This post is long-overdue…but as promised I’m going to share some of my likes/dislikes about my machines today! So feel free to skip this post if you really don’t care…I won’t mind. ;) Instead of writing a couple of posts I’m putting it all in this one. So warning…this is looong.
I love my Bernina Aurora 440QE. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat, and there are very few things I dislike about it. It’s a popular machine so there is lots of info about it on the web, and I believe there is a newer version of it. But it is lacking in a few areas and that’s where the Juki 2010Q comes in.
There are gobs of great reviews on the Juki, like here, here, here, here, and here. I had problems with my first one after using the walking foot, I explain it at the bottom of this post, and they sent me a new one with no problems.
Since there are so many features to review I’m just going to list some of the ones I’ve noticed the most. If you can think of any others you love/don’t love about either feel free to leave them in the comments!
Buying the Machine and Parts: You have to buy Bernina’s through a dealer, along with all parts. You can buy a Juki machine or parts from a dealer, or through many online retailers. I bought mine on Amazon, through a dealer. Bernina as far as I know doesn’t allow any selling of it’s feet or parts online…which is a little crazy now-a-days. I get their reasoning and it’s great to shop at a local dealer…but the last thing I want to do is drag my 3 kids into the Bernina dealer every time I need something little. I’ve seen a few places that sell Bernina parts online, but it looks like their prices are double or triple what you’d get at your local dealer.
Price: Bernina’s are expensive…I paid $2200 for my 440 almost 3 years ago, and that was a great deal at the time (they are much less now I believe). My Juki was $975. So there is a big price difference. The Juki only has straight stitches, so you might need a second machine if you want all of that.
Throat Space (or whatever you call it): The space from the needle to the right of the machine is way bigger and higher on the Juki. On the Bernina the space is 8” wide by 4 ½” high…not very big to smoosh a big quilt roll through. The Juki space is 9” wide and I think it was 6” high (and downstairs is too far to go re-measure!) so the Juki space is awesome.
Stitch Speed: The Bernina sews 900 stitches per minute. The Juki sews 1500 stitches per minute. The end. ;)
Stiches: The Bernina has something like 180 stitches, and does the alphabet and all sorts of amazing things. I don’t use it often but it’s nice to have, especially the zig-zag stitch which I use to stitch around the quilt edges before binding (see this post). The Juki only has a straight stitch…nothing
else.
Walking Foot: I bought the Juki mainly for quilting, so I expected to use the walking foot all the time. This is one area where the Juki is a disappointment…and after to talking to two dealers, Juki knows this needs to be fixed. The walking foot on the Juki is tricky to get on, and SO SO loud. Even after oiling the foot, it’s really loud. I even sent them a video just to make sure I wasn’t breaking the machine…they assured me it is that loud. It also doesn’t pull the fabric through like I felt it should. I’ve had a few puckers on the bottom of my quilts while using this. You should only have to guide the fabric under the walking foot while quilting, not pull or push it through like I have to with this machine. Also you aren’t supposed to go full speed with the Juki as you use the walking foot, more like mid speed as the dealer’s repair man told me. Which is kind of a bummer since I bought this so I could quilt at warp speed. Not a deal breaker though.
The Bernina walking foot is quieter… as quiet as I’ve heard a walking foot. It also pulls the fabric under the foot with very little help from me, creating less chance for puckers on the bottom. It’s also easier to get on…and you can change the pressure of the presser foot if your quilt is really thick or thin. Bernina definitely wins in the walking foot category.
I know others with Juki’s might totally disagree about the walking foot being a bit of a downer, but that’s been my experience compared to the Bernina.
Free Motion Quilting: I have to admit I have only done this once on the Juki so I’m not the best to tell you about it. I love it on the Bernina, and on the Juki it seemed really fast and stitches were even. The foot bounces a bit, but I watched this great video from Leah Day where she explains some mods she did to the foot and I might try those.
Changing Feet and Bobbins: Changing feet and bobbins is easier on the Bernina, but I’m also used to Bernina’s. It’s not a big deal and the big screw makes it pretty easy on the Juki too. The Bernina has a separate bobbin winder on the top…I love this feature.
Other things I like/dislike:
Juki 2010Q: It comes with a great extension table as you can see from the second picture from the top. The automatic thread cutter is awesome (but a really loud clank each time), and you can activate it by pushing the foot peddle. There is also a knee lever (the Bernina has this too) so with the knee lever and the thread cutter quilting straight lines is a breeze. This machine is all metal, really sturdy (and heavy) and cheaper to fix with NO COMPUTER SCREEN. It has to be oiled each time you use it in 6 different places which is a bit annoying, but worth it for a sturdy metal machine.
Bernina 440QE: I really have no beefs with the Bernina that I haven’t mentioned, except that is SO expensive to fix and maintain. I haven’t had too many problems with mine (knock on wood) but even to have it cleaned is over $100, and I’ve broken a few tiny parts here and there with wear and I’ve put over $400 into this machine in repairs. Six months ago my light went out, and while having it repaired they said it was a motherboard issue in the computer…even though the computer screen works just fine and it sews fine. To fix it it would cost $260. Annoying.
Instead I found this awesome attachable strip light on Amazon (here and here are reviews on it). I attached it to my machine and viola! I had light! It’s still semi-pricey at $30 bucks (I bought the 2 pack, one for my Juki too)…but it’s cheaper than $260 and the light is even better.
