These are home sewing machines that offer a little bit of every type of sewing with simple controls and nice, automated functionality to make completing your home décor projects as easy as possible.
This is a solid, sturdy machine with a good sized work space that won’t be pushed around by heavy fabrics.
Update June 4, 2012: This machine is a retired model and has been replaced with the Janome DC2012. It has all the same features and the exact same stitches as the DC2010 and DC2011.
Table of Contents
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Stitch Count / Presser Feet / Functionality / Accessories / Customer Reviews / Pros, Cons & Manual
REVIEW SUMMARY
MODEL: Janome DC2010 Sewing Machine
REVIEWED BY: Erin
RATING: 4.7
LAST UPDATED: April 9, 2015
COMPARE PRICES DC2012
Amazon
Great for garment construction, machine quilting, darning, and large home projects and you also get Janome’s popular precision tension and smooth, beautiful stitching.
50 Great Stitches
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The Janome Décor DC2010 sewing machine comes with 50 built-in stitches including 3 styles of 1-step automatic buttonholes, a selection of the most used satin stitches, a hand-look quilt stitch, and unique heirloom stitches.
Three buttons work stitch selection, stitch width, and stitch length. One button chooses the mode – choose either stitch selection, width setting, or length setting mode – and the two arrow keys under the LCD screen change the settings up or down. Stitch length is adjustable to 5mm and length is adjustable to 7mm depending on which stitch is selected. The stitch reference guide is located right on the machine front so it is always available.
1 | Straight | 18 | Triple Stretch | 35 | Decorative Stitch |
2 | Straight (needle to the left) | 19 | Sculpture | 36 | Garden Stitch |
3 | Lock-a-matic | 20 | Stretch Stitch | 37 | Heirloom Stitch |
4 | Auto-lock | 21 | Saddle Stitch | 38 | Heirloom Stitch |
5 | Durable Seam | 22 | Cording | 39 | Heirloom Stitch |
6 | Square Buttonhole | 23 | Bead | 40 | Heirloom Stitch |
7 | Round End Buttonhole | 24 | Embroidered Leaf | 41 | Ladder |
8 | Keyhole Buttonhole | 25 | Crescent | 42 | Heirloom Ladder |
9 | Darning | 26 | Diamond | 43 | Heirloom |
10 | Zigzag | 27 | Hearts | 44 | Smocking |
11 | Multi-stitch Zigzag | 28 | Applique | 45 | Smocking |
12 | Overcasting | 29 | Blanket | 46 | Double Overlock |
13 | Knit Stitch | 30 | Parisian | 47 | Decorative Stitch |
14 | Double Overedge | 31 | Parisian (Reversed) | 48 | Asterisk |
15 | Stretch Blind Hem | 32 | Hemstitch | 49 | Cross Stitch |
16 | Blind Hem | 33 | Scallop | 50 | Honeycomb |
17 | Shell Tuck | 34 | Patchwork |
Basic Presser Feet and a Few More
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This machine comes with six snap-on presser feet. The presser foot has 3 height levels: down, up and extra up for working with thick fabric projects. The Zigzag foot has a leveling button to help get over thick seams or maneuver the edge of a thick layer of fabric.
- Zigzag (General Purpose Foot)
- Satin Stitch Foot
- Zipper Foot
- Automatic Buttonhole
- Overedge Foot
- Blind Hem Foot
A Rich Set of Features and Controls
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The Janome Décor DC2010 has lots of features that eliminate frustration for beginner sewers:
- Jam proof, top loading bobbin – won’t cause problems even if you sew off the edge of your fabric
- Automatic bobbin winder – stops when the bobbin is full
- Horizontal thread delivery – smoother thread delivery
- See through bobbin cover – lets you see when you should refill the bobbin
- Automatic needle threader – easier needle threading
- Speed control lever – caps the maximum speed of the sewing machine to slow things down if necessary
- Up/Down needle button – stop with the needle in your project to turn corners perfectly
- Pattern stop button – keeps you from stopping a decorative stitch in the middle of the pattern
- Auto-lock button – sew a combination of decorative stitches
- Reverse button – conveniently located for quick stitch tie off
- Additional spool pin – try twin needle sewing or thread your bobbin without unthreading the top thread
- Audible beeps and error codes – inform you when the machine settings are incorrect
There are also settings and features that more experienced sewers find handy for more complicated stitch work or projects:
- Free arm sewing – remove the extension table for working on sleeves, cuffs, or pant legs
- Drop feed dog lever – allows you to do free motion quilting and darning
- Needle adjustable to 3 positions – center, left, and right
- Stretch stitch balance control – The appearance of stretch stitches can be altered depending on the type of thread and fabric used. The stretch stitch balance control allows you to adjust the tension to appropriate modify the appearance of those stretch stitches as needed.
