Janome 230DC vs 360DC: Which Computerised Sewing Machine Is Right for You?

Trying to decide between the Janome 230DC and 360DC? You are not alone. These two computerised sewing machines are among Janome's most popular models in the UK, and choosing between them is one of the most common dilemmas we help customers with.

The good news? Both are excellent machines. You genuinely can't go wrong with either choice.

The question isn't which machine is better—it's which machine is better for you. In this comparison, we'll break down every meaningful difference between the 230DC and 360DC, explain what those differences mean in practice, and help you decide whether the extra investment in the 360DC is worth it for your sewing needs.

Quick Verdict: 230DC vs 360DC at a Glance

Before we dive into the details, here is the summary:

Our Quick Recommendation

• Choose the 230DC if you want excellent value, you're budget-conscious, or you're a beginner who doesn't need extensive decorative stitch options.
• Choose the 360DC if you want more creative possibilities, plan to explore decorative stitching, or need more buttonhole styles for varied garment projects.
• Unsure? Go with the 230DC. It has everything most sewers need, and you'll save £80.

Jump to product: Janome 230DC – £389 | Janome 360DC – £469

Key Differences Between the 230DC and 360DC

Let's examine what actually separates these two machines—and more importantly, whether those differences matter for your sewing projects.

Built-in Stitches: 30 vs 60

The most obvious difference is the stitch count. The 360DC offers exactly double the stitches of the 230DC.

What the 230DC's 30 stitches include:

• Essential utility stitches (straight, zigzag, overlock)
• Stretch stitches for knit fabrics
• Blind hem stitches
• Basic decorative stitches
• 3 one-step buttonhole styles

What the 360DC adds with its extra 30 stitches:

• More decorative stitch patterns
• Additional stretch stitch options
• More ornamental and satin stitch variations
• 4 additional buttonhole styles (7 total vs 3)

Do you actually need 60 stitches?

Here's our honest assessment: most sewers—even experienced ones—use fewer than 10 stitches regularly. The core stitches you'll rely on daily are the same on both machines:

• Straight stitch – 90% of your sewing
• Zigzag – finishing edges, stretch fabrics
• Blind hem – invisible hems
• Overlock stitch – seam finishing
• Buttonhole – obvious uses

The extra 30 stitches on the 360DC are primarily decorative. They're lovely for embellishing children's clothes, adding decorative borders, personalising home décor projects, or creative crafts. If those activities excite you, the 360DC delivers real value. If you're focused on practical sewing—garment construction, repairs, home furnishings—the 230DC's 30 stitches are more than sufficient.

Winner: 360DC for variety; 230DC for value

Buttonholes: 3 vs 7 One-Step Styles

This is an underrated difference that matters more than stitch count for many sewers.

230DC buttonhole styles (3):

• Standard buttonhole
• Stretch buttonhole
• Keyhole buttonhole

360DC buttonhole styles (7):

• All 230DC styles, plus:
• Round-end buttonhole
• Decorative buttonhole variations
• Additional specialty buttonholes for different garment types

When do extra buttonholes matter?

If you're making tailored garments, jackets with different button types, or varied clothing projects, the 360DC's seven buttonhole styles give you proper professional options. A keyhole buttonhole looks different from a rounded buttonhole, and having the right style for your garment makes a genuine difference to the finished result.

For general sewing, repairs, and simple garments, the 230DC's three buttonhole styles cover all common needs perfectly well.

Winner: 360DC for garment sewers; tie for general use

Price: £389 vs £469

Let's talk about the £80 difference honestly.

The 230DC at £389 (currently on sale from £439) represents exceptional value for a computerised Janome with all the features that make sewing easier—automatic needle threader, speed control, start/stop button, and LCD screen.

The 360DC at £469 costs £80 more. For that extra investment, you are getting:

• 30 additional stitches (mostly decorative)
• 4 additional buttonhole styles
• Identical build quality and motor

Is £80 for those extras worth it?

