letting you actually sew on their demo machines. When I was buying mine, it took me forever and I tried all kinds! Best idea I ever had! SO GO TEST SEWING! and have fun while do it!

I love my Brother NX 2000 (Laura Ashley version). MOST important is the dealer you purchase from and that they are totally familiar with the machine they are selling!

I have a Viking. I love the scissors and needle down.
Love my machine. If I was spending $$$$ I would buy the top of the line Brother or Babylock. They have a automatic needle threader. Just press a button and it threads like magic.
(Pfaff and Viking are made by the same people. the same as baby lock and Brother. Don't know about the others.
LC

If you are looking at a high end machine, make sure there are shops nearby for service. A friend bought a Viking. The shop closed. Now she drives 3 hours for service. There are 2 Bernina dealers within an hours drive. She now wishes she bought a Bernina.

I'll chime in about my Horizon, love it. Also love my Babylock. The dealer is very important so check them out. Good luck in whatever you decide.

I have a Pfaff and a Bernina I love both and use them for different things but the Bernina is really tops more power even though I have to put the walking foot on it is much better than the IDT foot also the stitch regulator is the most wonderful thing ever and best of all no plastic parts but what ever way you go you need a good dealer

i have three janome and one bernia love them both and havent had much trouble. i would love to have a horizon but hubby thinks i have enough machines.

I think all of your considerations are good machines, with the exception of a Bernina, which is a FABULOUS machine. If it were me, I would check Craigslist for a lightly used Bernina...I love, love, LOVE mine. Feel free to PM me if you have any particular questions. I have also owned a Janome 6600, so I can contrast and compare if needed. Have fun with your search. :-D

Depends on your budget and what you will use it for. Berninas are always more expensive. After owning Berninas forever, and their changing feet, software etc. so it would not work with the older models, I went to Pfaff. Have never looked back, LOVE my Pfaff 2170. Smooth as silk, has the built in walking foot, and does everything beautifully.

I am sooooo excited!!! Just plunked down a deposit to order the new Janome Horizon 12000!!!! It's going to be totally worth the big bucks for all those wonderful stitches and capabilities. I also have another Janome embroidery machine (the 11000SE) that I'm trading in for this new model...it has been a whole lot of fun to play with doing all my quilting and little embroidery craft projects...and I think it's much easier to use than my Bernina 730. Sometimes, I wonder just what will happen with these machines in the next 20 years or so. Aren't we the lucky ones to have access to so many choices of wonderful sewing machines?

Go for it!! :)