JanomeHD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 18 Built-in Stitches + Hard Case

The Janome HD3000 is repeatedly listed online as a superior mechanical sewing machine. I researched this one extensively before purchasing - especially as it was originally above what I wanted to pay for my new sewing machine. I could be called an experienced seamstress and have handled everything from clothing (knits and woven) to heavy duty bags to curtains and even a mattress. I definitely wanted something that could hold up to my intense ideas!Pros:-Quiet. This is the quietest sewing machine I've ever used, and it doesn't vibrate my table. I can hear other things (besides just the machine) and even listen to music. I consider this a huge perk. My husband wouldn't let me sew in the same room with him before. This one shouldn't bother him at all.-Foot lifts extra high (but does not hold to that position without your help)-Auto threader-Heavy duty. This machine handled two pieces of batting and a piece of thick fleece. No complaining from the machine or me. This machine is listed as a heavy duty machine and holds up to that.-Many universal use items are SAID to be compatible with this machine, such as Schmetz universal needles, bobbins size 15 (plastic only), and a few of the universal sewing machine feet... as always be careful testing per item or ask Janome. I did read online to stay away from metal bobbins with this machine.-Excellent multi-use machine. I ran this machine through its paces today on anything from silky fabrics to lightweight knits to woven fabrics to fleece and batting combos. I even performed a button and buttonhole with it. I wanted a home machine that could handle all the crazy things I attempt (plus heavy duty projects) and this machine is exactly what I needed.-Stitches available may not be that many in comparison to some machines, but unless you're doing a lot of pretty edges it's not that necessary to have more than this machine offers. This machine can do all the standards (single, zigzag) plus stretch stitches. It has a few decorative stitches though.I might've used a floral or leaf design on occasion, but so rarely that it's not worth considering over the rest of the machine.-Extra feet included are fantastic. Hemmer and buttonhole take some getting used to.-Extra bobbins included.-Price. Even though I paid more than I originally wanted to, I quickly saw that for what I wanted, I needed a machine that would have good mechanics and design. For what you get, this machine gives you a lot for your money. It won't be a use and throw away machine.-For me mechanical was a perk - I've seen enough objects that wear out on only the screen / electrical, rendering the rest of the device useless. Wish I could build a new sewing machine out of coconuts. Maybe I'll try that project next.-Metal frame, entire unit and items included look like excellent quality. (and are luckily not made of coconuts)-There are a lot more dials to tweak on this machine to get a better result. This is in comparison to all the old "normal" household sewing machines I've used.Cons:-Feed dog drop lever instructions. If you drop the feed dogs, you might find they won't go back up. The manual seems to imply that a simple switch will cause the feed dogs to drop and then raise. I ran into this issue when I started running my new machine through all it could do. I was mystified when the switch didn't raise the feed dogs. A lot of people complained about this issue, and one person mentioned all you do is put the switch into "raise feed dogs" position and then rotate the hand wheel. Voila, they pop back up. This looks like an accidental omission in the manual.-The foot pedal cord is short. I was really worried about this at first but found a way to thread it behind my desk to make it comfortable for me. I'm a bit on the taller side so for someone working at a taller desk this could be a really annoying problem. The power cord also might be a bit short but this didn't impact me as much.-There are a lot more dials to tweak...this can be a problem too if you're not wanting that much to figure out. That said, I didn't find the dials to be "too much." Once I read the manual everything was pretty simple. And you don't have to use some of the dials for your straightforward sewing anyway.-No speed control. I was hoping this one might have this feature, but it doesn't. It's the one "bells and whistles" type feature I would've loved to have.Overall, if you do enough quilting, heavy duty sewing, plus more everyday sewing, this is a fantastic machine. I'm very pleased with it so far and I think it will be a machine with longevity.

I first learned to sew as a kid on my great grandmother's 1930's era singer. When I decided to pick it back up again in my late 20s, I was dismayed to find an array of machines on the market made mostly from plastic and more stitches than I would ever know what to do with. I spent the last 10 years sewing with an unbelievable amount of frustration on my mom's plastic singer. When she moved out and took her devil machine with her, I decided it was time to find something reliable, made to last, and with more of a focus on the most important (rather than the largest number of available) stitches. I've been really happy with the Janome 3000HD. It sews through multiple thick layers without any complaint and makes a beautiful straight stitch. I like that it came with a hard case and a couple of extra presser feet. Unlike the demon singer, I never have any trouble with bobbin winding or tension. It just works. This thing will keep me sewing for a couple of decades at least.Other features I like:- presser foot storage in top- generous free arm- can probably thread with 1 hand tied behind back and blindfolded. So easy- Adjustable presser foot pressure- not a big thing but the foot pedal/power cord is interchangeable with my Janome 900CPX

Came as expected, box was a bit dirty, but that's shipping. The machine included leather needles and a leather/vinyl foot. It also had a pack of bobbins and two other packs of needles, assorted sizes. It worked well, after unpacking it (it was packed well, with lots of foam pieces). It is so quiet! I was able to figure out how to thread the bobbin and the machine easily. The manual was easy to follow, but the print is small, so I also downloaded the manual to my ipad. The settings are well explained. The knob that changes the stitches was a bit "clunky" at first, but is freeing up as I have used the machine. I have sewn several thicknesses of cloth, for practice and it seems to work well, not even hesitating over seams. I like that the six feet that came with it fit in the top and are well marked. It is easy to change feet, too. The automatic threader will take a bit of getting used to, but worked! All in all, I think I just need to get out a project and get busy enjoying sewing again!

I bought this machine a year ago. At the time I bought it, I gave it 5 stars and wrote a great review, I used it to make cork bags I sell on my etsy site. It worked okay... not great, but, okay...for 11 months and 15 days. And then it froze up and died. I sent it back to the place in Texas from which I purchased it through Amazon. I was angry and disappointed in this machine and I didn’t feel much better after my discussions with the seller. If you buy this machine thinking it is covered by a warranty, you’re right and wrong. The seller did not charge me to repair this machine though they stressed over and over that they were being nice not to charge me because the warranty does not cover shipping or repairs. Never could figure out what was covered under the warranty, couldn’t be much though. So I have it back in my possession. It is fixed and is running and I’m going to sell it post haste and avoid Janome forever more. Oh, you might wonder what made it stop running, well near as I can tell, it was not properly lubricated when it sailed off the production line and ended up in my possession. In my opinion, that is Janome’s problem, not mine. I was told that the machine must be serviced at least once a year, maybe more. At about $100 to,$200 a servicing, that machine is designed to cost you a bunch more than it is worth. Better off to buy a vintage machine (that’s what just I did) or a less expensive one. I’ve been using my daughter’s Brother CS6000i. Now that little machine leaves the Janome HD3000 in the dust. IT WORKS, EVERY DAY NO MATTER WHAT I THROW AT IT. Hope this helps any prospective buyer give proper consideration to this purchase.