Janome HD5000 Sewing Machine

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91.7 The Janome HD5000 comes in two colors and is fully mechanical – there is nothing computerized on this sewing machine. It is described by Janome as “Heavy Duty” and consumer comments, for the most part, bear this out. Owners describe the HD5000 as a sturdy workhorse. It has a limited number of stitches (18) and some folks wish there were more, although stitch quality is said to be very good. This is an uncomplicated machine and is easy to setup and to operate. It may be a good fit for both the beginner and the more experienced seamstress.

Two Color Options
The HD5000 can be found in white and black. Both units are identical aside from the color scheme.

White: Janome HD5000

Black: Janome HD5000BE (BE = Black Edition)

Janome HD3000 vs Janome HD5000
The HD3000 is another popular Janome machine and it is very similar to the HD5000, but there are a few differences.

* HD5000 stitch display panel recommends the best settings for stitch length/width, as well as thread tension and the correct presser foot for the stitch.

Note: The Internet is littered with information about these two sewing machines (HD3000 and HD5000), some of it contradictory.

Consumer Ratings
Owner ratings were found at several quality online retail outlets and compiled in the table below. A weighted average applied to these figures provided an overall sewing machine score of 91.7/100. This is a good score, although we have seen some higher scoring Janome units. To view all our scores see the Sewing Machine Ratings table.

Pros & Cons
The following list of pros and cons is the result of analyzing owner reviews and comments from a host of sources.

Pros
- Able to sew through thick fabrics
- Easy to setup and to operate
- Runs smoothly and feels sturdy
- Not too loud
- Makes a quality stitch
- Includes hard plastic cover

Cons
- Plastic flip-out covers/doors feel flimsy
- Some struggle with the needle threader
- Knobs may be hard to turn for the elderly
- Limited stitch options

What Are Owners Saying?
For the most part HD5000 owner reviews and comments are very positive. Many describe the sewing machine as hardworking, reliable, and sturdy. Several say it is a workhorse and feels like it will last a long time (if cared for).

Owners state that the machine is capable of easily sewing through thick fabrics like denim and even leather. It is capable of sewing both lightweight fabrics and heavy fabrics equally well.

As a mechanical machine it is not too complicated and most owners report that it is easy to setup and to use. Many say that it arrives well setup and that it should be a decent fit for both beginners and the experienced seamstress.

The unit has 18 stitches and owners highlight that stitch quality is very good. Some lament that it doesn’t have more stitches but most folks know exactly what they are getting when they buy, and are thus comfortable with the number of stitches.

Owners report that the unit doesn’t jam and that it is easy to thread, but there are a few comments from people who struggle with threading. We find this with almost every machine despite built-in needle threaders. Frankly there are less complaints about this issue with the HD5000 than we’ve seen with many other sewing machines. There are some YouTube videos that help with threading if you need it.

We have seen some grumbling about the “flimsy” plastic covers and compartments. Some people say that if they are not handled carefully they can break off. Others have highlighted that they sometimes do not close properly.

You can read more Janome HD5000 owner reviews on Amazon.

Key Specifications
- 18 stitches
- Built-in needle threader
- Top loading full rotary hook bobbin
- Automatic one step buttonhole
- 7 piece feed dog
- Snap-on presser feet
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- One hand thread cutter
- Max stitch width = 7mm
- Max Stitch Length = 4mm
- Free arm
- Drop feed capable
- Reverse stitch button
- Auto-declutch bobbin winder
- Manual thread tension control
- Max sewing speed = 860 spm

The HD5000 Does Not Have:
A few features that you might miss include:
- No locking stitch button
- No twin needle guard
- No knee lift

Stitches
There are 18 stitches and a one-step buttonhole.

The control panel provides the optimum settings for stitch length, stitch width, thread tension and the correct presser foot for the selected stitch.

Other Features & Characteristics
The HD5000 weighs 18.7 lbs and the unit has a single-cast aluminum frame. It is a bit on the heavy side and this may limit portability (there are better fits for those looking to take their sewing machine to classes for example).

This is a dual voltage machine 84v - 240v so you should be able to use it in most countries.

There is also a built in fold-down carry handle. You can see it in the image below. In addition, the HD5000 comes with a hard cover.

There is a built-in accessory storage compartment. Removing the accessory storage compartment reveals the unit's free arm.

Opening up the top cover reveals additional storage for needles and presser feet. The underside of the cover also has a stitch chart with presser foot and stitch settings.

The throat space from the needle to the inside of the sewing arm is 6.5 inches. The height of the throat space is about 4.7 inches.

Accessories
The HD5000 comes with a host of accessories including several presser feet: overedge, buttonhole, transparent buttonhole, blind hem, hemmer, zipper, zigzag. You will also get a pack of needles, bobbins, a lint brush, spool pin felt, a quilting bar, a seam ripper, both large and small screwdrivers, both large and small spool holders, and an additional spool pin. In addition, there is a hard cover, a foot control, and an instruction manual.

Warranty
The Janome HD5000 carries a 25-year warranty which breaks down as follows:
- 25-years on mechanical parts
- 5-years on electrical parts
- 1-year on labor

Sewing Machine Manual
The Janome HD5000 manual is pretty straightforward. The instructions are easy to follow and the illustrations are clear. There is information on all the features, all the sewing options, maintenance, and troubleshooting. You can view the manual here: Janome HD5000 Manual