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Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Janome Memory Craft 500E, Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, and Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200 QCP.
Janome sewing machines have a long history of state of the art technology and workmanship. That reputation is upheld with this year’s addition to the Janome Horizon line, the Memory Craft 7700QCP, which we have reviewed here today. This quilting and machine has all of the bells and whistles any machine quilting enthusiast could ask for as, plus a free arm and more than 200 utility and decorative stitches. In addition, the solid steel frame guarantees that this is one of the sturdiest, hardest working sewing machines of its kind on the market today.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP Overview
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP is a computerized sewing machine designed for experienced sewers and quilters. It features 250 built-in stitches, including essential, decorative, and quilting stitches, and has an advanced 11-inch throat space for quilting large projects. The machine has adjustable stitch length and width, and an automatic one-step buttonhole function for easy and precise buttonhole creation. It also has advanced features such as an LCD touchscreen display, an automatic needle threader, and a built-in thread cutter for convenience. The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP comes with a range of accessories, including a range of presser feet, bobbins, and needles, and has a sturdy metal frame for durability.
If you ever wondered what a sewing machine looked like before the pretty exterior is put on, I invite you to drop by an authorized Janome dealer.
There, on display is a solid steel frame, sitting side by side with a finished Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP sewing and quilting machine. This is no fluke.
The people at Janome specifically sent the frame to show consumers exactly what is inside this new high tech sewing machine.
Unlike other sewing machines which are built on frames made of aluminum or some sort of alloy, the Horizon MC 7700 QCP is one of the few machines in its class that has a solid steel chassis.
This one simple fact assures the user of a more stable, vibration free sewing experience.
Add to that the durability that is a natural advantage of solid steel, the sleek appearance, free arm and adjustable contract backlit LCD screen, and you have what could possibly be one of the most popular sewing and quilting machines of 2012.
As for aesthetics, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP has an ergonomically designed touchpad mounted on its ruby toned front panel.
The touchpad is situated just above an oversized jog dial that is used to help users through the stitch selection process.
There is no wasted space here. The top of the machine head flips up to reveal a convenient stitch reference guide. You will also find presser feet stowed right alongside the thread spindle and bobbin winder.
The work table removes to expose a functional free arm; and it also houses more presser feet as well as extra bobbins and more of the many standard accessories.
In addition, a ruler marked in inches and centimeters is mounted on front of the removable accessories case/work table.
What are some alternatives for Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP?
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP is one of the many Memory Craft machines that we have reviewed so far. Here are a few more bestsellers from Memory Craft.
The Janome Memory Craft 500E empowers designers to express their unique style through personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations. Its intuitive features, including a full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions, offer unparalleled convenience. With a maximum embroidery size of 7.9" x 11" and 160 built-in designs, this machine caters to intricate projects. The automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and USB import capability enhance efficiency. Navigating through its advanced features is seamless, thanks to the vivid and user-friendly LCD color touchscreen, making the MC500E a versatile and inspiring tool for creative endeavors.
- Empowers designers with personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations
- Full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions for unparalleled convenience.
- Maximum size of 7.9" x 11" accommodates intricate projects
- Some users, especially beginners, might find the advanced features a bit overwhelming
Are you searching for a compact-size embroidery machine? Then, with Janome Horizon Memory Craft 850, your hunt just ended. The machine can impress you with its versatility and abundance of great features. It consists of sewing and embroidery modes, allowing you to easily switch between the skills. Moreover, the machine provides you with up to 200x 280mm hoop capabilities to ensure precision, especially during embroidery, and the latest needle threading system lets you do some vibrant stitching.
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 has all the functions and extras you could possibly need for quilting. The enormous 11" to the right of your needle is included on the Janome Memory Craft 8200. You will be able to quilt a large quilt easily in this area. There is a knee lift included with the Janome Memory Craft 8200 QCP. Your presser foot will simply rise up with a quick push to the right with your knee! You may easily make the last tweaks to your project while utilizing it with the needle down option!
The Horizon Memory Craft 8200QCP's typical free motion quilting settings are perfect for free motion quilters! You also receive a convertible free motion quilting foot with a closed toe, open toe, and clear view foot in addition to a darning foot that can be used for free motion quilting. It only takes a quick flick of a button on the machine's side to lower your feed dogs.
What are features on Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP?
