Compare Bernina and Janome Sewing Machines (1008 vs HD3000)
In the comparison game, there are always going to be both sides of the story. One group will like one sewing machine company while another likes a different one. When it comes to Bernina and Janome, both companies put out top sewing machines that will handle the work you have to do
These are two well-built machines. They are also fairly close in features with the HD3000 having one more stitch pattern than the Bernina 1008. All the controls on both machines are placed in very convenient locations so it is a toss-up as to which one is better.
To learn more about the sewing machines made by both Janome and Bernina just continue to read our article. It is filled with the information you need to make an intelligent decision when out shopping for a new machine.
Comparing Bernina and Janome 101
Bernina or Janome Sewing Machine?
This can be a very tough question to answer when you want to upgrade your current sewing machine or buy yourself a model that will last you through your retirement. If history has anything to do with your decision Bernina has been a family-owned company since 1893.
They know sewing machines and they know how to put one together that will last you a long time. Janome has not been around as long it has been making sewing machines since 1921.
Their Janome trademark was established in 1935 and the company switched names in 1954. Janome has the reputation of doing everything it can to bring a quality machine to its customers.
Bernina on one machine alone, the 830, filed for 15 separate patents because of the innovations the company made with their sewing machines. As you can see the two companies are always working hard to produce the best sewing machine possible for you.
Which one you will buy will boil down to your project needs, how much you sew, and how much you want to spend. There is no reason to doubt that you will produce excellent results with either machine.
Which is Better Janome or Bernina?
If we had a say in this debate, we would go with the Bernina sewing machines. They are family-owned, have top quality standards, and create great machines. They are not sparing the expense to make sure the sewing machine you buy from them is the best one they can make.
Other people will disagree as they prefer the Janome sewing machine for the same reasons. They own a Janome and feel that this is the machine they want with them forever.
The outcome of this comparison may lie with the details or smaller parts than it does with the reputation or longevity of both companies. One person took the Bernina over the Janome because they felt the feet and accessories were more solid and had a heavier feel to them.
Also, she liked the precision stitching that came with her Bernina sewing machines. Along the same lines, another sewer took the Janome because they could bond with their machine, and she liked the embroidery quality she received along with the intuitive design.
These are very good reasons to like one machine over the other. The best way for you to decide is to take a test drive on both and see which machine fits your style of working the best.
There is never going to be a clear cut winner in this type of competition.
Compare Janome and Bernina Sewing Machines
One of the first comparisons you will make between the two brands is their cost. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Bernina sewing machines are very expensive. Even in the mid-level range where their sewing machines can cost between $1200 and $1800.
Janome sewing machines at the same level run at Amazon around $500 to $600 and that is a significant saving especially when you have limited funds to work with. Yet that does not mean Janome does not produce high priced machines. Wal Mart sells one embroidery machine for $5000.
An entry-level Bernina starts at about $700 and the price goes up from there. Amazon has one Bernina embroidery machine listed at $3,275 and that is still not the most expensive machine they produce. The 880 is listed for just over $15,000.
All the sewing machines for both companies have their own set of features that make them unique. Those features are designed to help you produce the best sewing item possible. You would have to look at individual machines to see the different features and accessories on each one before deciding which one is best for you.
Both companies have a great selection of models for you to choose from.
Bernina 1008 vs Janome HD3000
The Bernina 880 comes with a few nice standard features like 17 stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length, and width as well as a 4 step buttonhole maker. Also, there is an onboard storage compartment and reverse stitch function as well as a drop feed.
Its easy to thread design as well as convenient locations of all of its controls make this a sewing machine that does not delay your sewing time. Then the machine is made to work with a variety of fabrics including leather. Canvas, fur, plastic, and extra thick fabrics are not to be used on this machine.
The Janome HD3000 comes with a 5 piece feed dog, 18 stitch patterns, drop feed, and a hard frame. There is also an automatic buttonhole foot and 4 other feet that handle different sewing tasks.
A beginner can work with this machine with ease and both the beginner and expert can do a wide range of sewing with different fabrics with the 3000. Since we have talked about the pros and cons of the costs of both companies, you should check with your local authorized dealer to get a current price on both machines.
