Janome Memory Craft 6650 Review: Everything You Need To Know

The Janome Memory Craft 6650 is one of Janome’s premium sewing and quilting machines. With excellent stitch quality, robust construction, and loads of features, it is designed to meet the needs of experienced sewists.

In this in-depth review, we will cover everything you need to know about the Janome MC6650 – from features to performance to maintenance.

Whether you are looking to upgrade your current machine or invest in your first high-end model, read on to see if the MC6650 is the right fit for your sewing needs.

Overview of the Janome Memory Craft 6650

The Janome MC6650 sewing and quilting machine comes loaded with features designed to make sewing faster, easier and more precise. Here are some of the key specifications:

170 built-in stitches including 9 one-step buttonholes and 2 alphabets
Maximum sewing speed of 1000 stitches per minute
Large 10” x 4.7” sewing bed
Superior needle threading system
Easy set top loading bobbin
Large 3.6” backlit LCD screen
Start/stop button for control
Speed control slider
6 LED lights for illumination
Heavy duty metal interior frame and body

Price: The Janome MC6650 has an MSRP of $1799 but can be found online for $1500-$1600.

Best Suited For: Intermediate to advanced sewers, especially quilters. The large work area and robust construction make the MC6650 a great fit for frequent sewing and quilting use.

Image source: Janome

Key Features and Benefits of the Janome MC6650

Here we take a deeper look at some of the stand-out features that make the Janome Memory Craft 6650 a powerful sewing and quilting machine.

170 Built-in Stitches with 2 Fonts

The MC6650 comes equipped with 170 stitches straight out of the box, including 9 one-step buttonhole styles. This gives you plenty of options for decorative stitching, satin stitching, heirloom sewing and more. It also includes Block and Script alphabets in upper and lowercase to allow for basic monogramming.

While 170 stitches is not unusual for this class of machine, the MC6650 does offer more built-in stitches compared to the cheaper Janome models like the DC1050 which has only 50 stitches.

Maximum Sewing Speed of 1000 SPM

With a maximum sewing speed of 1000 stitches per minute, the MC6650 is significantly faster than a beginner level machine. This allows you to complete projects much quicker – especially when sewing long seams or large amounts of straight stitching.

The speed control slider allows you to limit the maximum speed while sewing for more control. But for impatient sewists like me, having the option to go full throttle is a great productivity booster!

Large 10″ Sewing Bed

The MC6650 boasts an extra large 10″ x 4.7″ sewing bed that provides ample space for managing large quilts or home decor projects. The free arm is a full 10 inches allowing excellent ease of movement. Janome touts this as the largest throat space in its class.

I especially appreciate the extension table (sold separately) which increases workspace even more for those big quilting jobs.

Superior Needle Threading

No more squinting and struggling to thread the eye of the needle! The MC6650 has a superior needle threading system that makes threading a breeze. Simply lower the lever and the thread is pushed through the needle automatically.

Combined with the advanced auto needle threader, you can go from changing a spool to sewing in seconds.

Easy Set Top Loading Bobbin

The top loading bobbin system is convenient and jam resistant. Bobbins drop in from the top and are easy to insert correctly thanks to the visual guides. This style of bobbin also seems to need less frequent changing compared to front loading styles.

An independent motor allows you to wind bobbins without unthreading your machine which is a nice time saver. No more need to stop mid-project just because you ran out of bobbin thread!

Large Backlit LCD Screen

The MC6650 has a well-sized backlit LCD screen that makes it very easy to see your selections. It displays details on your chosen stitch including recommended foot, stitch length/width, presser foot pressure etc.

I like that it recommends the ideal foot for each stitch so you don’t have to guess or refer back to the manual. The screen has a nice crisp display and viewing angle.

Start/Stop Button

A start/stop button allows you to sew without the foot control which is handy when you need more precise control. I like using this feature for pivot quilting and maneuvering bulky parts of a project.

No more rolling back and forth on the foot control or accidentally hitting it! The start/stop button gives you fingertip control right on the machine.

Speed Control Slider

As mentioned earlier, the MC6650 has a speed control slider that sets the maximum sewing speed from slow to fast. I really like having the ability to limit speed when doing detailed work or using tricky fabrics. This gives you more control and prevents mistakes.

6 LED Lights

sewing machine lighting is often disappointing, but not on the MC6650! It has 6 bright LED lights positioned in 3 locations to illuminate the sewing area from multiple angles.