Among the things that set this machine apart from the rest of the field are the standard features found on the Janome Horizon MC 7700QCP:
- 250 stitch options
- utility
- buttonhole
- appliqué’
- heirloom
- quilt
- bridge
- decorative
- long
- pictograph
- play
- 20 memory banks
- 11″x 4″ work area
- 2 on board bright LED lights
- Extra long free arm
- Ability to navigate through stitch selection process via LCD Screen or tactile jog dial
- Acufeed System allows the user to sew multiple layers of fabric evenly
- Automatic Plate Converter (APC)
- Extension table
- Fabric guide
- Precision quilt piecing system
- Seam guides etched onto the arm
- Needle plate angles
- Cornering guides
- Needle drops
Working on the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP
When threading this machine, I was pleasantly surprised at how uncomplicated the entire process is. The easy to use bobbin winder and thread guides were so clear and straightforward I believe someone who is new to sewing machines would be able to master these tasks with ease.
When it comes to identifying and selecting stitch options, the Horizon MC 7700 QCP makes the job as easy as possible. Rather than having to scroll through dozens of stitch options to get to the right one, users of this machine can get to the stitch they want in just two steps.
First they can either use the Mode button or jog dial to select one of several stitch groupings: utility, 22 utility, buttonhole, appliqué’, heirloom, quilt, bridge, decorative, long, pictograph, and play. In all honesty, I was a bit intrigued by what fell into the ‘play’ category. As it turns out, ‘play’ stitches were additional pictographs that depicted toys and other whimsical graphics that are ideal for use in sewing projects that will be given to the children in your life.
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP also has a dimmer dial on its LCD screen. This feature is especially helpful when sewing throughout the day.
As the natural light dims, users have the option of increasing the contract on the LCD screen… an excellent feature for those whose eyesight is changing after many years of sewing. The innovative Acufeed system is excellent for handling multiple layers of fabric.
When this feature is engaged, fabric is fed under the needle and over the feed dogs from both the to and bottom, making quilting and sewing thick layers of fabric is as easy as sewing a single layer or two layers of very thick fabric. When quilting and sewing multiple layers of fabric, anyone who works on the Horizon MC 7700 QCP also has the benefit of using the dual feed adjuster located on the right side of the machine, the drop feed button on the machine front, and the stitch balance adjusting screw which is also found on the front of the machine.
The last two controls are situated on either side of the slot where the knee lift is inserted. For nearly every review, I sample various utility and decorative stitch options. For this one, however, I decided to test the quilting function. By making this choice, I had an opportunity to test the Acufeed system and other features designed to make sewing multiple layers of fabric easier.
I toyed around with a few different stitch combination options and settled on a fairly simple quilt pattern. The stitches were easy to execute and with a few simple maneuvers, I was able to finish a quilting design approximately 12 inches by 12 inches in just a few short minutes.
The on board accessories case slides off to reveal the free arm when working with small intricate sewing projects such as hemming slacks, sleeves or attaching cuffs. When changing presser feet, the fact that there are so many to choose from is a major advantage.
When you consider the fact that your presser feet are stowed in the work table accessories case as well as under the flip cover on top of the machine head, the convenience and time saving advantages of owning a Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP increase tremendously.
Regardless of whether or not you are working with many fabric layers or making a simple dress, the convenient seam guides, drop in bobbin with its clear cover, speed control slider, start/stop, needle up and down, reverse stitch, auto lock and thread snip buttons are not only easy to access, they go even further to enhance the sewing experience.
Which fabrics work on the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Upholstery Canvas/Twill Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Plastic/Rubber |
What accessories work on the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP?
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP comes with one of the most impressive lists of standard accessories that exist for sewing and quilting machines of this type.
That list of accessories includes:
- 16 Presser feet
- Convertible free motion quilting
- Border guide
- Automatic buttonhole
- Zipper
- Blind hem
- Satin stitch
- Overcasting
- ¼ inch seam
- Rolled hem
- Cording
- Overedge
- Button
- Zigzag
- Basting/darning
- Open toe satin stitch
- Dual feed
- Semi-hard cover
- Acrylic extension table
- Screwdrivers (2 sizes)
- Set of needles
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- Spool holders (1large/1small)
- Bobbins (4)
- Quilting bar
- Fabric guide
- Quick reference chart
- Instruction book
- Power supply cord
- Foot control
- On board accessories case
- Accessories box
- On board stitch reference guide
- Knee lift
How to maintain the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP Summary
To conclude this review, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP is one of the best sewing and quilting machines in its price class. With a manufacturers suggested retail price of $2999, this machine is not only affordable it is on of the most affordable quilting machines on the market.