That depends entirely on how you'll use them. If you know you'll explore decorative stitching and want extensive buttonhole options, the 360DC's extras justify the cost. If you're unsure, the 230DC saves you money while delivering the same core sewing experience.

Think of it this way: £80 buys a decent amount of quality fabric for your next project. If the extra features don't excite you, that's £80 better spent elsewhere.

Winner: 230DC for budget-conscious buyers

Included Accessories

Both machines come with a comprehensive accessory kit including presser feet, bobbins, needles, and essential tools.

Crucially, both the 230DC and 360DC typically come with:

• A Hard Cover for storage and protection.
• An Extension Table for extra sewing space.

(Note: Always check the specific product listing, as some retailer bundles may vary, but standard UK specification includes both for both models).

This means you aren't losing out on hardware by choosing the cheaper model. The difference strictly comes down to the computer 'brain' inside the machine—the stitch variety and buttonhole options.

Winner: Tie (Excellent value for both)

View the machines: Janome 230DC – £389 | Janome 360DC – £469

Full Specifications Comparison

For the detail-oriented among you, here's the complete spec comparison:

Ready to buy? View the Janome 230DC – £389 | View the Janome 360DC – £469

What's the Same on Both Machines?

Here's something important to understand: the core sewing experience is identical on both machines.

Both the 230DC and 360DC share:

• 7mm stitch width – Wide decorative stitches and professional-looking buttonholes
• 5mm stitch length – Excellent range for all fabric types
• 7-piece feed dogs – Smooth, reliable fabric feeding
• Top-loading jam-proof bobbin – Easy to load, visible thread supply
• Automatic needle threader – Threads the needle for you in seconds
• LCD screen – Clear stitch selection and settings display
• Start/stop button – Sew without the foot pedal when preferred
• Speed control slider – Limit maximum speed while learning or for precision work
• Lock stitch function – Secure seams automatically
• Needle up/down control – Set needle position for pivoting and quilting
• Drop feed – Enable free-motion sewing and quilting
• Adjustable foot pressure – Optimise for different fabric weights
• Aluminium die-cast frame – Stability and durability
• LED lighting – Bright, clear illumination

This shared foundation means you're getting genuine Janome quality either way. The 360DC doesn't sew better than the 230DC—it simply offers more stitch variety.

Who Should Buy the Janome 230DC?

The 230DC is the right choice if you:

• Are a beginner who wants features that make learning easier without overwhelming options
• Prefer value and would rather save £80 for fabric and accessories
• Focus on practical sewing – garments, repairs, home furnishings, simple projects
• Don't need extensive decorative stitches – 30 stitches covers all common needs
• Want a portable machine that still has a hard cover and table
• Plan to upgrade eventually – the 230DC is brilliant for learning; you can move up later if needed

Ideal projects for the 230DC:

• Dressmaking and simple garments
• Alterations and repairs
• Home décor (cushions, curtains, simple quilts)
• Bags and accessories
• Children's clothing
• Crafting projects

Our take: The 230DC punches well above its weight. It has every feature that makes computerised sewing machines genuinely helpful—the automatic needle threader, speed control, and start/stop button are all present. For most sewers, this machine will serve brilliantly for years.

View the Janome 230DC – £389

Who Should Buy the Janome 360DC?

The 360DC is the right choice if you:

• Want creative variety and plan to explore decorative stitching
• Sew garments regularly and will benefit from 7 buttonhole styles
• See sewing as a long-term hobby and prefer to invest once rather than upgrade
• Enjoy embellishment – decorative borders, children's clothing details, personalised projects
• Want a machine for life – the extra variety keeps it relevant as your skills grow
• Prefer having options even if you won't use them all immediately

Ideal projects for the 360DC:

• Detailed garment construction with varied buttonholes
• Decorative children's clothing
• Quilts with decorative stitch details
• Home décor with embellished elements
• Craft projects requiring creative stitching
• Personalised gifts and keepsakes

Our take: The 360DC is a "buy it for life" machine in its category. The additional stitches and buttonholes mean you won't outgrow it quickly, and the extra variety is genuinely useful if creative sewing appeals to you.

