Hi All,

I am looking to purchase either the Janome 6600 or the Bernina Aurora 440. I have read the thread on the Janomes and alot of positive comments on it. I would love to hear about the Bernina. The big difference that I see on them would be the Bernina has the stitch regulator but no accu feed. I have a long arm so techinally the stitch regulator is not something I need. I have used a Pfaff with an accu feed so is this somthing I would miss if I go to the Bernina and not the Janome. I am not gettng the embroidery unit for the Bernina. Any input anyone can give would be appreciated.

Nettie

I, Have the Bernina 440..love it!..it is a work horse..and nothing hardly bogs it down...Guess, what I am saying is it will sew through many layers....and will sew with allot of different thread cotton/metallic or poly and does a great stitch...I have heard the janomes r wonderful machines..I have a juki 98Q..there a great machine,w/ thread cutter....

With a longarm and no need to embroidery, you might wish to consider the 430 instead of the 440. It has just a few less stitches, no BSR and no embroidery module included, for a lot less.

Otherwise it's the same machine. I can't speak for the Janome, but the 430/440 is a wonderful machine! While I agree dual feed is very nice, reducing your presser foot pressure on the Berninas to abou 35 will give you perfect results.

I also have the Bernina 440 and it's my favourite of any machine I have ever used. I can use any kind of thread and it sews perfectly. Even using monofilament in the top and the bobbin doesn't cause a bit of trouble. I've never used a machine with accu-feed so can't comment on that, but I have never had trouble piecing with the #57 foot. It doesn't have a thread cutter, which doesn't bother me but might be a problem for you. I have several bobbin cases and can adjust the spares easily for things like bobbin work. I have never liked drop in bobbins though so it's not surprising I'm happier with the front-load. The stitch plate just pops off without tools for easy cleaning and the feet are equally simple to change. I'd also miss the free arm, which I think only the new Horizon has. I do use both the stitch regulator and the embroidery module, so they were extra reasons I first decided on my Bernina.

Bernina's biggest negative in my view is the price.

I, also, have the Bernina 430. I purchased it with the embroidery module and BSR foot. It was a trade in and I got a very good deal. I absolutely love my machine. I have one other machine that is 39 years old, that runs great. But I only use my Bernina. The only downfall is you have to have a computer to run the embroidery program. It is not that bad, but it is best to have a dedicated laptop just for the machine.

pfaff--pfaff all the way idt intagrated dual feed works++++++ janome has similar but i have never used one--threader +luxury thread ctter would be great

Berninas last forever! When I got my first one, a 1260, the dealer told me that he was still servicing the Berninas that Royal Covent Garden Opera House in London were using in their costume department. They were all over 30 years old!

I have since bought a 730E, and I love that too, but still use my 1260 for basic stitching, as I don't have to wait for it to boot up as I do with the 730E. I have both set up ready to go, and often have one embroidering, while I am using the other to piece. I had cracked FMQ before I got the 730 with the Stitch Regulator, but prefer to use that, because it's so much easier, and more even. I don't have a dedicated laptop for the 730 it gets used for everything, but I wouldn't part with my Berninas for all the tea in China!

I have the 6600 and my other machine was 15yrs+ old. I cannot tell you the difference it has made. The accu-feed is absolutely wonderful. I love that the walking foot is attached, it has a thread cutter, knee lifter, etc.

When I went out shopping for a new machine I took DH with me. He's a Mech. Eng. so I had him ask all the questions to how the machine was built. The Janome is the only one we came across that was ball-bearing!!! It'll last a life time. A lot of others out there have plastic insides. Be careful!!! Don't just look at the bells and whistles, take a closer look for your own benefit and your pocketbooks.

I have the Bernina 440, and I love it. I bought it after sewing for 30+ years on my 1971 Singer. I told my husband that I definitely got my money's worth out of the Singer, so could afford to buy the Bernina. Going from a machine that only had straight and zig-zag stitching to one with the bells & whistles of the Bernina, there were many features that I didn't even know existed, like needle up/needle down, the knee lift, and being able to move the needle from side to side. And since I also make clothing, the buttonholer and button foot are nice, too.