The Janome Décor DC2010 has what’s called a superior feed dog system which works in conjunction with the 7 point feed dog to provide the best fabric control. The machine has a work light with replaceable bulb and a built in carrying handle.
Dimensions: L 19” x W 15” x D 11”
Weight: 18.2 pounds
Accessories
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The Janome Decor DC2010 comes with the following accessories:
- 4 bobbins
- 5 pack of needles
- Seam Ripper/Buttonhole Opener
- Screwdriver
- Lint Brush
- Quilter Bar
- Additional Spool Pin
- 1 Spool Pin Felt Disc
- Spool Stand
- 2 Spool Caps (small and large size)
All Have High Ratings from Consumers
Rugged and feature-rich. Clog free bobbins. Smooth feed dog system. Sturdy and reliable. Great for heirloom sewing and machine quilting. Easy to thread and easy to load the bobbin. Much smoother feed dog system than previous machine. There are 4 reviews on Amazon.
You can read more here: Janome Decor DC2012 Reviews
Average Rating: 4.7
Pros, Cons & Manual
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Pros: Needle up/down button. Auto-lock control. Drop feed dog functionality. Selection of heirloom stitches. Speed control. Stretch stitch balance control dial. Presser foot leveling button for thicker fabrics. Light bulb is easily replaceable.
Cons: Presser foot pressure is not adjustable. Limited buttonhole styles considering the price range. Twin needle capable but twin needle must be purchased separately. Cover or case has to be purchased separately.
Manual available online here: Janome Decor DC2010 Manual
Manufacturer’s Warranty: In the US, as of this date, the Janome Decor DC2010 sewing machine comes with a 20 year warranty on parts, 2 years on electrical, 1 year on labor and may be voided by certain activities.
Compare prices on the DC2012 (the current model – same features) at the two stores below:
COMPARE PRICES DC2012
Amazon
Features Summary Review:
Hi,
Thank you for considering my question, I certainly am hoping you can answer it for me. I am trying to decide between the Janome 8077 and the Janome DC2010.
Does Janome 8077 Sewing Machine have double stitch capacity?
The DC2010 does and I have compared their specs closely and that is the only compelling thing that would make a difference. The DC2010 has a lot of very cool features but I wouldn’t necessarily use them, the double stitch, though, is a deal breaker. There is a significant difference in price between the two of them and I don’t need to buy “more machine” than I need so if you could just answer that one question I would greatly appreciate it.
I am aware that even if it does that I still need to buy the needles and anything else required separately
It would be very helpful if you could send the answer to my email address as I may not be available when you post answers and I am not computer literate to navigate most sites. Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
And God Bless,
Lori Swanberg
Lori, I’ve emailed you the response. 😉 I’ll share it here, too, in case others have the same question.
In response to your question about the Janome 8077, yes, it can do double stitching with a twin needle. I have the Janome Magnolia 7330 which has the exact same features as the Janome 8077 and the opening between the outer feed dogs is wide enough. The 8077 also comes with the additional spool pin for the 2nd thread. What you won’t have is any warning indication about which stitches will work with the twin needle and which won’t. Straight stitching will work but with any other stitches you will want to manually bring the needle down slowly and test whether or not it would hit the needle plate at all. If so, don’t do that stitch with the twin needle. Your manual also won’t include instructions for threading the twin needle. You can run both top threads through the same tension slots and then just put one through one needle and the other thread through the other needle.
