If you want to purchase a sewing machine but are unsure which brand is best, you’re not alone. When it comes to deciding between two of the most popular and well-known brands, Singer and Janome, many people have trouble choosing between them. We’re here to help make your decision easier.
Both Singer and Janome offer sewing machines that are either manual or computerized. While the number of stitch options and other features offered varies between the brands, they are both very affordable and offer machines for a wide range of users and experience levels.
A sewing machine is a large purchase, so you want to learn as much as possible before purchasing one. In this article, we’ll look at the history, similarities and differences, and some of the most popular models of each brand so that you can determine which is the best choice for you. Continue reading to learn more.
Janome
The history of Janome sewing machines first began in 1921 in Japan. Yosaku Ose, the company’s founder, began to create sewing machines with a round bobbin. The round bobbin resembled a snake’s eye, so the brand was named Janome, meaning “eye of the snake” in Japanese.
The round bobbin was very innovative, causing Janome sewing machines to quickly become popular across Japan. To increase popularity across the globe, Janome bought out the New Home sewing machine company in America during the 1960s.
In the 1970s, Janome became the first company to create a computerized, programmable sewing machine. The innovativeness pioneered other brands to create their own computerized sewing machines. Watch this video to learn more about the history of Janome sewing machines.
The most common Janome sewing machines are:
- Janome HD1000 – heavy duty
- Janome 2212 – beginners
- Janome JW8100 – computerized
- Janome 3160QDC – quilting
Singer
The very first Singer sewing machine was created in 1850 by Issac Singer. Three years later, the first models were sold for $100 and were small enough for home use. Their size and a strong needle and ability to sew for long periods of time caused the machine to gain popularity.
By 1855, the Singer sewing machine was award-winning due in part to being able to sew a shirt in under an hour and a half. Singer won the first sewing machine prize at the World’s Fair in Paris, and by 1856, Singer was a brand that was known worldwide.
Today, Singer is one of the most popular sewing machine brands available, especially for beginners. New technology has enabled Singer sewing machines to become computerized and have more features than the original version, even though older models are still loved just as much.
Here are some of the most common models of Singer sewing machines for home use:
- Singer 7258 – computerized
- Singer 9469Q – quilting
- Singer 9960 – general use
- Singer M1500 – beginners
Singer vs Janome Sewing Machines: Key Points
This chart provides a brief overview of some of the similarities and differences between Singer and Janome sewing machines. These similarities and differences are talked about in more detail in the next section.
| Singer | Janome | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Computerized and manual models | Computerized and manual models |
| Functionality | Basic, heavy duty, and quilting models | Basic, heavy duty, and quilting models |
| Portability | Smaller, more portable models | Portable models are larger |
| Built-In Stitches | Usually offers more built-in stitches | Less built-in stitches on most models |
| Stitches per Minute | Varies by machine, up to 1,100 SPM for home models | Varies by machine, up to 1,600 SPM for professional models |
| Durability | Very durable | Very durable |
| Quality | High-quality | High-quality |
| Affordability | More affordable | Less affordable than Singer |
| Service and Warranty | 1 year after purchase, call warranty center | 1 year after purchase, return to dealer |
| Experience Level | Models for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals | Models for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals |
Janome vs Singer: What Are the Similarities and Differences?
When deciding on which sewing machine to purchase, it’s important to know what the similarities and differences are between the two brands. In this section, we’ll look at some of the most common factors people look for when buying a sewing machine and determine how the two brands compare.
Features and Functionality
Computerized vs. Manual
Computerized sewing machines are popular among people who are more advanced at using a sewing machine or for those who like to sell their creations for profit. This is because computerized machines can create more advanced stitches and designs that can be downloaded onto the machine.
Manual sewing machines tend to have fewer features and functions than computerized versions. This type of sewing machine is ideal for beginners or people who are on a budget. The Singer beginner sewing machines do tend to come with more built-in stitches than what a beginner might need,
Beginner sewing machines from Janome tend to come with only basic stitches. Singer and Janome offer both computerized and manual sewing machines to suit any need or skill level.