This eliminates any shadows and ensures you can see every stitch clearly. No more squinting or re-positioning lights as you sew!

Heavy Duty Metal Construction

From the internal framework to the body, the MC6650 uses metal construction. This gives it a sturdy, stable feel that stays put when sewing. The weight also helps absorb vibration.

While the metal body makes it a heavier machine at over 24 lbs, the stability is worth the trade off for avid sewers. You don’t want your machine creeping around when quilting large projects!

Using the Janome Memory Craft 6650

Now that we’ve covered the features, let’s discuss how the MC6650 performs for different sewing tasks. Here’s an overview:

Sewing Performance on Various Fabrics

The Janome MC6650 handles a wide variety of fabrics with ease thanks to the Superior Feed System. Multiple layers of denim, stretch fabrics with plenty of give, silky satin – it powers through without distortion or skipped stitches.

The presser foot pressure is also adjustable so you can set it higher when working with multiple thick layers or heavier fabrics.

Thanks to the power and metal interior, the MC6650 sews smoothly even at higher speeds. This allows better stitch quality when sewing faster on long seams.

Ease of Use for Beginners vs Experienced Sewists

With its computerized functionality and wide range of stitches/settings, the Janome MC6650 is better suited for sewists who already have some experience.

While beginners can certainly learn to use it, there is a bit of a learning curve. It may be overwhelming for someone who has only used a basic mechanical machine before.

However, an experienced sewist will find it very intuitive and easy to use right out of the box. Most functions are clearly labeled with sewing guides printed for reference. The detailed manual and onboard tutorials help shorten the learning curve as well.

Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Capabilities

The MC6650 includes 2 alphabets for basic monogramming, but lacks any built-in embroidery designs. For serious embroidery, a machine like the Janome Memory Craft 400E would be better suited.

However, for sewing garments and quilting, the MC6650 is extremely capable. With the extension table and specialized quilting feet, it excels at free motion quilting even on large bed-sized quilts.

The long 10″ workspace lets you maneuver the fabric easily without bunching. For clothing construction, the variety of included utility and stretch stitches handle anything from delicate heirloom sewing to denim jeans.

Adjustable Stitch Length and Width

A handy feature for both quilters and sewists is the adjustable stitch length and width. This allows you to customize the stitch appearance and density for the project and fabric.

For quilting, you can set a shorter stitch length and reduced width for closer quilt lines. For decorative satin stitching, increase length to 5mm for bolder coverage.

Having this level of control over stitch settings gives you more creative possibilities.

Convenient Automatic Thread Cutter

The automatic thread cutter is a huge time saver and convenience. With the touch of a button, it instantly cuts both top and bobbin threads. No more hunting for scissors or manually snipping each thread!

I use this feature constantly anytime I need to secure a seam, backstitch or pivot. It keeps sewing projects moving along quickly.

Ample Clearance with High Presser Foot Lift

Even though the MC6650 does not have a full free arm, the high presser foot lift provides plenty of clearance for bulky projects. You can easily maneuver thick seams, multiple layers and dense quilts.

Slide sleeves, cuffs, collars or any 3D detail under the foot with room to spare. The presser foot lift is especially helpful when attaching bindings or bands to quilts.

Included Straight Stitch and Zig Zag Plates

The MC6650 comes with 2 handy needle plates – a straight stitch plate and a zig zag plate. You can swap them out easily without tools for the most precise stitching.

The straight stitch plate has a tiny hole perfect for straight stitch sewing with no play. This prevents puckering on seams even at high speeds. The zig zag plate offers room for wider stitch width motions.

Having both plates included allows you to switch for each project’s needs. No more purchasing additional plates!

Large Bobbin and Extended Sewing Time

The MC6650 has an oversized bobbin that holds significantly more thread than standard styles. Janome says their bobbins hold up to 40% more thread than competitors.

You can sew longer without interrupting your groove to change the bobbin. Fewer bobbin changes means you complete projects faster.

The independent winding motor helps make bobbin changing quick and easy. Just pop a new one in and keep on sewing!

Pros and Cons of the Janome MC6650

As with any sewing machine, there are some downsides to be aware of. Here is an overview of the biggest pros and cons of this model based on my experience and other reviews.