It sticks on where you want it and then attaches to the machine and has it’s own power cord. Pretty slick.
So there you have it. I love both of these machines and I’m happy I bought both. If I had the money to spend I would have skipped buying a Juki and upgraded my Bernina, but with my Bernina working fine I couldn’t justify it. I also didn’t want anything more computerized than I already have, so the Juki is a nice addition to the family and should last long enough to hand down to one of my kids someday.
There are other great machine options too if you’re in the market…talk to lots of people and visit lots of dealers, or visit a quilt show where you can try a lot in one place. You might find you love another brand even more than these. Machines are personal preference and what you feel comfortable with is more important than what other people (including me) have and use!
All of the opinions are my own and I was not compensated for them… or else they might be pretty mad with some of what I said. ;) There are a couple of affiliate links, but I will still like you a lot of you don’t use them.
Susie
Great post. Thanks. 440 wasn't avail In Australia when I got mine. Bought the 350 PE and the next jump was the 550 and there was no way I could convince hubby on that one. Would have also preferred 440 ashaveon,y heard good things about it.
Rachel at Stitched in Color
Glad you added your thoughts to the "official" online discussion ;) But really, these kind of reviews seem to be so helpful to people! Lots of great info here.
I love my Juki, but I've never had a Bernina. The walking foot on my Juki is quieter than the walking foot on my Kenmore, just FYI for perspective for those that might have non-Berninas.
Pat
Thanks for writing this post. I love my Bernina, a 15 year old model, but it is so expensive for servicing and repairs. Plus the turnaround time is 3 weeks, minimum! I have a 60 year old Singer Featherweight which I am going to get serviced and will then use - it sews a great straight stitch which is all I usually use. Thanks again for your comments.
Barb
great info on sewing machines. I've had my eye on the Juki for a long time. Maybe this year for my June birthday. So, you had no problems getting it on amazon?
Cheryl
took me a while to stop cutting the thread on accident but I love the auto cutter now. Also, I gave up on the walking foot and it seems to quilt fine without it! I really like the juki.
kimberlier
thank you! i'm interested in learning more about various machines. it's time for an upgrade. :)
Sarah
Very interesting. I have the same Juki and a Bernina 750QE. Even though I thought I really wanted the stitch regulator with my Bernina, I think it pretty much sucks and I do all my Fmq on the Juki. It just works so much better. My biggest Juki complaint is that there isn't a guide bar for evenly spacing your straight line quilting - so I use the Bernina for that. I LOVE the thread cutter on the foot pedal on the Juki. Also didn't know you were supposed to oil the Juki every time -I oil it like every 10 times I use it or if it gets loud.
Judy
Thank you for this! I am still making payments on my Bernina 780 and have had the mother board replaced (thankfully it was under warranty). Yes, Bernina and the accessories are expensive, especially embroidery hoops, but I am enjoying mine. I don't think I want a Juki. I like bells and whistles. A sit down longarm is the way I'd go!! Thank you So Much for this comparison. jlblvn@gmail.com
Helen L
Thanks for the review: it was interesting to read. I too have the Bernina and love it, but have a few things that I'd change too. I've found that my OLD Bernina is even easier to change the bobbin in than this one is. And I think I had my Bernina about 8 years before I took it into the dealer to be serviced. So I do feel it has been a good worker for me. And I have a Brother 1500 that looks sooo much like your Juki, even down to the LOUD sound the thread cutter makes! :-) It makes me wonder if they were designed by the same company! I do love the large throat space too and wish the stitch regulator of the Bernina was on the Brother. It would make a great combination for us home quilters!! Loved reading your thoughts!! Hugs, H in Healdsburg
Brenda
I have the earlier version of your Juki and I zoom along with the walking foot. Mine isn't loud at all. My biggest complaint with the Juki is the vibration when I'm going fast -- it shakes everything else off the table. I've never sewn with a Bernina, but I know Bernina lovers are very attached and committed to them.
Amber S
Hi,
Thanks for this review. I recently bought the Brother PQ1500s on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Brother-PQ1500S-Quilting-Sewing-Machine/dp/B003C29EL4) after trying out the Juki 2010Q in store. I really loved all the feature that you hit on the for the Juki. After some reading I realized just how similar the Brother was to the Juki, but it was so much cheaper ($650!). The only differences are that it doesn't have is the adjustable speed setting (its all in my footwork) and the cutter in the foot (I am happy NOT to have this, the dealer told me I could just turn the foot around if I didn't like it and I have read that others cut the wire to disable it altogether). Additionally, it has pin feeding which I have used with great success for binding. I bought it for free motion quilting and I am extremely happy with my choice. This would be another great option for your readers.
julie blake
Hi Amber I use a business card, fold the top down a third and slide it up in the space in the back of the foot, it works a treat for me - Julie
Thelma
Great reviews, thanks so much. I had the same Bernina, QE440, I replaced it with a Pfaff, for some of the same reasons you mentioned, wanted thread cutter and the price was so much lower for the Pfaff. But I agree, nothing sounds as great as a Bernina.
Happy Cottage Quilter
I have a 10 year old Bernina and I love it!
