Which is best? Which brand? Is it user-friendly?

Review by Sharon Jones

I was surprised at how light this machine is to lift and carry, I was expecting a much heavier machine. My first test was through 12 pieces of jeans weight denim and it had no problem with this. The gliding foot is a big advantage on the machine. It took a while to get used to the mechanical "feel" of the Super Jeans 34 as my other machines are all computerised and less "clunky" feeling. I found the threading system a little awkward, especially the guide just above the needle. It didn't feel very intuitive. The clear plastic cover over the bobbin case is not easy to remove or replace and I seem to struggle with it every bobbin change. I consider myself a fairly proficient person with a sewing machine as I own six, but I found the instructions poor. There was nothing in the instruction sheet about how to switch the dial mode to get the stitches marked A-S ( though it's possible it's on the DVD? I've not played it yet ) and I had to look at a you tube video for help. Again, maybe I struggled as I'm used to computerised machines. I found the little quick guide flip chart thing of no use whatsoever. You can't reverse sew with the gliding foot, had I read the instructions first about that I wouldn't have broken two needles (totally my own fault) but I also broke two needles reversing with the straight foot which was a little worrying. I really don't think I would attempt to sew any fabric other than denim or upholstery weight fabric on this machine, and certainly not thin delicate fabrics, but that's ok as I bought it specifically as a budget machine for occasional heavyweight stuff and jeans work which it's genuinely good for but I personally don't think I could use it for anything else. The machine was being sold at an excellent offer price which is why I bought it, but had I paid the usual recommended retail price I think I probably would have been a little disappointed, but only because I am so used to computerised machines. I missed the luxury of a needle up/down mode and it just didn't feel like an accurate sew somehow for anything other than heavyweight fabrics. But as that's all I will be using it for, it's good enough for that job.

Review by Tom Martin

This sewing machine was bought as a 40th birthday present for my wife, as a replacement for her old machine that was nearing the end of it's life and so a lot of thought and reading up was done before the purchase was made. We visited the shop in Whitley Bay to ask about a few machines and left extremely happy with the advice that was given, they are extremely knowledgeable in the store and over the phone. So when it came to making the purchase, we stayed loyal to the store, by making the purchase through their website. Free next day delivery was offered and it arrived promptly and in perfect condition, well boxed. The sewing machine itself is extremely light compared to her previous one, which was a 20yr old Pfaff model, but it feels very well made. It has a great set of features for the mid range price and the quilting kit is lovely. The one thing I would say, is if you are swapping from a none computerised machine to a computerised machine like this, be prepared to spend a little time reading the manual, as it can take a while getting used to it. It has a great range of stitches, everything is nice and simple on the digital screen and everything seems so simple, once you've got your head around the basics. Have been told that it is a little strange not needing to use the peddle, but it's something you very quickly get used to doing. It comes with it's own hard case which is perfect for storage and will protect the machine well from any bumps it may suffer. If your looking for a new machine, I would highly recommend this one, as did the store when we visited.

Review by Nathalie WALLIAN

I am very happy with this purchase and monitoring, and the speed of delivery. Thank you very much!

Review by willoughby

Excellent machine. Does everything I want. Replaces my 20 year old trusty janome which finally gave up. Delighted with the new improved model.

Review by Julie Redfern

I am over the moon with this machine, it is soooo easy to thread, and loading the bobbin is no problem at all. The range of stitches is good, it fulfils my every need. To think I have struggled with my old machine for years ! I wish I had bought this way before now. I was also very pleased with the next day free delivery and a time slot, what luxury, all in all a very good experience

Review by nic lea

Excellent service ,great sewing machine, would highly recommend to friends

Review by Brian Crowthers

The machine is exactly as described. A robust design and very easy to use

Review by christopher thompson

Loading the under thread bobbin into the machine is a bit fiddlely until you get use to it

Review by linda james

great machine very pleased

Review by Kathy

Fantastic machine with lots of useful extras. Janome have listened to their users and made a machine that does all that's been called for. This is my second Janome computorised machine. I am looking forward to combing both aspects of my two machines, one for embroidery and this one for quilting and patterning. I can not praise Janome enough. They make fantastic and well made machines. You will not be sorry if you get the mc8900 new version machine,or if you get it from sewing machine sales.