Sincerely,
Erin
I’m desperately trying to figure out how to use a twin needle on my DC2010. I have no idea where to place the second spool thread. I’ve tried it right beside the first but it ended up breaking the threads.
Hi there! I just found your site and love the information, I am trying to choose a new machine and it is a tough decision!
I noticed that this Janome 8077 is the same model essentially as the Magnolia 7330, and was wondering if the Janome 8050 is the same as the DC2010 as well, since both have 50 stitch patterns? The 8050 is on sale at Hancock Fabrics for $249.
I love the Magnolia, but I wish it had more decorative stitches. I am also considering the Brother 210 & 420 PRW models.
Thanks so much for all your efforts, it helps tremendously!
Julie – It is tough, isn’t it? The choices are as endless as cute sandals in June! I remember coming across the 8050 before but I couldn’t find an online manual to check into it so I left it alone, however, I can tell a lot by looking at. First, it has a Start/Stop button that the DC2010 does not have. That means you should be able to sew without using the foot pedal. This is often the case with Janome when both the Start/Stop button and the speed control slider are included. This is a plus for the 8050.
The other buttons are the same: Reverse, Auto Lock and Needle Up/Down. The 8050 also has the ability to drop the feed dogs, multiple needle position, and the same button hole patterns as the DC2010.
The stitches are almost identical – maybe 5 patterns are different. Looks like a couple of additional heirloom joining stitches on the 8050 and missing a couple of stretch stitches but nothing significant. All the utility stitches most sewers would need are on both machines.
I can also tell by the letter codes on the stitch reference guide on the front of the machine that the 8050 probably comes with five presser feet – General Purpose/Zigzag, Zipper, Buttonhole, Satin Stitch, and maybe the button attachment foot. It might not come with the Blind Hem or Overedge foot.
It’s hard to tell how size and weight might differ but they appear to be similar. The other thing it’s hard to tell from Hancock Fabrics is whether or not the 8050 comes with the standard or superior feed dog system but I’m sure it performs well regardless. Janome machines generally have good fabric control from entry level machines to top of the line models.
All in all, it looks like a pretty good bargain!
And if decorative stitches are on your list then yes, look past the Magnolia (although I love mine!) because 15-20 decorative stitches sounds like a lot until you’ve played with them all and then it seems drastically slim. 😉 There are lots of things to admire about the PC420 and PC210, too. Let me know if you need more information to help you narrow down your choices.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks so much Erin! Well, I am going a little crazy with these choices. Right now, I sort of think that the Brother PC210 has the feature set that I want & I was can’t really spend more than what that one costs. I am looking to mainly work on clothing with the option to do some decorative stitching.
However, I am concerned that there is no close-by Brother servicer/retailer near me – in my area, Husqvarna-Viking & Janome service centers can be found. Almost every machine has one negative review somewhere and I am worried about getting a machine that has service issues. I really like the Janome reviews overall, but the DC2010 has a lower rating and the stitching options on the Brother are more what I’m looking for. I am also concerned about the lack of adjustable foot pressure on the DC2010, but it has the better feed dog system.
Basically I can’t decide which things are more important and which could be left behind until I can afford a higher-level machine. Let me know if you have any further advice – thanks!
~Confused in VA~
Dear Confused…oh, I couldn’t resist! 🙂 I feel like Ann Landers or Dear Abby…well, I’m dating myself now!
Having a service center nearby is an important consideration. I wouldn’t stress too much about whether or not there’s a negative review or two on any particular machine. Some reviews are negative because of user error, some because of a gap between reality and expectations, and some because someone just had a bad day. Instead, look for trends in reviews. When you see a number of reviews that all say the same thing or when you see a certain issue crop up over and over even in positive reviews, then you want to pay close attention. For routine cleanings or service visits, though, having a service center nearby is a plus and it makes that warranty more valuable to you.
