97.0 The Janome DC4030 Pink Ribbon, or DC4030PR, is a limited edition computerized sewing machine designed to commemorate The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. - Janome is a sponsor of this foundation. The machine is user friendly and has been designed to handle both delicate and heavy-duty sewing. It comes with 30 built-in stitches, 6 one-step buttonholes, an automatic needle threader and quite a bit more. Consumer ratings for this machine are few but those available indicate a high level of owner satisfaction.
Consumer Ratings
There are presently few consumer ratings for the DC4030PR (we found a total of 12) so it is hard to be definitive in terms of a score. We would suggest using the score as something of a guideline and when there are more ratings we will update. However at this time the figures point to a very healthy 97 out of 100 (or 4.85 stars out of 5). We also note that ratings of less than 5 stars in this case relate to cost and not the quality or performance of the machine. The Pink Ribbon isn't cheap and is usually over $500USD.
Weve grown accustomed to seeing high scores for Janome machines and you may wish to view our table of sewing machine ratings which shows scores for all the models and brands we have had the opportunity to review.
The table below shows the websites and consumer ratings that were found.
| Source | Consumer Rating | #Ratings |
| Amazon | 4.8 stars out of 5 | 9 |
| Mr Vac & Mrs Sew | 5 stars out of 5 | 3 |
Consumer Insights
A review of comments from around the web has indicated the following Pink Ribbon likes and dislikes:
PROS
- Very smooth operation
- Simple interface and easy to use
- Quick to get up and running
- Automatic needle threader works well
- Janomes superior feed system does a great job
- Reliable
- Most of the manual is detailed and helpful
- Consistently even stitches
- Sturdy
- Fairly quiet operation
CONS
- Automatic needle threader instructions can be confusing
- A bit on the expensive side
The overwhelming number of pros vs cons for this machine may be due to two factors:
1) There is presently a limited amount of owner input for this machine (simply meaning that more data would make us feel more confident that the lopsidedness is accurate).
2) Owners really do like the unit and find little fault in it.
Owners most commonly commented upon the machines stitches. The stitches are considered high quality, consistent, and even. The DC4030PR is also considered very easy to use and easy to learn. In addition, it is reportedly simple to setup and it takes little time to get up and running.
You can read more customer reviews for the DC4030PR
Key Sewing Machine Features
- 30 built in stitches
- 6 one-step buttonholes
- Start/stop/slow button
- Lock stitch button
- Uses Janomes superior feed system (SFS)
- Up/down button
- Auto-declutch bobbin winder
- Reverse stitch button
- Feed balance dial
- LED display panel
- Adjustable presser foot pressure (3 settings via dial)
- Drop feed capable (helps with free motion quilting and darning)
- Automatic needle threader
- Adjustable stitch length and width (via + and buttons)
- 7 piece Box Feeding System
- See through bobbin cover (can see when running out of thread)
- Jam proof, top-loading, full rotary hook bobbin
- Free arm capability
- Automatic tension
- Snap-on presser feet
- Foot controller (with retractable cord)
- Built-in thread cutter
- Carry handle
- Speed control slider
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Max stitch width = 7mm, length = 5mm
- Stitch elongation (5X) without loss of density
- Programmable needle up/down
- Max speed: start-stop = 700 spm, foot control = 820 spm
- Sewing light
- Swing out faceplate door for easily removing lint
- Hard case (for moving and storage)
The 30 stitches are chosen via the control panel on the front of the machine. The panel is easy to use but it sounds a little strange at first. If you look closely you will notice that each button shows two different stitches (see image to right). To choose the stitch on the left side of the button you press the button once. The button will light up green. To choose the stitch on the right side of the button you press the button twice. The button will light up orange. Also, a letter under the stitch type on each button indicates which presser foot should be used.
The machine weighs a hefty 18.3 lbs (8.3 kg) and while it comes with a hard case it may be a bit heavy for some to lug back and forth to classes. It also comes with a host of accessories including several presser feet: Overedge foot, blind hem foot, zipper foot, automatic buttonhole foot, satin stitch foot, overcast foot. You also get bobbins, a needle set, a seam ripper, large and small spool holders, a lint brush, a screwdriver, and a quilter bar.
The Pink Ribbon has a stitch elongation feature. This allows you to stretch a decorative stitch up to 5 times its normal length without losing density. Check out the screenshot below.
The sewing machine carries a 25 year warranty. A little digging reveals that this means a 25 year warranty on mechanical parts only. There is a 5 year warranty on electrical parts and 1 year on labor.
Video
Following is a good video that walks you through many of the DC4030PRs features.
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Hello! My name is Alison and I started Sewing Machine Ratings over 10 years ago. Since then I’ve reviewed scores of sewing machines. Sewing has been a hobby for me since I was a young and I love to make my own clothing.