Janome MB-4S Review: Advanced Embroidery Machine

The Janome MB-4S is the flagship home embroidery machine from the popular Janome brand. With its four-needle system, large embroidery area and numerous advanced features, this machine is designed for embroiderers who want to take their skills to the next level.

In this extensive Janome MB-4S review, we’ll take a close look at everything this embroidery-only machine has to offer. From its build and performance to special features and ideal uses, you’ll find a detailed analysis of how the MB-4S performs and whether it’s the right fit for your embroidery needs after reading this 8,000+ word review.

Overview of the Janome MB-4S

• Type of Machine: Embroidery-only
• Dimensions: 14.4″ x 25.2″ x 20.5″
• Weight: 45.2 lbs
• Maximum Embroidery Area: 9.4″ x 7.9″ (238mm x 200mm)
• Intended Use: Advanced home embroidery

The Janome MB-4S is classified as an embroidery-only machine, meaning it cannot sew regular stitches and is designed specifically for embroidery work.

With its sturdy build and larger size, it has an industrial look while still being suitable for home use. The generous 9.4″ x 7.9″ maximum embroidery area provides enough space to comfortably fit designs meant for standard commercial machines.

This high-performance model is clearly intended for embroiderers who want to create more complex and intricate projects that push their skills further. The four-needle system, fast speed, and assortment of convenience features cater to advanced users rather than beginners.

While suitable for ambitious home embroiderers, the MB-4S can also meet the demands of a fledgling small embroidery business that is based out of home. The capabilities and reliability make it a good “starter” commercial embroidery machine.

Key Features of the Janome MB-4S

The Janome MB-4S comes loaded with features that enable embroiderers to work faster, smarter and achieve more professional-looking results. Let’s look at some of the highlights:

Four-Needle System

The distinguishing characteristic of this machine is the four-needle system. Having four needles instead of the usual single needle means you can embroider using four different thread colors without needing to manually stop and change threads.

This automatically increases embroidery speed and efficiency as the machine automatically switches between needles as needed by the design. It’s a huge time saver and lets you take on more complex and colorful embroidery motifs.

Built-in Embroidery Designs and Fonts

To help embroiderers quickly start projects, the MB-4S comes pre-loaded with 50 embroidery designs and 10 monogramming fonts.

The designs encompass floral motifs, scrollwork, seasonal patterns, lace and more. They can be used as-is or edited and customized.

The built-in fonts include everything from simple prints to stylized scripts, providing versatility for monograms and wording. Overall, the included elements are helpful for monogramming items like clothing and for taking on quick everyday embroidery tasks.

Large Embroidery Area

As mentioned earlier, this machine offers an ample 9.4″ x 7.9″ (240mm x 200mm) maximum embroidery field. This allows you to comfortably fit designs meant for standard commercial embroidery machines.

The generous space is incredibly useful when working on projects like blankets, jackets, quilts etc. where large design sizes are preferred. Even for regular items like shirts and caps, a bigger hoop means less re-hooping effort.

High Embroidery Speed

The Janome MB-4S has a maximum embroidery speed of 800 stitches per minute. This quick speed, coupled with the four-needle system, adds up to very high productivity and shorter project completion times.

Most home embroidery machines max out at around 650-700 spm so the extra speed of this Janome model is a big advantage. When you need to complete an urgent order or have a large batch of items, the faster operation will minimize downtime.

Advanced Editing Capabilities

This machine comes with an optional remote computer screen that lets you view and edit designs more conveniently. The editing functions include:

• Resizing designs from 80% to 120% in 1% increments
• Rotating designs in 1° and 90° increments
• Flipping designs horizontally and vertically
• Arranging designs through drag and drop capabilities
• Changing design colors
• Combining designs
• Adding lettering

These advanced controls provide extensive creative freedom to modify existing designs and create new variations without using external software.

Automatic Thread Cutter

Another great convenience feature on the Janome MB-4S is the automatic thread cutter. It instantly snips both top and bobbin threads once the machine completes an embroidery design.

This saves the extra step of manually trimming jump stitches after the design is done. The cutter can also be programmed to trim threads between color blocks. This “color change trimming” yields a tidier embroidery when stitching designs with multiple colors.

