Brother or Janome

[Loststitch65]

Being a newbie to the world of sewing i thought it was around 8 months but turns out to have been over a year  I’m now looking to upgrade from my Brother LS14s

I’m looking at the
Janome  5060
Brother Innov IS a150

So wondering if anyone could give an opinion on either machines for me to take onboard before I go off to the shop to play on Tuesday.

[Bumblebuncher]

I recently bought a Brother Innov IS a80 which is basically the same as the 150 without the keypad and fonts as far as I can see.
I bought it for my grandson who is just learning to sew to be passed on to him and his mum when he has learnt the basics.
I am really impressed with it, really easy to do all the basics like threading (I love the needle threader), easy to select different stitches as well as light and quiet.
Downsides are the settings which are a bit fiddly to change if you want to.  Even my grandson gets annoyed at the needle up/down setting as we can't figure out how to keep it permanently in the down position if you want it.  It also struggles with thicker amounts of fabric. Sometimes he struggles changing feet (but he is 8 so no surprise really). I find the buttonholes not quite as substantial as with other machines but easy to do.
For a grade up from what you have I can see nothing to complain about with the Brother.  I have no experience of Janome so I am afraid I can't comment on that.

[Ouryve]

I'm a janome fan. I've made all sorts with my M50 QDC and it's very easy to use. The 5060 is fairly similar and it's the machine they use on GBSB which shows how competent it can be!

[Helen M]

I've had 3 Janome's and would recommend them. My overlocker is a Brother though, which I prefer to Janome (I've used them at classes).

[Lowena]

I'm on my 2nd Brother machine and have loved them both

[Kad]

I currently have 4 Janome machines and have previously owned another 5 in over 35 years of sewing. This total includes embroidery-only, combination machines, lightweight 3/4 size and straight stitch only. I've never considered any other make tbh esp as the Janome head office is less than 1 hour away and have been very helpful on the odd occasion that I've had a query.

[Loststitch65]

Many many thanks for your replies. Have taken it all onboard. Will let you know how it all goes on Tuesday.

[So Chic]

Hope all goes well for you next week but remember you get what you pay for so don't go too cheap.

[Sheilago]

I’ve had a Janome TXL 607 for years and it’s been a very good solid work horse! I’m not sure whether they still sell it.
Don’t know much, though about the model you’re looking at, but my previous machine was a Janome too , a more basic one ( then called New Home) and both have been very good.

[Iminei]

In my opinion Janome make excellent sewing machines and Brother make excellent Embroidery machines.

[realale]

In my opinion Janome make excellent sewing machines and Brother make excellent Embroidery machines.

I was just about to write the same!! 

[Bill]

I had an A150 for a while. I don't remember it struggling with lots of layers but looking through old threads I seem to have had issues with the cutter and it sucking fabric into the needle hole. These issues were more than likely due to user incompetence. Made my first ever quilt with that machine though 
I've had 2 brothers and can honestly say their needle threaders are a dream.

[Loststitch65]

Thanks everyone 

[WildAtlanticWay]

I recently bought an expensive new Bernina sewing machine after trading in my Brother 1300 because I wanted to treat myself. The Brother was still a perfectly good machine and I strongly disagree with the sentiment that they’re only good for embroidery.

Hands down the Brother needle threaders on their new Innov-is range of machines are by far the best and easiest to use. The Bernina one (and Bernette) is a bit too hit and miss for my liking.

I like the Bernina but it is definitely no longer the “Rolls Royce” of sewing machines as the modern Japanese made computerised machines are all of a similar build quality once you spend over £1k.

For your budget, you can’t go wrong with either a Brother or a Janome.

[Ohsewsimple]

@Loststitch65 a sewing machine is quite a personal thing.  What suits one person doesn’t suit anotherf. I worked for a dealer for 15 years.  We all had different machines and reasons for liking or disliking them.  I suggest you try both to see which will suit you best.  The Brother Innovis range are good machines.  And as @WildAtlanticWay says,  the needle threader is excellent. (Certainly better than my far more expensive Husqvarnas.)  They are easy machines to get to grips with.  I’m personally not a fan of Janome for various reasons.  But try them both to see which you prefer.