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-   -   Why a Bernina over a Jamone Sewing machine (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/why-bernina-over-jamone-sewing-machine-t80397.html)

memere9 12-03-2010 01:00 PM

What is your reason if you made that choice?

Cathy

Maride 12-03-2010 01:22 PM

Mine came for free, isn't that a great reason?

DebraK 12-03-2010 01:25 PM


Originally Posted by Maride
Mine came for free, isn't that a great reason?


The perfect reason.

peaceandjoy 12-03-2010 01:28 PM

Berninas, other than the housing, are still metal. For durability, that's a plus. However, if you will be taking the machine to classes, retreats, etc., hauling a 25+ lb. machine is a pain in the neck.

That's why my "regular" machine is a Bernina, and my "traveling" machine is a Janome.

Kas 12-03-2010 01:32 PM

I didn't have a Janome dealer around when I got my Bernina. So I never test drove one. I was replacing a Pfaff and had tried the Viking and wasn't impressed. So that is why I got a Bernina.

memere9 12-03-2010 02:06 PM


Originally Posted by Maride
Mine came for free, isn't that a great reason?

Great reason I would take anyone that way

memere9 12-03-2010 02:09 PM


Originally Posted by peaceandjoy
Berninas, other than the housing, are still metal. For durability, that's a plus. However, if you will be taking the machine to classes, retreats, etc., hauling a 25+ lb. machine is a pain in the neck.

That's why my "regular" machine is a Bernina, and my "traveling" machine is a Janome.

That was my thinking as well I have an older Kenmore heavy machine purchased a gem gold to take to class but looking to have only one machine but still need a little one

Annaquilts 12-03-2010 02:16 PM

I think the quality over all is better. That said 6 plus years ago I choose a Janome over a Bernina because it seemed Janome was more in touch with quilting needs. (large throat space, automatic push button thread cutter, quilters package, feet included and knee lifter) I would look at all the features and what you want and test drive both. By the way my dealer has both Bernina and Janome. She actually recommended the Janome to me because of the quilting features. I do have a vintage Bernina 830 also. I do think Janome quality is good too. I run my Janome 6500, Janome Gem Silver, and two other Janomes hard and for years now and they are all in excellent shape.

Candace 12-03-2010 02:16 PM

I have both a Janome and Bernina! Get two is my motto:> To be serious. Nothing compares to the quality of a Bernina. That being said, it's the most expensive on the market. IMHO worth it, but Janome has an excellent reputation and I was thrilled with my 9000 until I upgraded to my Bernina. So....it really is preference and how much you want to spend on a new toy.

memere9 12-03-2010 02:21 PM


Originally Posted by Candace
I have both a Janome and Bernina! Get two is my motto:> To be serious. Nothing compares to the quality of a Bernina. That being said, it's the most expensive on the market. IMHO worth it, but Janome has an excellent reputation and I was thrilled with my 9000 until I upgraded to my Bernina. So....it really is preference and how much you want to spend on a new toy.

It seems you can get more for your money with a Janome

pvquilter 12-03-2010 02:28 PM

I am a "Bernina" woman. I have used them all my sewing years, Tried a Janome once. It was OK but did not compare. Love my Bernina.

Pink Dogwood 12-03-2010 02:35 PM

I have 2 Berninas, one is and older 1160 which I still use often the other is my 180 embroidery/quilting machine. Both make beautiful stitches and I can always count on them. Did a test drive recently on a Janome and was not impressed. I'll stick to my Bernina.

117becca 12-03-2010 02:37 PM

i have a little Bernette - and i like it. I also have an older Singer - 40s or 50s and it is much better workhorse because it will work w/ heavier weight fabrics. I do know that the Bernette isn't designed for the real heavy duty stuff

Candace 12-03-2010 02:38 PM


Originally Posted by memere9

Originally Posted by Candace
I have both a Janome and Bernina! Get two is my motto:> To be serious. Nothing compares to the quality of a Bernina. That being said, it's the most expensive on the market. IMHO worth it, but Janome has an excellent reputation and I was thrilled with my 9000 until I upgraded to my Bernina. So....it really is preference and how much you want to spend on a new toy.

It seems you can get more for your money with a Janome

Yes, because Janome is made cheaper in China with cheaper materials. I love my Janome, but there really is no comparison to a Bernina. It's like comparing a Chevy to a Rolls Royce. There's nothing wrong with a Chevy. But, once you've driven a Rolls Royce, it's hard to go back!