Project/Fabric Types
Many sewing machines aren’t just for stitching together clothing or other projects. Some can be used for embroidery or quilting as well. These types of sewing machines have special stitches and equipment built-in to handle different types of projects.
Both brands offer a wide range of machines based on your individual needs. The more features a machine has, the more it will cost. But Singer and Janome quilting and embroidery machines are still very affordable considering how many features they have and how durable they are.
If you’re working with heavier fabrics like leather or denim, there are also heavy-duty sewing machines available from both brands that can handle those types of fabrics. In terms of more specialized sewing machines, the only major difference is that Janome sewing machines tend to come with fewer stitch options and cost a bit more than Singer.
Portability
If you take your sewing machine to many places, or you’re short on space and need to stow it away when you’re not using it, you’ll want a very portable machine. Some people think that if a machine is portable, it doesn’t have as many features. This is not the case.
Singer offers a couple of portable models, such as the Singer 3232. This model comes with features that are similar to other models, but it is small and lightweight enough to be transported easily.
The Janome JW8100 model is also portable. It has an LCD display, a start/stop button, and 100 built-in stitch patterns. The downside to portable machines is that they usually don’t work well for quilting.
Built-In Stitches
Built-in stitches are an important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a sewing machine. Different projects require different stitches, and most cheaper models can’t have stitches added to them later.
Most beginners don’t need a lot of stitches. But, unless they want to purchase a new machine once they get more experience, it’s better to buy a machine that has more than just the basic stitches built-in.
On average, most manual Singer models tend to come with more built-in stitches than Janome models do. If you want to buy a more expensive, computerized model from either brand, you should check to see if more stitch types can be added later if needed.
Stitches per Minute
The amount of stitches your machine can produce per minute determines how long your project will take. Professional sewing machines will be able to generate more stitches per minute than machines made for home use.
Singer does offer a couple of household, heavy-duty sewing machines that are capable of producing up to 1,100 stitches per minute, like the 4432 model. The MC6700p professional model from Janome can produce 1,200 stitches per minute, while the HD9 model has a speed of up to 1,600 stitches per minute.
Durability
A sewing machine’s durability is important because you want it to withstand frequent use and last a long time. But to maintain durability, you have to use your sewing machine only for its intended use.
Singer and Janome sewing machines are both trusted as being durable and reliable as long as you buy the right kind for your needs. For example, you don’t want to use a basic sewing machine for sewing heavy fabrics like denim. The machine won’t hold up for very long.
Purchasing a heavy-duty sewing machine from either Singer or Janome is the most durable option. Heavy-duty machines are built to withstand thicker fabrics and more wear and tear. They also weigh more than basic sewing machines, with Janome models weighing a little more than Singer.
Quality
A sewing machine needs to be high-quality to get the most use out of it. Singer and Janome both produce high-quality machines, which is why both companies have been in business for a long time.
A quality sewing machine will not only last you several years, but it also needs to produce accurate stitches and durable equipment. With any model that you purchase from either Singer or Janome, you can trust that your machine will last a long time and the stitching will be accurate.
Affordability
An affordable sewing machine is necessary, especially for beginners who want a basic machine without advanced features. The more features a model has, the more it will cost, especially for computerized versions.
Janome is known for being a very innovative brand. Even though Janome and Singer produce high-quality machines, Janome models tend to be a little more advanced. On average, Janome sewing machines cost more than Singer. But Janome and Singer are still two of the most affordable sewing machine brands.
Service and Warranty
In case your machine does tear up, you will want to make sure that it is covered under warranty. Warranties are designed to either repair or replace your sewing machine if it does break within a certain period of time. For both Singer and Janome sewing machines, you will need to register your machine for it to be covered under warranty.
A warranty for a Janome sewing machine lasts for one year after the machine was purchased. If you need to take advantage of the warranty, you will need to take the machine back to the dealer from who you bought it to service it. For more information, visit the Janome website.
