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A trusty machine with a huge number of stitches, offering long term results.
Choosing a computerised sewing machine can be daunting, with so many options out there. Here, I’ve given you a rundown of my trusty sewing machine, which I have relied on for many years.
Though it’s no longer available, I would definitely recommend a similar machine from Janome’s catalogue, or a second-hand sewing machine of the same model.
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Having used this machine for more than a decade, I was never disappointed in this machine. Although this machine has been retired, for a similar model with some even better features, I would recommend the Janome 5270QDC.
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Five points were given across five categories: stitch options; ease of use; portability and durability; machine results; value for money.
I have used this machine as my main sewing machine for more than 10 years. I have put it through its paces on many projects including quilting, dressmaking and bag making. It has been my constant companion both at home and on quilt retreats.
This model has an amazing 534 stitch options, which includes 3 fonts and 10 auto button-hole stitches. There are machines out there that use more, but I’ve never found myself wanting any more.
Beyond all the basic stitches you need, there is a large array of decorative stitches, great for applique and embroidered customisation of your projects. These designs can be elongated, or mirrored. And the machine can memorise a group of patterns, particularly useful if you are spelling something out with the fonts.
I have found that it’s vital to test any embroidery options, to make sure you’ve got the correct needle and thread combo for specific fabrics. If these are slightly off, you can expect the results to be less than optimal.
You also need to make sure your threads are pulled to the back when you begin, or they will get tangled inside the machine when you begin stitching. Or, I find it easier to start with a fabric leader to get the stitches started.
Large buttons on the front make it super easy to access the most common stitches very quickly. The large screen lets you customise length and width, and reminds you which foot you’ll need.
It’s also easy to select the extensive special stitches, using the mode button and referring to the chart printed on the machine. However, I usually need to refer to the manual when making any adjustments to these. I don’t use them very often, and it’s less intuitive.
Threading the machine is quick and very easy, especially if you’ve used a domestic machine before. But it does use the old style pull down needle threader which requires two hands. I wish it had an automatic thread cutter.
The inclusion of a knee lifter is great when I’m working on quilts, however, I often find I prefer to manually lift the presser foot. This might also be due to the fact that working on a very large quilt can be difficult, due to the relatively small harp space. I have managed to push a king size quilt through, but I think the quality of my quilted lines suffered as I had to focus on managing the bulk of the quilt rather than the stitches.
Janome’s easy snap-on foot system also means it’s quick to change between your standard, zipper, embroidery or other presser feet. You will need to use the screw driver for some specialty feet, like the darning foot.
This machine has definitely withstood the test of time, and still performs just as well as on day 1. The hard case gives me piece of mind when traveling with it, or packing it out of the way at home.
At 9kg, I can carry it around, but it definitely requires two hands. I have travelled with this machine in a wheeled suitcase on buses and trains, but it is quite heavy for this, and I can’t take much else with me. But if I’m loading it into a car it’s really not a problem.
I can attest this machine has lasted me very well. While I always advise people to have their machine serviced every year or two, I have to come clean and admit that I have only had mine serviced once over it’s lifetime! I do clean it regularly, which is essential to keeping it in good shape with the amount of sewing I do.
Over the years, I have used many different materials on this machine, and it has handled them all well. When using finer materials, such as cotton lawn, I do find I need to take more care to ensure the threads don’t get tangled when starting off stitching, causing the fabric to get drawn into the machine.
And when dealing with heavier materials, such as layers of foam in bag making, I find it goes more smoothly when I’m using a walking foot (which you need to buy separately).
As I mentioned earlier, making sure you use the cover when the machine is not in use, cleaning it regularly, and changing the needle when needed, will make the machine run more smoothly. This also keeps it in good shape, reducing the need to have it professionally serviced.
The machine is quiet, and an improvement from my previous machine, but I have noticed some of my friends’ machines do operate a bit more quietly.
There are a lot of features, as well as plenty of stitch choices. Compared to other models available at the time I purchased my machine, this one definitely stood out in terms of features and included accessories for the price.
It has definitely stood the test of time, requiring very little maintenance to keep it going for more than a decade.
Overall, yes! Though this machine is no longer available, it has certainly stood up to the test of time. It is capable of handling most projects across a variety of sewing disciplines.
I would recommend the Janome 5270QDC as an alternative, which has many of the same features (but includes some upgrades from this machine).
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If you’re still shopping around, check out our list of the best computerised sewing machines!
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