You’ve probably heard of or even have Janome embroidery and sewing machines.
Pronounced (Ja-No-Mey), the company has been in the sewing and creative industries for nearly a century, innovating unique computerized sewing units that have revolutionized the sewing industry.
Sewing with Embroidery
Join me as I look at the best Janome embroidery machine for every budget, purpose, and more.
Don’t waste precious work time trying to search for the best Janome sewing embroidery machine! I’ve got you covered.
Here, I share my years of experience as well as the thoughts and feelings of others within the community, with the hopes of making your search for a new machine quick and easy.
Top 4 From The Lineup
Here are the top products from the lineup sorted by category…
Top Pick
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000
The 14000 secures this title, as it truly opens up a world of possibilities for embroiderers and sewers, thanks to the 400 built in stitches and 350 built in designs.
It comes packed with features and editable stitch width, length and width of designs, and multiple feet.
This is a unit that, when invested in, can truly last for many years to come.
Best Janome Sewing Machine with Embroidery
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850
Comes with a host of embroidery functions and features that improve the sewing experience overall.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850
In my eyes, this is a great machine for expert sewers who may not run at a professional level, or sew from their home environments.
It comes with elements that are normally found on industry grade machines without the price tag, and it makes sewing a breeze with large embroidery areas and space.
It also offers fabulous monogramming fonts.
Best Value
Janome MOD-30 Computerized Sewing Machine
A perfect machine for those looking to dip their toes into the world of best Janome sewing and embroidery machines.
Janome MOD-30 Computerized Sewing Machine
This Janome takes the crown for best value, as it gives users just starting out the perfect introduction into the world of Janome without overwhelming them with information or elements.
This is also a fabulous machine for those looking for a second, or portable unit.
Best Multi-Thread
Janome MB-4S 4 Needle Embroidery Machine
Without a doubt this has to go to the Janome MB-4S, as it offers more needles. This ensures more design potential and possibility.
It produces work at a fast speed and comes with a range of features for a totally adaptable experience.
Best Janome Sewing and Embroidery Machines
Janome Memory Craft 8200
This product has features that can enhance the sewing experience for creators of all levels.
Janome Memory Craft 8200
First up, we have the Janome Memory Craft 8200, which has a range of features that enhance the sewing experience for creators of all levels.
Features
One of the elements I like personally is the AcuFlex feeding feature, which pulls multiple layers through a machine with ease.
As someone who grapples with materials, this is a welcome feature.
The 8200 has automatic thread tension control, offering stitch length and the widest stitches for an embroidery and sewing machine.
Automatically built in stitches are set to 9MM, which is 2MM bigger than a computerized sewing machine.
Accessories
Users who purchase this Janome can jump straight into their embroidery creations, thanks to the selection of sewing feet and accessories that come ready to use.
This one step machine has a top loading bobbin and adjustable knee lift for tackling corners or tricky areas on custom embroidery pieces.
Some users from the community have found that there have been times when they have had to thread a needle by hand as the automatic threading system encountered some issues.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Power Cord
- Dimensions: 27.6 x 24 x 20 inches
- Weight: 51.6 Pounds
Pros
- Included free motion foot and darning foot
- Accessibility is easy
- Fair embroidery area
- High stitches per minute
Cons
- Expensive
- Potential issues with threading system
Best Value
Janome MOD-30 Computerized Sewing Machine
A perfect machine for those looking to dip their toes into the world of best Janome sewing and embroidery machines.
Janome MOD-30 Computerized Sewing Machine
This is the perfect machine for those looking to dip their toes into the world of best Janome sewing and embroidery machines.
At least, without paying an eye-watering price tag.
This one is in a price range friendly for most crafters and creators.
Beginner Friendly
The MOD-30 is the ideal Janome embroidery machine for beginners and comes with 30 built in stitches.
It has precision and power that is perfect from those starting out. And, with a length and width of 7MM, this is the ideal length for most projects.
There is a backlit LCD screen for users to keep track of their stitches and see where they are at with the sewing project.
Or, they can use the LCD screen to pick from a number of built in designs or snap on presser feet, depending on the creation.
Extra Highlights
Those who like to work with large projects will appreciate the free arm, which gives you more project creation space.
At 750 stitches per minute, this may not be as fast as other Janome Memory Craft machines, but it is a decent speed to create quality work quickly and easily.
One thing I like about this Janome embroidery unit is that it comes with a 25 year warranty. This gives users who plan to use this for the long haul the reassurance that they’re covered should a fault occur when using an embroidery unit.
Knee Lift
Those who are used to creating and sewing like myself may not like that this comes without a knee lift unit.
