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Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC Review (2023)
Note from the editor: This Janome Memory Craft 8200QC review was first written in 2015 and has been updated and changed in 2023. Memory Craft is a line of sewing machines made by Janome. These machines are great for quilting and heavy sewing. We have added a list of major winners of the Memory Craft series, starting with Memory Craft 6650, Memory Craft 6700, and so on.
I came upon a machine that I hadn’t had an opportunity to review so far – the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC. The Janome MC 8200QC isn’t a newly released machine. It has actually been on the market for a little while now.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 QC: Overview
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.
At A Glance
I can’t say that there was any one particular feature that stood out for me when I first saw this computerized sewing and quilting machine. Perhaps it was the simplicity of the design. It is stark white with easy-to-read black lettering and a couple of red accents here and there.
It has a large workspace—about 11 or 12 inches from the needle to the column; a conveniently situated drop feed control on the right side of the machine—just below the power switch; and function buttons on the front. The start/stop, needle up/down, fix, stop, thread cut, and reverse stitch function buttons are on the front of the machine, just above the needle.
There is also an on board stitch selection guide, a backlit LCD screen and a numerical touchpad on the column, a clear bobbin cover and a seam guide etched onto the needle plate along with a detachable accessories tray that when removed gives you access to the free arm.
Features
- 120 built in decorative and utility stitch options
- 7 automatic buttonholes
- 1 alphanumeric font
- 7 piece feed dog
- Accufeed fabric feeding system
- Direct select keys take you to your favorite stitches instantly
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Adjustable knee lift
- Change the needle plate in one step
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Two on board accessory storage compartments
- Detachable accessories case reveals the free arm
Other Horizon Memory Craft products
Janome produces multiple Memory Craft products for Quilting and Embroidery. The 6650, 9850, 500E and the 14000 are the most popular products, and alternatives the Memory Craft 8200 QC
Janome Memory Craft 6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine takes the seventh position in the category of the best eight quilting machines. It’s considered a powerhouse since the instrument is packed with versatility and precision, becoming the top quilter and sewer choice. The machine attracts you with its spacious 10’’ throat space, making it perfect for managing bulky quilt projects. After that, you will see that the device carries a robust body with 170 built-in stitches, a superior needle threader for you to resume intricate sewing easily, and includes alphabets to ensure that you are doing it correctly. This specific quilting machine offers you speedy stitching of up to 1000 stitches per minute, promising you an efficient workflow. At the same time, the LCD screen allows easier navigation, simplifying usability.
- Superior Plus Feed System
- Built-in automatic thread cutter
- Adjustable foot presser
- Detachable stitch chart
- Lack of a free arm.
- A steeper learning curve may interfere with the beginner’s learning.
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.
- A wide array of more than 200 built-in stitches
- 175 embroidery designs
- Sturdy frame to manage hard fabrics
- Editing capabilities
- Prompt touchscreen for easier navigation
- Expensive, especially for beginners
- Slow speed of embroidery
Read the detailed review of the Memory Craft 9850 here
Large, strong, and smooth, the Janome 500E embroidery machine carries through both thick and thin textiles with a soothing consistency. The Janome 500E has six monogramming fonts and 160 built-in embroidery patterns. There are countless options for design.
This device is easy to use because you can easily import designs through a USB and change them with the advanced editing tools on the screen. It's an LCD color touchscreen, by the way. Four embroidery hoops and an extra-wide table with plenty of workspace are also included. The huge 8" by 11" hoops are kept steady by putting in an extension table that goes all the way around the machine's bed. The Janome 500E is outstanding in terms of accuracy. With this tool, it's easy and quick to embroider, decorate, and personalize clothes, accessories, and home decor.
- Auto return mechanism post thread break
- 160 built-in sewing designs
- Too expensive
Read the detailed review of the Janome MC 500E embroidery machine here
With the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000, your embroidery will reach new heights of creativity, and your products will be flawless. This Janome model has 11 fonts for monogramming, 350 built-in embroidery patterns, and the ability to do both 2 and 3 letter monograms.