I don't know what the accu-feed is. Sounds like a built in walking foot. Since I only use the walking foot when I quilt and bind, I don't see the advantage of having one built in, but different strokes for different folks.

I like the Bernina knee lift. Once you get used to it, it's a great time saver, especially if you are doing something where you need to keep pivoting the fabric (like machine appliqueing around curves and points. With the knee lift, you don't have to move your hands off the fabric, which saves time.

Whichever machine you choose, have a great time with it.

I have the Bernina 440 QE as well. I love it! It has taken me since Christmas to really get all of the things it does (embroidery, BSR, decorative stitches) but I am having fun learning. The store where I bought it from has amazing service & unlimited classes to make sure you really know what it can do. One thing I learned though is it need oiled & cleaned often...every 8 to 10 hours. My poor workhorse Kenmore rarely ever saw oil. Opps!!!

I have the 430 and absolutely love it! It can do so much, lets me sew through many, many layers, puts up with many hours on it happily, and is pretty quiet. I also love how easy it is to change the feet (they pop off) rather than the ones requiring a screw, like my old Hsqvarna (which I can't spell)

The needle plate is easy to remove, so I take it off and use a cuetip swab to clean out the lint every other bobbin change. And the machine will beep to tell you when you need to oil the bobbin hook area.

The accu-feed is the feed dog system. It assists in accurate piecing. Walking foot is a separate thing.

JANOME! I have janome 1600 P-QC and Janome 9500 and just traded off Janome 8077 for the 9500. LOVE them all!!!

My friend has the Janome 6600, it is awesome. has the knee lift, accu feed and TONS of stitches.

I have two Bernina and would almost cut off my arm rather than give either of them up. My friend has a Janome, forget the number but the top of the line when she bought it a couple of years ago and I have used it at her home. IMO the Bernina is far superior-- the Janome has plastic bobbins and the presser feet are not nearly as well made as the Bernina. When comparing the stitches side by side the Bernina looked more balanced and perfect while the Janome not so much! The bobbin being a drop in is a nuisance when sewing on the Janome and then I compared buttonholes and again the Bernina was superior. Now don't take my word for it, go to a dealer and compare side by side the quality of parts and pieces, the stitches made and then make your own educated decision.
Sue

I have a Bernina 1230 and love the ways it purrs when I sew. Other machines sound clunky to me in comparison.

I have a Bernina 630 and just love the machine!!!

Thanks for all the great comments on the machines. Still looking no hurry for me. I appreciate everyone's help in trying to decide. I will take some quilt squares and appliqued stuff with me to test drive and see which one drives the best.

Nettie

Hi I just bought a Janome 7700 it has a 11 x 4.7 space for our quilts. It also has a built in walking foot. It also has a 7 pc feed system, and an extra high presser foot lifter , auto thread cutter and auto threader and a knee lifter. Go to Janome .comThis macine cost 2,999 but they take trade ins I won't need another machine after this, it has it all! Roz

[quote=The accu-feed is the feed dog system. It assists in accurate piecing. Walking foot is a separate thing.[/quote]

Thanks for the info.

I forgot to mention that it has 5 led lights . one is right in the middle this will help the old eyes like mine.

A friend bought one a month ago and loves it. So glad you're enjoying it too. I was always a Janome diehard lover until I did stippling on a Bernina. I'll never get rid of my Janome MC 9000, but now have a Bernina 180E to do stippling and embroidery with. :D

You could get the Bernina walking foot. It behaves like the IDF on Pfaff. The BSR works wonders for FMQ and keeps tension even. I have an Activa 240 that does FMQ like a dream, however.

Bernina machines are sturdy--minimal plastic, BUT the feet
costs are high, unless you shop used.

I don't know alot about Janome, but hear their TOL Quilter's edition is a great machine.

I love the 640 Artista for embroidery and embellishing.

I adore my Bernina 440. I looked at Janome, but the Swiss engineering won me over.

I personally dislike the acufeed type of features. They feel clunky to me, and I really have no problem with getting excellent piecing with the Bernina.

RST

Hi the word is Bernina has been sold and Janome is now making the Berninas. Thats what I found out from my sewing machine sales owner. Interesting!