This is not an absolutely crucial defining factor, but if you are used to using the feature you may miss that on this Janome embroidery machine.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Power Cable
- Dimensions: 7 x 16 x 12 inches
- Weight: 12.7 Pounds
Pros
- Selection of stitches perfect for beginners
- Built in designs
Cons
- No Knee Lift
- Slower Stitches Per Minute Sewing Speed
- Built in stitches may not be enough for experienced creators
Top Pick
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Bundle
A great machine for an experienced embroiderer or creator.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Bundle
If you are an experienced embroiderer or creator, then this very well may be the Janome Memory Craft machine for you.
Features
One of the best things about this is the futuristic, large, and easy to use 7.7” X 4.7” LCD screen.
There, users can select from user-friendly onscreen editing of stitch options, 400 built in stitches, and 350 built in embroidery designs.
The stitches per minute are a bonus!
Power
This is a unit that can embroider almost anything, working with thick material such as denim, which is normally tricky to work with.
There are a number of features and elements in the Janome Memory Craft 14000 series, such as an automatic built in needle threader and automatic thread cutter.
Is this one right for me?
There is full adaptability throughout the entire sewing project, as sewers can adjust the speed of a design via the control slider and adjuster on the machine.
They can start or stop a project with the press of a button.
One step and simple!
This one does cost a lot within the realm of the best Janome embroidery sewing units, however, it comes with a selection of pressers.
Inclusions
It includes an extra high presser foot in the bundle, which allows users to dive straight into a project.
Embroidery enthusiasts will truly be able to take their designs to the next level, thanks to the 2 & 3 letter monogramming fonts, 11 fonts and 4MB memory bank for storing personalized and niche designs via the USB port.
Those who like editing designs can do so straight from the computer with the Unique Stitch Composer™
Other features
This is a Janome Memory Craft that was built with embroidery in mind, with 9mm maximum stitch width and 5mm max stitch length.
Those who work with large projects are bound to benefit from the maximum hoop size of 9.1 X 11.8” and 15” stainless steel bed for a large embroidery area.
Those who like to work with multiple materials or tricky layers will find that this Janome Memory Craft takes away the hard work, all thanks to the 7 piece feed dog system.
Price Range
One of the downsides is actually quite obvious—and that’s the price range. I wouldn’t say that this is something that would be within the budget for amateur or social sewers. However, professional or business sewers looking for a great commercial embroidery machine may love this Janome model despite the tag.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 30 inches
- Weight: 62.7 Pounds
Pros
- Fast and heavy duty machine
- USB port makes for easy embroidery design import
- Multiple accessories; presser foot, sewing feet, and free motion foot
- Good sized embroidery area
- Automatic thread cutter
Cons
- Expensive
Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine
An embroidery unit that can import designs and has a lot of features.
Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine
This is another Janome Memory Craft embroidery unit that comes with a heavy price tag, which may not be feasible for non-expert sewers and creators.
But, don’t let that dissuade you from considering this Janome unit.
Designs
It is a unit where users can import designs through the included USB port or work with the 160 built in designs or six monogramming pressers, all with one step screen editing.
This is another machine that has some speed to it, but doesn’t “go like the clappers,” a referral to high speed I’ve heard in the sewing and designs community. The 500E can go up to a maximum speed of 860 stitches per minute, which is adjustable during designs and projects.
Automatic Tension Threading
There is also the handy feature of automatic tension threading, which gives the unit control over the tension without leaving users worrying about whether something will go wrong.
Embroidery enthusiasts will appreciate that this machine comes with 4 embroidery hoops so users can work with designs of different sizes regardless of presser foot.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Power Cable
- Dimensions: 30 x 27 x 26 inches
- Weight: 20 Pounds
Pros
- Adjustable sewing speed during a project
- Comes with pressers
- Varying hoop sizes
- 160 built in designs
- Fair stitches per minute
- Built in designs
Cons
- Expensive for non-professional sewers
Best Multi-Thread
Janome MB-4S 4 Needle Embroidery Machine
It wouldn’t be a Janome lineup without the MB-4S, which is one of my favourite embroidering machines and is actually the “world’s first home use four needle embroidery machine” according to them.
This Janome machine quadruples the potential and capacity of other computerized machines, thanks to its multi needle capacity.
This is one of the best Janome embroidery machine units for embroidery because, like the name says, it’s built with embroidery in mind.
Designs
There are 100 built in designs that can be created at up to 800 stitches per minute, which is ample speed for all levels and experiences.
Those who like to create custom work can upload their designs to the internal machine unit memory, and the timesaving feature of the Bobbin Winding Motor allows users to create and thread a bobbin at the same time. Neat, right?
Automatic Threading
One time saving feature that this Janome embroidery machine does not have is the automatic threading element.
This is part of some of the other featured computerized machines in this line up.