Pros

Excellent stitch quality even at high speed
Large 10” workspace for quilting
Fast maximum sewing speed (1000 SPM)
Sturdy metal interior frame
Superior needle threading system
Independent bobbin winding motor
Easy to follow LCD screen
Handy start/stop button
Bright LED lighting
Wide accessory package included
25 year limited warranty

Cons

Heavyweight at over 24 lbs
Limited to only 2 built-in alphabets
Presser foot pressure can be tricky to balance
No knee lift included
Smaller bobbins may not work right

While the MC6650 has an overall well-rounded feature set, there are couple drawbacks to note for your specific needs. Let’s look at these cons in more detail:

Heavy Weight – The metal chassis and body definitely add heft to this machine. It weighs in at over 24 lbs, making it one of the heaviest in its class. This is great for stability when sewing, but the machine is not easily portable.

Limited Alphabets – With only 2 built-in alphabets, monogramming capabilities are basic. An embroidery focused machine would be better if you want a wide selection of fonts and lettering.

Tricky Presser Foot Pressure – The adjustable presser foot pressure is a plus, but some users report it can be difficult to balance just right, especially for quilting. Getting it perfectly set for your project takes some trial and error.

No Included Knee Lift – A knee lift is not included with the MC6650. You need to buy this separately if you want the hands free lift functionality.

Bobbin Compatibility Issues – Janome designed this machine for their larger M-class bobbins. Some sewists report problems using generic or smaller bobbins, so stick with Janome originals.

Consider these limitations before choosing the MC6650, especially if you plan to travel with your machine or do extensive embroidery. For sewists focused on garments and quilting, however, the MC6650’s strengths seem to easily outweigh the downsides.

Maintenance and Care for the Janome MC6650

Like any quality appliance, some regular maintenance helps keep your MC6650 running smoothly. Here are my top tips for keeping your machine in optimal condition:

Cleaning

Remove lint and threads from around the feed dogs and bobbin case regularly. A soft brush or compressed air makes quick work of this.
Wipe down the body of your machine after each use to prevent buildup. A microfiber cloth works well to clean up stray lint/dust without damaging the finish.
Clean the entire machine thoroughly a couple times per year. Refer to your manual for proper methods based on part.

Oiling

Oil the moving internal parts about every 3-5 bobbins worth of sewing. Use only sewing machine oil and avoid over-oiling.
Put a drop of oil on each place recommended in the manual, like the racehook. Turn the handwheel to distribute the oil into the mechanics.
If the machine starts sounding louder than normal, it likely needs oiling. This regular maintenance prevents costly repairs down the road!

Changing Needles

Needles should be changed frequently, about every 4-6 hours of sewing or after finishing a big project. Consider keeping extra needles on hand so you always have a fresh supply.
Damaged needles (bent, dull etc.) should be changed immediately to prevent snags, skipped stitches, and potential machine damage. Don’t try to continue sewing with a bad needle.
Use the proper style, size and type of needle. Refer to your machine’s manual for the recommendations. Using universal needles in the 80/12 or 90/14 range is a safe bet.

Annual Service

Take your MC6650 in yearly for a professional tune-up and service. The techs will clean, adjust, lubricate, and replace any worn parts – restoring it to peak condition.
This preventative maintenance helps detect potential issues early and ensures your machine continues running smoothly for years of reliable service. Think of it as an oil change for your car!

Cover When Not in Use

Invest in a sewing machine cover or make one yourself. Keeping your MC6650 protected from dust, dirt, and debris when not sewing will help keep the machine looking and performing like new!

With proper care, your Janome MC6650 should deliver many years of quality service and keep you happily sewing away. Be diligent about regular maintenance and cleaning to maximize the lifespan of your investment.

Janome MC6650 Accessories

One of the perks of the MC6650 is it comes with an impressive array of accessories right in the box:

Janome Memory Craft 6650 Sewing Machine Accessories – Image Source: Janome

Included Accessory Feet:

Zigzag foot
Zipper foot
Buttonhole foot
Blind hem foot
Overcast foot
Rolled hem foot
Open toe satin stitch foot
Darning foot
Free motion quilting foot set (closed toe, open toe, zig zag)

Additional Included Accessories:

Bobbins
Needle pack
Seam ripper
Lint brush
Spool caps
Spool holder
Buttonhole stabilizer plate
Quilting guide bar
Screwdriver
Straight stitch needle plate
Zig zag needle plate
Dust cover
Foot control
Instruction manual
Hard shell case

This covers plenty of bases for both sewing and quilting needs. Janome also offers additional optional accessories like the extension table, 1/4″ foot for quilting, embroidery hoops and more.