Candace 12-03-2010 02:39 PM


Originally Posted by 117becca
i have a little Bernette - and i like it. I also have an older Singer - 40s or 50s and it is much better workhorse because it will work w/ heavier weight fabrics. I do know that the Bernette isn't designed for the real heavy duty stuff

Just an FYI a Bernette is NOT a Bernina. It's made for Bernina but not BY Bernina. Clear as mud;>

sewingladydi 12-03-2010 03:29 PM

I don't have a Bernina or a Janome. But I would love to have BSR if I was going to a new machine.

mic-pa 12-03-2010 03:40 PM

I have three Janome's and never had a problem with any of them. I never test drove a Bernina per sae but the price of the extra feet and the fact two of my friends had Berninas and they were in the shop more than they were in their homes.

quiltlonger 12-03-2010 03:48 PM

Never had a Bernina only a Janome 8000 and that was a Surprise from my hubby- years ago both are still great after all these years!!

patricej 12-03-2010 03:59 PM


Originally Posted by Candace
Yes, because Janome is made cheaper in China with cheaper materials.

my Janome boxes said made in Japan.

and they are not at all cheap.

as much as i love my Janomes i can also say that i've never met a Bernina owner who wasn't absolutely crazy over it. not one has ever said she wished she'd bought something different. i don't know if it's true of all models, but the bernina a friend has is quieter than either of my janomes. i think you'll be pleased whichever you buy. pick the one that offers the most for the amount you can afford to spend. you will not regret it. :-)

Candace 12-03-2010 04:36 PM


Originally Posted by PatriceJ

Originally Posted by Candace
Yes, because Janome is made cheaper in China with cheaper materials.

my Janome boxes said made in Japan.

and they are not at all cheap.

as much as i love my Janomes i can also say that i've never met a Bernina owner who wasn't absolutely crazy over it. not one has ever said she wished she'd bought something different. i don't know if it's true of all models, but the bernina a friend has is quieter than either of my janomes. i think you'll be pleased whichever you buy. pick the one that offers the most for the amount you can afford to spend. you will not regret it. :-)

Yup, my bad. Japan. I didn't say cheap, I said cheaper.

sandpat 12-03-2010 04:41 PM

I didn't test drive the Janome, but I love my Bernina. Bought it from the dealer, but it was a trade in. I will never part with it. I ride her hard and put her up wet and she is ready to go everytime. Not a minutes trouble out of it. I think the Bernina has a more complete offering of feet (of course they are expensive) as well.

I think that you should test drive and form your own opinion based on YOUR needs. You'll be happier that way-

IrishNY 12-03-2010 04:49 PM

I went to a class for machine quilting many years ago and had trouble with my machine. The store was a Bernina dealer and gave me a machine to use. That was the end of it for me. I came home and told DH I HAD to have a Bernina. We had one income and four little kids - we could not afford a Bernina. I coveted for a year or two and then budget be damned, I got one. I haven't been sorry for a single minute, have never had a minute of trouble and wouldn't sell it for anything.

I have thought about getting a backup beside my FW and have looked at Viking and Janome. Can't say I won't ever do it but I just can't imagine I would choose to use another machine when my Bernina is sitting there.

gale 12-03-2010 04:58 PM


Originally Posted by Candace

Originally Posted by PatriceJ

Originally Posted by Candace
Yes, because Janome is made cheaper in China with cheaper materials.

my Janome boxes said made in Japan.

and they are not at all cheap.

as much as i love my Janomes i can also say that i've never met a Bernina owner who wasn't absolutely crazy over it. not one has ever said she wished she'd bought something different. i don't know if it's true of all models, but the bernina a friend has is quieter than either of my janomes. i think you'll be pleased whichever you buy. pick the one that offers the most for the amount you can afford to spend. you will not regret it. :-)

Yup, my bad. Japan. I didn't say cheap, I said cheaper.