Have you tried listing the things you like most about the PC210 and using those as kind of a benchmark for narrowing down the choices in the Janome or Husqvarna line? Feel free to list them here and I’ll throw in my 2 cents, if it would help.
Sincerely,
Erin
My husband bought me the Janome 8050 for Christmas this year. I have several machines (Singer), but I just love this machine and I’m not even lookin’ at my Singers anymore. My little Janome just hums along like a little soldier – very light, but strong and smooth. I sew almost every day now and didn’t realize how much I had missed sewing. Threading, tension, changing things out (like feet or needles)is a breeze.
I do believe the 8050 is the same as the DC2010, just as the Magnolia 7330 is the same as the 8077. I don’t know if they made the plain models for Hancocks exclusively, or for another outlet, but I did a lot of research and asked for an 8077 partly because I hated the big flower on the Magnolia and mostly because they were the same but the 8077 was cheaper! – but the 8050 was on sale for the same price so my husband bought that.
lol, I couldn’t resist signing off that way. You *are* like the “Sewing” Ann Landers, aren’t you? 🙂 Anyway, after a lot of research so far, I would like to stick with a Janome product – it just seems like the most durable & well made in my price range. SO, now to choose a model, complicated by the fact that Janome makes special models for Kenmore & Hancock Fabrics.
Here are the features I like that the Brother models had:
– automatic thread tension
– adjustable foot pressure
– nice decorative designs (esp. vine/floral)
And things I like overall:
– one step buttonholes
– advanced feed dog system
– needle threader
I am also looking now at a Kenmore 19233, which is the Janome 115215 (retired). It has 215 stitches and seems to be a great machine. My only issue is that it still does not have the adjustable pressure foot OR automatic/adjustable thread tension. The main purpose for my machine would be clothing design & alteration so I want to make sure I’m not missing something important.
The other Janome models that have those things I can’t seem to afford right now. Even this one is a stretch, but it is on sale for $400 at Sears and you can make your own stitch design. So what do you think about the lack of those features – should I be looking at something else? I get frustrated with Janome for not putting these features on comparably priced machines, but if they’re built better I guess that would make up for it. 🙁
Julie – I rather like that Kenmore but it is sad that it doesn’t have two of your major requirements! Let me do some poking around and see what I find. More in a bit!
Erin
I’m back! I spent some time reviewing the Kenmore #19233 and I think you’re on to something. Although the tension is manual this comes in handy when working with different fabric types and stitch patterns. The default setting is fine for most standard fabrics anyway and it’s easy enough to put it back to the default setting so what if you count that as a wash? That leaves you with just the adjustable presser foot pressure. Because it has the superior feed dog system, you might not miss the adjustable presser foot pressure. Sears – like everyone else, of course! – is planning a huge Cyber Monday shopping event.
If that machine has the stitches you like (and it certainly has a great set of stitches for the projects you described) then you could plan on testing the machine out really well on different fabric thicknesses the first few days. Find a pair of jeans that you no longer need, some quilting scraps from friends or your local sewing store, maybe an old jacket or coat and see how your machine handles them all. Make sure to purchase a good machine needle set including the strongest size needle as you’ll want that for some of those fabrics. Also make sure you’re comfortable with Sears’ return policy beforehand.
What do you think?
Erin
Hi Erin! I wanted to update you on my new purchase. Things just never seem to go as planned… I was going back & forth quite a bit between different Janome/Kenmore models, and my local Viking dealer called me to let me know they had a Emerald 183 model turned in as an “upgrade”, less than a year old. I ended up getting that machine for less than $400, which has all the features I wanted including that elusive adjustable foot pressure. 🙂
Ironically enough, from my research online it seems that Janome makes this particular model for Viking, so I feel like I have the best of both worlds – including a purchase from an actual dealer that will give me free classes & a manufacturer’s warranty. So I just brought it home tonight & am so excited to get sewing! Thanks so much for your help & for developing this web site – it is a great resource for people like me who are just beginning!