This means that users will have to thread a needle themselves rather than having a unit do it for them.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Power Cord
- Dimensions: 26 x 18 x 25.5 inches
- Weight: 64 Pounds
Pros
- USB Capabilities
- 1 year warranty
- Built in designs
Cons
- Expensive
- Threading can be confusing to non-expert embroiders
Best Janome Sewing Machine with Embroidery
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850
Comes with a host of embroidery functions and features that improve the sewing experience overall.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850
This is a personal favorite Janome embroidery machine, as it is another one that comes with a host of embroidery functions and features that improve the sewing experience overall. This machine is also on my list of the best embroidery machines, which you can read here.
Features
There is a 7 piece feed dog to help users guide tricky materials that some struggle with (it’s satin for me).
Embroiders can choose from 175 built in embroidery designs, which can be accessed from the easy to navigate, full color LCD screen. This includes 2 fonts with European characters, 2 and 3 letter monogramming functionality, and USB design transfer.
If you’re unclear on the differences between embroidery and monogramming, I wrote an article that might help you understand it.
Stitching
Those who like full control of designs will appreciate the flexible stitch traveling by units of 1, 10, and 100 editing functions on offer as well as the maximum embroidery area size of 6.7” X 7.9” and adjustable hoop positioning with standard hoops of 5.5” X 5.5”.
One of my personal favorite features of this is the speed control slider, which allows full control of the 800 stitches per minute, even mid-sew!
Also, I love the selection of snap on presser feet that makes it easy to switch up designs and stitches when embroidering.
Automatic Needle Threader
This Janome also has the hand automatic needle threader, so users can focus on sewing and not fiddling with needles which can be tricky when sewing late in the night!
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Cord
- Dimensions: 9 x 19 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 23 Pounds
Pros
- Feed dogs
- Feed dog system
- LCD editing
- Selection of designs built in
- Imported designs possible
- Amazingly fast sewing speed
- Speed can be adjusted mid-designs
- Fair stitches per minute
Cons
- Expensive
Is Janome a good embroidery machine?
Whether an embroidery machine will mesh with a user well is always down to each individual experience.
However, I would say that a Janome sewing and embroidery machine can be an amazing embroidery unit if you find the right one to fit your sewing experience level and requirements.
Innovation
The one thing I will say about Janome is that they have been at the forefront of innovation within the sewing, crafting, and creations communities for nearly a century.
They were the first to introduce a computerized machine for home use in the 70’s, embroidery sewing machine units for the home in the 90’s, and long arm quilting sewing machine in the 00’s.
They have truly changed the way we sew and make our sewing designs.
Where are Janome embroidery machines made?
Janome started out in Japan, and now has plants in Taiwan and Thailand that produce the best Janome embroidery machines.
They also export computerized sewing machine units for over 100 countries across the globe and have sold over 60 million Janome embroidery machines total since they started nearly 100 years ago.
Is Janome better than Brother?
This is a complex question that has a few answers depending on the needs of a user—and how “better” is defined.
I would personally define “better” as a sewing machine that is value for money and offers a long life with little to no sewing machine design issues.
Durability
One interesting point I have from using machines and perusing many machine reviews is that the Janome brand tends to be more durable.
This is due to the materials that the best Janome embroidery machine models are made from.
These sewing and embroidery machines are made from long-lasting metal, while plastic is normally used by Brother.
This alone could affect the life of a sewing machine, with plastic not lasting anywhere near as long as a metal embroidery machine Janome offers.
Design
From an aesthetic standpoint, Brother and Janome machines differ.
Brothers are normally modern or futuristic looking and the best Janome embroidery machine tends to be sleek and timeless.
With a Brother sewing machine, there is the chance that the sewing machine unit may not look as fashionable in a few years.
On the other hand, a Janome Memory Craft unit may still look stylish in five years due to the seamless, less cluttered, sleek metal design approach.
Is Janome better than Singer?
Again, this is not a simple yes or no answer, as both brand sewing machines offer different usability and sewing experiences depending on what a sewer wants from a sewing or embroidery project.
Janome has made what I consider to be the best computerized embroidery machine around so I can definitely vouch for their quality. Still, what you need will depend on what features matter to you.
Features
Typically, Janome embroidery machines offer more features and elements that can enhance the project experience.
I find that a Janome embroidery machine offers many more built-in stitches, in-built designs, and faster sewing speeds than Singer machines.
Janome embroidery machines are made to be lightweight and powerful sewing and embroidery units, so they tend to pack a punch despite their sometimes small size.
Things to consider when buying the best janome embroidery machine
Purpose
Think about what you want to use your embroidery machine for and how it will improve the sewing and embroidery experience.
Are you getting a machine for more stitches per minute or built in designs?