My box says Japan too. Japan is not like China or Taiwan in regards to cheaper made electronics. I would buy something made in Japan over the others any day-it's not the same by a longshot.

eta: Janome also was originally a Japanese company, so it stands to reason they would still be made in Japan (some, however, are not made in Japan).

scowlkat 12-03-2010 05:01 PM

I would take a Janome over Bernina any day! Janomes are almost completely metal still (not the ones in Hancocks - the ones you buy through dealers - and yes, I have verified that they are different). I sew on a Bernina frequently at a friend's house and find it to be a real pain in the neck, it has a very poor quality satin stitch and hate the front loading bobbin. Besides the price of the machine and all the accessories is way out of line for what you get. Now Janome has fallen behind in keeping up with the current features for embroidery machines so I went with a Babylock Ellisimo when I upgraded this summer. I could have gone with the Bernina 830 monster but after playing with it at the shop and studying the manual, I felt it was too finicky for my tastes.

Now this is all my personal opinion and reasoning. I know that most of the dedicated Bernina people are going to disagree which is fine. The main thing is to give yourself an opportunity to study and use whatever machines you are interested in to make an informed decision and prevent regrets.

Off my soapbox now!

gale 12-03-2010 05:10 PM

I didn't know Bernina was a front loader. That is one of my top reasons for choosing the machines I do is that I prefer a drop in bobbin. I've had a front loader (babylock) and didn't care for it.

B. Louise 12-03-2010 05:40 PM

thanks for all these comments. I can't upgrade yet, but I keep wondering.

Candace 12-03-2010 05:57 PM


Originally Posted by gale
I didn't know Bernina was a front loader. That is one of my top reasons for choosing the machines I do is that I prefer a drop in bobbin. I've had a front loader (babylock) and didn't care for it.

My Janome is a drop in and my Bernina a front loading. I like being able to see immediately, how much is left on the bobbin with the Janome. But, the front loading bobbin is much more user friendly when it comes to embroidering. If the bobbin is running low or runs out while doing an embroidery I don't have to remove the hoop and fuss with it, just open up the front and pop it in. So, it really depends on what you use the machine for IMO.

martha jo 12-03-2010 06:03 PM

I have older Berninas and love them. Have had one since 1075. The older ones have a beautiful satin stitch. I have a Jem Gold Janome which I take to class, also a Featherweight. I have sewed on top of line Janome but prefer Bernina.

MistyMarie 12-03-2010 06:07 PM

I have three Janome machines. I have the 6500 (that I bought new), a 1600P for my mid-arm, and a baby Janome my kids use to sew on. I have NEVER had an issue with my Janome machines. I love everything about my 6500. There are a few features that the 7700 has that would be nice, but I cannot imagine sewing on any other brand. I tried out a Bernina and a Pfaff, and a couple others, but fell in love with the Janome before I bought it.

S D G 12-03-2010 06:08 PM

I have 2 singers, a brother and a Janome. I only use my Janome. I love it. It is light enough to take anywhere, and yet durable. I sews like a dream and also quilts beautifuly

Antdebby1 12-03-2010 06:37 PM

The reason I have a Bernina is because my sister bought it for me because she wanted to teach me to quilt about 15 years ago.
My machine is awesome! I've never had a minutes trouble out of it. Love, love, love Bernina!

memere9 12-04-2010 02:43 AM


Originally Posted by Candace

Originally Posted by memere9

Originally Posted by Candace
I have both a Janome and Bernina! Get two is my motto:> To be serious. Nothing compares to the quality of a Bernina. That being said, it's the most expensive on the market. IMHO worth it, but Janome has an excellent reputation and I was thrilled with my 9000 until I upgraded to my Bernina. So....it really is preference and how much you want to spend on a new toy.

It seems you can get more for your money with a Janome

Thank you for this comment I actually love my old kenmore but need some more stitches on the small Janome I bought. The shop I go to that sell Jamome sells used ones. I think I am going to get a used gem gold that does more that the one I have now and save for a new larger model Bernina. It does seem more shops sell those.

Yes, because Janome is made cheaper in China with cheaper materials. I love my Janome, but there really is no comparison to a Bernina. It's like comparing a Chevy to a Rolls Royce. There's nothing wrong with a Chevy. But, once you've driven a Rolls Royce, it's hard to go back!


memere9 12-04-2010 02:45 AM


Originally Posted by mic-pa
I have three Janome's and never had a problem with any of them. I never test drove a Bernina per sae but the price of the extra feet and the fact two of my friends had Berninas and they were in the shop more than they were in their homes.