I recommend picking up an extension table if you plan to do large quilting projects. The added surface helps support big quilts and makes free motion work easier.

An acrylic sewing machine cover is also a useful add-on to protect your machine from dust when stored. Check with your Janome dealer or their website for compatible accessories for the MC6650.

Janome Memory Craft 6650 vs Other Models

Janome makes several sewing machines in a similar class as the MC6650. How does it compare to options like the Janome MC6700P or the cheaper Janome DC1050? Let’s look at the key differences.

Janome MC6650 vs Janome MC6700P

As the model numbers suggest, these two machines are very similar with the MC6700P being the upgraded version. The main differences are:

Stitches: MC6700P has 200 built-in stitches vs 170 on the MC6650
Alphabets: MC6700P has 5 fonts vs only 2 on the MC6650
Max Speed: MC6700P sews slightly faster at 1200 SPM vs 1000 SPM
Feed System: MC6700P uses Janome’s AcuFeed Flex system while the MC6650 uses Superior Feed System
Needle Plates: MC6700P includes 3 vs 2 plates on the MC6650
Accessories: MC6700P comes with a few more accessory feet

The MC6700P does have more stitch selection and advanced features, but for about $200+ more. If you don’t need tons of decorative stitches, the MC6650 offers excellent value and performance for less.

Janome MC6650 vs Janome DC1050

As you’d expect, the lower priced DC1050 has reduced specs compared to the MC6650:

Stitches: DC1050 has 50 built-in stitches vs 170 on the MC6650
Needle Threader: DC1050 lacks superior needle threader
Bobbin: DC1050 uses front loading bobbin vs top loading on MC6650
Sewing Space: DC1050 has a smaller 8″ x 5″ bed vs 10″ x 4.7″ on MC6650
Speed: DC1050 max speed is 800 SPM vs 1000 SPM on the MC6650
LCD Screen: DC1050 has a smaller monochrome display vs backlit color on MC6650
Weight: DC1050 weighs under 15 lbs vs over 24 lbs for the metal framed MC6650

The DC1050 is about $600+ cheaper, but you lose many convenience features, less workspace, and lower speeds. The MC6650 is worth the upgrade if you can swing the price difference and want those advanced capabilities. Otherwise the DC1050 is a solid mid-range sewing machine.

Compared to options from other brands like Singer, Brother and Juki, the Janome MC6650 stacks up well:

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 has 600 stitches but a maximum speed of just 800 SPM. It has a shorter warranty and weighs much less than the metal Janome MC6650.
The Brother PQ1500SL is a good direct competitor for quilting focused features. But it lacks the stitch variety (only 215 built-in stitches) and superior threading system of the Janome MC6650.
The Juki TL-2000Qi is a favorite for quilting with a long 9″ work area. But it only has 225 stitches, manual needle threading, and no independent bobbin winding like the MC6650 offers.

Based on stitches, speed, accessories, workspace and quality – the Janome MC6650 holds its own against or bests similar models from other brands. If you prefer Janome as a sewing machine manufacturer, the MC6650 is one of your best choices in this price range.

Conclusion – Who is the Janome MC6650 Best Suited for?

The Janome Memory Craft 6650 is packed with features and performance that make it a joy for intermediate to advanced sewing enthusiasts to use. With excellent stitch quality, easy threading and bobbin features, a huge work area, and rugged construction – it tackles all fabrics with ease.

While beginners may find it overwhelming, the MC6650 grows with you. Starting out you can use the key straight stitch and zig zag options knowing that decorative stitches, lettering, and programming abilities are there when you need them.

Quilters will love the generous 10″ sewing space and included quilting feet. Garment sewers can whip through projects faster thanks to the 1000 SPM speed and automatic thread cutting while maintaining precision.

Janome’s reputation for quality shows through in the well-made metal construction. The MC6650 should outlast cheaper plastic machines by decades with proper care. This machine could easily become a lifelong companion for avid sewing and crafting.

Overall if you are looking to invest in a new higher end sewing and quilting machine, the Janome Memory Craft 6650 deserves serious consideration. The excellent value, performance, stitch quality and features make this a machine any Janome fan should have on their wishlist!