You can finish any sizeable project quickly since the embroidery speed can reach 1000 stitches per minute with a maximum hoop size of 9.1 inches by 11.8 inches. The machine's real-time PC connection to Horizon Link Suite and full-color LCD touchscreen make it seem like there are an infinite number of embroidery designs. The Janome 1400 can also be used by quilters and sewers because it has 400 built-in stitches and 13 different one-step buttonhole designs. It has a special tool for putting stitches together that lets you design and change stitches right on the computer on board.
With a zigzag pattern that can be changed and Acufeed Flex technology, free-motion quilting will be easy for even the most complicated projects. Quilters can also use the Acu Fil program to create matching stippling all around a quilt top.
- The absolute best of its kind
- Covers sewing, quilting, and embroider all in one place
- No wireless technology is available on this device so you wont be able to connect it to the internet
- Quite expensive
Working on the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC has clear markings that make it easy for a 10 or 12 year old to thread the machine and wind the bobbin with little or no help from an adult. The on-board stitch selection guide simplifies the stitch selection process, making the entire set-up procedure seem like child’s play.
There are six different stitch “modes,” or categories, or groupings, as I prefer to call them. You must first find the mode where your desired stitch is located, then dial up the stitch number on the touch pad.
I couldn’t help but marvel at the extremely light touch of this machine. A mere touch of my fingertip set all the functions in motion. There was literally no pressure required at all – just a gentle touch engaged all the function buttons as well as the numerical keypad used to make stitch selections.
The lighting is superb. Nearly all of the new sewing machines have LED lighting. The placement of these lights, however, and the fact that there are five LED bulbs on the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC not only make it easy to see the workspace, but they are placed in such a way that there are no shadows at all. The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC does not vibrate at all and it is extremely quiet, no doubt, a benefit of its solid construction.
The ergonomic knee lift is an added plus when you want to keep both hands on your work while manipulating it and raising or lowering the presser foot at the same time. The quality of the stitches produced by the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC are well defined, sturdy and have the appearance that you often see only in work done on much more costly sewing and quilting machines.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 QC: Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery Leather / Suede Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
Accessories
- 16 Snap on presser feet
- Zigzag foot
- Rolled hem foot
- Zipper foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Open-toe satin stitch foot
- Blind hemming foot
- Overcast foot
- 1/4˝ seam foot
- Darning foot
- Convertible free motion quilting foot
- Close-toe foot
- Open-toe foot
- Clear view foot
- Automatic buttonhole foot
- Dual feed foot
- Button sewing foot
- Quilting guide bar
- 5 Bobbins
- Buttonhole stabilizer plate
- 2 Spool holders (1 large/1 small)
- Spool supporter
- Felt
- Extra spool pin
- Needle set
- Screwdriver
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- Knee lift
- Straight stitch needle plate
- Stylus
- Instructional DVD
- Owner’s manual
Maintenance
| 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 | No | Yes |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
I love this machine. It has everything any serious home sewer could wish for and appreciate. The light touch is awesome. I can’t say that I can remember having sewn on any other machine that has such a delicate touch. In addition to all the things I talked about earlier in this review, I must add that the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC is one of the easiest computerized machines I have seen so far to navigate.
Very rarely do I see a computerized machine that I can recommend for use by beginners without reservation. This is one of the exceptions.
The function buttons are so easy to use and so clearly marked, I think a person as young as 10 or 12 could easily learn to sew on this machine.
Finding the stitch mode or grouping is as easy as touching the button marked ‘Mode’. There are no confusing icons to decipher, and the monochromatic LCD screen does not have a lot of busy details for the user to try to keep track of. Adjusting the stitch length and width is as simple as touching the plus or minus signs beneath a pair of icons, which are very easy to understand.
Sometimes sewing machine manufacturers make things overly complicated in their attempts to make their machines attractive to the end user. This is not the case here. I subscribe to the KISS principle – Keep It Simple Sweetie – and so do the folks at Janome. This is why I’m sure that beginners of almost any age will find the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC easy to use as they learn to sew.
Considering that this machine has so many great features and qualities, I honestly believe that the Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC is a great choice for anyone who has a yen to add a sewing and quilting machine to their sewing room. Not only is this machine a good choice for the person who is new to machine quilting, but it will also please the person who has been quilting for a long time but doesn’t have enough space in their sewing room for one of those large quilting frames.