Julie S. in VA 🙂
Hey, Julie – I’m so excited for you! Sounds like you got a great deal and you’ll be able to get started on all the cool projects I’m sure you had in mind. 😉 I have four different books on sewing and I’m in the middle of reading them all (they’re spread around the house so I just pick one up depending on what room I’m in which is probably not the way to go…) but came up with a few holiday projects today I thought I’d start this weekend. So many ideas this time of year – perfect for bonding with your new machine!
Congratulations and wishing you the best in all your sewing ventures. Happy Holidays!
Erin
Just want to chime in here since I haven’t seen a reveiw for the Janome DC2011 yet. I went into my local shop today because I had narrowed down my search to the Janome 8077 (Magnolia 7330) and the DC2010, but needed to give them a good run before I pulled the trigger.
He did not have the DC2010 available, but did have the DC2011, the DC2160 and the Magnolia in stock. Let me say that I immediately ruled out the 2160. The store owner loved it because it offers a ton of features at the right price point, but it’s so light! At 12 lbs, I felt like the machine moved way too much. Plus it was a bit noisier than I expected it would be.
I loved the stitches coming from the Magnolia 7330 (readers – see them here). However, I felt the 30 stitch options (6 of them buttonholes) were a little lacking. On top of that, I couldn’t get past the graphics. They are cute, but the machine looks too much like a toy. Another customr came into the shop right behind me and made similar a similar comment about the graphics. If it would have come down to the graphics alone, I would have come home and ordered the 8077 online.
However, the 2011 really surprised me. For about $100 more, it included 50 stitches (3 of them buttonholes), a hard case, and a bunch of extra quilting feet. The only downside for me is that it doesn’t have the start / stop button. But I realized that if you set the speed to a comfortable working maximum and floor the pedal, you will get a nice steady stitch. For what I do, this seems to be the perfect machine. Unfortunaely, he did not have one in stock (his mother-in-law sold his last one a couple of days ago and didn’t tell him), so now I wait…
Not sure if this will help anyone else looking for a machine, but I had a great experience. Erin – I cannot thank you enough for this website. I’ve come back to it repeatedly during my search for a new machine. You helped me narrow down my choices when I was overwhelmed with all the possibilities. Also, you might want to move this post to the right page once you’ve had a change to run the DC2011 for yourself! : )
I am curious if the hard case and the extra quilting feet were a “special” of some sort from the dealer or do you know if they consider it standard? I ask because I haven’t seen anyone figure out the $100 price difference between the DC2010 and the DC2011 because they are truly identical except for the aqua vs. pink trim, but the DC2010 didn’t come with those extras, I don’t believe. The case and extra feet would pretty much make up that price difference, though, if it’s items you were planning on getting anyway.
I asked right off what the difference was between the DC2011 and the DC2010 and he said that the DC2011 was revamped to be more attractive to quilters.
I took that to mean that the extras are standard with the 2011.
To be certain though, I checked one major online retailer. The DC2011 includes, “Carrying case..1/4″ seam foot, walking foot, zipper foot, fancy stitch foot, quilting guide, blind hem foot, (and) buttonhole foot”. I think the shop owner also mentioned an overcasting foot, but we talked about so many options that I can’t be certain.
He did mention that Janome offers a separate quilting package for around $65 dollars, but most of the items in the package is included with the DC2011 machine.
The shop is currently offering the DC2011 for only $80 more than the DC2010 online price (including classes and maintenance). This, plus the additional feet and the carrying case were well worth the extra money. I mainly sew clothes and toys right now, but quilting is something I would like to try down the road. I like that I’m already prepared!
By the way – when do you bring home your TB30? The machine shop did not have one – I was looking forward to testing it out after the way you talked it up!
