Janome vs Brother embroidery machines

The short version

Brother leans towards larger fields and connectivity at this level. The PE900 and the Innov-is F540E both list a 5 x 7 inch field, which Brother quotes as 130 x 180 mm on the F540E, plus wireless LAN for sending designs from a computer or the Artspira app.

Janome leans towards a square field and generous built-in content. The Memory Craft 100E and MC1000 both embroider up to 140 x 140 mm. The MC100E is embroidery only, while the MC1000 is a full sewing machine with 300 stitches and a removable embroidery unit, loading designs by USB stick.

If you embroider names on towels or bags, the long Brother field fits more letters in one hooping. If you mainly stitch square motifs, badges and quilt blocks, the Janome square field loses little and the combination MC1000 saves buying two machines. Compare more models in our embroidery machines for beginners guide.

Four machines compared on listing facts

All figures below come from the product listings. Where a listing does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.

Hoop field: rectangle against square

A 130 x 180 mm field and a 140 x 140 mm field cover a similar area, but they suit different designs. The rectangle is longer in one direction, so a name, a phrase or a tall motif fits without splitting it. The square is wider than the short side of the rectangle, which helps with round logos, monograms and quilt block designs.

Before buying, measure two or three designs you actually want to stitch and check them against each field. Our hoop fit check does this for you, including turning a design by 90 degrees. Remember that the largest hoop is not always the one in the box: check which hoops are included and which are optional extras on each listing.

For a fuller explanation of hoop names and sizes, read embroidery hoop sizes explained.

Getting designs onto the machine

Both Brother models list wireless connectivity. That means designs bought or created on a computer, or in Brother's Artspira app on a phone or tablet, can be sent to the machine without a USB stick. It is convenient if you design often, but you still need a reliable home Wi-Fi network and the right app or software.

The Janome MC1000 lists a USB host port, so you copy designs onto a stick and plug it in. It is old fashioned but dependable and needs no network setup. The MC100E listing focuses on built-in designs and editing; check the transfer options for your exact version before buying.

File formats differ too. Brother machines use the PES format, while Janome's native format is JEF. Most design shops sell both, and most digitising software can export either, so this rarely blocks a purchase, but download the right one. Our guide to embroidery file formats explains the details.

Sewing as well as embroidery

The PE900, F540E and MC100E are bought mainly for embroidery. If you also need a sewing machine and do not already own one, the MC1000 is the odd one out here: its listing describes 300 utility and decorative stitches, 15 one-step buttonhole styles, a 7 mm stitch width, automatic thread cutting, a start/stop button and a free arm.

Brother answers that need with machines such as the Innov-is M380D, which sews and embroiders but has a smaller 100 x 100 mm field. Two machines give you more flexibility because you can sew while a design stitches out, but one combination machine takes less space. Our sewing and embroidery machines guide compares the combination options.

Compare sewing and embroidery machines →

Editing, speed and everyday convenience

Janome's MC100E listing is detailed about on-screen editing: resize, rotate, duplicate, flip, arc text, grouping and single colour stitching, with an embroidery speed of 400 to 660 stitches per minute, automatic thread cutting, a needle threader and automatic return after a thread break. The MC1000 lists the same 660 stitches per minute for embroidery and upper and bobbin thread sensors.

The Brother listings highlight the touch screen, advanced needle threading and connectivity rather than speed figures. In practice, both brands run at similar speeds for home use, and the time you save comes more from fewer rehoopings and fewer thread problems than from top speed.

Warranty terms are worth reading. The MC100E listing quotes a 25 year limited warranty on mechanical parts, 2 years on electrical parts and 1 year on labour, while the F540E listing quotes a 3 year manufacturer warranty. Terms vary by seller, so check the listing you buy from.

Frequently asked questions

Is Brother or Janome better for beginners? Both are approachable. Brother's wireless transfer and app suit beginners who design on a phone, while Janome's built-in editing suits those who prefer working on the machine. Pick by field shape and whether you also need sewing.

Can a Brother machine use Janome designs? Not in the Janome JEF format directly. Download the design as PES, or convert it with embroidery software. Most commercial designs are sold in several formats.

Which has the bigger embroidery area? Of these four, the Brother PE900 and F540E have the longer field at 5 x 7 inches. The Janome machines have a square 140 x 140 mm field, which is wider on its short side.

Do I need software for either brand? No. All four have built-in designs and fonts and on-screen editing. Software or an app becomes useful when you want to create your own designs or convert files.