Jennie @ Porch Swing Quilts
I love my Juki. Thinking of getting another one for my daughter. I'm steering clear of anything with a computer. Straight stitch is enough for me, as I also have a serger for clothes sewing. Good post though. I'll share it with my friend who's looking into a new machine.
Erica
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the machines. I have a Janome MC660P and love it and I like it encompasses a lot about what you like about each machine - it has a wide throat space, great walking foot, great at FMQ, automatic thread cutter (though not on the pedal). Every issue that I have had with the machine has turned out to be due to my own error. I understand the wanting a machine that is mechanical only, but I have been sewing on my machine for 3+ years without any repair costs other than having my machine cleaned (which cost around $60). I paid about $1200 for my machine and though the machine is only available through authorized delears (I actually bought mine over the phone and had it mailed based on a shop recommendation), the accessories can be found online. There are certainly fancier Janome machines out there, but I bought mine based on the fact that it had been out for a while and very few people reported issues. It also includes accufeed (which I honestly use less than I expected, but do like having a quarter inch foot that is a walking foot for bulky seams) but not a lot of features that I don't use. It was a good cost to goodness balance for me and I would highly recommend the machine!
Corrie H. @ Mountain Stitches
Thank you for giving so much info for these machines. In the market for one now, so it is much appreciated! Love your site!
Nurdan Kulluk-Rennert
I have a Singer Confident Quilter. It is a computerized machine but not as fancy as some of the machines on the market at the moment. I have had it for almost 5 years now and pretty happy with it. But...I am dying to buy a Juki since my Singer has started to have a hick up every now and then. the problem is that i can't buy the Juki you have-and which I want to buy- in Australia- not sold here grrrr! Most of the amazon dealers don't ship it to Australia either so I am only drooling over your post and alike. Hopefully one day I will own it, I am optimistic :)
Regena
I have the same bernina. I still haven't totally bonded with it. .it seems loud to me. Sews fine
Debra@Quilty Things
Thank you for your thoughtful comparison. I have a dozen or so machines, some are vintage and some newer TOL including Bernina, Janome, and Pfaff. I missed out on the chance to buy a 440 :( and was mopey about it for awhile. Needing a hard working machine quickly, had to make a choice between the Babylock BL500 or Juki, I chose the Babylock because the great service from my dealer. Costs were nearly identical. It has similar basic features and quirks; no on board speed control, though, gave that up for the local service....same characteristics, as the Juki-noisy as all get out especially when using the walking foot. Didn't notice the inability to attach a quilting guide until recently...how hard could it be to have included that
feature...sheeesh. had one incident with the walking foot leaving black marks on light fabrics- track marks which did wash out. Still, I'm very happy with it...It's my go-to machine. Oiling it everyday is not a hassle.
Leslie Schmidt
I had bought a Viking over 25 years ago because it didn't need to be oiled, was easy to thread, didn't get thread jams, had quite a few stitches, and had a good reputation. But when I started quilting, the Viking was lacking in a few areas, such as needle down option. I bought a Bernina 153. It is the Alex Anderson edition, which I thought was only fitting since I started quilting after watching Simply Quilts! I've had a few issues with it, but would buy a Bernina again in a heartbeat. The speed of the Juki scares me. I have enough trouble sewing in a straight line; going faster would only make my lines wonky. I quilt all my quilts on my 153, mostly free-motion.
Leslie S. in MN
SewSewJenner
Thank you very much for the review! I have a Viking that is about 8 years old that I bought before I met the world of quilting, it has been an ok machine, it has actually gotten better since I have become more brave with tension setting. I bought a Juki 2010Q after reading many reviews and I love it. I really like the speed control since I am new to free motion quilting, it gives me a lot more control. Love the thread cutter but not in the pedal, I turn it sideways. I also love the needle down function, and the large reverse lever. We built an Ikea hack sewing table for the Juki and I love it. I have my eye on the Juki HZL 600 as a replacement for the Viking. Thanks again for the review, I know that many of us really appreciate them.
Martha Cook
Thank you for your comments. It was very detailed. When I looked into getting a new machine,my husband bought me a Viking sapphire 835. I did not want computerized. just plain strsight stitching. I wish the feet were more snug when you snap them in place. The walking foot is a pain to put on with that tiny screw especially as I am getting older.
Becky Schneider
Martha Cook: I have a 25+ yo Viking and the walking fine is a PAIN with that tiny screw. WHY COULDN"T THEY HAVE MADE IT MAGNETIC? Crazy.
Cathy
I enjoyed your excellent machine comparisons and thanks for the LED light link. LED`s would be perfect on my vintage machines. Thanks!
Colleen Potter
Thanks for giving such a great comparison. I have the Bernina 750, my husband bought it for me two years ago. Interesting that there have been several mentions of motherboard issues. I fried my motherboard while it was still on warranty. When the service man heard that I lived in a rural area he said that I have to get a good quality surge protecter. Before leaving town that day you can believe I had bought a very good one. I have them on all our computers - it makes sense to have one on my computerized sewing machine. The thing that annoys me the most is that I can not stop my machine from doing the securing stitches at the beginning of every seam. The service man has fiddled with the machine and all the women in the shop have weighed in on the problem. I don't know if all the 750's do this or just the ones that shipped to Canada. I sincerely hope that Bernina can come up with a update for this. I use a "spider" and carry on !