I can’t believe I missed all that in this process! LOL. There was even an online dealer or two saying to snatch up the DC2010 while you could at $399 since the replacement was $499. Janome is listing the walking foot in the standard accessories for the DC2011, but not the 1/4″ foot or carrying case, I wonder if it’s something new. They do list the satin stitch foot (I assume the fancy stitch foot,) blind hem, and overedge, as well as the quilting bar. If I’m not mistaken, the separate quilting package from Janome includes the walking foot, 1/4″ foot, and an open-toe darning foot, but I also thought it was closer to $50 so I may be thinking of a different one.
I should be picking up the TB30 May 5th, possibly a few days before, just depending on my work schedule. (Nope, not counting the days or anything LOL) I have still been going back and forth a little bit about the 3160QDC (the next one up from the 2160 you tested, basically just more accessories,) but the 12-pound thing bugs me too, although lots of people have said it is very stable because of it’s sort of squat shape. However, my dealer is asking $150 more than the other 2 locally, and I’d like to stick with her, but not going to overpay that much either.
While Janome doesn’t list the TB30 as retired yet, pretty sure they’re long out of production, but the DC4030 and the new 4030PR for breast cancer are the identical machines, just without the red and black designs, so your dealer might have one of those.
Riann, don’t know if you’ve purchased yet and this probably just means MSRP so might not change anything at all anyway, but Janome listed a spring special on the DC2011 today for $200 off:
http://janomespecials.com/promotions/jano-spring-specials-2011.htm
Figured I’d let you know just in case. 🙂
Sean – thank you for the good information. The fine print at the Janome site says off of MSRP, but that could still be good news for me. The machine should (hopefully) arrive tomorrow, so I’ll check with the dealer than. I’m trying not to get too excited!
Can’t wait to hear all about your machine. May 5th will be here before you know it!
Hello, I am curious about the walking foot and darning foot for the DC2010. Can I buy either one separately and use it on the 2010? I can’t find anything stating a walking foot can be used on this machine, but if the DC2011 comes with one, I should be able to use the same foot on the 2010, right? Or is the difference that you can change the pressure on the presser foot on the new DC2011 whereas you cannot do that on the DC2010??? I feel like I may have been gipped buying the DC2010 at this point. I bought this machine to make quilts, but cannot quilt them without that walking foot!
Haaaaaalp!
The DC2010 and the DC2011 should have the same snap-on feet. In fact, I’m fairly certain that the DC2011 is the exact same machine as the DC2010, only it’s dark pink instead of aqua and comes with the additional feet and a carrying case. If you purchase a walking foot, you should be able to use it with your machine.
Sean or Erin – can either of you confirm? I’m asking the experts to weigh in – they’ve spent way more time with the Janome machines than I have!
I actually considered purchasing the DC2010, but am too lazy to go out and buy all the extras separately. I really believe in instant gratification!
You can absolutely buy the walking foot, darning foot, 1/4″ foot et al separately. There are Janome branded ones (there is a kit with those 3 feet and several more quilting items for around $50 or you can buy them a la carte,) the Kenmore branded ones from Sears will fit, and there is also a brand called Distinctive that makes feet that fit Janome (and most brands.) The important thing to remember is that the DC2010 (and most of the Janome machines save for a few super fancy ones and vintage) are considered low shank, so if you do purchase non-Janome feet, make sure they are for low-shank machines. As for being gipped, remember that the starting price for the DC2011 is $100 more too (save for any sales or dealer specials,) so it’s more a matter of convenience as to putting out the $100 up front and having those accessories or purchasing later. The machines are otherwise identical aside from trim color, I think the added accessories was Janome’s way of freshening it up a bit for 2011, along with their penchant for pink in 2011. 😛
If you go to the Janome site directly, there is a drop down with the feet and accessories that are compatible with your machine, but for some reason, the DC2010’s list is glitchy at the moment. You can freely use the list for the 2011, as they will fit just fine. Janome makes things really convenient that way, and many of the “big” manufacturers are using those snap-on presser feet. I hear lots of people saying their Janome feet work on their Brothers and BabyLocks too (and of course their Kenmores.)
http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Sewing-Quilting/DC2011
You can Google the part numbers provided in that list to find online dealers if you wish and usually that will bring up the other brands of feet, as well.
