Same price, same brand, similar functionality but which is better – the Janome Decor DC2010 or the ThreadBanger TB30? It comes down to a few, key differences.
What does the DC2010 have that the ThreadBanger TB30 does not?
- More built-in stitches.
- More decorative and heirloom stitches.
- Zipper foot (although this can be purchased separately).
- Twin needle capability.
What does the ThreadBanger TB30 have that the DC2010 does not?
- Adjustable presser foot pressure.
- Elongation button to increase the size of satin stitches by up to five times their original size.
- Start/Stop button for sewing without the foot pedal.
- More automatic buttonhole styles.
- Overcast foot (although this can be purchased separately).
- Soft cover.
What do these sewing machine differences mean to you?
The Janome Decor DC2010 (which I wrote about here) has more decorative functionality suitable for quilting and crafting like elaborate, decorative stitches (hearts, bows) and can handle twin needle sewing when you want to use twin lines of thread in your patterns but without the adjustable presser foot pressure it may not handle sheer fabrics quite as smoothly as the ThreadBanger TB30.
While the Threadbanger TB30 (read about it here) might not have quite the same assortment of decorative stitches, it has more buttonhole styles, can be used without the foot pedal (thanks to the Start/Stop button), and the adjustable presser foot pressure gives it ultimate control over more fabric thicknesses.
So, which type of sewing are you going to do more often? Quilting and home décor projects or clothing and garment construction where sheer fabrics are likely to come into play? The answers to those questions may help you choose between the two.
Update September 1, 2012 – The Threadbanger TB30 has been replaced with the DC4030.
I’m looking for a new sewing machine for my wife and I. We have narrowed the search to the 4030 (essentially a TB30) and the 2012 (newer version of the 2010). The prices quoted to me are within $10 of each other. Of course, neither dealer had both styles. I’ve been sewing for over 25 years. However, my wife has never sewen. The primary purpose will be curtains, quilts, pjs, and I’m sure some clothes and costumes for our boys.
Any advice on which way to go? Also, can anyone tell me if the 2012 has the neat “decorative overcast type” stitch that I saw demonstrated on the 4030. The stitch essentially created a square with a hole between the material and the edge of the stitch. Seems quite practical for making washcloths, towels as gifts.
Thanks!
Matt,
Both of these are beautiful machines. If you’ve read any of the other Janome reviews, you might have seen that I have – and love – a Janome 7330 and I thoroughly enjoy the look and feel of how the Janome machines perform.
There are a number of small differences between the two of these machines but the most significant to consider first is the stitch selection. The Janome DC2012 has 50 built in stitches and you can see the picture of them in this listing on Amazon: Janome DC2012 Stitches (look at the list of smaller images under the major product image).
Oddly, as I was looking at an image of the stitches for the Janome DC4030, the image disappeared…I was able to put it up here for you, though: stitch chart.
I think (but I’m not sure…) the overcast stitch that you mentioned liking on the DC4030 is this one: http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Stitch_Learning_Center/?stitchid=302. That stitch is not on the DC2012. You can at least see the two sets in the images I referenced and compare them side by side to see if that helps.
The number of built in stitches is very different but also the make up of those collections is very different. The DC4030 has only 24 and 6 of those are buttonhole styles. There’s also a large number of satin stitches. The DC2012 has 50 built in stitches and fewer of them are buttonhole and satin stitches. More of them are decorative and utility. Personally, I think the DC4030 is more geared towards heavy clothes making. The DC2012 would probably allow for more project flexibility but it may be missing that one overcast stitch you liked.
The DC4030, however, has stitch elongation and adjustable pressure foot pressure. There are a few other minor differences but odds are those would not be as meaningful.
If you want a lot of control over the machine, need a large number of buttonhole styles, and don’t need as many stitches, the DC4030 would be a great choice. If you want more flexibility and are fine with automatic pressure foot pressure, I’d go with the DC2012.
Perhaps that will give you something to help with the decision making process. 😉 Either one will be a great choice in terms of performance so it’s just coming down to the finer details of how your wife will be using the machine that might help you finalize between the two.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin – wow! Thank you very much! This is extremely helpful, much more than two different Janome dealers I’ve visited and Janome’s very own website. My wife seems much more enthused about quilts, home decor, and craft projects. I’ll be the one doing garment work – at least at first – but this certainly won’t be the major purpose of the machine.
Thanks again!
Matt,
You’re very welcome. Glad I could help!
Sincerely,
Erin