Colleen @ piecemakerquilts.wordpress.com
Barbara Cook
You can program your BERNINA not to do the securing stitch. I can't remember how, but look it up in the manual. I turned mine off.
Gene Black
I love my Janome 66000P . I have a more expensive Babylock machine that has more "bells and whistles" but the real workhorse is the Janome and it is excellent for FMQ.
Marty Mason
Enjoyed your viewpoint. I too have both the Bernina 440QE and the Juki 2010Q so relate to every comment you made. I am totally bonded to he Juki and sew on it exclusively except when I need to tidy up raw edges of inside seams. Free-motion quilting on the Juki is such a delight in comparison to Bernina quilting. In addition to the expensive Bernina service and repair, my problem locally is a competent repair person so I drive 90 miles each way for repairs. If I had to size down to only one machine, the Juki 2010Q would definitely be my keeper.
Carol
The Juki looks similar to my Babylock Jane. Inspired LED, the company that make the lights, sent me a custom made set to add just above the needle instead of wrapping them under the arm of the machine. If you have a flat surface above the needle they would work. The light is focussed right where I need it and I LOVE it. Here's a link to my post.
http://funthreads.blogspot.com/2014/07/custom-led-sewing-lights.html
the zen quilter
thanks so much for this, just bought a Bernina 750 and I am glad you like yours. I have a small Bernina that I really LOVE love love and am really looking forward to using the new one.
elizabethdee
Thanks for your thorough review. I have had my eye on that Juki , but your comments on straight line quilting (my favorite) make me pause. Can I ask:
Have you tried straight line quilting with a regular foot? A commenter on another blog said she increases the pressure on the foot and uses the regular foot, and it's perfect.
Have you tried another brand's walking foot? It seems that Janome makes one -- with the guide bar, thank goodness -- that fits the Juki 2010.
And one more. Is mid-speed on your Juki faster than your average sewing machine?
Thanks for any extra insights!
DebbieS
Thank you for the reviews! I purchased my 440 QE about 4 years ago and it runs like a charm. It is like many other electronic items though in that newer machines come out all of the time with new features. I would love a machine with more throat space, but it is difficult to justify.
I was lucky enough to make it to QuiltCon and had an opportunity to sew on the Bernina 750. I was in a classroom of 25 and the machines were all new straight out of the box. I have to say I am not sure I would buy a Bernina today as there were quite a few problems with the machines. It makes me wonder if the quality is sliding...anyway, I just thought it was worth mentioning. As with any major purchase, research is really important.
KMSC
Thank you for this post. I will be in the market for a new machine soon as my present sewing machine is on its last legs. I've always wanted a Bernina so I will look at that brand when I'm ready. There are so many choices, I don't want to make a hasty decision.
lalaluu
I have a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0. I got it for doing FMQ, and so far it's 50/50 on that. It has two different feet you can use, so if one doesn't work, I try the other. It's strictly a tension issue, and it has the IDT which is supposed to detect the thickness of your layers and adjust accordingly, so I think it just fails on that sometime. The best solution is to walk away or switch to piecing for a while and come back to it later. Usually. But the IDT is the best thing about the machine because you DO NOT NEED A WALKING FOOT. You can use your quarter inch foot to sew on binding. I've done it, and it's awesome! Honestly, I bought it because I love the design of the machine and it has one of the largest spaces under the arm. However, all of my quilty friends have Janome or Bernina machines; I am the only Pfaff lover. I sometimes wonder if I know something they don't know or if it's the other way around. The machine is also pretty heavy, but I lug it to bees and retreats because my other option is an old Singer Quantum Quilter which has no needle down, no IDT, no slight lift of the foot with needle down when I stop so I can slide in the next block...I am now spoiled with my Pfaff. :)
Susan
Thanks for the great post, with so much information. I have a Bernina 150 QE, which I've been using for 17 years and I just adore. The only problems I have had with it were that I needed to replace the walking foot (i use it in a very dry climate and I think the little rubber feet dried out) and when I sewed over a pin I caused some damage to the bobbin housing. Other than that, no problems. Regarding the difficulty of obtaining parts for the Bernina, I just call my Baltimore Bernina dealer, Bear Paw Fabrics, tell them what I need, and they send it to me in the mail. Easy peasy! Maybe your local dealer would be willing to do that for you too, and that would save you a trip to the store.
Denise in PA
So sorry to hear about the walking foot issue with the Juki. My friend is having a similar issue with his brand new Juki. I'm glad they know it is an issue and hopefully will fix it. I have a Juki TL98E that's about 10 years old and the walking foot works like a dream. A real shame it's not on the newer models! I was almost going to trade mine in for the newer one until I heard this. By the way, I love my Bernina (Virtuosa 160) too!
mickiehendrix
If your walking foot on the Juki makes a lot of noise it means it is not centered. The needle needs to be in the center of the foot. Mine was off by a fraction. My husband made a tiny thin washer that I put on the walking foot between the screw and the foot. Works like a charm. Sounds like it has a regular foot on it. It has to be very thin.
Amanda
My biggest beef with the Juki's walking foot is the lack of a guide, as others have mentioned. I find this astonishing. I also wish that you could turn the auto thread cutter on and off. Sometimes I forget when I am fmq that I need to bury threads, and I accidentally snip them. Or maybe it would be nice if it just left a bit of a longer tail on the thread.
