Quick Comparison Table

Brother

Janome

Janome

Janome

Price $ $ $ $
Warranty 25-year limited warranty Not specified Not specified Not specified
Stitches 294 built-in stitches 15 stitches 18 stitches 30 Built-In Sewing Stitches
Shipping Weight 26.6 pounds 22.1 pounds 23.8 pounds 20.5 pounds
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5 Top Rated Sewing Machine Under $400 Reviews

1

Brother PC420PRW

Brother Project Runway PC420PRW

 

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • There is so much to say about this great sewing machine, however, according to a recent buying guide, the start/ stop control feature scores high among users, as it allows sewing sans the knee lifter or food pedal. The monochrome LCD Display/ control panel is another favorite feature because it not only displays stitch settings and selections but also has a help feature. The error messages and audio alerts are a helpful addition too.

Cons:

  • Not recommended for use in countries that do not support 120V AC, even if a voltage adapter is in use.

What’s Included

Shipping weight – 26.6 pounds.

  • 1 x Brother Project Runway PC420PRW 294-Stitch Professional Grade Computerized Sewing Machine.
  • 1 x Needle Set.
  • 4 x Bobbins.
  • 1 x Power Cable with Foot Controller.
  • 1 x Knee Lifter.
  • 1 x Hard Sided Dust Cover.
  • 1 x User Manual.
  • 13 x Zigzag/general purpose foot, Blind stitch foot, Buttonhole foot, Button fitting foot, Monogramming foot, Non-stick foot, Open toe foot, Overcasting foot, Quilting foot, Stitch guide foot, Walking foot, Zipper foot, and Adjustable Zipper/ Piping Foot.

FAQ

QCan you do free motion quilting with this machine?

AAbsolutely. The 6-point feed dog system makes quilting a breeze.


QDoes this machine have a blanket stitch for applique?

AYes, it does.


QAre additional fonts available for purchase for this machine?

AYes, there is a wide range of additional stitches available.

Overview

If you can imagine it, the Brother Project Runway PC420PRW Professional Grade Computerized Sewing Machine can sew it. It’s hard to believe that a machine of this caliber would cost under $400, but top rated manufacturer Brother has gone all out on this exceptional machine.

A staggering 294 stitches, including lettering fonts and 10 one-step buttonholes, are at your disposal in this brilliant machine. It has an incredible 14 needle positions and boasts twin needle capacity. The built-in technology allows you to create and save your own custom decorative stitches. Pattern length and stitch density is also adjustable.

The easy one-handed threading system and built-in needle threader, combined with automatic bobbin winding and the Quick-set bobbin feature will have you sewing in no time. The tension is adjustable, as is the pressure of the presser foot.

The auto-reinforcement feature ensures that seams are extra strong and the machine has a maximum output of 850 stitches per minute. The automatic thread cutter button is so convenient, as is the free arm with a handy accessory storage compartment.

Design

Weighing in at just 17 pounds, this machine is surprisingly light for such a feature-rich sewing machine. Its dimensions are 17.32 x 7.87 x 11 inches, and user reviews agree that its highly portable.

Material

The Project Runway PC420PRW’s metal frame construction ensures precision alignment of components, that delivers professional standard results. This machine is made using top-quality materials and with a 25 Year Limited Warranty, it is clearly made to last.

Where to Buy

Sewingmachinesplus.com has the Brother Project Runway PC420PRW Sewing Machine in stock for $449.99. If you are looking for the best deal, Amazon can make this marvelous sewing machine yours for just $399.99.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Brother Project Runway PC420PRW sewing machine reviews.

 

2

Janome HD1000

Janome HD1000

 

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • A free bonus pack is included with the Janome HD1000, which includes: 10 x needles, 10 x bobbins, and a concealed zipper foot. Another useful design feature of this machine is the handy ruler found along the front panel of the machine.

