Opinions on Janome machine
#4
I have always owned Berninas but bought the 8200 recently. I have mainly used it for piecing and making a bag. Haven't tried FMQ on it so I can't report on that experience. I love the wide harp, the automatic thread cutter and that its default needle is down. It's very quiet and runs smoothly. There are LOTS of features and stitches I haven't used so I assume I will be learning more as time goes on. I like sewing on it even more than I expected.
The less positive aspects of the machine - the foot pedal that comes with the machine is cheap and very small. I had to buy the larger foot pedal ($90 - $100) to have a decent sewing experience. When sewing the bag, I was trying to stitch lines along the handle which was fairly thick and the Janome couldn't handle it. I fought for a few minutes, gave up and got out my Bernina 440 which did it easily and beautifully. I had ordered the 8200 edge stitch foot for the project - I found it to be cheaply made and not terrific quality, especially in comparison to Bernina feet which are admittedly more expensive.
Overall, I like the 8200 a lot and will continue to use it but would not be happy if it were my only machine. For me, it's the fine details of a project that mark it as well done or amateur looking, and I will still turn to Bernina for that sewing.
The less positive aspects of the machine - the foot pedal that comes with the machine is cheap and very small. I had to buy the larger foot pedal ($90 - $100) to have a decent sewing experience. When sewing the bag, I was trying to stitch lines along the handle which was fairly thick and the Janome couldn't handle it. I fought for a few minutes, gave up and got out my Bernina 440 which did it easily and beautifully. I had ordered the 8200 edge stitch foot for the project - I found it to be cheaply made and not terrific quality, especially in comparison to Bernina feet which are admittedly more expensive.
Overall, I like the 8200 a lot and will continue to use it but would not be happy if it were my only machine. For me, it's the fine details of a project that mark it as well done or amateur looking, and I will still turn to Bernina for that sewing.
#5
I have the 8200..overall it's a great machine. I love to free motion on this machine. IrishNY is correct, it's not great on thick seams. Also you need to measure your 1/4 inch as the foot or setting is not correct. Since I know that now it's not a problem. Love the large throat. I can't use the knee lift as it's so far away because of the long machine. I wish it was like my Vikings with a auto lift. I believe BabyLock does this also. Over all I'd buy the machine again. Didn't get the 8900 because I knew I would use the extra stitches and otherwise the machine are the same.
#7
Thanks for your responses. I too have a Bernina which is nearly 30 years old. I must have a million miles on it and only had it in the shop one time. (why am I looking at a Janome?) My friend is now selling Janome machines and yes, I did try it out yesterday. I enjoyed sewing with it and though there is a learning curve, I don't think it's too much for me. I don't like the idea that I would have to drag out my "old reliable" to do a thick seam, but do like the larger harp. Kind of a hard decision but think I will go check out Berninas again before I commit.
Thanks for giving me some food for thought.
Thanks for giving me some food for thought.
#8
I think many of us struggle with the dilemma you're facing. I know I did. I love my Bernina's but they refuse to put out a model with a significant harp size except at the very top of the line and I refuse to pay the price of their TOL machines (not a question of money but of value to me). So I was forced to buy from another manufacturer to get that feature. I would buy a middle of the line Bernina like my 440 again if they issued it with a 10" or 11" harp.
Good luck with your decision - it's a tough one.
Good luck with your decision - it's a tough one.
#9
I have the 8900 which is very similar. It is a great machine. It does a wonderful job on FMQ. When I bought mine, I intended to get the 7700. I tried out that and the 8200, as well as the 8900. I liked the 8900. My dealer said they had perfected some problems they had on the 8200. The price was just a few hundred $ more.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Washington
Posts: 4,001
I have the 8900 and it is great even on thick seams. I love the extra stitch selection and also the 9mm width. I never tried the 8200 because I wanted the extra stitches and have not regretted it and at the time there was not much diff in the price of the two.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post