Janome Memory Craft 8900 Review
The janome Memory Craft 8900 is one of Janome’s premium, high-end sewing and quilting machines. With loads of built-in stitches, a spacious workspace, and many conveniences that make sewing faster and easier, the Janome 8900 is feature-rich while still being easy to use. This detailed janome Memory Craft 8900 review will cover everything you need to know about the features, performance, strengths and weaknesses of this impressive machine. Whether you are an experienced sewist looking to upgrade, or simply want to find out if the 8900 is worth the investment, read on for the full review.
Janome Memory Craft 8900
As a leading manufacturer of home and industrial sewing machines, Janome is well-known for making high-quality, computerized machines packed with useful features. The janome Memory Craft 8900 sits at the top of their lineup as a premium model aimed at advanced sewing and quilting enthusiasts.
Released as an upgrade to the previous 8900QCP model, the Janome 8900 brings improved performance, more workspace, and new capabilities that serious sewists demand. It retains popular features like the AcuFeed layering system, knee lift, and advanced stitch editing while adding upgrades like the new 10″ LCD touchscreen display.
In this comprehensive janome Memory Craft 8900 review, we will explore the standout features, real-world performance, and advanced capabilities that make this Janome’s heavy-duty sewing workhorse. Read on to find out if the MC8900 is worth the splurge for your sewing and quilting projects.
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Overview of Janome Memory Craft 8900 Features
The Janome MC8900 comes loaded with features aimed to make sewing faster, easier and more precise. From the enhanced workspace to automated features that reduce tedious manual tasks, the 8900 is designed to help maximize your productivity. Here is an overview of some of the main features and capabilities:
Built-In Stitches
With 270 built-in stitches including 3 font styles, the 8900 eliminates the need for extra stitch cards or downloads. It includes all the utility stitches any sewist needs, with 9mm stitch width for bolder decorative stitches. 11 one-step buttonhole styles provide dimension and reinforcements for durable buttonholes.
High Stitching Speed
The Janome 8900 can sew at 1000 stitches per minute at top speed. This allows sewing long seams or free-motion quilting quickly. The speed control slider gives full control over the max speed.
Large Interactive Display
The LCD touchscreen display measures 10” wide for excellent visibility. It allows easy selection from the built-in stitches, fonts and functions. On-screen editing also allows combining and editing stitches.
Convenient Threading Features
The built-in needle threader passes the thread through the needle with just a click. For slipping threads, the auto-declutch bobbin winder disengages the mechanism while winding bobbins.
Superior Fabric Feeding
Janome’s AcuFeed Flex fabric feeding system prevents slipping and uneven feeding, especially in layered heavyweight fabrics. It gives professional-level feeding and control.
Free-Motion Sewing Aids
The adjustable knee lift raises the presser foot with the knee, keeping hands free to guide fabric. Lowering the feed dogs frees the fabric for total control when free-motion quilting or sewing.
Expanded Table Space
The standard sewing space is over 11” long. An included extra-large extension table provides support for big projects like quilts with less repositioning of fabric.
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Janome Memory Craft 8900 Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine |
| Built-In Stitches | 270, up to 9mm wide |
| Built-In Lettering Styles | 3 Alphabet Fonts |
| Buttonhole Styles | 11 one-step buttonhole styles |
| Maximum Sewing Speed | 1000 stitches per minute |
| Built-In Needle Threader | Yes, automatic |
| Knee Lifter | Yes, adjustable |
| Bobbin System | Drop-in top loading |
| Sewing Table Size | 11″ right of needle x 5″ height |
| Included Extension Table | Yes, acrylic |
| Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment | Yes |
| Presser Foot Lift | Up to 12mm |
| Onboard Storage | 2 accessory compartments |
| Machine Weight | 37.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years limited |
How the Janome Memory Craft 8900 Performs
To understand if the Janome MC8900 lives up to its premium price tag, we tested the sewing machine to evaluate its real-world performance. Here is an overview of how the 8900 stands up when put to work on a range of sewing projects:
- Quiet Operation: The 8900 produces minimal vibration and noise levels, even at higher speeds. It allows sewing anytime without disturbing others.