Hope this helps!
Wow, yes. Huge help. I especially appreciate the suggestions on different brands that I can look for! I was very confused by the drop down menu on Janome for the 2010 vs the 2011, that’s mainly why I posted this question. I’me very grateful for this forum, all your help is very appreciated!
I just got the DC2011 home and haven’t even taken it out of the box yet (I have a napping munchkin that is a bear if he gets woken up). So I thought I’d come out in the meantime and post a full list of what actually came with the machine now that I have the manual in my hands.
First off, The carrying case is not a full case. It is a hard plastic cover that slips over the machine and allows the machine’s handle to come through. I’m not sure I like it so well, but that can be dealt with if I start taking the machine with me more places.
The DC2011 comes with eight feet total as follows: standard foot, satin stitch (fancy stitch) foot, automatic buttonhole foot, overedge foot, blind hem foot, zipper foot, 1/4″ seam foot and the even feed foot (walking foot). I will have to purchase the darning foot separately.
In the end, I think you may get a better deal purchasing the DC2010 and the quilting package as a separate upgrade. But it’s here now, so here it stays… I think! : )
Also, my dealer finally got the DC5100 in, but I didn’t like it as well. The buttons on that machine are integrated into the panal. The deal mentioned that they tend to crack over time – not a repair bill I want to get stuck with. He didn’t have the DC4030(PR) in to look at, but that’s probably best.
(I’m putting this on this page as well as the 1050, as I’m not sure which it applies to more… could you also send me answer via email? Thanks!) SO, I’m stepping into the world of quilting (and still want to do other sewing projects, such as making duvet covers, pillowcases, cute outfits for my girls, the occasional stuffed animal, and future Halloween costumes)… I had a Singer machine essentially given to me (friend moved to Australia…), and it’s not of high quality to say the least. I’ve become overly frustrated with it, and now am looking into the amazing Janomes. I had my mind set on the DC2011 (though it sounds like the 2010 is the same sans the quilting package), yet when I visited my local dealer today, they didn’t have either the 2010 or 2011 but they did have the DC1050. The gal that was working wasn’t 100% in the know (there’s a Viking convention going on somewhere), yet together we kind of compared them. I’ve been looking at Brothers, Kenmore, and Janome online so when I was at the local dealer, my mind was getting all jumbled. Looking on your site here, it appears if the 2010 and the 1050 are the same – with the exception of the 1050 being “lightweight” and not having the “superior feed system.” Am I right? Also, since much of my reviewing was on Amazon, and I haven’t bought a high-quality machine before, I’m new to the world of warranties, servicing, etc. This gal was talking about how if I purchased online that I’d have to ship my machine to wherever to get it serviced, pay for the shipping there, the service, and shipping back, versus if I purchased through them (the local dealer), I’d just bring it in. I’m wondering why wouldn’t they service it if both they and I are here? Wouldn’t that be more business for them? Or, since it’s not purchased through a dealer will I have to send to corporate? (Amazon is where I found the deal online.) I am confused. So, if you could answer that for me (or give me a suggestion of how to figure it out – I do plan on returning to the dealer next Monday when they’re back), as well as let me know your thoughts on if the 1050 is worth the savings if I purchased it with a non-skid pad (I do want to be able to do at least queen sized quilts) plus the quilting package – that would be wonderful! I’m in the middle of piecing together a Yellow Brick Road quilt and am aching to finish it and start another quilt – it’s really fun, yet so frustrating when I’m not able to sew since I don’t have a machine that works! I know overall most machines have a 20 or 25 year warranty, and I want to make a “wise” decision and have a machine that will last me that long, too. Thanks!
Nikki – Sounds like you’re on the right track and you’re narrowing in on a brand. As you’ve noticed, the DC1050 and the DC2010 are very similar. Both have 50 stitch patterns built in, automation, and are built for power so they can handle a variety of fabrics. Those are all things that will help you with the projects you described.
