Bernina or Janome?
 

I've done many search attempts and found one great post on Berninas--but can't find anything on Janomes.

My Babylock Quest is in the shop and I've lost trust in it, so am looking for a new machine. The Bernina has this BSR--stitch regulator that even works for free motion quilting and after what my BL has put me though over the years--that is looking like the biggest selling point to me.

In reading about Janomes--which I like the look of better--but that can't come into play ;-) I don't see anything about stitch regulators. Janome lovers care to comment?

Bernina owners love their machines and except for the 700 series, they seem to be amazing. Are Janomes as amazing? I need a machine that doesn't skip stitches or have tension issues.

Looking at Bernina 380, 530, or 550QE or Janome Memory Craft 6300P--the price difference is $100s, but if a Bernina really will keep quilting joyful--I'm willing to pay.

This won't really answer your question. I have the Bernina 440QE since 2008. Absolutely love it. Keep it serviced every year. Also have the Janome Gold, which is a smaller inexpensive machine so no comparison to the Memory Craft. Have had 3 Berninas and wouldn't trade them for anything but a new Bernina. Well worth the extra dollars IMHO.

I have the inexpensive Janome Jem Gold. It is a little workhorse, no problems at all and it is years old but it is no where close to the high end Janome. I have an older Bernina 1260 and it is still sewing like new. I am thinking of the 550QE also. But by the time I decide I need a new one there will be newer series. LOL

Thanks--both good machines. The one feature that may make me lean Janome way is the bigger harp, or throat. I like space there. The Janomes have it--but to get it on a Bernina I'd have to spend $1000s more.

I own Bernina machines -- wouldn't go to another brand. I know Janome owners who feel the same way -- it all comes down to what YOU want and what YOU want to spend.

I've had my 780 now, for over two years and since the update that resolved an issue with the newly designed bobbin assembly shortly after I purchased it, it sews like an absolute dream.

I've owned Berninas for over twenty years. They're truly a work horse.

Why not go visit both dealers for a test sew?

I have a Janome with a big throat and wouldn't trade it in for a Bernina with a small throat! I love my Janome!

I have had a Janome for years. I have the 8900 now and love it. When deciding to get it I did research and found people with problems with EVERY machine made.

Thank you for all the good points to consider. I actually have a Bernina 210 on loan while they wrestle with my Baby Lock. I know it's an older model, but I'm not liking it so far. I'm sure the newer models are smoother. I'm not one to embrace change though. lol

I love my Janome 7700 Horizon! The added harp space is such a nice feature. Also, it came with many feet so there really is not any feet to buy separately, unless there is a specialty foot that is out of the normal sewing realm. My friend who has a Bernina said her machine did not come with all the feet Janome did and she ended up having to buy some feet separately. I would definitely go and test drive different machines and brands to see what feels best to you. Also, buying from a local shop is a good idea, since they will be close if you have questions etc. when you start using the machine at home. Good luck.

IMHO you need to purchase a machine that has a dealer, near by, that you have a good relationship with. Machines will have problems from time to time. Hopefully nothing serious. My Bernina dealer is there for me. I own 2 Berninas and can count on my dealer to help me if I have problems or the machine has problems. In the past I have owned TOL machines and had NO support from the dealers (2 different dealers). Since I switched to Bernina I have had only success, both with my machines and my projects.
I have the large harp on my 830 and LOVE it. If you are going to do a lot of FMQ the large harp is wonderful.

I chose a Janome 6600 after trying out many machines at a quilt show years ago. I wanted a big throat and this one fit in my budget. I love her and it was been quite a few years now. I also like that it has a built it even feed foot. I never felt the need for a stitch regulator. It was a good decision for me.

I bought a Babylock Cresecendo this spring, with 11" harp space. I just now got my latest project to where I could start quilting. I tell ya....that 11" harp space is to die for!!!! Makes quilting a twin quilt oh so much easier!

It came with a boatload of feet. And I really like the laser light, which at the time I thought was gimmicky.

I love my Bernina 380. However I don't quilt on it. The harp size is too small. I bought it to piece and machine applique. I needed a light weight machine I could move around and take for service myself. Make a list of the things you want your machine to do for you, then test the machines. I also echo the advice that it is best if you have reliable support for your machine close.