Rebecca Grace
Hi, Allison! I was just skimming through this post until I came to the photo showing the sideways vertical orientation of the bobbin and hook on the Juki -- EXACTLY like the setup on my vintage Singer Featherweights. Is your Juki also a straight stitch only machine, or does it have a zigzag function? I have never seen that bobbin orientation on a machine with sideways motion stitches. So curious! Good for you with the aftermarket light kit, BTW. Concern about aging computer parts is one of the reasons I sold my Bernina 200E and traded up to a 750 QE -- with even more computer parts to go wrong -- but at least they are covered while the machine is under warranty! I have a love/hate relationship with the computerized functions. Have you tried BSR for FMQ on your 440? If so, how do you like it?
allison
Thanks for GREAT comments and machine input everyone!! So great to add to this post and learn about other machines.
Elizabethdee: I haven't tried straight line quilting without the walking foot, but now I will next time. Mid-speed is about the same as my Bernina will go, so with the walking foot on it goes about the same speed, and if you go any faster it shakes the table a ton.
Dianne
Great Review. I have a 440 as well and love it! If I could enlarge the harp on that machine it would be the ultimate in perfection IMHO. My hubby bought me a Bernina 710 for Christmas 2013. I wanted a machine with a larger harp space and loved the idea of a built in walking foot. Based on my experience - and I hope you are listening Bernina - I wouldn't bother with the new larger machines. You have to adjust the needle and use a foot other than your 1/4 inch foot to sew a 1/4 inch seam because of the wider feed dogs. The "new" 1/4 inch foot with guide is not much of a solution and cost over $100. Bernina does have an online shop now where you can buy machines and accessories. Which is good because if you buy a Bernina and the shop where you purchased it goes out of business your labour warranty is gone with it. Even if your machine is brand new. My 7 month old 710 died. It took two months and cost nearly $300 to have it repaired and it still doesn't work properly. The dealer had closed her shop so I was on the hook for the labour. Thank goodness I still have my 440! I am a die hard Bernina fan, I've used Bernina exclusively for 18 years, and I love many of the features of the 710. It quilted beautifully before it broke down and the extra space in the harp is wonderful. I would not purchase the new larger machines if what I am looking for is a machine to piece on though and I would buy my machine from their website not a local dealer. Bernina really needs to address the warranty issue or their brand is going to suffer. As for servicing I don't pay any more for service than friends with other machines and the turn around time is 1 week. If parts are required it can be another matter. At least in Canada the parts supply process is incredibly slow.
Betzquilts
Great post! Helpful for anyone looking to buy a new machine. I have a Bernina 830 (the newer one) that I love. I also have a Juki TQ98, which I also love. I have used this machine with a quilt frame. I also purchased an older Bernina 1130 on eBay to use for retreats and sewing classes. The other machines are just too heavy. I have found that I enjoy this older machine so much that I do most of my sewing with this machine. Go figure!! Of note, I enjoy quilting on the 830 without the stitch regulator. I think I do a better job without it. Berninas are expensive but they have been worth the investment but I believe there will come a point when they will price themselves out of the market. Bernina parts, such as feet, do come up for sale on eBay and are cheaper. Also, it is good to shop around for servicing. I am only paying 75 dollars for servicing, a lot cheaper than two previous Bernina dealers. It is wise to service once a year. Remember, you have a lot of money invested in these machines.
✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾
Thanks for the review, Allison! I still haven't tried my walking foot on my new Juki yet (been sick since valentines day, first a stomach bug now a cold...thank you lovely children) so I hope mine works! I find the Juki to sew like a dream for piecing. It evenly feeds the fabric and makes much less noise than my Janome. I haven't gotten one thread nest yet, which is something that happened all the time with my Janome. The berninas are way out of my price range, and the a la carte accessories break the bank even more. The Juki is just perfect for me!
Sarah Craig
Great review, Allison! I have the older version of your Juki, the 98Q, and love it! I have no trouble with my walking foot, but I use the presser foot tension knob on the top to adjust the pressure so that it feeds well. I noticed you said you did that with your Bernina, but didn't mention doing it with the Juki. Doesn't the newer model Juki work that way too? I don't have trouble with puckers (although I do use basting spray - do you?) and zip right along fast when straight line quilting. I wouldn't trade my Juki for anything -awesome machine!
Megan Lang
Your timing on this post was perfect. I was literally just telling my DH I need to think about a new machine. I have had the Bernina 440 for almost 12 years and loved it, until my BSR (which is what I wanted this particular machine for) stopped working. It took almost a year and 2 shipments to the factory by the local repair shop to get it "fixed" and it's never worked the same. I am so disappointed and frustrated. I am happy to see everyone is sharing their preferences as I look forward to getting something new. I definitely want to steer away from Bernina.
Ellen
I am mostly happy with my Juki, but have a few issues:
I find it really hard to insert a new needle,
there doesn't seem to be a 1/4 inch presser foot ( bought a shank extender and use another brand),
the stitch guide lines are not exactly accurate,
the presser foot doesn't have a guide bar (I duct tape one in place),
I use a sewing table with a cutout space for the machine and it is really awkward to to at the bobbin case.
All said, though, it does sew beautifully and the throat space is huge.
