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Janome MC9850 vs Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine

The Janome MC9850 is the better pick for most shoppers deciding between these two: it is a full sewing and embroidery machine with 175 built-in designs, a color touchscreen, auto thread cutter and auto tension, and it handles thick fabrics like denim and vinyl. The Brother Luminaire 3 XP3 is the higher-end quilting and embroidery machine with StitchVision projection and a larger workspace, but it costs far more and is aimed at quilters and embroiderers who will use those features. No current prices were provided for either machine, so compare store prices on Deal.ai before deciding.

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Janome
Janome MC9850

Janome MC9850

Choose the Janome MC9850 if you want one computerized machine for everyday sewing plus embroidery, with automatic threading, cutting and tension at a lower price point.

Pros
  • 175 built-in embroidery designs and 200 stitches out of the box
  • Built-in needle threader, auto thread cutter, auto tension and automatic buttonhole
Full-color touchscreen with memorized needle up/down and 91 needle positions
  • Handles denim, vinyl and cork with an extra-high presser foot lift
  • Sews up to 1,000 stitches per minute
  • Cons
    • Listed as expert-level, so beginners face a learning curve
    • Super-thick material stresses the bobbin
    • Standard workspace is smaller than the Luminaire's
    • Carries a California Prop 65 warning
    Brother
    Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine

    Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine

    Choose the Brother Luminaire 3 XP3 if quilting and large embroidery projects are your main work and you want StitchVision projection and a bigger workspace.

    Pros
    • StitchVision projects stitch placement directly onto the fabric
    • Expansive workspace suits large quilts and big hoops
    • Built for quilting as well as sewing and embroidery
    • Computerized with advanced connectivity
    Cons
    • Premium price class compared with the Janome
    • Fewer published specs on built-in designs and stitches
    • Overkill if you mainly sew garments and small projects
    • Large footprint takes more table space

    What separates them

    Janome MC9850Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine
    Primary focusSewing and embroidery comboQuilting, sewing and embroidery
    Built-in embroidery designs175Not stated in the listing
    Stitch count200 built-in stitchesNot stated in the listing
    DisplayLarge full-color LCD touchscreenNot stated in the listing
    WorkspaceStandard harp spaceExpansive workspace
    Guidance technologyOn-screen editing with 1, 10 and 100 unit stitch travelStitchVision projection onto the fabric
    Automatic featuresNeedle threader, thread cutter, buttonhole and tensionComputerized; specifics not stated in the listing
    Thick fabric handlingDenim, vinyl and cork; extra-high presser foot liftNot stated in the listing

    Price history

    • Janome MC9850: lowest $1,499.00 on Oct 31 at Lowe's.
    • Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine: lowest $12,999.00 on Oct 31.

    Prices at every store

    Janome MC9850

    • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
    • Lowe'sCheck price at Lowe's
    • TargetCheck price at Target
    Prices and history →

    Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine

    • Sewing Machine OutletCheck price at Sewing Machine Outlet
    • Yazirwan SewingCheck price at Yazirwan Sewing
    Prices and history →

    Specs compared

    SpecJanome MC9850Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine
    ComputerizedYesYes
    Machine TypeSewing Machine, Embroidery machine—
    Model NameMemory Craft 9850—
    Usage TypeDomestic—
    Embroidery Designs175—
    Number Of Stitches200—
    Skill LevelExpert-level sewer—
    Typical UsersExpert-level sewer—
    Automatic Needle ThreaderBuilt-in needle threader—
    Auto Thread CutterYes—
    Automatic ButtonholeYes—
    Auto Tension AdjustmentYes—
    Show all 29 specsShow fewer specs
    SpecJanome MC9850Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine
    Auto Presser Foot LifterExtra high presser foot lift—
    Fabric TypesVinyl, Cork, Denim—
    Material ThicknessSuper thick material (causes stress on the bobb…—
    TouchscreenYes—
    Display SizeLarge—
    Display TypeLCD full color touchscreen—
    Number Of NeedlesTwin needle guard—
    Needle Position AdjustmentMemorized needle up/down, 91 (Needle Position)—
    Needle TypeTwin needle guard—

    Questions and answers

    Which is better for a beginner?
    Neither is a starter machine. The Janome MC9850 is listed as expert-level but has more automated help, like auto tension and an auto thread cutter. The Luminaire 3 is aimed at experienced quilters and embroiderers.
    Which has more embroidery designs built in?
    The Janome MC9850 ships with 175 built-in embroidery designs. The Brother Luminaire 3 listing does not state a design count, so check Brother's spec sheet before comparing.
    Is the Luminaire 3 worth the extra money?
    Only if you quilt or embroider large projects regularly. StitchVision projection and the bigger workspace are the main reasons to pay more. For general sewing, the Janome covers more of the basics for less.
    Which handles thick fabric better?
    The Janome MC9850 is rated for denim, vinyl and cork and has an extra-high presser foot lift. Very thick material puts stress on its bobbin, so slow down on heavy seams.
    Which is better for quilting?
    The Brother Luminaire 3 XP3. It is built as a quilting machine with an expansive workspace, while the Janome is a sewing and embroidery combo with a standard harp space.
    Do both have automatic needle threading?
    The Janome MC9850 has a built-in needle threader and auto thread cutter. The Brother listing only confirms it is computerized, so verify threading features on Brother's page.

    More comparisons

    • Bernina 790 Pro Sewing and Embroidery Machine vs Brother Luminaire 3 Innov-ís XP3 Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machine
    • Janome MC9850 vs Bernina 790 Pro Sewing and Embroidery Machine
    Sewing Speed
    Up to 1,000 spm
    —
    Package Quantity1—
    GradeCommercial/Residential—
    Depth (Inches)8.8—
    CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning(s)true—
    ADA Complianttrue—
    Type—Quilting
    Color—Black