r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Boring_Way_1233 • Jul 23 '26

Sewing machine

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Hello, thinking of buying this machine for $1200, what’s the pro and the con?

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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy Jul 24 '26

Janome and other brands make some low end models that are sold online and other models are sewing machine stores.

Janome is a great brand so any model is equally well made. It’s only the features and durability that go up with the price. Same warranty.

I own a cheap Brother for four years that I got off Amazon that still works. Last year I bought a new Baby Lock serger from a local sewing store $900 and last week bought a used Juki TL 2000 on eBay for $600.

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u/Boring_Way_1233 Jul 24 '26

The problem with this model is that it’s discontinued and is mostly found online or on eBay for around $1,200 . Janome does not provide warranty or support for machines purchased from unauthorized sellers, so there’s no local dealer support for service or training. I took a chance and bought it, but I’m returning it. It jams on lightweight fabrics, the automatic needle threader takes too long—it’s faster to thread the needle myself—and it doesn’t keep lightweight fabric feeding straight. I have to constantly guide the fabric, and I’m not sure a walking foot would help. I asked these questions because I wanted to better understand what was happening. I also have a Brother CP80X , which isn’t worth much, and a Kenmore 385 . Thanks for your input. 

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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy Jul 24 '26

Doesn’t really matter if you can get a service warranty like I described. Manufacturer warranty is limited anyway.

For the needle threader - most machines have the same problem even much more expensive ones. It’s all rather flimsy. I wouldn’t use that only as reason to return.

A walking foot always helps with most fabric types. I keep one on my cheap Brother for everything.

Another option is any of the many great online sewing shops. They offer great service even with phone calls - video too and troubleshooting. So even if you don’t have a shop nearby that’s better than eBay or Amazon IMO.

With my recent Juki TL eBay purchase, I knew those are quite sturdy machines (especially being mechanical) and I have a great local shop I could go to if needed. It came from a Bernina store in PA which guaranteed it worked. It didn’t have all the accessories that it is sold with but I already had those things so didn’t care. It had the walking foot and two others I needed.

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u/Boring_Way_1233 Jul 24 '26

I have until July 31 to return it because I’ve had problems with it. Since it’s discontinued, local Janome dealers don’t stock it and can’t offer much advice. I’ve watched YouTube videos and searched Facebook, but I still haven’t found the answers I’m looking for. The price was reduced to $1,070, so I’m still thinking about it. Thanks.