It is sturdy, dependable and economical. In addition, it is very attractive. The jewel tone accent makes this machine stand apart from the rest with its shiny ruby red plate. The adjustable contrast LCD is another feature that made a very positive impression on us. I really like this sewing and quilting machine, but do not recommend it for beginners.
The many stitch selection options could prove to be a bit daunting for someone who is new to sewing and may not have made a decision as to whether or not they will stick with it. Even if the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP is used by a beginner, after careful reviewing, I recommend that its use be restricted to beginners who are at least 18 years of age. The stitch options and many of the other features are simply above the skill levels of beginners and young students could easily be frustrated and give up the idea of sewing altogether. The very same considerations that might intimidate a beginner could very well be the main selling points for someone who has been sewing for just a little while.
In short, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP is ideal for the intermediate or advanced machine quilting enthusiast or the home sewer who has mastered the basics of sewing and is interested in expanding their repertoire to include machine quilting. This is an excellent sewing and quilting machine that would be a perfect addition to any sewing room. I recommend that anyone who is in the market for a home sewing and quilting machine take a very close look at the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP before making a final selection.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP Review
Summary
Sure, here is the product summary of the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP:
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It has 250 built-in stitches, including basic utility stitches, decorative stitches, and quilting stitches. The machine also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a needle threader, a top-loading bobbin, a free arm, and a large LCD screen. The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP also has a built-in embroidery module, which allows you to embroider a variety of designs.
Overall, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP is a high-end sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It is a good option for those who are looking for a machine with a lot of features and that is easy to use.
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Happy Stitching.
Hello there, thank you for the information above. Is it possible for you to explain how you were able to create the quilting design above using the accufeed system? I thought something like this could only be done using free motion (it’s amazing). I could call you if you would like. I thought the accu feed system could only be done using straight stitches. I love my Horizon but still having problems with free motion, so, the above 12 x 12 quilt demo gives me hope if this is done somehow with the accu feed. Thank you so much and have a nice day.
Hi Gerri, I have one of these sewing machines and I also have problems with free motion machining. It is very fussy with thread and I can only use the best quality, even threads for free machining. I usually go back to my old machine which cost a fraction of the price and I can use all sorts and qualitiies of threads.
Gerri –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
To answer your question, the accufeed system can be used with any stitch pattern you choose.
The specific pattern shown above was is a one of the on-board quilt designs that come with the Janome Memory Craft 7700QCP.
It’s been a little while since I reviewed this machine, but as I recall, it was a matter of simply selecting the design and pressing the start/stop button.
Since machine quilting is not my primary focus, I had minimum assistance from a sales associate at the Ace Sewing and Vacuum Center. Her input, however, was limited to helping identify a pattern that did not require changing thread colors. Executing the finished design was really very simple.
The machine literally did all of the work. The accufeed system, if I remember correctly, was easy to engage by simply following the instructions as they appear in the owner’s manual. All I had to do was make sure there was enough thread in the bobbin and position the fabric and backing.
I certainly hope this was a least a little helpful. If not, please let me know and I’ll refer your question to my source at Ace Sewing and Vacuum Center in Pompano Beach, FL.
Happy Stitching.
Thanks Vernell, you just maybe getting a call from me from Torbay, Newfoundland, Canada so I can speak to you about the on-board quilt designs because I don’t believe I have ever seen them.
Thanks again and have a nice weekend.
Gerri
Hi,
I have this machine and have been scratching my head about the on-board quilting designs. I can not for the life of me find them, in the manual or on the machine. I also can not find any information on the internet that suggests it has on board quilting.
If this machine does have it, could you please help as to where I would find it.
Thanks Alissa
Alissa –
I apologize if my response to Gerri was misleading. The ‘quilt patterns’ I referred to are actually stitches found in the on board pictograph and heirloom stitch options. As stated in that earlier answer, machine quilting is not my specialty. This is why the staff at Ace helped me program the stitches in order to create the design that is shown in the photo included in this review.
As I stated in my answer to Gerri’s query, it’s been a while since I did the review and misspoke when I said “it was a simple matter of selecting the design.” After going back to my original hand written notes, I realize that the reason I needed help from the staff was to have them show me how to actually program the stitches in the machine’s memory to create the design.
According to my notes, it is a matter of selecting stitches and then locking them in memory to reproduce the way you want them to appear as a finished project.
If going through those steps is too cumbersome or time consuming, anyone who owns a Janome 7700QCP, has unlimited access to the Janome Project Center. There you may download lots and lots of embroidery and quilting projects designed for use by people at all skill levels. The link is: http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/ProjectCenter/Projects.