The large workspace – more than 11 inches from needle to column – makes it possible to work on those quilting projects that require a little more space than other machines give you. In addition, with the Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC, you get the workmanship, reputation, and longstanding tradition of superlative service that the Janome brand is known for and continues to be known for. I think you will be just as impressed by this machine’s light touch, solid construction, and quiet performance as I was.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Alternatives to Janome Memory Craft Quilting Machines
The Singer 7258 and the Bernette B77 are cheaper, budget options for the quilters who don’t want to spend the big bucks on the Janome MC 8200 QC
The Singer Stylist 7258 combines functionality with convenience. Ideal for enthusiasts ranging from beginners to intermediates, this computerized sewing marvel boasts 100 built-in stitches, making it a versatile companion for various projects. The heavy-duty metal frame ensures durability, while features like push-button stitch selection, LCD screen, and programmable options simplify tasks. With an array of accessories and user-friendly design, the 7258 addresses the needs of creative minds, providing an efficient solution for fashion, quilting, and home sewing endeavors.
- Affordable
- Excellent for professional sewers
- One user complained about the motor being burned after only 5 months
Read our detailed review of the Singer 7258 here
Last but not least is the Bernette B77 Sewing and Quilting Machine that is bound to make you add to your shopping cart. And the credits go to none other than its wide variety of features, which are usually found in high-end quilting machines. This particular machine beats the other traditional machines with a 5-inch color touchscreen for easier stitch selection and a semi-automatic needle for simplifying the quilting setup. Furthermore, you will also see a dual-feed system that guarantees even fabric feed when you have to sew slippery fabrics. Not forgetting to mention that the machine is designed with 500 sewing stitches and 230 mm of stitching space, so you can get as creative as you want. It offers you a slide-on extension table that makes working easy, especially when receiving big orders.
- Programmable securing function
- Dual feed for non-stop stitching
- Drop-in hook system
- No automatic thread cutter
- LED lighting is not bright enough for intricate projects
Read the detailed review of the Bernette B77 here
Other Janome machine reviews you may like
Janome Xpression Review
They say you have an opportunity to learn something every day. Well, I certainly learned a lot when I visited Margate, Florida’s Sunshine Sewing Center and reviewed the single purpose Janome Xpression FM 725. It’s a single function felting machine that allows you to simply let your imagination go to create just about anything you can see in your mind’s eye.
Janome QC 6260 Review
When I reviewed a friend’s Janome QC 6260, it was very easy to see why she refuses to let it out of the house. This machine was purchased in 2006, gets lots and lots of use and it still works as great as it did when she first brought it home and unpacked it.
Janome 1600P-QC Review
When I first saw the Janome 1600P, I thought it was an industrial sewing machine, but I was mistaken. This is a super fast, metal, straight stitch only mechanical sewing machine designed for home use. If you like making leather or suede purses or working with super heavy materials like canvas, this might be the perfect machine for you.
Janome Skyline S9 Review (2023 update)
The Janome Skyline S9 is the newest addition to the popular line of Janome Skyline sewing machines. Many Janome dealers are discovering that it is difficult keeping the S7. I have no doubt that they will experience the same with the S9 – the first sewing, quilting and embroidery machine in this line. The S9 is whisper quiet, solidly built and so user friendly that I believe it will be a good choice for people who are sewing for the very first time. Although it is not a machine that I recommend for use by children, it is an excellent option for the student who is in their teens or older.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 QC Review
Summary
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. I love this machine. It has everything any serious home sewer could wish for and appreciate. The light touch is awesome.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Qi have the memory craft 8200qcp, is a walking foot available?
Hello, Anne –
To the best of my knowledge, all Janome presser feet are interchangeable. With this in mind, it stands to reason that any Janome walking foot would work with your 8200 QCP. I do, however, suggest that you verify the information I received with your local Janome dealer before investing in a brand new walking foot.
Vernelle, can you tell me if the Janome 8200 has a drop in bobbin?
I have a problem with the side loaders.
thanks
The machine comes with an even feed foot that is simple to install or take off. I have owned this machine for 2 years, and can’t recommend it highly enough. I use it 8-10 hours a week, minimum.
Do you ever have trouble going over intersecting seams with this machine?
I did with the 7700 I had and it was a real problem.
I did like a lot of other point of the 7700 though.
You do great sewing machine reviews. This one on the 8200 was interesting. Hope you can review the 8900 also.