Singer warranties last for 1 year after purchase as well. To take advantage of the warranty, you will need to call a warranty center so that they can determine what’s wrong and if the warranty will cover it. The warranty center pays for the parts and labor, but the machine owner is responsible for shipping the machine to the center. For more warranty information, visit the Singer warranty page.
Popular Models: Singer vs Janome
Singer 7258
Singer 7258 is one of Singer’s overall most popular models.
It is automatic, computerized, and comes with 100 built-in stitches.
The machine has a drop-in bobbin and built-in needle threader and comes with 15 additional accessories.
Considering it is computerized, the 7258 model is also very affordable.
Janome JW8100
The JW8100 model is not only one of the most popular models but one of the most affordable Janome models as well.
This particular model is computerized and also comes with 100 built-in stitches.
It comes with 22 accessories, an extension table, and a hardcover to protect it when not in use.
Singer vs Janome: Budget Models
Singer MX60
Singer MX60 is one of the most affordable models that Singer offers. Although the frame is made of metal, the machine is lightweight and portable.
It comes with 57 built-in stitches and has a preset stitch length and width.
Overall, this machine is a great choice for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money and don’t need special features.
Janome MOD-19
This sewing machine from Janome is not only affordable but marketed as being easy to use. It is made of metal but is very lightweight.
It weighs less than 12 pounds. The key features of this model are that it has 19 built-in stitches, a built-in needle threader, and an adjustable stitch length and width.
This is not only a great machine for people on a budget, but for beginners as well.
Singer vs Janome: Heavy Duty Machines
Singer 4452
Singer’s heavy-duty model 4452 can not only sew heavier fabrics like denim and leather, but it is also very affordable.
In addition to having 32 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, and a drop-in bobbin, this machine is also fast. It can sew at a speed of 1,100 stitches per minute.
Janome HD1000
The HD1000 heavy-duty model from Janome has a body made out of aluminum, ensuring durability.
It has 14 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, and accessories such as extra needles and a soft cover. It also comes with quilting features.
Is Singer Or Janome Better For Beginners?
Both Singer and Janome offer easy-to-use sewing machines for beginners. But if you are a beginner, it’s important to know what features you want in a sewing machine and for what purpose you will use it.
For example, if you will use it for general sewing projects, a basic sewing machine model will work just fine. But if you are making a lot of quilts, you may want to opt for a model designed for quilting instead.
What Features Would A Beginner Want?
If you’re new to sewing and are looking to purchase your first sewing machine, here are some characteristics to look for:
- Affordability
- Basic, manual machine
- Ease of use
Computerized sewing machines are often not ideal for beginners because they are more expensive and have advanced features that can be overwhelming if you’re starting. An affordable, manual, easy to use sewing machine will be your best option.
Here are some specific sewing machine features to look for:
- Drop-in bobbin- this type of bobbin tends to be easier for beginners to load.
- Basic stitches- beginners usually only need a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and back stitch. Most sewing machines will have these stitches, plus others, but sewing machines with hundreds of stitch options aren’t necessary for beginners.
- Manual sewing machine- a manual sewing machine is much easier to operate than a computerized one.
Is One Brand Better Than The Other?
Both Singer and Janome offer great affordable sewing machines for people who are just starting. The two most common models are very affordable and perfect for beginners.
The M1500 is Singer’s most popular model for beginners. It is a manual sewing machine with 57 stitch applications. While you may not use all of the stitches at first, you may want to use them as you become more comfortable.
The 2212 is Janome’s most popular beginner’s model. It is also manual but has only the basic stitches that a beginner would need. It also has a drop-in bobbin. This sewing machine has all the features that a beginner would want.
If your decision comes down to these two machines, the Singer model is slightly more affordable for beginners, but the Janome model has fewer stitch options and may not be as overwhelming to use.
While one of these brands is not necessarily better than the other, the best choice depends on your individual preferences. Both are trusted brands that produce quality sewing machines.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble deciding between a Singer or Janome sewing machine, we hope this article helped make your decision a little easier. Both brands are well-known and trusted and offer basic and computerized sewing machines, so the best choice for you depends on your own needs and preferences.
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