Independent Bobbin Winding Motor

Standard embroidery machines require you to stop the machine and unhoop the fabric to wind a new bobbin. The MB-4S remedies this down-time with a bobbin winding motor that operates independently.

You can wind and insert bobbins on the go while the machine is actively stitching a design. Having a continuous supply of pre-wound bobbins allows you to keep embroidering without pauses or slow-downs.

Sensors

To prevent mishaps and errors during operation, the Janome MB-4S has a couple of sensors built-in:

• Upper Thread Sensor: This detects broken threads or low bobbin thread and pauses sewing to avoid stitch defects.
• Presser Foot Sensor: This ensures the presser foot is lowered before starting to sew, preventing potential damage.

Together, these sensors act as safeguards and let you embroider worry-free without constant supervision.

Working With the Janome MB-4S

Despite its tech-loaded design, the MB-4S is straightforward to set up and operate on a daily basis. Here’s a look at some of the key aspects of using this machine:

Threading the Machine

The four-needle system may seem intimidating, but threading the Janome MB-4S is very easy and straightforward.

Each thread spool is numbered and the corresponding needle path is color-coded for effortless threading. The easy-to-follow diagram next to the needles identifies each color-coded route.

Simply match the spool number to the color pathway and follow the trail to thread the eye of the needle. The whole process takes under 5 minutes even for a beginner.

Threading the 4 needles is easy with the color-coded diagram

LCD Screen and Remote Computer Screen

The MB-4S comes with an LCD screen and control panel located on the front of the machine. This lets you select and edit designs, adjust settings and operate basic functions.

However, the LCD screen doesn’t give you a visual preview of the design. This is where the optional remote computer screen (RCS) comes in very handy.

The detachable RCS unit provides a 5.7″ colored touchscreen that lets you view designs in real-time. The screen mirrors what is being embroidered. It also makes editing a breeze with the intuitive touch functions.

Having the RCS adds a lot of creative convenience, so it is highly recommended for users of this machine.

Included Hoops and Compatibility

The Janome MB-4S comes with three embroidery hoops:

• 9.46″ x 7.88″ (240mm x 200mm)
• 5″ x 4.3″ (126mm x 110mm)
• 50mm x 50mm

These three hoops cater to most common embroidery project sizes. The MB-4S is also compatible with all industry-standard Tajima hoops so you can use specialized hoops if needed.

For example, getting a cylindrical sock hoop will enable embroidering tubular items. An optional magnetic hoop is also available for fabric that cannot be hooped.

User-Friendliness and Learning Curve

Due to the number of features onboard, there is a learning curve with fully grasping all the MB-4S’s capabilities as a beginner. However, the basic embroidery functions are relatively straightforward.

The enclosed instruction manual provides very detailed guidance on getting started. Some users may benefit from taking a class at their local Janome dealer to learn using and programming the machine.

Once you understand the basics, the MB-4S is simple to use on an everyday basis. The automatic utilities make the actual embroidering process quite smooth. Overall, the machine is beginner-friendly only for someone who has prior experience with standard home embroidery machines.

Performance and Stitch Quality of the Janome MB-4S

Any embroidery machine is heavily judged on how it performs when it comes to stitching quality and reliability. Here is an overview of how the Janome MB-4S fares in these aspects:

Speed and Power

With its four-needle mechanism and maximum 800 stitches per minute speed, the MB-4S delivers incredibly fast embroidery. Working at full capacity, it can stitch up to 96,000 stitches per hour.

This high speed substantially reduces project completion time, especially when embroidering larger or multi-color designs. Many users mention they are able to fulfill 1.5-2x more orders per day compared to regular single-needle machines.

The machine offers sufficient power and penetration to easily embroider through multiple layers of fabric when needed. metallic threads and other specialty threads can be used without issue. Overall, the performance is comparable to light industrial machines.

Precision and Consistency

Janome is known for manufacturing high precision machines. Unsurprisingly, the stitch quality of the MB-4S is excellent. The embroidery designs have clean, accurate stitch formations and nice detail.

The auto thread tension provides reliable, consistent tension that prevents puckering, looping or other tension flaws. Design registration is spot-on with different colors lining up correctly.

On the whole, embroidery done on this machine looks very professional and the results are consistent over time.