I would like one on the 8900 QCP memory craft janome thank you
Your review was very helpful. I was considering buying one & after reading your review & the other comments, I think, that a trip to my local shops is on the cards for tomorrow. The $$$$ deal at the moment is too good to ignore.
Thank you.
Other than the table size, I’m not seeing much difference to this machine and the Skyline S5. Am I missing something? Would you recommend one more than the other, if so why? I am into sewing all sorts, home furnishings, kids clothes and applique. Appreciate your insight. Many thanks
The Skyline S5 does not have the Accufeed system, as far as I know, I believe it is on the Skyline S7. But the Skylines don’t have the throat space of this one either.
I have a Janome Horizon, and I love it (very similar machine to this one)! I love the accufeed system on it and the large throat space. The 8200 is a 9mm machine (the horizon is a 7mm), but other than that is very similar, just has less fancy stitches. I’m a quilter though, so I love the large throat space and I don’t even use the fancy stitches. Guess it depends what you really want. I also love the thread up/down, thread cutter and knee lifter.
Hello, Charlene –
You are correct. There is very little difference between the Skyline S5 and the 8200QC. The choice as to whether to acquire one over the other is strictly a matter of personal preference. If you think you need more work space, then by all means, go for the machine that offers you that feature.
Happy stitching.
Hi Vernelle,
Would this machine be suitable for making interlined curtains and other soft furnishings?
I have had a look at your other reviews for the Janome 1600p and 6600 along with other forums/review websites and it’s really confusing as to whether it’s best to get a semi-industrial or a heavy duty domestic machine for this kind of work (would I be right in thinking the 8200 Horizon is a heavy duty domestic?)
While I am not a quilter, I’m trying to figure out whether quilting machines are as or more robust than semi-industrials since the machines can take thick layers of different fabrics?
Would really appreciate any advice you can give.
Hello, Sara –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
While the 8200 is a very good sewing and quilting machine capable of handling multiple layers of thick fabric, I hesitate to classify it as a ‘heavy duty’ domestic machine. My experience is that any sewing machine that can truly bear the title ‘heavy duty’ is one with mostly metal construction and fewer computerized components. In my opinion, if you are in the market for a ‘semi-industrial sewing machine, you would do well with practically any Janome quilting machine, but with the understanding that the more computerized components a machine has, the less likely that it will be a real workhorse when it comes to the real heavy duty work.
Happy stitching.
I have trouble when starting out with a seam. The tread stitch isn’t a smooth take off seems to have extra thread underneath. I’ve cleaned ,New needle, rethreaded. Can you give other suggestions?
You can adjust the take iff speed to be one slow two medium or 3 fast.
I too have difficulty starting a seam, even with the second plate. The fabric gets pushed down and then bunches up. Very frustrating. I also have trouble at intersecting seams, something that never happened with my Bernina. I tried lightening the foot pressure and a new needle. Even starting a quarter inch into the stitch line and reversing causes problems. I have to pull on both threads to help it along. That means the thread snip function is not useful. Disappointing to be sure.
Hold both threads in left hand upon takeoff, or, use a “spider” a scrap of fabric which will serve to collect that extra thread, and then you sew right onto your seam (clip off the spider).
Your post had me go to the dealership and try it out and I bought the special edition. thank you for your review.
Love my new 8200QCP, but working with a Horn cabinet I find the tiny foot pedal mechanism slides under the cabinet edge when my foot is resting on it. Would have thought a larger foot pedal would have been supplied with a machine costing $2500 AUD.
I bought the Janome 8200 almost three years ago to get a larger sewing space from the needle.
It has been a real trouble machine since day one and has gone to the ‘doctor’ several times each year. It sews great right after being tuned up but then it begins again to SKIP stitches over and over. Constantly needing to rip and then sew on my other machine. It DOES not keep fabric even regardless of how many pins are used to hole seam together. Since I am a quilter I need my pieces to stay even. With the use of the walking foot it is very hard to follow the stitch line and without the walking foot seams never end up the same length I pin them (unless VERY short, maybe 5 or 6″.I usually use the 80/12 needle as recommended and i have used various threads to see if it makes any difference. NO. Once it starts to skip stitches that’s it. It does not sew well thru thicker fabrics such as over cross seams in quilts with regular batting and then the two layers of fabric plus the cross seams.
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