Cons:

  • Several user reviews have noted with disappointment that this sewing machine has a front-loading bobbin. Access requires removal of the storage compartment, and it is hard to gauge how much thread is left on your bobbin without removing it.  However, the Janome HD1000’s bobbin system has a ‘no-jam’ guarantee, so use is trouble-free.

What’s Included

Shipping weight – 22.1 pounds.

  • 1 x Janome HD1000 Mechanical Sewing Machine.
  • 1 x Power Cable with Foot Controller.
  • 1 x Bonus Package.
  • 1 x Soft-sided Dust Cover.
  • 1 x Accessory kit with needles, bobbins, screwdrivers, seam ripper and 4 presser feet.

FAQ

QHow many stitches per minute can this machine sew?

AA recent buying guide put its maximum capacity at around 840 stitches per minute.


QIs this a low shank machine?

AIndeed, it is.


QCan this machine sew leather?

AYes, with the correct needles, it can.

Overview

If you are looking for a workhorse that will deliver professional results across a wide variety of projects, then the Janome HD1000 is the perfect machine for you. Many user reviews applaud its traditional dependability, combined with new technology.

There is nothing old fashioned about this machine’s performance, but you could be forgiven for thinking the price is old fashioned at under $400.

With 15 stitches and a four-step buttonhole, the top rated Janome HD1000 sewing machine is serious about most projects. In a recent buying guide, a user reported seldom using more than 5 stitches, for the kind of professional projects that this machine has the capacity to handle.

The modern built-in needle threader is ultra-convenient and saves loads of time and frustration. This sewing machine also has a handy accessory storage compartment for all your extra bobbins, needles and presser feet.

The HD1000 has a free arm feature that makes it possible to easily sew narrow, awkward projects, like collars and shirt sleeve cuffs. The reverse function is accessed via a conveniently placed lever on the face of the machine.

Design

The Janome HD1000 may not share the glossy modern looks of its contemporaries, but it offers unrivaled sturdiness and dependability. It has a slighter larger build too at 18.5 x 15.1 x 8.6 inches. It is designed to work hard and many professional seamstresses list it as a favorite.

Material

The Janome HD1000 boasts a heavy-duty aluminum body. This lends itself to durability as well as a well-balanced stability during sewing – especially when heavier materials are being sewn.

Where to Buy

Most stockists offer the Janome HD1000 for around $329.00. Amazon matches this price, but their service has proven to be the best for so long, that it makes perfect ‘cents’ to purchase from them.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Janome HD1000 heavy duty sewing machine reviews.

 

3

Janome HD3000

Janome HD3000

 

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • The feed dog can be dropped for free movement quilting and this is a great plus. User reviews also express surprise at how quiet the HD3000 is.

Cons:

  • In more than one buying guide, mention has been made of the stiff hand wheel. However, satisfied users report that after initial use, the hand wheel eases up.

What’s Included

Shipping weight – 23.8 pounds.

  • 1 x Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine.
  • 1 x Hard Sided Carrying Case.
  • 1 x Accessory Kit Containing Bobbins, Needles, Screwdrivers, Presser Feet and much more.
  • 1 x Power Cable with Foot Controller.
  • 1 x User Manual.

FAQ

QCan this machine handle leather and vinyl?

AAs a heavy-duty machine, it can manage both with ease. In one user review, a satisfied customer reported doing an upholstery project in vinyl without any problems.


QIs the throat of the machine wide enough to accommodate a quilting project?

AYes, there is ample room for bulkier projects to pass freely through the throat.


QDoes this machine use Type A bobbins?

ANo, the Janome HD3000 uses type 15 bobbins.

Overview

Increasingly, sewing enthusiasts are expanding their horizons to experiment with leather and denim materials. However, most conventional sewing machines are not designed to sew these heavier materials. Especially not machines in the under $400 category. The Janome HD3000 is an exception to the rule in all the best ways.

With 18 built-in stitches and a one-step buttonhole feature, the Janome HD3000 is equipped to handle most projects. The built-in needle threader is a huge time saver, as are the presser feet that simply snap on.