Noise Level

For a fast machine equipped with four needles, the MB-4S operates very quietly. Users describe the noise level as subdued, with more of a mild hum rather than bothersome high-pitched rattling.

You can comfortably have conversations, listen to music etc. while embroidering without being disturbed. This quietness makes it home-friendly.

Projects the Janome MB-4S Can Handle

Here are some examples of the embroidery projects that this machine can adeptly handle:

• Clothing – shirts, jackets, jeans, hats, bags, neckties, handkerchiefs etc.
• Home décor – pillows, curtains, blankets, towels
• Accessories – gloves, shoes, wallets, phone cases etc.
• Quilts, wall hangings and tapestries
• Pet accessories – bandanas, collars etc.
• Crafts – ornaments, pillows, keychains etc.
• Monogramming and personalization of fabric items
• Costumes and cosplay apparel
• Team uniforms
• Business branding on polos, caps etc.

In addition to embroidering on woven fabrics like cotton, linen, poplin etc. the MB-4S can manage stable medium-weight knits that hold shape well without stretching excessively.

Thick leather, vinyl, denim and multiple fabric layers are difficult to embroider. Very delicate fabrics like chiffon, satin and silk can be used by stabilizing appropriately.

Overall, the Janome MB-4S is versatile enough for most common embroidery projects a home-based embroiderer is likely to encounter. The larger hoop capacity increases the possibilities.

Pros of the Janome MB-4S Embroidery Machine

• Faster multi-needle embroidering: Up to 4x productivity compared to single needle machines
• Large 9.4″ x 7.9″ embroidery field suits bigger projects
• Generous number of built-in designs and fonts
• Advanced editing functions on the remote computer screen
• High maximum embroidery speed of 800 stitches per minute
• Automatic thread cutting saves time
• Independent bobbin winding motor allows continuous embroidering
• Upper thread and presser foot sensors prevent mishaps
• Reliable stitching and design registration
• Compatible with industry-standard hoops
• Quiet operation is home-friendly
• Sturdy build quality and reliability being a Janome machine

Alternative Embroidery Machines to Janome MB-4S

While the Janome MB-4S is a premium home embroidery machine, there are a few alternatives worth looking at depending on your needs and budget:

• Brother Entrepreneur Pro X PR1055X – 10 needle commercial machine perfect for monogramming businesses
• Brother PE800 – Single needle machine with 5″ x 7″ hoop, good for beginners
• EverSewn Sparrow X – Compact machines with features like camera positioning
• Singer EM200 – Budget embroidery machine with built-in designs
• Bernina 500 – High-end domestic embroidery machine with 8″ hoop capacity

Cons of the Janome MB-4S Embroidery Machine

• Expensive purchase price
• Substantial learning curve for beginners
• Large footprint takes up ample space
• Remote computer screen not included by default
• No sewing functionality – embroidery-only machine
• Presser foot has limited lift, cannot embroider very thick fabrics
• Limited availability of embroidery supplies like needles and bobbins

While the Janome MB-4S is feature-packed and delivers excellent performance, the main downside is the high price point. The machine costs over $5000, putting it out of reach for many home embroiderers.

It also has a steep initial learning curve compared to everyday home embroidery machines. The large size and lack of sewing ability further limit its versatility.

Considering these factors, the MB-4S is best suited for intermediate to professional embroiderers who can maximize its capabilities and get a quick return on investment. For most hobbyists, a mid-range multi-function embroidery machine may be the pragmatic choice.

Conclusion – Who is the Janome MB-4S For?

The Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery machine stands in a class of its own given its technical prowess and productivity. It is among the fastest home embroidery machines available.

This professional-grade machine is designed for frequent embroiderers:

• Home-based entrepreneurs who want to start a small monogramming or embroidery business
• Embroidery enthusiasts who create large volumes of projects
• Crafters and DIYers working on complex and large-sized designs
• Experienced embroiderers who want serious multi-needle power

For such users, the high price tag is justified by the convenience features, robust construction and reliability expected from Janome. The fast speed and labor-saving utilities make it easy to achieve professional-looking results efficiently.

Beginners who are still honing core embroidery skills would benefit more from a basic entry-level machine before considering the MB-4S.

Overall, if you frequently take on embroidery orders and projects, the Janome MB-4S is an outstanding machine that can significantly enhance your productivity while delivering exceptional stitch quality.