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Janome Memory Craft 350E Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Janome Memory Craft 350E Review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since this model has now been discontinued, we have added other sewing machines from the Memory Craft line-up such as MC 6650, MC 8200QCP, and MC 9850.
The Janome Memory Craft 350E is a classic embroidery only machine for the home which and I just got the perfect opportunity to review it.
A little known fact in the world of home sewing is that Janome was the first to bring machine embroidery out of the factory and into the home.
Janome Memory Craft 350E Overview
To start off with, the stitch quality is absolutely amazing. This is an embroidery-only machine, and in my honest opinion, it offers great value for money with its quality of delivery. You do not have to be an expert to use this device. For me, this is an ideal classic for home embroidery projects. It does great monogramming. It has 100 onboard embroidery designs, and a USB memory stick or an ATA PC card can be used to input designs into the system. It also comes with 3 in-built fonts, 3 unique embroidery frame designs, and 2-3 letter designs.
The Janome Memory Craft 350E has been discontinued. We recommend trying out other sewing machines from the Memory Craft line-up that we have added in this post.
To look at it, the Janome MC 350E looks like any other sewing machine… until you examine it more closely. The grayscale backlit LCD screen, bright LED lights and ruler decal stamped on front of the machine belie its true gifts.
The only hint is the odd looking metal protrusion behind the needle. In actuality, this odd appendage is the point where the embroidery hoop is attached.
The MC 350E does not have the large extension table or bulky embroidery arm that is found on many home embroidery machines.
Instead, the embroidery hoop snaps on and is locked into place by simply tightening a small black knob.
More Memory Craft machines from Janome
As I mentioned earlier in this review, the Janome Memory Craft 350E has been discontinued. Here are some other sewing machines from the Janome Memory Craft line-up that I would recommend.
Many sewists think of MC6650 as a sequel to the QC6260. This new model is a premier workhorse with a reputation rightfully as good as its predecessor. With this, I've only ever had wonderful quilting experiences. The wavy stitch is fantastic because it effortlessly adds playfulness and character. Adjusting the stitch length and width is simple to do and comprehend. Adjusting the tension is easy and reliable. The tension wheel on the 6650 is easy to manoeuvre. I've discovered that you can keep the tension at approximately 4 for practically all applications.
Although the automatic thread cutter reduces thread wastage, it is obviously not appropriate for all tasks, such as collecting stitches. It features a Bobbin Winder Automatic. Much nicer and simpler. You cannot stitch when the presser foot is up. It will just keep beeping at you.
The device is easy to adapt to and does not have a lot of complications. It is, however, for the experienced sewer and a newbie will not be getting the better of this too soon. The brand has cut a lot of inconveniences out with this device and it gives you an overall seamless experience with little to no extra work.
Read the detailed review for Janome Memory Craft 6650 here.
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.
Read the detailed review for Janome Memory Craft 8200 QCP here.
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.
Read the detailed review for Janome Memory Craft 9850 here.
What features does that Janome Memory Craft 350E come with?
The standard features available on the Janome Memory Craft 350E include:
- 100 built-in embroidery designs
- 3 built in fonts
- 2 or 3 letter designs
- 3 embroidery frame designs
- Multi Combination on Edit Screen
- Ports to accommodate PC Design card, ATA Card and USB connectivity
- Memory Key
- Built-in Folder System
- Memory capacity to hold up to 100 Designs
- Drag & Drop editing for easy placement
- Embroidery design resize 90% – 110% by 1%
- Rotate in 1 and 45 degree increments
- Flip vertically and horizontally
- Embroidery area tracing
- MY SET screen controls for contrast
- Measurement scale in inches or centimeters
- Other customization options
- Zoom in and out
- Stitch-out time indicator
- Stitch counter
- Upper thread and presser foot sensors
- Manual thread tension control
- Ball bearing precision
Working on the Janome Memory Craft 350E
Threading the Janome Memory Craft 350E and winding the bobbin are simple enough for the rank beginner to accomplish with only minimal guidance.
That, however, is where the similarity between working on a regular sewing machine and the Memory Craft 350E stops. Before going any farther, you must select an embroider design.
In addition to the 100 on board designs, people who use the Janome MC 350E have the option of selecting from an almost unlimited number of designs via ATA cards or USB memory sticks.
Slots for both are located on the right hand side of the machine.
Although the Janome embroidery arm is radically different from all the rest, positioning the embroidery hoop is very easily accomplished. The truth of the matter is the Janome Memory Craft 350E is possibly one of the most user friendly home embroidery machines I have reviewed to date. Perhaps this is because Janome pioneered machine embroidery for the home sewer.
It even has decals on the work table showing exactly how the hoop is to be attached. For this review, I chose a three letter monogram. Keying our monogram into the touch screen only involved a few easy steps. There are three standard monogram frames included in Memory Craft 350E on-board designs. Identifying the right one for the job required only one more touch of the fingertip. I was able to adjust the size and position of our design by toggling through a few clearly defined instructions on the touch screen and then save it in the memory. This is especially useful for tasks like monogramming a set of hand towels when I do not intend to finish the entire job in one sitting.