Bernina 770 vs Janome 9400
There are 3 Bernina 770 QE sewing machines made by the company. Each one is basically the same in features and has the same functions. Their 1000 spm speed is quite good and the 30 watts LED lamp brightens up the working area quite nicely.
Their stitch length reaches 6mm while the width gets to 9mm. They also all have a 10-inch space to the right of the needle. Then their most modern touch are the two USB ports that can be used for interfacing with your PC or directly with your USB stick.
On the other hand, the 9400 starts with 11 inches to the right of the needle giving sewers an extra inch of space to maneuver their quilts and other fabrics. Its stitch speed is only slightly faster than the 770 and clocks in at 1060 spm.
Plus, this machine comes with a touch screen as well as easy to use convenience buttons. Those buttons are located above the needle and can lift the presser foot, bring the needle up or down, and so on.
This machine also comes with 350 different stitch patterns and4 alphabets. This is like comparing apples and oranges as it is clear the two machines are not playing at the same level. The Janome is the top machine here.
Bernina 880 vs Janome 15000
You are probably going to find everything you need for sewing on the Bernina 880. And you should because its regular list price is over $15,000. To begin the display screen is front and center so you do not have to strain your eyes or move too much to see what you have programmed into the machine.
The 880 reaches 1200 spm and provides you with 12 inches to the right of the needle. It also comes with a 30 LED light and the 9 and 6 stitch width and length. There are also 11 needle positions to work with.
The list of features for this sewing machine is long and impressive. If you want a machine that will last you for life, this just may be it. On the other hand, the Janome 15000 places the display screen on the right back front of the machine. While it is still okay to view, it is not as convenient as the 880. It also comes with 2 USB ports and a bright LED light to let you see what you are doing.
Its 500 stitch patterns, 13 one-step buttonholes, and other features make this a very tempting machine to buy. It too has a long list of built-in features that make it a worthy opponent to the 880.
The price of this machine runs approx. $12,000 give or take a few dollars.
Bernina or Janome for Quilting?
This is a very subjective topic as each companies’ quilting machines are quite good and built to handle the rigors of quilting. In our research, the opinions of experienced sewers were fairly close with the edge going to Bernina.
That is understandable as Bernina builds top quality machines. Their customers prefer their machines to other brands simply because they are quality and can last you for life. But you can’t please everyone.
Bernina, while having top quality control, does produce some machines that sneak through inspections and get out to the consumer. It is the same with Janome and people’s opinions are based on their experience with those inferior individual units.
Toe to toe Bernina is the better brand of sewing machines and if you can afford one, then go with that company. If you can’t you are not missing out on anything if you pick up the cheaper Janome.
Bernina vs Janome Overlocker
The Bernina overlocker comes in two models and there should be little difference between them. For this section, the 460 L will be looked at and one of its strengths is the needle up stop, the stitch by stitch sewing ability, and its up to 1500 spm speed.
Its hands-free operation makes it easier for you to maneuver your material through the needle. Then it comes with 2 LED lights to really make your work area light up and bright enough.
That is not all as this machine can finish edges up to 9mm in width and has a color-coded thread path for easy threading. It seems that Bernina has thought of everything when they made this machine.
Janome also makes 2 overlock sewing machines and the 9300DX will be looked at here. Its precision stitching is one of the attractive features that come with this machine. It can handle 3 or 4 threads at the same time.
Its cutting width is also adjustable allowing you to trim those hems between 2 and almost 6mm in width. Threading is not difficult as this machine uses the color-coding system as well and there is a very quiet motor on hand to protect your ears as you work.
Some Final Words
The machine you like will depend a lot on your preference. Some people pick a machine simply because it has or does not have Disney designs on its embroidery function. The reason you pick a Bernina or a Janome or vice versa may be influenced by something as minor as that.
What you need to know is that Bernina and Janome do make good machines but when it comes to quality the edge must go to Bernina. They know how to make great sewing machines and make sure you have all the features and accessories you want in a machine.
You are not going to miss out on any sewing experience if you choose one machine over another. They have got you covered with all the special standard features built into their machines.
The choice is up to you. Examine your sewing needs to find out which brand would suit you best and go with that brand.
