I am shopping for my first sewing machine. I want a computerised machine. I have been looking at the Babylock machines as well as the sewing/embroidery machine combos.
I am stuck between the Janome machine and the Babylock models. The dealer inferred that the Babylock machines are better made than the Janome machines.
I thought that I knew what I was doing when I just purchased the Brother LB7000 combo sewing/embroidery machine. It is still in the box because once I open it it won’t be returnable. The hoop is only a 4″x4″ and now I know that may be too small. I had the thought that this machine would be the one I could take to classes and/or use as an embroidery machine and then separately get a sewing machine just for sewing – but once I saw the Babylock combo machines I am stuck as to what to do. I am petrified to open the box as I purchased it from Michael’s Crafts online – and they were having a 40% off sale and then with Wiki and Honey coupons it was even cheaper – in total a discounted final price of $420.
I need all of your sage advice as to what I should do…. keep this machine and later get the nicer one? Return it and get a nicer combo or what would you suggest?
Replies
I have had various sergers throughout my 60 years of sewing but after discovering Babylock, would never change. The threading mechanism is pure magic. I have had this recent one for 10 years and it has been reliable and only needed the upper knife replaced due to all the hard work I subject it to.
I love my BabyLock. I spent 25+ years fighting hand me down machines and just last fall, I got a pre-owned BabyLock Aventura. I absolutely entirely adore this machine. I believe they have great deals now since it's National Embroidery Month (here's a giveaway: https://www.babylock.com/national-embroidery-month?utm_source=threads&utm_medium=banner320x50&utm_campaign=nem).
Disclaimer: I only test drove a Janome so this opinion is a love letter to BabyLock more than a comparative analysis :)
I have had many different machines. Babylock is the best hands down. Worth every penny.
I am an avid Babylock owner. I have had many and have even 'worn out' a couple LOL! In my line up now you'll find the Ellisimo Gold and Triumph. I have 3 other machines as well, different brands. But if you want an opinion on Janome versus Babylock, Babylock gets my vote without question. My everyday machine is a PFAFF.
I were given a pre-owned BabyLock Aventura. I actually absolutely adore this machine. I believe they have excellent offers now given that it's National Embroidery Month as you see about the best embroidery machine. You can also get it.
I love my Janome
Just saw your concern about Janome vs Babylock...they both are great machines and there is someone at SEWINGMACHINEPLUS.com by the name of Robert who has been a great help to me or anyone else there can help..Give them a call..They have great customer service reviews. Juki machines are fantastic as well as Bernina and SewingMachinePlus has a huge sale ending around the 20th of end of month. Check them out asap.Good luck Call: 888-212-0149 ask for Robert -sales person
I would not want to be switching back and forth from sewing to embroidery on the same machine. I have little interest in embroidery, so after some looking around, I got a Babylock Presto II. I absolutely love it. It handles a lot of different fabrics beautifully, and does everything I need it to.
I bought a second hand serger, Bernina, from the Bernina shop. They sell baby lock, too. This shop will only except trade-ins on machines from their customers, so the history of the machine is known. I love my Pfaff for everyday sewing. I enjoy the special built in quilting foot., I am a Muskogee Creek Indian and I really like the ribbon brading option. I was so close to buying the Baby Lock and Bernina. Each machine will have a special incentive. I suggest find the special incentive and ask yourself which one do you think you will benefit the most from. There is one out there that allows you to sew Disney patterns, and one that will allow for star wars embroidery patterns. Also, spend half a day with the seller to assure you feel comfortable with the seller. You need a good machine, and a good resource to refer to with questions.
After sewing with Husqvarna Viking for 25 years, I have recently converted to Babylock. I love them! I own an Intrepid 6 needle embroidery machine, a 4 thread serger and just purchased a Crescendo. Babylock rocks! Very precision machines which is just what I want.
I traded in a Janome serger to get a Babylock, and when I decided to upgrade my sewing machine from a Janome did the same thing. I recently got a windfall and upgraded both again to a slighter higher-grade machine.
I began sewing on an old Singer treadle model that was my grandmothers in grade school. In 1963 I was given a Kenmore for Xmas, and stuck with that for more than 20 years. Went to Janome when I wanted something that was lighter to carry around in the early 90s, and stayed with that until about 8 years ago. I will not go back. The ease of use, the easy threading (esp. on the serger!) and the stitch quality makes BabyLock the best choice for me.
Thank you everyone for the much needed sage advice! I have narrowed it down to a Janome S9 and a Babylock Aventura II. I had a dealer tell me that Brother makes a lot of components of the Baby Lock and that Brother makes ALL of their embroidery parts - as he said that noone is even close to Brother in their Embroidery technology. Juki makes some parts too for some of the machines - so crazy... but he said that both machines are quality and will last for the long haul. I am going this Saturday to a shop that has both Janome and Babylock so I can play with them all and figure this out. :)
Take samples of what you intend to sew with you to test both machines, including thick and thin fabrics. Not all machines can handle both. Check their ease of use for the stuff you do all the time--thread each one, change/wind bobbins, etc. Look at what feet come with each one--they can be expensive to purchase separately, especially walking feet. What are the gears made of? Plastic gears wear out over time. Can you do basic maintenance yourself? How specific are the instructions for use? What is the guarantee/warranty, especially on electronic components? Most importantly, take your time! This is a big investment, and should last you a long while. If the saleperson tries to divert your attention from these basics to show you all the fancy stuff, you might need to shop at another store. Have fun shopping for your new machine!
I've owned a couple different sergers/overlock machines in the 40+ years I used one. I struggled so much, sewing wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped. In 2011, I purchased my first Baby Lock, the Evolution, and I've been in heaven ever since. It is the easiest machine to use that I find reasons to use it for more than just overlocking! Newer machines have hit the market since then, but my Evolution is still running strong and I doubt I'll ever replace her! You can't go wrong purchasing a Baby Lock.
I have an older Janome Decor Excel and it is great. Mechanical and solid and I’ll never sell it. Janome is the most reasonably priced of the two brands and they make some beautiful models.
I own a Babylock Katherine which is the machine below those that come with embroidery features like hoops. It’s wonderful and sews like a dream. Trying machines out is the way to go. I only bought the Janome because my mom was selling it and I knew it was a good machine. Not sure machines are made in the quality way that they used to be, used to be being only 15 years on the Janome lol! But the Babylock feels responsive and is quite user friendly.
Janome has a machine that is only for embroidery and that’s the one I plan to get. Brother and Babylock have a huge array of machines for embroidery but the Janome 550e (I think that’s the model number). Is a lot cheaper than the others if you only want an embroidery machine.
If your picked either brand you would be fine since both are sold through dealers who often have repair and service there.
Let us know what you choose! So exciting to pick out a new sewing machine!
Honestly I just love my Janome HD3000. I am sewing every kind of fabric from cloth to thick fabrics with Janome HD3000and it is great.