Can the XR-23 Janome sewing machine from Costco manage curtains?

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I'm a beginner with sewing machines but am wanting to line curtains (and if I get on ok, try to make some from scratch). I was told by the sales assistant at John Lewis that I needed to spend at least £200 to get a machine that can cope with the thick fabric. Is this true?

Then I saw the XR-23 at Costco for half that price and I've heard Janome are a good make for beginners, very reliable and easy to use but I can't find online anywhere whether it can cope with curtains. Does anyone have any experience with this machine, or if not, any advice on other models to look for?

Thanks

review:

www.gursewingmachines.com/janome-xr23-sewing-machine-14578

I have no experience of that particular machine, but I do have experience of Janome machines. They are good quality, I love mine, but I'm not sure that little machine would be heavy duty enough for curtains.

With sewing machines, you get what you pay for......cheaper models are less powerful, less sturdy and therefore less able to cope with great thickness of fabric.

I would go to a local dealer and ask their advice before you part with any cash.....you may get a second hand machine that will be sturdier for the same money, maybe less. Most dealers will give you a warranty on a second hand machine just like you would get with a new one.

I bought a 1970's New Home (Janome) for the princely sum of £45 with a 6 month warranty as a back up machine (self employed sewing type here) for my gorgeous but expensive Janome MC4900. The old machine would handle curtains no problem - its mechanical rather than computerised and metal bodied, therefore substantial enough to batter through anything.

I would go and have a chat to a dealer and try before you buy.

No matter what machine you get, you may find that you need a walking foot for curtains.

Before I had one, I pinned, tacked and sewed one curtain about 5 times. When I started the pattern was matched perfectly, the top and bottom even, yet by the end there was nearly 2 inches difference in the lengths.

The walking foot has a feed dog underneath so the material is pushed through from both the top and the bottom which stops the 'creeping'.

I have an ancient Frister and Rossman and a very fancy Janome machine.