Janome makes some of the most popular and durable mechanical sewing machines on the market. If you’re looking for a no-frills machine that will last, check out the two models in this review. Let’s see which one will be the best for you.
Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 14 Built-In Stitches
The Janome HD1000is perfect for a serious sewer that wants a durable machine for projects with thick fabrics like leather and upholstery, or multiple layers of fabric like quilts. The fourteen built-in stitches cover all the basics from buttonholes to zigzag seams. Although this is a heavy-duty machine, it can handle high-quality sewing in thin synthetics, too.
The body of the HD1000 is made from cast aluminum and it weighs 16.8 pounds. With its rubber feet, it will stay put while you work on challenging fabrics. Unlike computerized machines with push-button or touchscreen controls, the HD1000 has dials and a switch just like classic machines made 40 years ago. It’s made to last for years to come.
The built-in needle threader helps you get started fast, but winding the front-loading bobbin is a little more challenging. You’ll need to disengage the needle and remove the accessory case from the front of the machine to access it. It isn’t self-winding.
On the other hand, it’s easy to select a stitch. Just turn the upper dial to choose the one you want, then turn the lower dial to set the size. If you need more than the maximum 4mm on the HD1000, take a look at the HD3000 described below.
Besides the helpful needle threader, the HD1000 also has other useful features. The stitch selection guide is printed right across the top front of the machine and the needle plate has seam guides on it. When you finish a seam, the machine also has a thread cutter.
Finally, the HD1000 is very easy to use when sewing cuffs and collars because it has a free arm. This also works for darning and attaching buttons. But if you’re looking for this feature in a machine that’s simpler to use, check out the HD3000 below.
More features of the Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine:
- Comes with a hemmer foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, seam ripper, bobbin, foot pedal controller, felt, cover, needle set, oil, and screwdrivers
- Has a front-loading vertical oscillating hook bobbin and large reverse lever
Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 18 Built-In Stitches + Hard Case
If you like the HD1000, but think you might want a few more user-friendly features, the HD3000 is made for you.The interior structure is made of cast aluminum, so the machine weighs 18.7 pounds. It stays in place while you’re working, and it’s a machine made to last. It can handle heavy materials like denim and leather just as easily as it makes impressively smart stitches in linen and synthetics.
Like the HD1000, this machine also offers a needle threader and a thread cutter, a free arm for cuffs, as well as seam guides on its needle plate. But it also has four more stitch options for both regular sewing and decorative designs. Its maximum stitch width is 6.5mm, 2.5mm wider than the HD1000 can do.
Turn the dial tochoose a stitch and a light illuminates the stitch you’ve chosen. The sliders below control the width and length of the stitch. If you flip up the top of the machine’s case, you’ll see a helpful tutorial on setting the ideal stitch sizes and which snap-on presser foot to use for each one.
The drop-in bobbin is definitely easier to use on the HD3000. It’s much easier to wind and the clear plastic cover shows you how much thread remains on it.
The HD3000 also has a buttonhole maker with a sensor. Although you need to reset the sensor after each buttonhole, it makes this stitch very easy to complete. Overall, the HD3000 is a great machine for beginning sewers as well as advanced users.
More features of the Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine:
- Comes with Blind Hem Foot G, Buttonhole Foot R–Automatic, Hemmer Foot 2mm D, Overedge Foot C, Bobbins, Felt, Lint Brush, Quilting Bar, Screwdrivers, Seam Ripper, Set of Needles, Spool Holders-small and large, Spool Pin
- 5-piece feed dog system and manual thread tension control
- Has a Top-Loading Full Rotary Hook Bobbin, foot pedal controller, and a hard cover case
Recommendation
Both of these Janome models are mechanical sewing machines that are durable, able to handle big projects, and take care of the basics without unnecessary frills.
If you want a Janome machine that is very user-friendly for both beginning and advanced sewers, get the HD3000. It has a wider range of stitches and helpful features that make sewing easier.
If you’re more experienced at sewing, if you want a workhorse of a sewing machine that will last for years to come, and you don’t need decorative stitches, get the HD1000.
Click here to purchase Janome HD1000 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Janome HD3000 on Amazon.com!