Marti, I know that Janome machines have a great reputation for being workhorses, but allow me to put in a plug for the Brother PC 420. I've had this machine for several years and the value for the money is simply astounding. I paid 500 for mine, but on Amazon, they are only 400 now and it gets mostly 5 star reviews. For that price, you get a knee lifter, push button thread trimmer, adjustable presser foot pressure, one touch automatic needle threader that works the first time every time (and doesn't require two hands to operate), needle up down, push button stop start, a sliding speed control that can also be set to be the stitch width control. Brother has even put some really cool small details into this machine, for example there is a ridge on the top of the hand wheel so you always know when your needle is in the highest position, and the buttons you use most frequently are covered in clear acrylic so that the graphic doesn't wear off over time. It is a little heaver than the really basic machines, but that is because it has a metal frame... many of the cheaper machines (especially Brothers) have plastic veins inside for support instead of a metal frame.... that makes it lighter, but they can break over time. This machine also comes with a walking foot, free motion/embroidery foot, zipper foot, button attaching foot, button hole foot, open toe foot, regular foot, teflon foot, and a few others that I can't remember. It also monograms.... it is truly remarkable for the price. Super easy to thread and change bobbins on and you don't have to raise the bobbin thread to begin sewing. It comes with a hard plastic cover and nice carrying handle for transporting to class... I've taken it to quilting classes and to sit and sews and it was really easy to transport. It sews well and isn't picky about thread. The needle does make a "different sound" when it hits a seam, but it goes over it with no problem. Sometimes, the presser foot will push a seam the other way when I go over it, even if I've ironed it down, but if I raise the foot and allow the seam to go under the front of it, it's not a problem. I can't sing its praises loudly enough! I'll link to the Amazon page below so you can see the reviews... Here is a link that might be useful: Brother PC 420

I purchased my Bernina used on ebay. $800, 5 years ago...could have gotton a top of the line Bernina for that on CL.....didn't want to buy long distance tho. :0) It monograms and you can download embroidery or use ones already loaded. You can ask how many hours are on a machine, it will tell you. I found ones with less than 100 hours being sold as used....:0) I've done everything from upholstery to sewing the crotch seam of denim jeans with mine. I was told if you sew a LOT, a machines head lasts about 25 years. Then it's pretty much worn out. My old Kenmore was 25 years old and the needle would be out of alignment every time I went to use it. I do at least one BIG project a year and was paying $80 each time to get the needle aligned. I went to Walmart, purchased a Brother, it lasted about 6 months. Something plastic made a crunching sound....now it's hosed. :0)The local repair shop said they won't touch a Brother, all plastic junk. :0)

I am not personally familiar with either of these machines. After looking at them on the respective web sites, I would probably go with the Brother. You should however consider what kind of service you will get and if there is a local Brother dealer or repair shop. Another thing I always tell people looking for a low end machine - You want a machine that will do what you need it to do. If the machine doesn't sew right or won't sew the fabric you want, the sewer gets frustrated and quits sewing. You might try looking at a dealer for a good used machine. I have bought several machines that way. The dealer is always there to answer questions. If you have narrowed it down to the two you mentioned, I would probably go with the Brother - It looks like a better machine. Good luck!

HHere's a link to a helpful PDF file from Threads Magazine. They compare the features of a number of basic sewing machines. Very handy reference. The basics to look for: adjustable stitch length and width, straight stitch, zig zag, adjustable needle position (left, middle, center of stitch width area), 3-stitch zig zag, hemming stitch, button hole feature. Maybe a few decorative or specialty stitches, but they aren't necessary for basic sewing. A step up from that basic list would include knit stitches. These are formed by sewing forward a few stitches, then backwards to create a flexible stitch line that won't break when it's stretched. Generally, if a machine has knit stitches there are at least 5 or 6 of them: straight stitch, a couple of overlock stitches (allows you to sew a 1/4 inch overlocked seam on knits) and a hem stitch. There are all kinds of wonderful features you can get these days, but with this basic list (straight stitches and knit stitches, plus a button hole), you can sew just about anything. I'd stick with the big name brands: Pfaff (my personal favorite), Bernina, Viking, Janome, Baby Lock, Elna (and some others that I can't think of at the moment). One brand isn't necessarily better than another, but I'd avoid the "made just for walmart" type machines. You WILL need to have your machine serviced eventually, and walmart won't provide that. If possible, visit as many authorized dealers as you can. Sit down at the machines and try them. Bring some samples of the types of fabric or projects you think you'll be sewing. Check out their used machines, the ones they take as trade-ins. Often you'll be able to buy an older model that has features several "grades" above a new machine that you can afford, for the same price. I've purchased sewing machines from my favorite dealer on layaway (I paid no interest, but got to pay for the machine a bit at a time). He's offered me great trade-in options -- trade in your machine on a nicer model within a year and get credit for the full price of the traded in machine. All depends on the dealer. They want your repeat business, and they can and do offer helpful services, like free training classes for your new machine, that internet sellers and other vendors will not (or cannot). CMC Here is a link that might be useful: 31 basic sewing machines comparison