From the comments I am getting I guess it is really a personal preference.

memere9 12-04-2010 03:13 AM


Originally Posted by scowlkat
I would take a Janome over Bernina any day! Janomes are almost completely metal still (not the ones in Hancocks - the ones you buy through dealers - and yes, I have verified that they are different). I sew on a Bernina frequently at a friend's house and find it to be a real pain in the neck, it has a very poor quality satin stitch and hate the front loading bobbin. Besides the price of the machine and all the accessories is way out of line for what you get. Now Janome has fallen behind in keeping up with the current features for embroidery machines so I went with a Babylock Ellisimo when I upgraded this summer. I could have gone with the Bernina 830 monster but after playing with it at the shop and studying the manual, I felt it was too finicky for my tastes.

Now this is all my personal opinion and reasoning. I know that most of the dedicated Bernina people are going to disagree which is fine. The main thing is to give yourself an opportunity to study and use whatever machines you are interested in to make an informed decision and prevent regrets.

Off my soapbox now!

Thanks for the info One reason I have even considerd a Bernina is that I am planning on retiring and moving and the shop that will be closest to me sell Bernina's I was also hoping to teach a class or two at that shop and thought I might want to know how to operate a Bernina. I purchased a manual Jem Gold second hand from the shop here for $100.00 bought a few acessories so I had a machine lighter than my 30 lbs kenmore which I still love after 35 years but need to have one to talk to classes that does a little more that the Janome I bought. I have the chance to get another one at this shop for around $250 and I think I am going to get the asseroiries I already bought for my jamone will fit the newer one.

quilt3311 12-04-2010 04:13 AM

I bought my first Bernina because my Viking was worn out. At the time the Viking just came out with computer machines, I test drove one for a week (the dealer figured for sure I would buy it, so let me try it for a week) I hated that machine, so drove another 45 miles to where a Bernina dealer had a shop. I explained what I had just done with the Viking and asked if I could test drive the Bernina for a week. I really got a strange look, but he said if I left a deposit check for 1/2 the cost, he would allow that. (he would keep the check and return it if I didn't like the machine) I took a 930 home and in a week took him another check for the balance. He was happy and I was happy. I still have that machine, but did upgrade to a 150 some years ago. I have a small featherweight to take to classes and a Bernina sport model when zig zag etc is needed in the class. Its light and just a basic machine, have no idea if they still make these.

Jamiestitcher62 12-04-2010 04:13 AM

How can anyone say that Janome is lacking in the embroidery area with the 11000SE out there. I love mine and don't feel it lacking in embroidery, plus there aren't any huge embroidery attachments that need to have their own storage bag cause they're so big. A big plus for me.

Moon Holiday 12-04-2010 04:22 AM

In the 1990s when I wanted to buy a computerized machine I asked my favorite sewing machine dealer which machine he would recommend based on the service record, was most user friendly and most important... which machine he would buy for his wife... without hesitation he said the Janome. He insisted I test drive some of the other brands he carries/services with similar options, and it didn't take long to know he was right.... it was the Janome I wanted. I've had no regrets!

patricej 12-04-2010 04:23 AM

let's avoid using this thread to complain about either brand.

when you average the opinions and individual experiences - good and bad - it always comes out the same. both are very good brands. lemons are few and far between.

list the features and factors that are important to you. then get the one that meets all or the most of those criteria within your budget. if the one you really want is outside your budget, save up some more. ;-)

alleyoop1 12-04-2010 04:25 AM

When I was shopping for a machine the Janome was sold in a vacuum store and the man that demonstrated it was knowledgeable, he wasn't a sewer. The Bernina was sold in a sewing store where they also sold fabrics etc. and had regularly scheduled classes. So, for the support provided and for the BSR, Bernina won out. I enjoy attending classes, Bernina Club and getting to know so many wonderful sewers! Lots of good inspiration and information available in the company of other sewers.

Cuilteanna 12-04-2010 04:29 AM

I love the Bernina feet, they are so simple to change, the stitch plate just pops out with no tools needed, and I prefer the front-load bobbin because I can change it without removing whatever I'm sewing or embroidering to get to it.

When I got my first Bernina I loved it so much that I gave my Janome away immediately and haven't missed it at all.

I agree though about the convenience of the embroidery arm being part of the 11000 and not having a module to store / attach for embroidery. Janome's 11000 hoops are squarer and mostly wider than Bernina's current range (except for the new 830).


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