Usability
Do you need features like a built in needle threader, extended 9.1 X 11.8 space, or a large, clear, and user friendly screen?
Taking note of these points and pondering about how an embroidery machine will live its life is key to ensuring the very best investment, and making sure that money isn’t wasted!
What’s the point in purchasing the best Janome embroidery machine if it has features or elements that won’t be used or benefited from?
Skill Level
Think about your experiences with an embroidery machine. Do you know your way around a machine, or are you a beginner with regards to the embroidery machines Janome has to offer?
If you aren’t used to navigating an embroidery machine yet, consider a machine that doesn’t have as many bells and whistles compared to a machine from a higher price bracket.
For example, someone less versed with using a Janome machine may struggle getting to grips with features like an automatic thread cutter, which can lead to creators cutting thread mid-sew by accident.
Sewing Machine Features
Then, there are elements like the free arm or stitches per minute.
These can really throw a user off if they are not experienced, affecting the final design and project outcome.
Someone who has experience behind the pedal of an embroidery machine can choose from a wider selection of embroidery machine units, taking projects to the next level.
Users who know their way around the best Janome embroidery units can confidently select an embroidery unit that has many features like extended built in designs, automatic thread cutter, swapping feet, or editing thread tension throughout a creation—all without feeling overwhelmed.
Price
What can you afford to invest in the best Janome embroidery machine?
There’s no point spending a small fortune on a Janome Memory Craft unit that is outside your range.
There is a range of machines on offer from Janome, so there is bound to be something you need to enhance the sewing and embroidery experience without unnecessary spending.
If you are a professional or expert creator who runs a small business from their home for example, I would suggest spending a bit more in order to increase the quality of the items you deliver.
Value
No one wants a sub-par item after spending a small fortune on a new machine.
Someone who is a beginner or less experienced in the field of sewing doesn’t have to fret, as there are Janome Memory Craft units available that are easy to use, offer a range of built in designs, and offer a decent number of stitches per minute at a fair speed.
Those who run big businesses or need the very best due to volume or production numbers should consider spending more for a better, more powerful Janome machine.
Warranty
If you want to sleep easy at night with the knowledge that you are covered should your machine become faulty, get a unit that has a long warranty.
You don’t want a machine to break mid-project and not be covered by a warranty, which means spending more on a new machine, or at least on repairs.
Experts or professionals from an industry environment will also want a warranty that offers as much time as possible to ensure they get the very best out of the machine.
Beginners, or those who may be new to embroidery, can select a Janome machine or unit with a lower warranty if they wish. However, this doesn’t offer protection for as long obviously! For a more comprehensive list of the ones I’ve reviewed check here.
Build
How a Janome memory craft is built compared to other units makes them stand out from the crowd, as they are built to last.
Many embroidery enthusiasts find that their Janome Memory Craft machines last longer because they are made of metal rather than plastic.
Portability
Build affects portability and placement of a unit—no one wants a heavy machine they can’t move around if they buy it for transporting around.
The build and materials used in the creation process also indicate the type of technology inside a machine. Metal, heavy, high quality machines tend to hold heavy-duty parts inside that help improve machine performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What format does Janome use?
Best Thread for Janome Embroidery Machine
Silk thread
Polyester thread
Best Needles for Janome Sewing and Embroidery Machines
Red tipped sharp needles
Titanium needles
What SD card is best for a Janome MC350 embroidery machine?
Design Transfer
NOTE
Most modern machines do have a USB port included which makes the process easier, and on the MC350 it is under the card slot near the front. But, if designs do not show up they will have to be formatted like above.
Wrapping Up the Thread
And that’s it for this roundup—have you decided yet which is the best sewing machine for free motion quilting? For a recap, take a quick look below.
Sewing with Embroidery
Top Pick
The top pick would be the Janome Memory Craft 14000, as it can create embroidery with ease and comes with anything a user could want to work in peace. It also shouldn’t break your price range too much!
Best Janome Sewing Machine with Embroidery
The best Janome machine for a home setting in my eyes is Janome 9850, which comes with enough accessories to start at once. And, it’s a great all around machine without some of the bells and whistles of more expensive units.
Best Value
The ideal Janome for value is the MOD-30, hosting built in designs and fair stitches per minute.
Best Multi-Thread
The best multi-thread unit is the MB-4S as it opens up a world of design potential for users compared to other machines.
It comes with an automatic thread cutter, high presser foot, and built in designs for days.
Share Your Thoughts
I hope you take something away that will really help you!
Until next time, you can take a look at other articles on a host of machine topics such as this review of cheap embroidery machines.
If you have any thoughts, feel free to get in touch via social media.
I can’t wait to hear about your projects and sewing adventures with Janome!
