Which is best? Will it sew thick fabric?

Review by Morag G

I love it!!! A change of circumstance meant I hadn’t done any sewing for ages. The machine arrived super fast but it took me a while to even unpack it but since I did I haven’t stopped !!! I previously used a Brother SuperAce which was very old and had a few niggly issues which I just dealt with …… but wow it’s great when everything works. Needle threader and thread cutter (both of which had gone on my old machine) are life changing!! Very happy so far!

Review by Vicki N

Absolutely obsessed with this machine ! It’s super easy to work out easy to switch from embroidery to normal sewing only thing I would have absolutely loved is a bigger hoop I did buy the additional one which slightly bigger just a 5x7 would be perfect to make those slightly bigger projects but other than that it’s great and super fast delivery.

Review by Diane Y

I am pleased with sewing machine .Amazed at how easy it is to set up , within a hour of receiving it ( which actually came the next day , not expected until the Monday) I was busy sewing . Excellent transaction , so easy to do the order. This machine does as it says .Sews excellent , easy to adjust any stitches , length , width etc. I has a butterick , which is not functional as only sews in reverse !! Still trying to sort this out. This machine is a must , a excellent machine for beginners also .So easy to thread up , wind bobbins . Can't praise it enough !!

Review by Jackie J

After sewing on my old electronic machine (a different but also good quality brand) for 30 years, I decided to try a computerised one. I am really impressed with how quiet it is. It has many of the same features as my old one, needle threader, up/ down needle position, variable speed button, drop feed, etc. which I couldn't do without. The 3 one step buttonhole varieties are a big improvement (old one had one 4-step.) The large attachable table is also a plus, although the Janome does not come with as many presser feet. Thankfully the presser feet from my old machine fit the 230dc which is great. Still getting used to the drop-in bobbin case, though. To adjust the bobbin tension, you have to unscrew the entire top plate to take out the bobbin case, which is a pain. Also, no small screwdriver included for this, only the flat one. I have had to adjust this a few times because the bobbin tension was way too tight, even when adjusting the needle tension right up to 9, sewing with normal thread on cotton fabric! I seem to have it about right now but it still goes out occasionally and hence the whole procedure... The old front loading one seemed so much more practical and you could change the bobbin without removing your fabric. However, I have had practically no jams with my new Janome and the stitches are lovely and even. The stitch width and length has more variation, too. My old one is very heavy and built like a tank whereas the 230DC is quite lightweight, despite also having a metal body, which makes it so much easier to move around, another big positive for the Janome. I was surprised that for its light weight, it can still tackle thick layers of heavy fabric, which great. Although another slight downside is that the top speed is quite slow, which is not so good when sewing long stretches of fabric, e.g. curtains. Overall, I'm happy with it, this machine will be so much better for dressmaking and more delicate crafting, but I will keep my old one too, for more heavy duty or larger projects that need faster stitching or different types of thread where the bobbin tension needs adjusting.

Review by Jay J

Had the older model to this one which finally packed in after 20+ years. This one is if the same high standard and didn't hesitate to buy it. Lovely machine bit lighter to carry, all the same features as my old one.

Review by Lisa P

I’m new to owning a computerised sewing machine, this machine is a big wow compared to a basic machine. It has so many stitches easy to use even for a beginner it’s also quiet. It’s a very good make compared to other brands, there are many YouTube videos too help you understand the machine as well as the manual(which is always a pro to have), easy to thread, like that it has a hard case cover as well, wish I had one of these machines years ago as would be a lot more advanced. Also love the fact it can embroider and lettering. You honestly can’t go wrong with this machine. I would definitely recommend this machine 5 stars.

Review by Kerry Bird

Absolutley love it. Its so smooth and feels solid great sewing machine for the price. Delivery was quick also. Thank you

Review by Chicky S

So easy to use real nice machine.

Review by Blanny C

Love this machine. Has lots of features but love the cut off thread when finished sewing and the extension table is so useful. Looking forward to trying out all the different stitches on the computerised list.

Review by Tracey W

The machine is great, I had a basic brother prior that I’ve outgrown, I wish I had bought this machine sooner and not wasted money on the first machine, it has all the features needed to carry out my numerous projects. I love the speed control, especially useful for trickier areas where precision foot control may be lacking. Comes with very easy to read instructions and lots of additional feet, the price was also the best online. Delivery was outstanding, ordered at midday on Saturday, arrived 10am Sunday. If you are thinking about buying this machine, stop thinking and just go for it.