Thank you Vernelle,
A little bit of confusion, but Thank-you for your answer, make more sense now.
Will go check out the link.
Thanks
Alissa
I have had this machine for 2 years and love it. The extra space to work with bulky quilt projects makes a huge difference. It is a solid machine ad the only issue I have is that it does not always wind bobbins evenly.
Can you tell me the difference between the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700 that you are reviewing and what looks to be the same model Janome/ New Home Model? I can see a price for the new home online in several places.. but the Red one like you are reviewing is always call for pricing. Any ideas?? Thanks for your thorough review.
I bought this machine, with much excitement, after my dear aunt died and left me a little money in her will. As I sew everyday and taught textiles, I often found my students had newer and better machines than I did, I also wanted the wider quilting area to put double quilts under. What a disappointment though, I still feel sick when I see photos of this machine. My old mechanical Pfaff, which is twenty five years old, worked so much better – I cannot get replacement parts for it now though. From the start, the plastic hinges on the bobbin case cover broke off – repeatedly replacing them proved costly. Then the race hook inside cracked (never had this happen and been sewing with machine every day since age of 5. The stitch quality was far from the brilliant and to be honest, I could control the needle up/down just by careful foot control with the old machine, a button to set for this all the time proved irritating rather than liberating. Eventually I sold it, after many tears, on Ebay, fully serviced, for half what I bought it for – so disappointing. I am now looking for a good, solid, workhorse of a machine, one that has metal rather than plastic parts and can be relied on to at least produce a good stitch, even if not all whistles and bells.
hello, I just bought a new mc7700. I have tried out some piecework on it and it worked just fine. However I mainly bought this machine for the large sewing space as I do mostly quilting. The dealer I bought it from is not nearby so just popping in there is not an option. So I a looking for an online source of information on how to operate the mc7700. First question is can I use the acufeed with the serpentine stitch. It is a nice border filler, and secondly I have yet to figure out the saving/memory system. I have gone through the manual a couple of times but it is not real clear to me. For example I want to save favorite stitch settings for piecing and for quilting. I hope you can help by answering these questions for me. I have yet to try free motion so maybe some new queries will arise in the future. Thanks in advance. Ellen
I went online to research the same design and found someone who had done the math to create a 7 mm wide serpentine stitch that I saved to memory and use all the time as you want to. Search for elongated serpentine stitch on Janome 7700. To save in memory, each letter or symbol has to be saved instead of saving a sequence and then saving the sequence as a whole unit. I often need a refresher if I am away for a while. Follow the manual exactly, step by step. You may be a visual learner and need a demonstration. Did you try YouTube for a demo?
I forgot to add that I use accufeed for almost everything, but especially the serpentine stitch.
Thank you Caryl, your comments have been very helpful. I now use the accufeed system for most everything. I have figured out how to save stitch combos for setting preferences in stitch length, needle position etc. I am now in the process of quilting up my big stack of tops and that eleven inch bed is a blessing. I find the 7700 easy to set up for my personal stitching needs. You tube is a help, as the manual is a bit skimpy on detail. Next I need to try out the decorative stitching and make a sampler for future reference. That is after I get those twelve tops done up.
I found the decorative stitches are only as good as the stability of the foundation fabric. Definitely not embroidery quality but fun for smaller applications on firm fabric esp. if used with starch. Starch is your friend for decorative stitches if you are not stitching through batting and a backing. Slow down. A new needle used for top stitching or embroidery is helpful. Variegated threads are fun for decorative stitches. I often use a narrow serpentine stitch to attach binding for my charity quilts. A stitch width of about 2.5-3mm and stitch length of 2-2.5 depending on bulk of fabric works to catch the unattached binding portion (I sew first straight stitch on the front, fold over, catch binding from the front again using the serpentine stitch on the quilting(?) segment of stitch choices. I do use lots of pins.
I just finished a stitch in the ditch quilting project on a large pieced quilt. It went fine, just a bit of a sore shoulder from all the twisting and turning of the quilt. I did a square spiral in the blocks, hence the twisting and turning part. I was quilting a piece that I stitched up from my own hand dyed fabric and so it was important to me to get it “right”. No problems with stitches or with thread and I am pleased with the results. Yes that big eleven inch harp space was a god send as at times I had most of the bulk shoved in there. Thanks for your help. Happy stitching, Ellen
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When I try to use the button sewing foot, the needle is on the far left and keeps hitting the plastic part of the foot, I tried to move the needle over to right but it still hits the foot. Please help!!!