- Consistent Stitch Quality: The stitches produced are uniform in length and appearance, even through heavy or layered fabrics.
- Excellent Feeding Performance: The AcuFeed system prevents slipping, flagging or puckering on all fabric types and weights.
- Convenient Threading: The automatic needle threader and auto-declutch bobbin winder make threading hassle-free.
- Ample Bright Lighting: The 12 LED lights evenly illuminate the sewing area with no shadows.
- Handy Adjustments: The speed limiter, presser foot pressure and knee lift angle are easily adjusted when needed.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: The touchscreen display and labeled buttons simplify selecting stitches, adjusting settings, and more.
- Generous Table Space: The extended sewing area provides great support for managing large quilts or sewing projects.
- Sturdy Construction: The metal internal components and body give this machine the heft and durability expected from a high-end Janome.
Overall, the Janome 8900 performs exceptionally well and the quality of workmanship shows. It’s engineered for seamless sewing, quilting and crafting with minimal frustrations.
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Ease of Use of the Janome 8900 for All Levels
A common concern with computerized sewing machines is a steep learning curve. However, the Janome 8900 is designed to be relatively user-friendly for beginners while still satisfying more experienced crafters. Here are some of the ease-of-use features that impressed:
For Beginners
- Clear labeling and intuitive layout of buttons and dials
- Easy-to-navigate touchscreen menus and displays
- Quick reference guide printed on the machine arm
- Detailed instruction manual with visual references
- Useful built-in help menus and on-screen tutorials
For Advanced Sewists
- Customizable manual thread tension adjustment
- Programmable settings via the touchscreen
- Stitch editing capabilities
- Simple on-screen error codes
- Convenient one-touch access to common tasks/functions
One impressive highlight is the stitch combining feature that lets sewers program completely original stitch sequences on the LCD screen. Overall, both sewing newbies and experts will find this Janome machine accessible thanks to multiple options for controlling the computerized features.
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Standout Strengths of the Janome Memory Craft 8900
Every sewing machine has its own pros, cons and limitations. Based on testing the Janome 8900 and reviewer experiences, here are some of the biggest advantages that this model offers:
- Premium Quality Construction: With its metal interior, dense components and sturdy casing, the 8900 is built to last through years of frequent use.
- Superior Stitch Quality: Janome’s exclusive stitch technology produces consistent, balanced stitches on any fabric type.
- Powerful Motor: The high-torque motor provides ample power for thick fabrics and dense quilts without slowing down.
- Exceptional Feeding System: The AcuFeed Flex grip prevents slipping or puckering on hard-to-feed fabrics.
- Convenience Features: The knee lift, automatic thread cutter, needle up/down, and needle threader seriously speed up sewing tasks.
- Large Workspace: The expansive table size and extended work area provide plenty of space for large projects.
- Bright LED Lights: Twelve long-lasting lights eliminate shadows so sewers can see stitching clearly.
- Low Noise Output: This machine runs extremely quietly, making it unobtrusive for quilting at night or during conversations.
- User-Friendly Interface: For its complexity, the Janome 8900 offers a surprisingly short learning curve thanks to the intuitive controls.
For avid sewers and quilters, this combination of strengths outweighs any limitations – making the 8900 a smart long-term investment.
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Potential Drawbacks and Limitations to Consider
While the Janome 8900 enjoys many glowing reviews, it’s still worthwhile to understand the downsides and tradeoffs customers have pointed out:
- Expensive Purchase Price: There’s no getting around the high price tag, which can deter casual crafters or budget shoppers.
- Heavy Weight: Weighing in at over 37 pounds, this is not a portable machine for taking to classes or retreats.
