If you are looking to buy a new sewing machine, two brands will likely pop up in your search: Bernina and Janome. These two sewing machine brands have great reputations in the sewing world because they provide a quality and diverse range of machines suitable for both beginners and seasoned sewists. As you compare these two, you’ll notice that they have many features in common and other features that are unique to one brand.
I’ve owned four different Bernina sewing machines and two Janomes. Let me share a few things I know to help you decide.
Bernina B770
Bernina, known for its Swiss precision, tends to focus on high-end machines that offer durability and an array of features for precision sewing.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14,000
On the other hand, Janome, a Japanese brand, offers a broad selection of machines that often come with a more attractive price tag without compromising on quality.
As you look closer, you’ll see that both brands boast innovative technology, such as computerized sewing options and a variety of stitches, but each has its unique characteristics that cater to specific sewing needs and preferences.
Bernina’s Origin
Bernina was founded in 1893 in Steckborn, Switzerland, by Fritz Gegauf. The brand has since been renowned for its innovation and quality. Bernina initially gained fame for the creation of its hemstitch sewing machine, which was a global success. Over the years, the company has remained family-owned and continues to emphasize precision Swiss engineering in its sewing machines.
Janome’s Evolution
Originating in Japan, Janome started its journey in 1921 as The Pine Sewing Machine Factory and later adopted the name Janome in 1954, which means “eye of the snake” in Japanese. This name was chosen because the latest technology of the time featured a round metal bobbin system that resembled a snake’s eye. Janome has grown to become one of the largest sewing machine manufacturers in the world, known for its technological advancements and varied product offerings.
Sewing Machine Types
Both Bernina and Janome offer an extensive range of machines, from basic mechanical models perfect for beginners to high-end computerized machines equipped with the latest features for experienced sewers.
Mechanical Machines
Ideal for simple sewing tasks, Janome offers a wide range of mechanical sewing machines for sewers just starting out.
Bernette Mechanical Sewing Machine
The last all-mechanical sewing machine that Bernina sold was Model 1008, which was discontinued in 2020. Now, Bernina only offers mechanical sewing machines under their sister brand, Bernette.
Computerized Machines
Both Janome and Bernina offer a range of computerized sewing machines that feature complex stitching patterns and ease of use.
Machine embroidery features can be included on the high-end sewing machine models from both companies if you are willing to pay more.
Embroidery-Only Machines
Crafters interested in machine embroidery will find dedicated machines from both Bernina and Janome.
Sewing Machines for Quilters
Quilters can choose from a range of regular sewing machines with extended work areas from both manufacturers.
Quality and Durability
Bernina and Janome both have reputations for manufacturing durable sewing machines that last.
- Materials: Use of high-quality materials in construction.
- Longevity: Machines built to last, retaining functionality over years of use.
- Warranty: Both offer warranties, ensuring peace of mind with your investment.
Key Differences
When comparing Bernina and Janome sewing machines, you’ll notice that they cater to different segments of the sewing community through their pricing, innovative features, available models, and distribution channels.
Price Point
Bernina is often considered a premium brand, and their machines typically come with a higher price tag. You can expect Bernina machines to be more expensive due to their robust build and advanced features. In contrast, Janome offers a wider range of options that includes budget-friendly models, making them more accessible to beginners or those on a tighter budget.
Availability and Distribution
Bernina typically distributes its products through authorized dealers and boutique stores, ensuring personalized customer service and support. Janome machines are more widely available; you can purchase them through a variety of retailers, including big-box stores and online marketplaces, which may provide you with more convenience and, sometimes, better deals.
Embroidery Capabilities
Bernina and Janome are both renowned for their high-quality embroidery features. Each offers unique capabilities that cater to various embroidering needs.
Built-In Designs
All of the Bernina and Janome embroidery machines come with more built-in designs than you will ever need or use.
Most people
- Bernina 770: Over 275 designs
- Janome Memory Craft 14,000: 350 designs
Pro advice: do not let the number of embroidery designs included on a sewing machine sway your decision. Machine embroidery designs are very inexpensive compared to the cost of the embroidery machine itself. Most people forget about the designs included on their machine as they build up a collection of purchased designs that are more to their taste.
Maximum Embroidery Area
The maximum embroidery area is a crucial factor that dictates the size of projects you can undertake. Bernina models such as the Bernina 7 Series have an embroidery area of up to 400 x 210 mm. Janome’s comparable machines, like the Janome MC 14,000, offer an embroidery area of 400 x 230 mm, which is more square-shaped than the long and narrow Bernina 7 Series largest hoop.
I found that I enjoyed embroidery more on my Janome MC 14,000 than my Bernina B770 because the hoops were a more convenient size, and the embroidery performance was virtually trouble-free.
Quilting Features
When quilting on a home sewing machine, one important factor is the throat space: the amount of room between the needle and the body of the machine.
Bernina: Throat space varies by model, but high-end machines like the Bernina 7 and 8 series offer 10 to 12 inches, which is plenty of room for throw-size and smaller quilts. A larger top of the Bernina sewing machine is expected to be released this year.
Janome: Offers models even more generous throat space, such as the Janome Horizon Memory Craft, which provides up to 11 inches of space. The new Janome Continental M17 has 13 inches to the right of the needle.
Free Motion Quilting
Both brands allow you to adjust stitch width and length, ensuring you can customize your quilting to your exact specifications.
Janome and Bernina’s high-end machines all have feed dogs that can be dropped to enable free-motion quilting and free-motion ruler quilting.
For many years, Bernina home sewing machines were the only ones that could use a stitch regulator (the BSR or Bernina Stitch Regulator). Other sewing machine brands, including Janome, have developed their own technology and now offer stitch regulators on their top-of-the-line machines. The Janome stitch regulator on the Continental M17 is called the Accurate Stitch Regulator (ASR).
Maintenance and Support
When choosing between Bernina and Janome’s sewing machines, consider their maintenance and support options. They both offer resources to help you keep your machine in top condition.
Purchasing a sewing machine from an authorized dealer of either brand may entitle you to classes and one or more service appointments free of charge. Be sure to ask your dealer what is offered.
Current sewing machine warranties are presented below. Be sure to verify this information at the time of purchase.
Bernina:
- Warranty: Your Bernina machine comes with a limited 2-year warranty for electrical parts, a 5-year warranty for printed circuit boards, and a 20-year warranty for mechanical parts.
- Services: Authorized Bernina dealers offer maintenance and repair services to ensure your machine operates correctly.
Janome:
- Warranty: Janome provides a 1-year warranty for labor and parts, a 5-year warranty on electrical components, and a 25-year warranty on mechanical parts.
- Services: Access to Janome’s certified service centers nationwide for repairs and regular service checks.
Accessories
When choosing between Bernina and Janome sewing machines, you’ll find that both offer a variety of accessories to enhance your sewing experience. In general, the more you pay for a sewing machine, the more accessories you will receive.
Pro tip: You will inevitably find additional accessories you’d like to use. In my experience, Bernina accessories are more expensive than Janome brand accessories.
Consider Your Needs and Budget
Your choice between Bernina and Janome should align with your sewing needs and budget. Remember to factor in each machine’s after-sales support and warranty options, as service and support can be crucial in the long term.
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