View the Janome 360DC – £469

What About the Janome 5060QDC?

If you're considering the 360DC, it's worth knowing about the next step up: the Janome 5060QDC at £499 (currently on promotion, usually £549).

The 5060QDC includes everything the 360DC offers, plus:

• Automatic thread cutter – trims threads at the touch of a button (a game-changing feature!)
• SFS+ feed system – enhanced version of the Superior Feed System
• Bonus quilting accessories – ¼" seam foot, darning foot, walking foot, and more

If you're interested in quilting specifically, or if the automatic thread cutter appeals to you, the 5060QDC is only £30 more than the 360DC and offers meaningful additional value.

View the Janome 5060QDC – £499

Our Recommendation

After helping countless customers choose between these machines, here's our honest advice:

If budget is the primary concern → Choose the 230DC

You're getting a fully-featured computerised Janome at a great price. The 30 stitches and 3 buttonhole styles cover everything most sewers need. Save the £80 for quality fabric and thread.

If you want more creative options → Choose the 360DC

The extra stitches and buttonhole styles are genuinely useful if you plan to explore decorative sewing, make varied garments, or simply want options available when inspiration strikes.

If you're completely unsure → Choose the 230DC

It has everything you need for excellent sewing. If you later feel limited (which is unlikely for most sewers), you'll have learned exactly what features matter to you—making any future upgrade more informed.

Consider the 5060QDC if...

You're drawn to the 360DC but want an automatic thread cutter and bonus quilting accessories. At only £30 more, it's worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 360DC worth £80 more than the 230DC?
It depends on how you'll use the extra features. If you plan to explore decorative stitching and need varied buttonhole styles, yes—the extras justify the cost. If you're focused on practical sewing and don't need 60 stitches, the 230DC offers better value. Both machines share the same core sewing quality; the difference is variety, not capability.

Are these machines suitable for quilting?
Yes, both machines handle quilting well. They feature drop feed for free-motion quilting, 7-piece feed dogs for smooth fabric movement, and 7mm stitch width for decorative quilting stitches. The included extension table (standard on both models) is particularly helpful for quilting projects. For dedicated quilters, consider the 5060QDC which includes bonus quilting feet.

Can I use these machines for dressmaking?
Absolutely. Both machines excel at dressmaking. They offer multiple stretch stitches for knit fabrics, adjustable foot pressure for different fabric weights, and one-step buttonholes for professional-looking closures. The 360DC's 7 buttonhole styles give more options for varied garment types, but the 230DC's 3 styles cover most dressmaking needs.

What accessories do I need to buy separately?
Both machines come with essential presser feet (standard foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, overedge foot, and satin stitch foot). Optional accessories you might want include:

• ¼" seam foot – essential for quilting
• Walking foot – for quilting and slippery fabrics
• Free-motion foot – for free-motion quilting and embroidery
• Concealed zip foot – for invisible zippers

How long will these machines last?
With proper care and regular servicing, both machines should serve you for 10-15+ years. Janome's aluminium die-cast internal frames and quality engineering ensure durability. Many sewers keep their Janome machines for decades.

Making Your Decision

Both the Janome 230DC and 360DC are excellent machines. Neither is a wrong choice—they simply suit slightly different priorities:

Whatever you choose, you're getting a quality computerised sewing machine backed by Janome's reputation for reliability and our specialist support.

Ready to decide?

View the Janome 230DC – £389

View the Janome 360DC – £469

View all Sewing Machines

Still have questions? We're always happy to help you find the perfect machine for your needs. Get in touch—we love talking sewing.

Last updated: December 2025

This comparison guide is written by homefurnishing.co.uk, specialist Janome retailers serving UK customers with quality sewing machines, expert advice, and ongoing support. We've helped hundreds of customers choose between models and know them inside out.