I know I’ve previously done a review of my sewing machine, but I saw this blog post on Sew Mama Sew (for sewing machine reviews) and wanted to answer their specific questions. Great excuse to talk about my sewing machine again, I say!

Sew Mama Sew also have a great Master List of sewing machine reviews where you can check out other blogger’s reviews of their sewing machines from all over the web. There is another review for the Janome DC4030 there, too. The list is in alphabetical order of sewing machine brands, so keep scrolling if you are looking for Janome. Check it out if you are interested.

Or click here to watch the video on YouTube

Here are the questions with my answers. Feel free to leave comments below if you have anything to add or a question about the machine.

What brand and model do you have?

My machine is a Janome DC4030

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

This machine cost about $600AU 3 years ago. You can still get it on Amazon* or eBay* for around $549US and if you are in Australia you can get it on eBay* for $570. I highly recommend that you look at purchasing your machine from a reputable sewing machine dealer, as you may need support and services from them later down the track.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

I sew mainly crafty things like softies, things for the house or for my little girl to play with, I’ve dabbled in some quilting and also some garment making, too.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

I sew nearly every day. Could be for 20 minutes or it could be a couple of hours. Depends on what I’m focusing on at the time or if a deadline is fast approaching!

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

“I love my machine”. I’m quoting myself from the video. Thought I sounded a little silly to be honest! I actually do really love my machine. I feel it doesn’t limit my imagination or creativity at all. Some days I do try to sew through quite a few layers of fabric and wadding and it powers through. It’s actually due for a service, but I need to prepare myself to be away from it and possible use my other sewing machine for a little while.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

Easy to use stitch selection buttons

This machine has so many great features. The green ones are my favourite features

• Digital display with easily adjustable stitch width (or needle position) and stitch length
• Good assortment of stitches, which are all easy to see at a glance and select with a press of a button
• Extra spot for a vertical spool holder (although it doesn’t come with the extra spool pin. It only cost $2-3 to get one)
• Adjustable speed – I like sewing at a medium speed. Just my personal preference. I like to sew it safe!
• Automatic tension
• Lever to adjust the pressure of the presser foot. Great for bulky projects
• needle up/down button so you can choose to start and stop sewing with the needle down. Good for if you are pivoting a lot or doing a curvy project
• Auto lock stitch. This is to secure the ends of your stitching without having to backstitch
• 

  Buttons (from the top): Needle up/down, auto lock stitch, reverse stitch and start/stop button

  Reverse/back stitch. It’s in the best place. You don’t really have to move your hands and eyes away from the fabric to use it

• Start/stop button. You can use the machine without the foot pedal. I have only used this button for the novelty of it. Probably handy if I wanted to stand up and sew. Hmm…I should try that!
• Automatic needle threader. My eyesight is pretty terrible so I love this feature (See how to use it on this video)
• Walking foot. Now this foot came free with my sewing machine and included a quarter inch foot as well, but you need to shop around for that deal. It pops up every now and then (See how to use the walking foot here)
• Top loading bobbin, which is apparently jam proof. I haven’t had a jam so it must be! (See how to load it here)

Some features that I forgot to mention in the video, but sound impressive

• One step button hole. It’s actually really easy to use (See how to do it here)
• Accessory storage compartment
• Convertible free arm
• Drop down feed dogs
• Decorative stitch elongation button. The red stitches on the display can be elongated. Can’t say I’ve even thought of using this feature
• One hand thread cutter
• Snap on feet
• Comes with a hard cover

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

The only thing that annoys me occasionally is when I accidentally press the auto lock button(I called it locking stitch button in the video), because you can press it again to turn it off. You need to wait for it to do its thing. Only a slight annoyance really.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

I would definitely recommend this sewing machine to others because it is simple enough for a beginner to use with out being overwhelmed, but it has features that would cater for the more advance sewer as well. It’s a machine that will grow with you. It is in that next price range of sewing machines and I wouldn’t suggest it for you if you don’t think you will use it very much. You can get good quality less expensive sewing machines if you have the urge to sew only every now and then.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

• How much do you want to spend?
• What do you want to sew with it?
• Do you have a friend (you could get away with buying a machine online) who can help or a dealer nearby who can offer advice?
• Will it sit in the cupboard or will it be used to take you on a massive sewing adventure?

The answers to these questions will help you decide on how much you should spend so you can get the features that you need.

Do you have a dream machine?

Nope. I’m very happy with this one, so I suppose this is my dream machine. I would have liked an automatic thread cutter on this machine, though. Not essential or really needed at all, but I have seen it on many machines lately.

I hope you’ve found this review useful. I’ve enjoyed creating it!

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*These links are affiliate links, meaning I will gain a commission if you purchase from Amazon, or a small payment if you click the eBay links. I thank you greatly if you choose to use them.