Janome 8077 Computerized Sewing Machine with 30 Built-in Stitches

First, let me say, that I am upgrading from a very cheap, big box purchased sewing machine, so perhaps my amazement with this machine is just relative to the pain I experienced with that cheap machine. I asked around to a few sewing friends to get recommendations of brands and many of the suggested machines were pretty far out of my price range (unless I purchased a very basic machine) until a friend suggested Janome. I did quite a bit of research before purchasing and found good reviews about this brand & the machine. The really great thing about this machine is that you are able to get a quality sewing machine with a good amount of features for under $300. If I had purchased some of the other brands mentioned, I'd be looking at at least $400 and it would have been a basic machine. I have used this machine so far for blind hemming, making ruffles with my ruffler foot, and plain stitch sewing. Every time it has been a breeze, incredibly easy. It was even very easy to hook up my ruffler foot and I had zero issues (my attempts with my last machine would always end in cussing as I could never get the thing to work right). Here's what I really love about the machine:1. Needle up/down button: it is incredibly nice to have the machine put the needle in the down position every time I stop sewing, no more moving fabric!2. Auto lock stitches on basic stitches: I love that I don't have to worry about back stitching...the machine auto sews a locking stitch at the beginning and I just have to hit a button for the end3. Auto needle threader actually works!4. Thread cutter on machine: this is such a simple feature, but I love it. My last machine did not have it.5. Superior Feed system: so far, this machine has done a great job at pulling various weights of fabric through. I really have only had to guide and not push/pull like I did with my last machine6. Drop in bobbin with clear cover: never will I own a machine again that you have the side placed bobbin. This is so easy to insert and I can see when I'm about to run out of thread.What else do I love....it's a solid machine but not too heavy to carry as I don't have a dedicated sewing area. It is incredibly quiet! It so far has made every sewing project a quick and easy endeavor. Let me add, I'm not a novice sewer, but by no means an expert. I feel like this has enough features for my sewing skill level and the types of clothing/home decor projects I do.

I am very impressed with this machine. I bought it for a back up machine, and also a smaller machine to take with me in my RV. I just got it last week and have tried all the stitches and functions and it works very well. It's quiet, and makes very nice stitches, sews through over 8 layers of fabric without any problems. This machine is very easy to use and has a good manual with it. It has almost all the most important functions as my expensive machine has that I paid over 5 times more for. It was very important to me to have multiple needle positions & the needle up/down function. I was looking at paying $700. for a machine with the same functions. I bought this machine based on all the reviews I read. I highly recommend this machine to any level seamstress.

I've had this machine for over a month now, and I am quite satisfied with the purchase. I wanted the Magnolia (it's pretty) but this one came with free super saver shipping, and it was a lot cheaper - otherwise the exact same machine as the Magnolia, so how could I not buy it?I'm glad I did. All the stitches I've used so far work well, though occasionally it will drop a stitch in some of the zigzag patterns. Bobbin loading is very easy, but I wish the little clear plastic door did not remove completely. I just know it's going to get lost some day, same with the white plastic disc that holds the thread spool on.This machine has the automatic speed control, but I learned to sew with a foot pedal, and it is second nature. However, when my 7 year old uses the machine, it is very easy to set the speed control to a slow speed for her, as she can't reach the foot pedal ;-)The needle position (up or down) memory button is a great feature to have. Stitch selections are easy to use, and the machine runs very quietly. It is really a great little mid-range machine, and definitely the better buy than the Magnolia, where you pay a hundred dollars for cheap stick on graphics! (And it still doesn't look like the old manual Singers.)

This machine works great for simple sewing but when you want to use blanket stitch it will not let you set you stitches any further apart that 2.5. They look right on top of one another. Your finished product doesn't look very nice. If you are not interested in that stitch then this is a good machine.