Susan
I just bought a Juki 2010Q after reading so many good reviews. It FMQs up a storm and I've pieced a quilt on it with very good stitching! Shoot it goes from FMQing to straight without ANY adjustments to the tension!!
My walking foot was making a *horrible* noise like yours (I'm guessing). I took it back to the dealer, of course it worked like a charm. I went home and it again after about 5 minutes of sewing acted up again. They replaced the foot a week later, but it still after a bit of sewing makes a horrible sound. My dealer isn't easy to work with so I'm not going to fuss over it.
I wanted to tell you that the regular foot sewed perfectly fine on a Queen quilt we were doing! No pulling or uneven section at all. I guess that's what I'll do from now on. Unless I decide to elevate the problem to the company... I'm torn. I don't know if it's the machine with the problem of the foot. Or both...
sewkatiedid
I bought my Juki to quilt with and after being use to the Bernina's walking foot I ditched that effort and use it purely for piecing.
I've heard many people just don't use the walking foot, but the quality of stitches didn't stack up when compared to my Bernina and how I love all the line guides.
Juki is sitting on a gold mine if they can figure it out.
V.
Thanks for your reviews, very interesting to read. I have QE 440 and just love it...99% of the time. The only critiques, small harp space and the tension is a bit temperamental when I switch thread, going from Sulky to Aurifil and from 40 to 50 weight. This is a recent development so it may just need some TLC from the dealer.
Mavis
My Bernina 440QE is fine, but does not have places to plug in a light in the back. Sure would be nice.
Jennifer
Reviews on sewing machines are such a fun topic for me! I live way up in the boondocks of northern WI, with the closest dealer for *any* brand being 2 hours away, so it's good to read about other's experiences. For myself, I have always used Brother machines, which are good machines. But I would blow right through them and they would have to be replaced every 2 years or so. After buying on of their top-of-the line ones (off of Ebay) yet having the head seize up only after a years worth of use, we decided that an industrial machine was the way to go.
After much research and discussion, we settled on a mid-arm Sewstrong machine (which is actually a Juki without the name brand. It's about $600 less yet all the parts are interchangeable with the Juki machine) for about $900 (it comes with it's own table and stand, too). It has about 6 different speeds (I think. I only use the slowest one! lol ) and can go up to 2500 stitches a minute. The throat space is 11" wide and about 8" high. All of the parts are metal and you learn how to fix stuff so there is no servicing fees (it does have a bit of a learning curve, but totally worth it!). I love my machine and I am so happy that we bought this!
Dondi Murdock
I bought the 2010 Q Juki a year ago. I love it when it is working...I took it in for a repair in October and got it back in November. Then in January it was making horrible stitches again. I contacted Juki headquarters because I didn't want it disappearing for another month of repair time. I could not get the tension to adjust no matter what I did. I even sent in a picture of the stitching to show how badly it looked. Juki paid fo r the shipping and said they would pay for the repair. I have not seen or heard anything about my lovely machine since. I can sew on my Brother Runway, but no way can I machine quilt on this little machine because it does horrible machine quilting.
So, if you are considering a Juki. Sew like crazy during the 3 month warranty period to see if you have any problems with it. I think I just got a lemon. I love how evenly it sews when it works well. It is a bit noisy, but the head space for twin sized quilts is so awesome.
I loved how Juki headquarters was so willing to take care of my machine even though the 3 month warranty was up. They knew it was weird that this good machine should not need 2 repairs within one year. It is not like I pound on my machine with a hammer. I'm a quilter not a destroyer. I'm going to purr like a happy cat when that big box shows back up at my front door!
jeskmom
Oddly, I have exactly the same machines you do (what are the odds?), so this was very interesting. I use my Juki A LOT! Once I started free-motion quilting on it, I wouldn't go back to the Bernina, simply because the larger table helps so much, and the wider shaft is also nice. I completely agree about the walking foot on the Juki, and stopped using it completely for straight quilting. It is so ineffective that I felt like I was pulling with my left arm MORE than without it. Love it on the Bernina (which is the cadillac of quilting machines, whichever model one has, let's be honest here!), though. I find this combination to be my favorite (I also have a Pfaff, which I am giving to my daughter) and an old Elna--a real workhorse!. But these are the machines that really do the job. Thanks for such great, helpful reviews
Joy
Wow, thanks for these reviews. I am in the market for a new machine for quilting and wonder if it's possible to get one without the computer. Just one more thing to go wrong eh?
Love your workaround with the light.
Susanne vb
Fun to read, thanks for taking the time to do this post! My upgrade to a Juki was from my mom's old 1971 Singer Touch and Sew that I've loved and repaired for 20 years now ;) So yeah...no wonder, two years later, I still have stars in my eyes for ole Juke! 8) I still use both machines (and a featherweight), there is no one perfect machine.
Nancy's Blog
I love My Juki...now! I had it in the shop three weeks after I purchased in in mid-November for problems with the bobbin and automatic needle threader. I continue to have difficulty with the automatic thread cutter. It worked perfectly when I purchased the machine. I have not threaded the needle automatically since I picked it up from the shop. I really wish the walking foot had a guide. Does anyone know if any other walking foot would fit the Juki? But all in all, it is a fantastic machine. I do have to say that the Juki manual is not very good, I gained more information online about my Juki.
