Product ReviewsJanome HD3000 Mechanical Sewing Machine

Quirky but would recommend

I've been using this machine for a few weeks now and although this is a workhorse it does have a few issues. Personally I do not care for the horizontal spool pin nor the alternate piece of plastic to use it on a vertical axis (optional spool pin). The bobbin winder is hit and miss, I think this is due again to the positioning of the spool laying on it's side. When using the vertical spool stem it does not produce consistent tension on the bobbin. Some times the bobbin winds with no problem, otherwise it's just a mess. I use my other machine to wind bobbins. In addition, It is not the easiest to thread, its awkward to get thread through a few of the places. But love the Needle Threader itself. The reverse stitch seems to balk when pressed, sometimes it catches right away other times it lags and you have to stop sewing altogether to get reverse to operate. I like to keep my machine very clean and find that having to unscrew the face plate inconvenient, most machines the face plate simply slides off. But then again that is plastic versus a metal plate. The Hand wheel doesn't have a "touch" indicator to let you know that your needle is at its apex. Now for the good. It is a very pretty machine, very sleek and has lots of compartments for storage. A handy sewing guide in the top panel right at eye level to indicate the stitch, the suggested width, length, proper foot and thread tension which is very nice. I have had no problems going through several layers of denim fabric, not used on leather yet. Would recommend this machine however the price of $429 could be a bit lower (-$50) taking into consideration it is not the easiest machine to work and has its idiosyncrasies. If I did not have another machine to wind bobbins on I would have returned the machine just on that one point. I am keeping the one purchased and will be purchasing an additional machine as a gift, so I would recommend it, just would like to see the price a teensy bit lower based on ease of use.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: worldweidnerco

Sews in reverse only

When the machine arrived, we unboxed it and set it up. Found that it only sews in reverse. the seller offered no refunds. I took it apart and found a linkage had become disconnected. the machine does appear to be of exceptional quality, but some of the engineering may be lacking.. That linkage should have never come off. I found several articles on the Internet that Janome had problems like this for some time. It sews very well once I fixed it. In fact it's probably the best machine I ever owned, but if the fix had not been so easy I might have a radically different opinion. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: sevenofus011

I like this mechanical sewing machine alot.

Replaced an old Kenmore that still works but I needed something that could do heavy duty sewing without buying an industrial machine. This does normal sewing and heavy duty with only a change of needle size. Universal needles from Schmetz fit, as well as standard bobbins (clear ones are best). Love the snap-on feet and drop-in bobbin. The overcast foot that does the faux serger stitch is great, as is the 1/4" foot that came as a bonus from the seller. I like the stitch details printed in the flip-up top so I don't have to pull out the instruction book when changing stitch types. Love the needle threader. For those that have trouble with the threader, the needle must be at highest position or it will not line up properly. I don't get the nice neat bobbin wind I'm used to, but it has not caused any problem when sewing. Two things could be improved on this machine: 1) it does not have a back-tack or bar-tack feature, only reverse, 2) the top knob on the right side is hard to grip when going slow, so I put a wide rubber band around it that helps alot. Overall a great machine for those who do not want to go to a computerized model.Read full review...

Excellent machine - worth the investment

Originally I was looking at another model of another well known brand, but it was out of stock. I started reading reviews on sewing machines and learned about Janome which were highly rated. It cost quite a bit more, but I liked the reviews. I am happy with the display and functions. It's very easy to operate and I tried all the different stitches to be sure they all worked. This HD3000 has a great variety of the most desired stitches. It has everything you need for a wide range of sewing projects and it will sew heavy fabrics and leather which is such a great feature. I can do repairs on jeans and work clothing and home upholstery projects. The motor runs smoothly and the foot pedal is responsive, so you can go very slow if you want or zoom at fast speed. I am loving this machine - great product.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: suessewing-fl

Versatile machine that's well built

I bought the Janome HD3000 because I needed a machine that would sew heavier weight materials... things like nylon webbing, heavy canvas, and thin to medium-weight leather. So far, the machine has nicely sewn everything I've asked of it and it definitely appears to be well built.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: bestbetbuys

This is a fast, efficient machine with even stitching. The only thing I would change is the bobbin winder.

Great machine. Fast, efficient, great even stitches. The bobbin winder is not optimal due to location. It is placed under the flip top which houses the presser feet. If you are using a spool of thread the process is easier. I almost always use cone threat, so it take a moment more to set up. Also, there should be a slot for cone thread to come
thru to the machine head. These are minor annoyances, but do eat up seconds if working for speed.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: worldweidnerco

I love it!

I have used Janome for years, my favorite brand. This machine is very sturdy, very easy to use. It sews fast like I like my machine to do. Took my about 10 minutes to familiarize myself with it. The only thing I really don't like is the dial for stitches. Just my preference. It is a great machine so far.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: suessewing-fl

I would recommend this machine for a lot of home use

My wife uses a Janome sewing machine,when she goes to a friends house to work on quilting. Her old machine was not working right, and the cost to fix it was not worth it. So I like to research stuff, she said to see about the Janome brand,(I had never heard of them) so I went searching out info. I found that independent sources had made this brand the best money could buy. The model just below the HD3000 sounded good. Then I got to comparing it with the HD3000 and the HD3000 was the best for the money. It was a great machine for quilting,I am short in height and this machine (with video test shows) that it will hem jeans. and all the things it was compaired to the lower model Janome. the lower model was kinda manual in a lot of ways, and the HD3000 was electronic as my wife has arthritis in her hands and would be harder to use the manual changing one. I was reading the differences between places to buy and the Sew Vac Direct E bay store had free shipping, and the clincher was when I said that they ship a bonus along with and when I read 1/4 inch seaming foot or something like that was in the bonus she said "that just what I need.Get it" Sooo happy wife, happy life. and it was our 44th wedding anniversary. That long together you start buying practical things that get used instead of setting on a shelf. I have not found anything she does not like about the machine. I even can use it (I won't let her know that, I not goofy) or she will make me hem my jeans, which it does great with a #18 needle and the right thread for jeans from Jo-ans store. If she wears this one out(Looking it over I don't think she will)I would buy her another Janome brand machine. She makes dresses, costumes for clowns and Halloween, made our daughter in laws wedding dress just the way she wanted it. So I had to get a machine that would stand up to a lot of use, and from my research on the inter net and her friends I looked good buying this one. Her quilting group said I done good for a man. Comparing all the brands in this price range for home use I found this to be the best machine for the money. It had a lot of different sewing feet, and a good place to store them. It was light weight to carry. And man can she make that machine sing, I didn't know a home machine would sew that fast. It moves out. it didn't take her long at all to make a set of window covering.Read full review...

Great mechanical machine

This a well built machine. The one that I received was like new. I prefer a mechanical machine and this one fit the bill. I am using it for quilting projects and it works fine. This is my second Janome, the first having lasted over twenty years.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: easyterms

my friend-Janome

I love, love my Janome HD3000...I own many other machines of various brands as well as an industrial machine, but this is the machine I use for all the special stitches like straight stretch, outline stretch, over edge stretch, making bar tacks & installing invisable zips...It runs so smoothly and quietly & is really a pleasure to sew on...I have been machine sewing for about 56 years and have had this machine for only about 6 months, but it has quickly become my best friend. I am retired now, so I have the time to sew every day & I keep this machine set up & ready to go every day........Read full review...

Verified purchase: No