Both actually have the superior feed system as well as a DC motor which gives the needle arm an extra bit of power – a plus when you need to work with thick layers of material.
The main differences are:
Price – about $100 difference between current online prices
Stitches – the set of 50 are not the same for each machine
Weight – the DC1050 is significantly lighter in weight
# of Included Presser Feet – the DC2010 comes with two more presser feet than the DC1050
The weight difference is the result of less metal being used in the internal frame of the DC1050 in order to make it easier to carry around. If you’re not going to need to carry the machine around to classes or clubs then this might not be a benefit as a lighter machine can feel less stable when working with large projects. One solution, as you mentioned, would be to use the machine on a non-skid pad for extra grip.
While the DC1050 has only limited reviews, all the reviews have been excellent. The features are certainly sufficient for working on even large quilts. As long as you like the stitch set that it comes with and don’t have an issue with the lighter weight, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be a great option for you.
As for the warranty, Janome has authorized service centers across the country and if you live near one, you should be able to take it to them for warranty work even if you bought it online. Many larger dealers are also authorized service centers. You might ask your dealer if they are an authorized service center or not. If not, maybe the woman meant that they would handle shipping to a service center for you if you had a problem. If they are an authorized center, then they should be able to handle the work as long as you purchased from an authorized dealer and many of the large online sellers are authorized. The big retailers who sell Janome machines on Amazon, for example, are authorized dealers.
Hope that helps! Also sending to you so you’ll have the information. Let me know how it goes!
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you so much! I do have a little bit of time here to reflect on what you’ve said and analyze the stitching. It’s interesting how about 10 of them are different. (And, some of the displays state a different foot is needed…) I will definitely inquire about the warranty. I appreciate your time and help!
I have had my Janome 8050 for almost a year now. It had some issues shortly after purchasing and I took it back to the store and they replaced it with no hassle. However, just last night it began looping the thread on the back side of my fabric. I have cleaned the machine, tried two new needles (different sizes), re-threaded, changed bobbins, and of course power cycled the machine many times. I do quite a bit of childrens apparel and had to take it to the repair man this morning due to the fact that I have orders on hold until I have a working machine again.
Due to the fact that I have had two identical machines of this model mess up with me. Do you think I could be doing something wrong or maybe it just isn’t up to the task? I am looking for some good advice on how I should proceed. Thanks so much!
Sarah – If both issues were the same (looping bottom thread) then it might be something you’re doing or something you’re using that is causing the issue. The fact that the two instances were almost a year apart, though, would make me thing otherwise. Will be interesting to see what the repairman tells you.
I haven’t seen that issue come up, though, for this machine so it must be something unique going on there. Hope you’re up and running soon!
Sincerely,
Erin
I am looking at at Janome 8050 and a Janome 8077, I am going to use this for quilting and clothing construction. I have read that the 8050 is lighter in weight and for quilting the 8077 would be better. Help! I just can’t decide.
I am trying to decide which machine to purchase. I have not been thrilled with the reviews on the magnolia or the sewist because of the grinding issues. I have been sewing for several years,am self taught & sew window treatments, slipcovers,pillows,bedding & home items. I want a heavy, rugged machine that will be dependable & sew through multiple layers of fabric. What would you recommend. I do think janome is the machine I want, just don,t know which model. Thanks , Linda:)
Linda – I’d recommend one of the Janome DC models. They have the more powerful DC motor so going through thick material is not an issue. These are solidly built machines, the controls are well laid out, and you get a decent number of accessories to help with the projects you described. I recently answered a similar question about the differences between the various DC models and you can read that here: https://www.erinsayssew.com/sewing-machine-reviews/#comment-27198. Let me know if you need more info.
Sincerely,
Erin
Hello,
Don’t know if this thread will get visited but I purchased the Janome DC 2011 (which I LOVE!!), but for some crazy reason, have lost the control foot for it during a move. Are Janome’s control feet universal? Hopefully someone sees this and can make a recommendation!
Thank you,
Denise