I have two berninas and a Janome jem Gold. I use the J for classes as it is only 12 lbs. I can't lift things that weigh over 15 lbs. I love the berninas for their long life and that they are workhorses.

I would recommend a bernina. The cost is big, but in the longrun it is worth it. I love the janome for the classes. It is plastic in places the berninas are metal. I am calling my bernina dealer where I got ine and asking about the bernina sale and if Janome bought them out.

My dealer also sells the berninas they take as in trade-ins. They service them and make them perfect and then sell them. Look for one of those. I love my old bernina so much I could not donate it like I planned. Good luck katie

My vote is for the Janome. They are built with mostly metal and make wonderful stitches. The accessories are much cheaper than Bernina and you can purchase third party specialty feet for them.

My best friend has a Bernina (not sure of the model) that I sew on when I am at her house. I am not impressed. The straight stitch is fine but think it makes the sorriest satin stitch. No amount of tweaking has ever made it come out to my satisfaction. She just told me yesterday that she will be selling it soon. (She uses a Viking Diamond for her primary machine.)

I have an old Pfaff with the IDT and I just love it for piecing quilt blocks, they all come out right!! I love my Berninas too, but they lack the IDT.
If you are considering a Bernina with the BSR, take a small quilt sandwich with your thread and try it first. I didn't like it.

[quote=Bluphrog]The accufeed system on the Janome 6600 is built in and is the walking foot. There is no separate walking foot for the 6600 or the new Horizon 7700.

Bernina! I too have the 440 and it's my second Bernina. It all comes down to a very well made machine, reliable and sturdy. I sewed for years on a Kenmore or a Singer and just happened to try a Bernina while taking a FMQ class with Harriet Hargrave 15 years ago. I couldn't believe what I was missing. Plus I've worked for a sewing machine dealer and the only time we ever saw a Bernina come into the repair department was just for basic yearly cleaning and maintenance.

Actually, if you have $8,000 you can get the new Eight series Bernina that now has an IDT system. I have a 640 and just love it. It is like sewing through butter! My old machine was a Pfaff Tiptronic and I loved the IDT. But I haven't needed it with the Bernina. I personally do not like the BSR and mine just sits in its box. I should probably just sell it. I have more control on the starts and stops if I do it myself. I have never tried a Janome since there wasn't a Janome store near by when I was shopping for a new machine. So I can't comment on them, but the Bernina is a great machine.

I have a Bernina 1090. It's 16 years old, but I LOVE it! Will never have anything but a Bernina. Good luck shopping.

Hmmm....that doesn't sound right...I know that Janome makes some of the Kenmores.

I have the Bernina 430, it does everything I need. I love my Nina!

I also read on another forum that Janome was making some of the lower end Viking machines, but don't know if this is actually the case or not.

When it comes to Bernina and Janome you will have die hard fans on both sides... you will really need to go test drive them both and see what you think.

Having said that - I have a Janome 4900qc and love it. It's a fantastic machine. As much as I might have considered a Bernina, they are a little bit pricier which is a turn off to me.

No matter what you decide on this, you will be happy either way. :)

My first Bernina was a gently used 440 (a sweet machine) that I got for a great price. I then traded her for my current 730E (more bells and whistles). I just absolutely love my Bernina! I have used a Janome Gem Silver and it just didn't work for me at all (wanted to use it as a travel machine). Traded it in on one of the new Bernina 3 series, a little 330 which is just perfect for travel. Love them both!

That being said, you really need to go try both out extensively before you decide. Also, be willing to consider a gently used machine. That is the best way to get the most for your money.

Good luck, and don't forget to post pics for what you decide on. Have fun!

I don't think you can go wrong with either machine. I thought I wanted a Bernina, but The Janome dealer was closer, and won me over with customer service. The Bernina dealer lost the sale with her demeanor.

I saw the Horizon 7700 one day at the dealer's. It does not have independent bobbin winder, that I have come to love on my Babylock Ellegante. I use my Berninas for small jobs, and garment sewing. The Activa 240 is a dream for FMQ and buttonholes! I use my Babylock for embroidery mostly. I would say to take some swatches and quilt sandwiches with you to the dealer to test sew some samples on the machines you have interest in. That is the best way to choose which one you feel most comfortable with.