Josie
My first sewing machine was a Bernina which I got for my 18th birthday over 25 years ago. I replaced it with a secondhand 440 QE about three years ago and I'm really happy with it. They are expensive though and I hope it offers me many more years service, if not I think I would go down the preused route again, there are some great deals on eBay occasionally.
Miki
Great post! I've been thinking about upgrading to a Bernina. Your article offers soo much info!! Thanks:)
Linda at Roscoe's Ma
I replaced my Bernina 1230 with a Bernina 550QE. My daughter immediately claimed my 1230 so it is still in the family. A solid machine, for sure. (I think you told me once your mom had a 1230.) But the opening was so small on the 1230 to 'shove' a quilt through when quilting. The Bernina 550QE is slightly larger and it makes a big difference. (I was told the 550QE replaced the 440QE and they are similar.) I've looked longingly at the Juki and the wide space for gliding a quilt through but sounds like you aren't exactly gliding it. I might just be okay with what a have! Thanks for your honest opinions!
Laura Chaney
Great post! I love seeing the different machines that people sew with. I use a Bernina 930 that my Mom gave me when she got a new machine. She missed her 930 so much she went onto ebay and got herself another one!
Kristen Willard
My 430 (like a 440 without the BSR) started going dark this week. Thanks so much for the light link. I will definitely be buying one of those. Your dad told us about you last night at work. My friend and I are both longarmers and had no idea he had a quilting daughter! Great job on your blog. Please stop by the office the next time you're in Bellevue!
Charlene
I have a question about the Juki2010. I purchased one a while back. I'm not sure if the dense foam on the spool pin area is just for shipping/packaging purposes or if it's suppose to remain there. Do you know? Thanks
Andrea
Thanks for the review!! I have a Bernina 440 QE, but now I can't get the Juki out of my brain....
Andrea
Thanks so much for the review. I'm the happy owner of a Juki as a result!! :)
honeyguide
I love your review! I have a Juki and was starting to wonder if there was something wrong with me because I was struggling with quilting and puckers on the bottom. I'll try without the walking foot and see what happens. Also, do you have a needle you love? I bought the schmetz because that's what my dealer recommended (I think that's all she carries) but it's really hard to get it in and out of the machine. Lately I've had to use pliers. That can't be right...
Cheryl
Thank you for this great review. I'm a little late to the party, but I have a 440QE and a Brother 1500. I have both for much the same reasons you bought yours. But I also like the Brother for hard core fast sewing like costuming for school drama stuff and heavy duty upholstery sewing. I've always been told that the Juki and the Brother straight stitch machines are similar, but I have had no trouble with my Brother walking foot, or thread cutter and I don't find mine noisy, either. I noticed someone else mentioned the pin feed option on the Brother, and I have used that instead of the walking foot a lot of times with great success. I never had any trouble with my Brother, and just maintenance on the Bernina, well and my Bernina foot 'fetish'! That costs me! I have not had good luck with the slide on table that came with my machine, bad design! So I bought the big clear acrylic surround for when I take it out for sewing days and classes. I've even broken one of those!
But I've gotten in the habit of taking my featherweight out for sewing days, and some classes that don't require zigzag, it's so much lighter. I think that cuts the wear and tear on my big machines, as well as my body.
Camille
I have 2 Bernina Aurora 440 sewing machines so I can sew at home or at the cabin without taking the machine back and forth. One I purchased new and the other I bought used about 3 years ago. Why 2 identical machines? Because when I had two different machines in the two different locations, I did not like having to overly think about the thread path, bobbin winding, etc. after a lapse of time since I last used that machine. I have been very happy with the 440 although (as other mentioned) I do not think the BSR performs the way it was promoted. Recently, both machines developed a problem with the case separating between the front and the back where the case joins together on the right side of the machine under the handwheel. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this issue. On one machine I did not notice the separation until other nearby parts of the case slipped out of alignment. A Bernina technician had to reassemble the case components. At present, I am holding the slight case separation on the other machine together with electrical tape so it will not worsen.
tcartpilot
I know this is a late response, this is my first time on this blog. Bernina will replace the housing free of charge - at least they did for me, and my machine was 10 years old at the time, they installed a new "pin" for the new table also free of charge, so that was a good solution. My only problem is constant tension issues, and they don't seem to resolve, no matter how often my machine goes in for that problem
Linda Abramski
Wondering about ruler work on both machines. Is anyone using a ruler foot on either the Bernina 440 or Juki2010Q? Have a Bernina 440 considering Juki for the harp space? Have seen rulers available with adapters for Bernina but nothing for Juki.
Adam Waddy
I had a sewing class in high school & used a store bought pattern to make a beautiful skirt. My Mom helped me out a lot, because it was my first experience with patterns. We used Mom's old Singer sewing machine, back in the early 80s. Now that was a very long time ago so I need a new one. However I need something easy to use and under $200. This article was extremely helpful
PsychicKathleen
I invested the sewing machine lights you mentioned and visited amazon as well and was JUST ready to order when I noticed the plug for the lights seem to plug directly into an outlet built into your sewing machine. I was thinking about mounting them on my serger (which desperately needs more light!) but my serger doesn't have an outlet on the side to add anything else. Is that how it plugs into your machine?
PsychicKathleen
I should have said "investigated" not invested! I meant that I looked into buying those lights but haven't made the purchase yet. Until I know for sure they can be used with my serger.