The pressure of the presser feet is adjustable too, which is especially helpful in a machine that can handle such a wide variety of fabrics and materials.

The reverse sewing facility is accessible via a convenient lever on the face of the machine. The HD3000 also has a free arm that is easily removed when you need to sew projects with limited access. There is a handy storage compartment in the free arm, that can accommodate your spare presser feet, bobbins, and accessories.

Design

The HD3000 is surprisingly compact with dimensions of 10 x 19 x 15 inches. Its weight of 18.7 pounds makes it as portable as most other modern sewing machines, only this machine has the capacity to make short work of heavier projects. Designed by top rated Janome, the HD3000 is a durable high-performance machine.

Material

Constructed with a sturdy premium metal core, the Janome HD3000 is yet another example of the excellent standard of quality Janome is known and appreciated for. Heavy duty aluminum has been used for the body and durable plastic for the remaining components. With a 25 Year Limited Warranty, consumers can invest in this machine with confidence.

Where to Buy

The Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine is available from Walmart for $429.00.  It goes without saying the best deal can be found at Amazon, for just $420.42.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Janome HD3000 heavy duty sewing machine reviews.

 

4

Janome 8077

Janome 8077

 

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • The Janome 8077 has many pros, of which the programmable needle is just one. Other favorites are the automatic needle threader and auto bobbin winder. This sewing machine also has precise thread tension and three variable speed settings.

Cons:

  • Some reviews mentioned that owners found the 8077’s instruction manual difficult to understand. However, most users report finding the updated version easy to understand and very helpful.

What’s Included

Shipping weight – 20.5 pounds.

  • 1 x Janome 8077 Computerized Sewing Machine.
  • 1 x Power Cable with Foot Controller.
  • 1 x Instruction Manual.
  • 3 x Presser Feet: Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot, and Satin Stitch Foot.
  • 1 x Accessory Kit Containing: Screwdriver, Bobbins, Needles, Seam Ripper, Additional Spool Pin, Spool Caps, and Felt.

FAQ

QDoes this machine have twin needle capacity?

ANo, but according to one buying guide, you can purchase twin needles with a single shaft.


QDoes the Janome 8077 have an automatic thread cutter?

AIt has a little hook/ blade in the back to cut the thread.


QIs a 1/4” presser foot available for this sewing machine?

AYes.

Overview

It’s not every day that you find a computerized sewing machine that has many features, is made by a top-rated manufacturer, and comes in at under $400. The Janome 8077 computerized sewing machine ticks all the boxes and has earned itself some very loyal fans.

30 Built-in stitches, including 6 one-step buttonholes, make the Janome 8077 a very attractive machine for beginner and intermediary sewing enthusiasts. In fact, many satisfied users with several decades of sewing under their belts also have nothing but the highest praise for the 8077.

The stop/ start button allows sewing without the foot controller, and reverse sewing is easily enabled via a button. The convenient top-loading bobbin housing has a transparent cover that eliminates the frustration of running out of thread mid-seam. The bobbin system is jam proof.

The Janome 8077 also allows you to adjust stitch length and width with the touch of a button, and you can track your stitch selections on the bright LED Display screen. With such a big variety of stitches, you’ll want to tackle a wide range of projects and the free arm will make sewing narrower areas a cinch.

Design

Dimensions of 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches make this machine compact. At 16 pounds, it is lightweight and highly portable too.

Material

Janome has been credited with the design and manufacture of many top-rated sewing machines, and their constant innovation serves only to improve the quality of their products. An example of this is the superior feeding system which consists of seven rubber feed teeth in their Box Feeding System.

The rubber is a vast improvement on conventional metal feed dogs because it does not damage fabrics. The system is further enhanced with drop feed capability for free motion quilting.

Where to Buy

Walmart is offering the Janome 8077 computerized sewing machine at $473.65. However, if you are anxious to get yours at the best price, head on over to Amazon for an unbeatable deal of $349.00.

Reviews

Check out what other people who purchased this product think about it. Read Janome 8077 sewing machine reviews.

 

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