You’ve landed on the right spot if you are trying to compare Janome 8050 and Singer XL-550. Which one is right for you? Their excellent quality makes them a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys sewing.
What are the major differences between them? Here I will try to answer them as simply as possible.
Table of Contents
Janome 8050 vs. Singer XL-550: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Janome 8050 is a computerized sewing machine, while the Singer XL-550 is a sewing and embroidery combo machine. Since the machine types decide they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion.
The decision has to be made on an individual level.
Janome 8050 vs. Singer XL-550 : Built-in Stitches
The Janome 8050 has 50 stitches. The Singer XL-550 on the other hand comes with 215 built-in stitches. The apparent difference is in the buttonhole styles, where Janome 8050 sewing machine comes with 3 one-step buttonhole(s), Singer XL-550 has only 6 one-step buttonhole(s).
Start/Stop Button
Both the Janome 8050 sewing machine and Singer XL-550 come with a start/stop button. A start/stop button is an important accessibility feature. If you’re unable, for whatever reason, to use the foot pedal, a start/stop button allows you to run your sewing machine anyway. It’s also invaluable for making perfect one-step automatic buttonholes.
Speed Control Slider
Both Janome 8050 and Singer XL-550 have a speed control slider, which allows you to set the maximum speed you are comfortable with.
Automatic Needle Threader
Many sewing machines sold today come with an automatic threader function. This is essentially a lever that will guide the thread through the eye of your sewing needle for you so that you don’t have to do it yourself. Many sewists prefer to thread their own needles, but if you have difficulty performing this task, then a machine with an automatic needle threader might be very useful for you. Fortunately, these two sewing machines both come with automatic needle threader, allowing you to thread the machine with ease.
Drop-in Bobbin
The advantage of easy drop-in, top load bobbins is that you can readily see how much thread is left on the bobbin through the window. You do not have to remove the bobbin case to insert a new bobbin, and you do not have to remove the accessory tray from the free arm to change bobbins. Both the Janome 8050 and the Singer XL-550 come with this user-friendly feature.
Drop Feed
The most common type of feeding mechanism in a home sewing machine (and some industrial machines) is the drop feed, also known as the regular feed system. Both Janome 8050 and Singer XL-550 come equipped with a drop feed system, which grabs the fabric and moves it along through the machine.
Extra High Presser Foot Lifter
The extra-high presser foot lifter of the Janome 8050 and Singer XL-550 allows you to adjust the height, as needed for large sewing projects or multiple layers of thick materials.
| Janome 8050 | Singer XL-550 | |
| Product Image | |
|
| Sewing Machine Type | Computerized | Sewing and Embroidery Combo |
| Stitches | 50 | 215 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 3 one-step | 6 one-step |
| Start/Stop Button | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Memory | – | Yes |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | Yes |
| Monogramming Font | No | Yes, 20 |
| Drop Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Free Arm | Yes | – |
| Working Light | – | Yes, 6 LEDs |
| Speed Control Slider | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 18 lbs | – |
| Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | Yes | Yes |
| Snap-on Presser Foot | – | – |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | – | Yes |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes |
| Drop-in Bobbin | Yes | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | – | Yes |
| Stitch Selection | LCD Display and Push Button | LCD and Push Button |
| Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | Yes | Yes |
| Included Feet | Satin Stitch Foot F, Sliding Buttonhole Foot, Zig-Zag Foot | – |
| Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | Yes | Yes |
| Tension | – | Automatic Tension |
| Knee Lifter | – | – |
| Warranty | – | 25 Year Limited |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Janome 8050 Video Review
Singer XL-550 Video Review
The Verdict
The Janome 8050 and the Singer XL-550 have a number of differences in terms of features. The stitch quality, however, is a common aspect. These two machines sew on a range of materials with reliable results. Any of these two machines would be my first choice if you asked me to choose an affordable, sophisticated sewing machine. I won’t offer a recommendation and the choice should be based on your sewing ability and experience.
Q. Do you need a special sewing machine for leather?
A. No, although a heavy-duty machine will make it easier. However, any good-quality home sewing machine can handle leather with a few special accessories. You will need a Teflon presser foot, a needle designed for sewing leather, and heavy-duty thread.
Q. Can a normal sewing machine sew canvas?
A. Yes, canvas can be sewn on a regular sewing machine.
Q. Can a regular sewing machine sew vinyl?
A. Yes, with the same modifications listed above for leather.
Q. Why adjust tension on sewing machine
A. Sewing machine tension adjustment is controlled by devices that separately control the needle thread and the bobbin thread, putting varying amounts of tension (or strength) on the threads they control to form a strong, balanced stitch.
Q. Can i use clipper oil on my sewing machine
A. Yes, you can as some people do recommend it as an alternative to sewing machine oil.
Q. How much electricity does a sewing machine use
A. A typical home sewing machine may be in the 100-watt range. One estimate for portable sewing machines says that you are paying about 0.013 cents per hour every time. For the day you may be spending about 10 cents.
