For a while now, I've been mulling over trading in my brother Innovis QC1000 that I've had since 2010. Pretty much replaced by my JUKI TL-2010Q in 2016, I've mostly used it for sew-ins, as a back-up, or when I wanted to quilt with its serpentine stitch. It's been ages since I've been 100% happy with it, thus the JUKI purchase. Honestly, though I've been happy with so much about the JUKI, lately I haven't been completely content with the quilting. Or is it my quilting? Not sure. All I know is stitches aren't always consistent, and feeding of the fabric layers isn't even.
Long story, short, last Monday when I was picking up my JUKI from service, I took time to check out the Janome Memory Craft 6700P. Several years ago, I had sewn on a friend's Janome all through an out of town retreat and thought it sewed like butter. And though that particular machine is no longer made (and way more than I needed), the clerk when I dropped JUKI off the week before suggested the 6700, so I'd been researching it. What I was really interested in was that AcuFeed Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System. With a 10" throat space (larger than both the JUKI and brother), the Janome also had three areas of lighting, the necessary (to me) needle-threader, two different quarter-inch feet, an independent bobbin-winder (similar to the brother) and that serpentine stitch I like. I was tempted.
So I initiated conversation about the price and maintenance plan, and contrary to what I'd been told the week before, it was now 1/3 off due to the shop's moving sale. No more consideration was necessary. That elusive 'better' quilting quality made me want to try it. So I've had it a week, and I like it very very much. I've made a baby quilt, and the quilting (and piecing and binding) quality met my hopeful standards. Obviously I need more time on it - and larger quilts - to share a valid opinion, so I'll be back at some point with more of a review. And I'm not saying goodbye to my JUKI, especially for piecing and bags (and ??), but I'm going to spend a little time getting to know the Janome, and then we'll see.
Sounds like a fun adventure! And yes, keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI upgraded from a 6500 to a Janome 6650 last summer and love the Start/Stop button - great for making frankenbatts and quilting small projects (placemats mostly.) Less strain on my back and right foot. I pieced a log cabin twin quilt using the feature.
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering if I'd be happier quilting on a Janome for years now, but I definitely don't want a much more electronic machine than my Juki, so I've been torn. I will look forward to getting more updates from you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and recommendation. When my Pfaff died I replaced it with a Janome 8200QCP. Six years ago? I really like the serpentine stitch. However, the straight stitch (either centered or 1/4") has REALLY declined. I can push the stitch length up to the max and it still sews small -- probably the feed dogs aren't gripping properly??
ReplyDeleteMy Pfaff has a 10" throat space and that's a game changer for so many things (not just quilts). I also have two different 1/4" feet and when I take my travel machine somewhere I find I'm disappointed by not having the option. I hope you love your machine. I'll have to see if my Pfaff has a serpentine stitch!
ReplyDeleteagreed! That throat space helps so much! And the serpentine is nice for a baby quilt or one that just can benefit from a little curvy. Plus, it sews up fast!
DeleteI have a Janome Skyline S7 with the AcuFeed system and I love that feature! It's great for straight line and serpentine stitches, my two main go to stitches for quilting. I look forward to hearing what you think!
ReplyDeleteI have three Janomes and I love them all. enjoy your new machine!
ReplyDeleteHopped over here to read your blog post about your new machine. Sounds great! I love my original little Janome - and still feel a loyalty to it. LOL. Now I basically use it when I need a zigzag stitch (it doesn’t have any other stitches as it’s a very entry level machine). I do find that when I need to switch to it from my Juki I seriously miss the Juki’s beveled head area - so nice for visibility when you’re tall. I’ll look forward to seeing how your new machine journey goes.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you! It's always a big leap to settle on a sewing machine that's "just right," and it sure seems like this Janome fits your criteria. For a short while, before buying my Bernina 770QE, I quilted with a Janome 1600P. It was great for that - quilting only - but I wanted an all-in-one sewing machine. Seems like this model fulfills every desire. Is the Acu Feed Flex part like a "walking foot" or "dual feed"? Did this machine coming with the capability of free motion quilting? With a fmq foot? Does it need a feed dog cover? Interesting about it having two different quarter-inch feet. Sorry to know about the Juki not being quite right. I tested that model and declined because I thought it was noisy, and that's idicative of gears not engineered soundly.
ReplyDeletewonderful
ReplyDeleteI use a Janome and have also worked on a different Janome machine. I was happy with both. Somhow me and Bernina don't work well together... And I have not seen a Juki over here yet ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope you two got to know each other already and that you are still happy with the new machine. xo
Hi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteA few months later and I’m wondering how this machine has worked out for you. Has it lived up to your standards?
Hi Anne. YES! It has a quirk or two, but overall I am very happy with it. I definitely get more consistent quilting stitches, which was one thing I was hoping for. Did you see this post from September?? - https://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/2025/09/getting-to-know-you-janome.html
DeleteI didn’t find your September post so I will check that out. Thanks so much. I am considering a new machine so this one is on the list.
DeleteGood luck making your decision! Also, check out this review from Kitchen Table Quilting: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18357564400186417/
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