Once all of the settings were locked in, the only thing left to do was push ‘Start’. From that point until the design is finished, the machine does all of the work. If you choose a multi-color embroidery design, the Janome Memory Craft 350E stops at the end of each color run signaling the user that it is time for a change of thread color.
Since our monogram was a one color design, I sat back and watched as my letters and frame materialized before our very eyes. When the design is finished, the Janome MC 350E cuts the threads automatically.
I had the option of stopping the machine to snip threads between frame elements and letters or allowing the machine to complete the entire design and snipping the threads when the design is finished.
Which fabrics work on the Janome Memory Craft 350E?
| 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) | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Upholstery |
What accessories come with the Janome Memory Craft 350E?
The Janome Memory Craft 350E comes with a set of standard accessories specifically designed to make the home machine embroidery experience as efficient and enjoyable as possible.
- 2 embroidery hoops:
- Large 5.5″ x 7.9″ (140mm x 200mm)
- Standard 5″ x 4.3″ (126mm x 110mm)
- 4 bobbins
- 2 spool holders (1 large and 1 small)
- Spool felt
- Extra spool pin
- Extra needles
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Instructional DVD
- Owner’s manual
- Instruction book
- Template sheets for all built in designs
- Vinyl cover
How to maintain the Janome Memory Craft 350E?
| 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 | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Summary: Janome Memory Craft 350E Review
Overall, I would say that the Janome Memory Craft 350E is an excellent special purpose machine. And, that is its only drawback.
If your sewing room has limited space, or if like many home sewers, you do not have space for more than one machine, then this is not the machine for you. If, however, you are a machine embroidery enthusiast and have the luxury of a sewing room large enough to accommodate a special purpose machine, then you definitely should take a very close look at this one.
The mere fact that the Janome MC 350E is designed to do one thing and one thing only is a major asset because the workmanship and stitch quality are superior to all of those machines that can do everything. By performing just one function – embroidery – the Memory Craft 350E does its job better than all the rest.
The $1999 manufacturer’s suggested retail price is nothing to sneeze at. An investment like this for a single purpose machine is one that is not taken lightly. Before considering spending that kind of money for a machine that does only one thing, I strongly recommend that you are absolutely certain that machine embroidery is going to be a part of your life for a very long time.
This is why I do not believe the Janome MC 350E is for anyone who is new to machine embroidery or new to sewing at all. If, however, machine embroidery is your passion, if you find yourself doing more and more machine embroidery projects and if you are committed to this specialized art for the long haul, then by all means, I urge you to give the Janome 350e Memory Craft serious consideration. I do not believe you will be disappointed.
Janome Memory Craft 350E Review
Summary
The Janome Memory Craft 350E is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that is perfect for both beginners and experienced sewers. It has 100 built-in stitches, including a variety of straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and decorative stitches. It also has 100 embroidery designs and a 1-step buttonhole function.
The machine can be a bit complicated to learn how to use and that it is not as portable as some other sewing machines.
Overall, the Janome Memory Craft 350E is a great sewing and embroidery machine for both beginners and experienced sewers. It is easy to use, has a great stitch quality, and a variety of features. However, if you are looking for a more portable machine or a machine that is easier to learn how to use, you may want to consider a different model.
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Happy Stitching.
am looking for machine basic for teaching children to sew on, preferably a manchine that has 1/2 speed for slower dextereiy. Also want metal bobbin casing instead of plastic.
I purchased the Janome Memory Craft 350E after using a hand-me-down Huskystar for several years. The Huskystar had a 4″x4″ embroidery area, so it’s nice to be able to do designs 5″x7″. I bought this machine because I wanted an embroidery only machine, not a combo, and I didn’t want to spend a fortune! I’ve been using it regularly for 1 1/2 years now and am very happy with it.
I am looking for an embroidery machine to embroider labels along with designs on the quilts that I make. Will this machine do that for me?
This machine is the identical twin of the Elna Xperience 8300 (now eXpressive 820), which I have and LOVE. Everything, aside from the front decoration, is the same. My Elna is a machine you’d have to pry from my cold, dead hands, even though I’m in the market for another machine, and have decided on a Janome MC500e. The only limitation to my Elna/this Janome MC350e is largest hoop size is too small for several things I do on a regular basis. I’ve done complex designs and simple, and they all stitch beautifully. My machine gets very, VERY heavy use, yet has been extremely reliable. I have no problem promoting this machine.
Hi there,
Can I embroider initials or names on a bridal dress cover bag using the Janome350 machine.
Best regards
What brand/type digitizer software is compatible wth this JANOME MC350e? I bought my machine used and just found out that there was such a thing available. My machine has version 1.10. Thank you for whatever help you can supply me with.
I have a Janome 350E. Recently I purchased designs from the internet, but when I went to sew them the designs won’t fit in the hoop it has been programmed to. Can I change that?
Would like to know if you could embroider on a quilt while it is in the “quilting phase” so I can do various designs while putting it all together before binding it. Is this machine capable to doing this or is it only able to do it if you can put it in a hoop?
What ATA card is suitable for my Janome 350e embroidery machine?