I had a Bernini and loved it, used it to death, than a light weight inexpensive Janome. Still have it, works good. Now have a Janome memory craft love it. I did compare both a year ago, only difference was Bernini used larger bobbins, not cheep to replace all I had, and the BSR. It also cost $2000 more. The harp size, and stiches, were the same in both. I thought long and hard before going Janome. My FMQ is not the greatest, but with practice it is getting a lot better. Just was not worth the extra $$$ for me. I have a fantastic dealer.

I will be watching here...I have a BL now that is my main go to, but I'm not really pleased with it and am thinking about a purchase in the near future I have an old Viking #1 plus that I just love and am thinking of going back..... For an updated model....I left on an impulse buy(BL).... Never again!

I have a Janome 7700, and I love it. It uses any kind of thread and has a large harp. I used to have a 4800 Janome, not made anymore, so I didn't have too much to learn with the new machine. I have had the 7700 for about a year, and have not had any trouble with it. I can't comment on a Bernina since I have never sewn on one, but I don't think it would offer me anything that I don't have on my Janome. The shop where I bought it offers unlimited classes as long as you need them and repair service if you need it. A close repair service is worth a lot IMHO. Good luck on your search and buy what makes you happy. Oh, one other thing--when I bought the machine financing was free for 12 months (I think that was the length of time offered) and I have seen offers on other machines for longer periods of time. I think that is a good selling point. Ask about that when you make a decision if you are interested in that.
Sue

Berninas are not in my budget. I like the smooth operation and large harp space of my Janome 8900.

Love my Janome 6600!

The repair man/dealer I go to handles only Berninas and Janomes, so I figure both are good. I have had lower end Janomes and love them, but then I don't have the budget for a Bernina. I'd test drive models of both until you know in your heart which one is right for you.

I myself bought a Bernina in the 90s, a 1530 and I have loved it. I haven't had any problems with it except for when I was using can air to clean out the dust bunnies and had to replace the bobbin case. I haven't heard may go review on the BSR. My opinion is that it is an overprices accessory. The ONLY thing that will give you perfect FMQ is a computer doing the quilting.

I have three Janomes and am very happy with all of them. My last one is Memory Craft 5200 which I have at home and the other ones are at the cabin.

Such wonderful advice--thank you. The closest shop is a Bernina guy--but I'm not sure he went to the classes to learn how to fix them. And he teaches younger boys who work on the machines. Not sure it's the best place to get them fixed. The next closest is 30 miles--and there's a Bernina in one direction and a Janome in the other. I will see how my machine comes out after the overhaul--then do some test driving. I really love that harp space though... and a lower bill.

I have never used a Bernina so I can't compare, but I love my Janomes. I have a Magnolia 7330 to take with me when I go somewhere to sew and I have a Janome 6600. I am very glad that I bought my 6600. The only problem that I have had is a blown fuse on the 6600. The dealer replaced it for free.. so that made it no problem at all :)

I own Brother/Babylock, Janome and Bernina... all have pros and cons, all have had issues, all were repairable and all ended up working just fine. The biggest differentiator is cost, everything costs significantly more with Bernina... in many cases 5-10 times more, especially feet. I love them all for different reasons. Buy what meets your needs and budget. For me Brother/Babylock have been the most reliable and are my first choice. If money were no object, I'd have multiples of all of them

Well, I own Janomes. Dc3050, 9700, 9900, 1100D serger. Never have the issues you mentioned. I don't have a stitch regulator and don't know why I would need one. Very happy with my brand of choice.

sandy

Thanks Tom and Sandy. The repair guy called to tell me the three parts he's going to order to replace--needle plate, finger something or other and the hook (bobbin case). They are losing a lot on this machine because they've spent so many hours trying to get it to work well. He said the charge will be around $350--which is fair enough for parts ($150) and labor. Just so curious as to how long it can go without skipping stitches and breaking thread and losing proper tension. I don't trust it.

I hope the repairs are successful. It's awful to sew on a frustrating machine. Some advice I've read here is to make some samples with batting and basted and try out a bunch of models. That might help. I know the fancier machines have a learning curve but you might know more by getting the "feel" of each. Good luck!