Allison
Hi Kathleen! The light doesn't plug into the machine, it has an electrical plug that goes from the wall and a small cord that connects the "plug" part that sticks onto the machine. So it would work with any machine (or not even a sewing machine) and it would work with your serger. Just make sure you have a good long flat spot to place the lights where they will stick well.
Christine Jones
I have to chime in at this late date because I LOVE my Juki 2010Q! So far have had no problems with it. My only wish is the the 1/4" foot was a scant 1/4 inch; I'm thinking of putting tape or something on it but hate to mess with perfection. I also have a Bernina Virtuoso 160 that I love and that I use for the decorative stitches. May I suggest that the newer Bernina (and I believe Elna) models are no longer made in Switzerland but China? Could be why there seem to be more issues with them. I've always loved sewing, but my Juki makes me smile every time!
Ronda Eskelson
I hate to leave feedback right now as it has been a while. I have two pfaffs. The 2027 and one of the older computerized machines I love the attached walking foot and also the fact that you can disengage it. I love that they both have a lever to lift the foot up. the new Pfaffs do not have this lever so, I will not buy another until I find one with a foot lever. I do not like the buttons. I like the ability to be able to lift the foot just a little and control how much myself. If anyone has any ideas about a new machine,
I would greatly appreciate. I have thought about a Bernina, but don't know anything about them Have had Pfaffs since I graduated from High School. My parents gave me a pfaff and I have stuck with them ever since. They do a great job of machine quilting and love the built in walking foot.
Lisa Keown
Love that someone is chiming in with a Pfaff. I have an older Pfaff Tiptronic 1171 that I love so much. I fear it won't last forever and then what? I hear the newer Pfaffs, much with what sounds like with the Berninas, are not built as well:(
GabiP
I own a Bernina 710 (which has a large harp space AND the biggest bobbin out there AND the stitch regulator) and was all set to purchase the Juki 2010q (my favorite instructor has one; several friends have one) and I kinda wanted a modern mechanical machine (I own and use two Featherweights). But after getting to sew on one for 4 days recently, I am so glad I did not buy it before trying it out. The walking foot was extremely difficult to put on and very clunky; I practically had to stand on my head to see the auto-threader; there wasn't an open-toe FMQ foot, so the dealer took a Janome foot and sawed the opening with a Dremel tool! The one thing I LOVED about the Juki was the thread cutter in the foot pedal - genius! There is a reason Bernina is the best machine out there...I know first hand. So glad I test drove the Juki2010q before I bought. Sometimes, the "popular thing" isn't the best.
Lana Manis
Thanks for the Juki review! Yours and the reviews of other bloggers helped me decide to purchase a Juki TL-2000QI. It is slightly used but was well taken care of and I love it! I just ordered the light strip, too!
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ladawndalley
Nice to read this even so much after it was written. I grew up on a Bernina, and sewed on a couple of Janome commercial machines, too. I burned out the motors on two cheaper machines before I bought the 440QE. I bought it when it first came out (and paid about $3500 for it!!) The last couple of times I have had it in the shop I had to sign a paper saying I realized it was an antique and may need more costly repairs than just cleaning! Having said that, I will say that my local shop, while more pricey than some just a little farther away, has replaced the walking foot, the back cover, the extension table, and some other minor parts for free, even though the warranty has long since expired. This last time the technician told me that for the price one pays for these machines, the plastic screw holes should be expected to last! (And thus the new back cover).
I love my 440, but am looking for something a little cheaper for my daughter as a college graduation present. I will have to look at the Juki.
LaDawn Dalley
scrappyhappenings.com
Wayna HarbottleCreativeGrammie
Love this review, thank you! I realize I’m fashionably late for the party, but I’ve been on the fence about the Juki 2010q for sometime now. I think it’s time to make a decision. I too have the Bernina 440 QE; I love it! Of course I was very fortunate that it was given to me by a dear friend. It also came with the embroidery parts which I’ve never hooked up yet. So anyway, the Bernina will be my machine for button holes, zigzag, blind hemming and appliqué. While I do have a Singer 99k, which is a workhorse of a machine, I can sew upholstery on this machine,I still want a machine that goes faster than 900 spm.
I also have a featherweight to take to friend’s places so that we can sew together, love that little guy!
Now I have to find a dealer for the Juki.
Thank you again!
Leisa
I have two Bernina's (910, B530), a Juki Kirei (used) and a TL 18 (used). I bought the Juki Kirei (HZL-NX7) for the 12" of throat space v. the 8" on the Bernina. I did so after being physically exhausted foisting a large quilt through that small space. You will get far more features and benefits from a Juki than a Bernina, but the Bernina has a better fit and finish. I'm early 60's (and quilting for about 4.5 years now) so getting a long arm and ramping up the learning curve (and the expense) is not my interest. I make quilts for people to use and and enjoy. I quilt most of my stuff using stitch in the ditch... I want space and beautiful stitches. I've never had any tension issues with any of my machines--but I keep several types of needles at hand and always make tests.
Marilyn
I still have my Bernina 830 record from the year I got married! It's a workhorse and I will never get rid of it. It's only been serviced once in all those years. A few years ago I bought an Arista 220. I love it because it's so much lighter. So much easier to hauI to classes and retreats. I miss some small things from my original Bernina but it's just learning new muscle memor y! Two superb machines!