You can't go wrong with a Bernina and if you can get it at a good price, all the better. I have a little basic Bernina and several others including a Janome. Either of those machines would be a great buy. If I were you, I'd sit down and sew on both and get the feel of both machines. Compare the two apples to apples and see which one feels the best. Bernina is the "cream de la cream" of sewing machines but Janome is a great machine too.

I sew upholstery, make clothing, embroidery, mending.........been sewing aaaaaaaaaaall my life. Best machine I've ever owned is my Bernina!!! :0) My machine repair person says he used to work for Bernina and he thinks they are still one of the best machines made. Mines an older one(does embrodiery I download off the internet, so it's not THAT old)....I purchsed it used for 1/4th the price and I will HIGHLY recommend anyone to get a Bernina!!!! Just do it! :0)

I own a Baby Lock myself & LOVE it. But I am sure that either the Bernina or Janome are great machines. To me it is VERY important to have the availability of LOCAL service. The new machines are complex, computerized & sometimes a little something goes wrong that prevents their operating. My friend had a big wad of thread (unbeknownst to her) wrap around the flywheel, for example.

If you can get it @ a good "sale" price & have local service... go for it. I'm sure you will be in love!

I agree they are both great machines and they both have their fans. If you are a quilter, however, make sure that it has features like needle down and that you are able to lower the feed dogs to do free motion quilting. A quarter inch foot is also a tremendous asset to getting a good quarter inch seam.

I recently bought a new Janome 6600, and love it. I considered Bernina, but the biggest selling point for me was that Janome has a top-load bobbin, rather than a front-load bobbin. This was a critical point for me, as my machine sits down into the cabinet so I can sew on a completely flat space. A front-load bobbin would mean removing the insert every time I needed to change the bobbin. Also, the Janome has a larger harp (more area between the needle and machine--which is a major factor when quilting). The Janome 6600 does not have a free-arm, but that wasn't important to me, since I use it exclusively for quilting (I have another machine with a free-arm for sewing clothes, etc.).

When I was getting ready to buy the machine, I checked out the reviews on various machines at PatternReview.com. They bring up points that I would not have thought of, so the time spent at that website was very valuable for me.

Good Luck, and you won't go wrong with either machine.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sewing Machine Reviews

Did you sew on it yet?

My sewing instructor has been teaching for over 40 years....all of her machines are Janome.
I have a Janome serger and a sewing machine and they have served me well.

Socks, I haven't sewn on it, or any of the other models yet, because DS kept texting me about something we were going to do. He's back to work tomorrow, so I'll go back and look again. I did have some concern about the bobbin being front loading because I've read that it is awkward. I will really have to try it because I'm a little bit clumsy due to this stupid brain tumour. I asked the sales lady about it and of course she said that front loading was better. Wanda makes a good point, though, and Fran makes some good points too.

Wanda, thanks for the link, I'm going to look over it tonight.

I just purchased the BERNINA 550 QE & find it a pretty easy learn.....But I have not used the Stitch Reg yet & that is next on my quilt....any one used it yet?? Feed Back Please! Thank You!

I will be interested in what you decide. I have a Janome 6600, I love this machine as I am a quilter and love the speed of this machine.

Before purchasing the 6600 I owned a 1600P which is a straight stitch machine, it is great for free motion quilting, which I love to do.

Bernina makes a great machine tho.

Sid

I would not leave the store until you are taught how to do the basics on the machine you choose. Another point - Google "Bernina 550 pros and cons" to see what others say about the machine and you can also use you tube to see how to sew with the machine - especially inserting the front loading bobbin.

Absolutely Bonnie.

As stated both are excellent quality brands. I have several machines. My top favorites are Baby Lock, I have a serger and computer - embroidery sewing machine. I also have used the heck out of my Riccar serger. I owned a business and have used most of the top brands, it's really important to have a good service facility nearby.
I also much prefer top load bobbin, in fact I got rid of the others.

Definitely go there with plenty of time to spend there working with the machines and getting instructions. I always suggest leaving with the machine fully threaded and ready.

If you need any Video on your BERNINA 550 go to uTube & you can watch many of them about your Machine.....I luv,luv my new 550...
BERNINA, THE CADILLAC of MACHINES!!! My Opinion !!!
FACE BOOK has sites for BERNINA.....go have a Look/SEE! All kinds of help & information on any machine...I also do the free/motion embroidery I luv,luv!!