I bought a Janome 6600MC almost 5 years ago and have never had any issues, it is a workhorse for me and runs like a dream. I was at a quilt show in Manchester, NH this April and took a FMQ class with Leah Day... they gave us brand new 8900s out of the box to play on for the day... just couldn't resist, took one home with me! I love the 11 plus inches of throat space and it FMQs like a dream. BTW, Leah is amazing and has FMQd on domestic machines for years... she is worth taking a class with.

Love my Janome 8900

I have the Janome 7700 and couldn't be happier. I do A LOT of FMQ and have found all I have to do is put on the darning foot, put my stitch length on 0 and take off. Don't even lower the feed dogs. It has a large throat space, making large quilts easy to work with as well as the Dual Feed which takes the place of a walking foot. It also came with loads of feet and has made my sewing world so much easier. Try finding a dealer close enough that you are comfortable with and test a Janome. I wouldn't trade mine for anything, well almost anything.

I have an old Bernina 1030 which I absolutely love but thought I wanted something newer with computer technology. I did not want to spend over $5000 for the fancy Bernina's and test drove the cheaper ones. I think I test drove the QE. I don't know whether it was that particular machine but I thought it was loud compared to my 1030. I settled on a Janome 7700. I have to say it's just alright, nothing more. It seems to be a workhorse but can chew fabric. I don't use all the fancy stitches but I do like the automatic thread cutter and cheaper feet. I do not like the fact that I have to take it in for expensive tune-ups but that would be with any computerized machine. if I had to do it all over again I would look at the Juki 2010Q, can't be beat for the price. Also, the computerized machine get outdated FAST.

Go the Janome yahoo groups ...Janome 8900 join and ask about this machine...tell them you are considering going Bernina....you will get your answer. I have Janome 6600,8900, 11000SE. Love them all. Fmq. On the 8900 is a breeze.

I have a Bernina 750 with larger throat and (2) 440QE's. I love all of them and would never change again. I also have a FW and love it, too, but not as much as the Bernina's.

Susan

jmoore--how wonderful to be mentored by Leah Day.. and on a brand new machine. Amazing.

I have the Bernina 440QE with the stitch regulator and love love it wouldn't trade it for anything as I do all my own quilting on it and yes it is possible to quilt a queen size quilt on it and also the Bernina has the very best stitch of any machine I have used the stitch regulator to straight stitch in the ditch and it was the best quilt in the ditch I ever did I also use it for free motion embroidery can take any stamped embroidery pattern and use my machine NO would not get rid of my stitch regulator for anything

I love my Bernina 550QE (it took a while for me to bond with it but now I would not be parted from it). The stitch regulator was the deal clincher for me to buy this model over the 530. However, I never use the stitch regulator and much prefer to FMQ without it.

I have a Bernina 730E and love it. The BSR is a must for me and have quilted several quilts on it. Yes I'd like the new wider throat and the built in walking foot with the new models in the 7 series, but am trying to be happy with what I have. lol

I have a Bernina 180 and a Janome 8900. I love them both. The Bernina is an embroidery machine as well. It is heavy, has great sturdy feel and many, many stitches. It does beautiful work. It was expensive, feet are expensive, has a small harp space. The Janome 8900 is much newer. It has 11" harp space, lots of free feet included, is heavy and does a beautiful stitch. It is wonderful for free motion quilting! I actually love them both, and think you can't go wrong with either choice. I would go try them both out. Try piecing and quilting on them. Talk to the dealer and get a feel for how they do business. Then I would choose the one that feels right, and has the best dealer. A good reliable dealer is very important in your choice.

I can only speak for Bernina's, haven't owned a Janome. I own an older (930) Bernina, and love it, I purchased it new in 1985 and have never had a problem with it. I wouldn't trade it even for a new Bernina. I sometimes think I would like a new fancier machine, but then I would have to pay big big bucks because would definitely go with a Bernina. I usually piece on my FW's. and finish my quilts on my Bernina. Janome owners probably feel the same about their machines. I think it is just whatever you want or can afford. I suggest you should go to a dealer for both and test sew on each. We all have our own personal preference just like in cars.