I have had a Janome 350 and 300. My first embroidery machine was a 200 Janome and I love that machine so much. The hoop is approx 5 x 5, but I find most designs that I want fit this hoop. The way the hoop hook onto the machines makes the embroidery design stich out perfect everytime. I had trouble with the 300 and 350 because the hoop attached on the end and certain fabric would stich out not aligned right. The 200 Janome is priced right and it is my favorite. Oh, I do have a Bernina 200 with embroidery attachment and it is so-so, I bought it used, would not pay the amount for a new one, too over priced.