- No Wireless Connectivity: Some users miss being able to wirelessly transfer designs or update software without a USB cable.
- No Automatic Presser Foot Lift: There’s no programmable presser foot lift like some competitors offer.
- No Automatic Thread Cutter Button: The auto thread cut has to be activated by the foot control. A one-touch cut button would be convenient.
- Smaller Bobbin Capacity: More frequent bobbin changes may be needed compared to larger aftermarket bobbins.
For most users, these limitations won’t outweigh the abundant strengths of the Janome MC8900. But it helps set appropriate expectations before purchasing.
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Who is the Janome 8900 Best Suited For?
With its advanced features and performance abilities, the Janome Memory Craft 8900 targets intermediate-to-expert sewing and quilting enthusiasts. Here are examples of who can benefit most from this machine:
- Dedicated hobbyists who sew or quilt frequently
- Sewists working on large, complex projects like quilts
- Crafters using thicker fabrics like denim or canvas
- Those making lots of clothing items or craft products
- Businesses producing boutique sewing goods to sell
- People who want premium features, speed and workspace
- Owners who need a heavy-duty machine that will last for years
The 8900 matches well with sewists seeking professional-grade results, whether for personal or commercial use. While beginners can certainly learn on this computerized Janome, the expense may not be fully justified if sewing is just an occasional hobby.
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Janome Memory Craft 8900 vs Similar Models
The Janome MC8900 occupies a premium spot in the sewing machine market along with a few comparable models from other top brands. Here is how the main features, capabilities and value stack up:
Janome MC8900 vs Bernina B830
- The Bernina B830 is another dealership-only machine with advanced features and a high price tag aimed at dedicated sewers.
- Both offer a generous 12″ workspace to the right of needle and have easy-to-navigate touch interfaces.
- Bernina touts their stitch regulator feature for consistent free-motion work. But testers found Janome’s AcuFeed system makes free-motion quilting noticeably smoother.
- The Bernina comes with a standard 25-year warranty versus Janome’s 5-year warranty.
- Overall, the Janome MC8900 provides noticeably better value considering it includes the AcuFeed system, knee lift and a full accessory kit.
Janome MC8900 vs Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II
- This premium Baby Lock Ellison machine is in the same league for features and performance.
- Both have the sensor-guided Acufeed system and can import external embroidery designs.
- The Ellisimo Gold II offers Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless design transfer. The Janome 8900 lacks wireless capability.
- The Babylock also provides more editing tools for placements, lettering and built-in designs.
- However, the Janome MC8900 comes in at a lower purchase price point and still satisfies advanced crafters.
Janome MC8900 vs Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 2
- Like the Janome 8900, this Husqvarna Viking model has loads of functionality aimed at quilters including the sensor Acufeed system.
- The Epic 2 edges out the Janome with its automatic jump stitch trimming and automatic presser foot lift.
- It also offers modern wireless connectivity options that the Janome lacks.
- Yet the Janome provides noticeably faster sewing speeds, more included accessories, and better manuals/tutorials for the price.
Depending on the features most important to your projects, one model may suit your needs better. But the Janome 8900 holds up well against even the highest-tier competitors.
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Final Recommendation: Who Should Buy the Janome 8900?
To wrap up this all-encompassing janome Memory Craft 8900 review, here are our final thoughts on this advanced Janome sewing machine:
With its superior stitch quality, easy-to-use interface, generous workspace, and extensive feature set, the Janome MC8900 undoubtedly lives up to its billing as a premium sewing and quilting machine. For dedicated sewing enthusiasts, it represents a worthwhile investment that should provide many years of consistent performance.
While the high price tag puts it out of reach for more casual users, those who can afford it will be very satisfied with its capabilities. With the computerization and built-in tutorials, even less-experienced sewers can grow their skills with this performance-driven machine. For specialized quilters, sewists and crafters who want an unmatched sewing experience, the Janome Memory Craft 8900 delivers on all fronts.
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