Product Comparison: Janome HD9 vs Juki TL2010Q
When searching for your next quilting machine, it is likely that the Janome HD9 (successor to the Janome 1600P-QC) and the Juki TL2010Q will end up on the shortlist of possible sewing machine purchases. This makes sense, as both of these Japanese sewing machine brands are popular and known for their quality. That said, it can be difficult to see which quilting machine is best for quilting and general use.
These straight-stitch only models are a part of the semi-industrial ranges for each brand and are aimed towards sewists and quilters that have want to work with materials and applications have would typically take longer on a domestic model.
So, without further ado, let’s compare the Janome HD9 vs Juki TL2010Q.
Weight
The Janome HD9 weight in at 14.5kg while the Juki TL2010Q is 11.5kg. Weight plays an important factor when it comes to high-speed stitching. As sewing machines are just a collection of gears and shafts moving around, this can create a lot of vibration. So, in general, the heavier the machine is, the more secure the machine is on the table. While this can make the machine a slight bit more challenging to move from place to place, it is not often that the average quilter sews on the move.
Speed
Of course, weight means nothing if you cannot go fast. The Juki offers a top stitching speed of 1500 SPM (Stitches Per Minute) while the Janome offers 1600 SPM and both have a Speed Control, which allows you to set your top speed. However, what is slightly different between these models is how you accelerate. With the Juki, the foot control has two states (on and off) while Janome’s foot control allows for a gradual increase from slow stitching up to full speed.
Bobbin Size
Prior to the release of the second version of the Janome HD9, both the original HD9 and the TL2010Q used the same L class bobbin. The L class bobbin is a common bobbin used in semi-industrial machines as they have a larger capacity than the standard sewing bobbin used by most domestic machines. However, since the release of the HD9 Version 2 and its “Jumbo Bobbin”, there are several more metres available to sewists on the HD9. This means that you can stitch further without having to change your bobbin as often.
Presser Foot Height
I have lost count of the number of times that I have used a machine’s “extra-high lift” on the presser foot to get a quilt (with wadding) under the foot. This extra lift can be accessed by moving your presser foot lever (and as a result the presser foot) to its “up” position and then lifting the presser bar again. Luckily both machines both machine offer this function, however, the maximum height is significantly different; with the Juki offering a 9mm lift, and the Janome featuring a 12.7mm lift.
Sewing Area
Boasting an extra 20mm in length in the sewing area, the HD9 has a notably larger sewing area. Of course, the usable sewing area can be extended with an extension table.
Extension Table
While both models have extension tables available, the Juki is currently being manufactured with the table as a standard accessory and measures in at 590mm x 335mm. As for the HD9, the extension table is optional and there are two choices, the standard Janome Extension Table (measuring in at 610mm x 405mm) and the much larger Janome Sewing Table, which the sewing machine sits into and offers a workspace of 115cm x 45cm.
Final Verdict
While the Juki TL-2010Q does have many merits, the flexibility and control when it comes to speed and stitching on the Janome HD9 V2 is second to none. With a larger bobbin size, you can sew for longer without stopping, while the extra lift on the HD9 allows the sewist to create pillowing and thick designs that would otherwise require a lot of manipulation to get the material under the foot.
Janome HD9 Specifications
| Juki TL2010Q Specifications | |
| Number of Stitches | 1 | 1 |
| Sewing Speed | 1600SPM | 1500SPM |
| Weight | 14.5kg | 11.5kg |
| Max Stitch Length | 6mm | 6mm |
| Knee Lift | Yes | Yes |
| Extra High Lift Height | 12.7mm | 9mm |
| Bobbin Type | Jumbo Bobbin | L Class Bobbin |
| Needle Type | HLx5 | HAx1 |
