Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Leather Sewing Machine Review

A heavy-duty machine for elegant stitches and leather

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you look at Janome HD3000? To me, it looks like a sewing machine’s equivalent to an army tank, and this comparison isn’t too far from the truth!

To further elaborate on my opinion, this unit is a sturdy, heavy-duty sewing machine that doesn’t lack in versatility and functionality. It’s not exactly a “fancy” machine as it is not loaded with any extravagant features, but it gets the job done and can be used by sewers of all skill levels.

If what you’ve read so far has piqued your curiosity, then keep reading to find out more about this product!

A Word or Two about The Janome Company

Now, before jumping into the details about the HD3000, I’d like to dedicate several paragraphs to its creator – Janome.

Hailing from Japan, Janome was established in 1950 by a man that goes by the name Yosaku Ose. Since its founding, the company has risen to become one of the biggest and most respected names in the sewing machine industry, and they are still going strong.

Janome creates a wide array of sewing machines, including high-tech, computerized models, as well as more traditional, simpler units. Their products are cherished for their durability and reliability, which is what earned the company its loyal customer base.

All of the above proves that this is a company that can be trusted with your hard earned money. The machine that I’m focusing on today, HD3000, is a testament to Janome’s history, ingenuity, and integrity, all of which are the reasons why this unit found its way to my article.

The Things to Know about Janome HD3000 Sewing Machine

No time (or patience) to read the whole article? Here are the most important specs of HD3000.

Ok, those who’d like to find some more clarification about these specifications should check out the following paragraphs.

Here we go:

How Does The Janome HD3000 Look Like?

The overall look of HD3000 is rather plain, and by this, I mean that it looks like a simple, non-flashy sewing machine. It’s exterior is composed of flat plates, with one side set at a steep angle, and all the edges are rounded.

It comes in two colors, black and white, and other than the red Janome logo and pictures of stitches, there’s nothing else printed on the body.

The two slider controls and one push button are placed on the angled side, and there are two dials on the back of the unit.

As you can see, its appearance is somewhat unexciting. However, it is by no means ugly or poorly designed, quite the contrary. This machine is all about simplicity, and its external look embeds that quite well.

What Sets The Janome HD3000 Apart?

This machine has 18 built-in stitches which, considering that this is not a computerized device, is pretty solid. They are all displayed on the side of the machine, and you can easily switch through using one of the dials. The small illuminated light will show you which stitch is currently selected.

A characteristic that makes this model truly exceptional is its speed of maximum 860 stitches per minute, which beats many of its high-tech counterparts. It has a variable speed motor, and it is controlled via the foot pedal. Its 1-amp motor can easily sew through several layers of material so this machine gives you both speed and power.

When it comes to stitching width, the maximum that Janome HD3000 can do is 6.5mm, while the top length is around 4mm. These two features can be adjusted using the sliders on the side of the machine.

The dimensions of Janome HD3000 amount to 16 x 11.3 x 7.2 inches, and it has a total weight of 18.7 pounds. All of this places this model among the mid-sized ones, and it isn’t too heavy either so you could say that it is relatively portable.

The automatic threader has been significantly improved in comparison to previous Janome’s products and is now jam proof. It uses a top-loading system which makes it very easy to change a bobbin.

This is a fully mechanical device, so there are no LCD screens or digital elements here. Nevertheless, it is easy to work with, and its controls are simple to understand and master.

In case you happen to run into any problems or confusion, Janome has created a very detailed and helpful manual that’s sure to clear up any dilemmas that you might have.

But enough about the specifications, what you really need to know is how the machine performs, right? To put it simply, this is a well-rounded sewing machine that creates polished, quality stitches that are both durable and look good.

Is The Janome HD3000 a Good Choice for Quilters?

Now that you’ve gotten the idea of what this machine can and cannot do, it’s time to get more specific – is it any good for quilters? Well, yes and no.

Technically, this unit isn’t “optimized” for quilting, but it has several features that enable one to perform this activity relatively well and without too much trouble.

Here are some of the features that are suitable for quilting:

• Snap-on presser feet
• Automatic threading
• Tension control
• High-speed stitching

In quilting, it is important to be able to switch between presser feet fairly quickly, and this machine allows you do that because it uses snap-on presser feet which can be removed and put on in a blink of an eye.

Another crucial element is easy threading, and nothing can beat an automatic threading system that this model includes.

Also, tension adjustment is a big thing, and you can do this using manual control.

Last but not least, the speed of 860 spm is exceptional, and it will allow experienced quilters to get their work done as quickly as possible.

Are There Any Negatives?

I’m sure that you’re not expecting perfection from Janome HD3000, as you are not going to get it. Don’t get me wrong; this is an excellent piece of machinery, but, like everything else, it has its flaws.

The first thing that I noticed was how small the worktable was, which isn’t ideal for many sewers, especially those who like quilting. However, a bigger surface can be purchased additionally, so that’s one way to solve the problem.

Besides this, the cord that connects the machine and the foot pedal is rather short, so if you’re working with a tall desk, you might have problems with the pedal reaching the ground. The lights used in stitch selection are poor quality too.

Janome HD3000 Review: Conclusion

To conclude, Janome HD3000 is a reliable and quality sewing machine that comes at a decent price. It doesn’t have any extravagant characteristics and it for sewers who enjoy working with simple machines.

It is quite easy to operate, so it’s suitable for beginners as well as experienced sewers. Quilting isn’t its strong side, but it can do a decent job in this field as well.

Perhaps the greatest thing about the HD3000 is that it can handle quite a bit of workload, making it a truly heavy-duty unit. It is also loaded with handy features like automatic threading, top-loading bobbins, and a plethora of accessories that will only make your life easier.

All in all, the Janome HD3000’s sewing is nearly impeccable. The stitches are never loose and always professional-looking so you won’t have to worry about the quality of the work that you did with this machine.