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Janome or Husqvarna which is better
kjk3 Member since 3/7/11 Posts: 8	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/8/12 9:46 PM I know there is no easy answer to this but the feedback should be helpful. I've been aSinger-sewer for years (as was my mom) but now I've decided it's time to try something new (and Singer just doesn't seem the same). Anyway my recent research leads me to believe that I want either a Husqvarna Emerald 183 ($400) or a Janome 3160QDC ($660) or a Babylock Grace BL40A ($480). I saw the Janome demonstrated and really liked it but it was a bit higher than I was looking for. When I checked out the reviews for the Janome I was surprised that they weren't that good. The reviews for the Emerald 183 were much better. I didn't get to see the Grace. I'm nervous about buying a computerized sewing machine so I really want to know what I am getting into. Thanks.
Capella Advanced Beginner KS USA Member since 6/25/11 Posts: 16	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/8/12 10:52 PM Will you have a chance to try both of them out? I had a Janome Marie Osmond quilters companion. It was nice, but light weight, didn't stitch well over thick material and it felt as though it was made of more plastic. I recently sold it on Ebay and sprang for the Viking Opal. The difference is night and day. I am thrilled with the Opal. It feels more solid and walked over layers of denim without a hitch. Just my humble opion. ------ Viking Opal 670 Singer HD4411 Brother PE500 White 1934D
AminaHijabi Advanced Beginner Member since 10/22/10 Posts: 813	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/12 1:18 AM Is that a new or used Viking? Somehow I thought they phased that model out. I think that particular Janome is too lightweight. Others here like the Janome 4030. Can you afford one step up from the Grace? Question really is what features do you want and what can you afford?
sewsally   Intermediate WA USA Member since 8/18/02 Posts: 1200	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/12 9:11 AM You should try sewing on each one with fabric you typically use. Try the button holes if that is important to you. I think you will like a computerized sewing machine especially the needle up/down feature.
quilternowtoo   Intermediate MO USA Member since 12/26/09 Posts: 59	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/12 9:15 AM From the two models you listed (Janome, and Viking) The Emerald hands down....IMHO. The 183 has more power, and overall a nicer machine. I don't know anything about the Baby lock Model you listed.
ilesliemy   Advanced TX USA Member since 2/25/05 Posts: 740	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/12 9:28 AM I recently took a class with the Janome 3160 and really did not like it. It seemed to not feed we'll and balked over several layers. Then I did some charity sewing for Project Linus and sewed on a Viking H100 and loved it. This is only a three quarter sized machine but it was fun to sew on and quiet too. Based on that I would steer you to the Viking Emerald! Leslie ------ Bernina Gal
ASiverson   Intermediate NY USA Member since 5/31/11 Posts: 57	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/12 10:53 AM I've never owned a Janome, but that being said, I do own a Viking and a Singer (it also embroders). The Viking is my favorite sewing maching I must tell you and is heavy duty. Go for it! ------ Annette
SouthernStitch   Advanced LA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 8195	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/12 2:42 PM I have sewn on a Viking Emerald and thought it was a very smooth machine. I liked it! ------ Bernina 730E, 530, and 350PE Singer 221 FW, 403a When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 8925	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/12 3:21 PM The level of machine is a more telling criteria. The Emerald is a nice machine, and is like a Pfaff Hobby. Neither machine is the main line of their brand. Both Janome and Viking, like Pfaff and Bernina, make machines of different levels. The Emerald line is like the Bernettes in comparison to Bernina, and the Lower mid-priced Janomes are probably pretty much comparable to these lines of machines. It's all in how they feel to you. When you get up to the Husqvarna Viking Sapphires and the Janome Professionals and Horizons you are in a whole nother class of machine. Here also - it is how they feel to you. All these brands have good machines that will serve you well as long as you care for them the way they want you to. Edited to add that you also should consider the dealer - which one did you like best? Which one seems to stand behind the product and has some handle on sewing? Which dealer showed you what he/she had to offer without feeling pressured to give some bad "information" about another brand? Here to, you know when someone is sincere, and that really goes a long way. -- Edited on 11/9/12 3:22 PM -- ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines
kjk3 Member since 3/7/11 Posts: 8	Login to reply to this post In reply to Capella << Like this post Date: 11/10/12 1:06 AM I have had a chance to try them both. Actually I just found out that the Emerald line is no longer made and that the Opal line took the place of it (although the Emerald line is still shown on the website). The lady who demo'd the Opal pointed out the ability of Husqvarna to sew better than the Janome over multiple/thick fabric. Thank you for the insight :)

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