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Janome Memory Craft 6500 P Review (2023 update)
Note from Editor: This Janome Memory Craft 6500 P Review was originally written in 2015 and has been revised and updated in 2023. The 6500P is now a discontinued product but Janome’s Memory Craft is a line of multiple machines ideal for quilting and heavy sewing. We have added options from the Memory Craft line, such as the 6650, 9850, 8200QCP and the 500E, that are great alternatives and available in the market
The Janome Memory Craft 6500 P is a sewing and quilting machine that has definitely stood the test of time. My friend Faye, has had this machine for the last 12 years and she likes this machine so much, she has two that she uses in the store when making quilts for customers, making display items and working on sewing other project that requires her attention during the work day.
Janome Memory Craft 6500 P – Overview
Janome Memory Craft Sewing Machine 6500P
The 6500P is a discontinued model and now replaced with 6650MC, 8200QCP, 500E and the 9850
The Janome Memory Craft 6500P is a computerized sewing machine made for skilled and professional sewers. It boasts a broad variety of characteristics, including fast stitching, strong motor, and a roomy workspace that can handle many sewing tasks. This device seems really sleek and stylish and is incredibly sturdy and long-lasting. You can see right away that this machine is high-quality and long-lasting. You can pick and see your stitching options with ease since the LCD screen is the ideal size.
Sewing speeds of 1,000 stitches per minute are very fast and mean that many tasks can be done quickly and with as little delay as possible. When using the Janome and a zigzag stitch, you may even reach 700 stitches per minute. With a 9′′ x 5′′ throat area that is ideal for working with huge quilts, an innovative feed mechanism for stitching the thickest fabrics, and a knee lifter for raising the presser foot, you may use this sewing machine without taking your hands off your work. You'll discover that this machine can easily handle difficult materials like denim and leather, thick quilts, and several layers.
At A Glance
You know there is something special about the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P by its construction. The slightly worn paint on the metal work surface on both of the machines in the store told you right away that they were special. Any sewing machine that is used so much that the paint begins to wear off is one that is used quite a bit.
The Janome Memory Craft 6500 P has an onboard needle threader, a retractable chrome thread guide, a monochromatic LCD screen, onboard seam guides etched onto the needle plate, adjustable stitch length and width controls, and a series of function and control buttons, including edit and memory buttons, stitch selection buttons, and a series of function buttons above the needle: start/stop; needle up/down; reverse/lock stitch; and tie off/thread cut. There is also a presser foot adjustment control with a window that allows the user to see the precise setting at a glance, a variable speed control slider, and a knee lift. The drop feed control lever is located on the very front of the Memory Craft 6500 P, on the lower right hand side.
Features
- 135 decorative and utility stitch options
- 7 One-step buttonholes
- 4 Alphanumeric fonts (block or script – with or without European accents)
- Automatic thread tension control
- On board needle threader
- Needle up/down
- 5 Piece feed dog
- Drop feed
- Automatic thread cutter
- Start/stop button
- Locking stitch button
- Reverse button
- Twin needle guard
- Variable speed control slider
- 5 Memory banks
- Individual and combination stitch editing
- Last stitch recall
- Knee lift
- Auto declutch bobbin winding
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Monochromatic LCD screen
- Presser foot pressure adjustment
- Horizontal full rotary hook bobbin system
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Vertical thread delivery system with dual thread guide bar
- On board cone thread guides
- On board stitch selection guide
- On board help
Working on the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P
While it might at first appear as though threading the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P might be a challenge, the on board thread guides simplify the process for you. In addition, the owner’s manual does a very good job of giving a detailed written description of each step. There are also guides which take you through the steps necessary to winding the bobbin and its proper insertion as well. Once the machine is threaded and the bobbin is in place, the steps involved in selecting the desired stitch starts with referring to the on board stitch selection guide and identifying the mode or the menu where the desired stitch is located.
There are four different modes: 1) frequently used utility stitches; 2) patchwork and quilting stitches; 3) buttonholes and additional utility stitches; 4) alphanumeric fonts.
For this review, I tried out a few of the utility and decorative stitches in the quilt mode, making it look like I was quilting with two layers of fabric and batting in between. I even toyed with one of the applique stitch options to attach an applique. The results were spectacular. It didn’t matter which stitch option I sampled, every one of them came out with precision. The Janome Memory Craft 6500 P is solid, quiet and does no vibrate at all. Although I didn’t use it during this review, I was genuinely impressed by the fact that the drop feed control is on front of the machine, right at your fingertips.
Fabrics that work on Janome Memory Craft 6500 P
- Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
- Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
- Knits
- Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
- Upholstery
- Denim
- Leather/Suede
- Fur
- Reptile skin
- Canvas/ Twill
- Plastic / Rubber
- Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers
Other Janome Memory Craft Options
As the Horizon Memory Craft 6500P is now a discontinued model, you can have a look at the other Janome Memory Craft options such as the 6650, 9850, 8200QCP and the 500E, that are great alternatives and available in the market
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.
The needle threader, built-in thread cutter, and adjustable foot presser make sewing easier, while the 1,000 stitches per minute speed keeps you working efficiently. However, it does lack a free arm, which can limit garment sewing, and beginners may find it a bit tricky to learn.
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 Janome Memore Craft 9850 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.
- Ease of use
- Intuitive
- Quality Stitching
- Heavy Duty
- Takes up a large amount of space
- Very heavy
Read the detailed Horizon 8200QCP review 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
Please read the detailed review of the Memory Craft 500E here
Accessories
Standard accessories:
- 13 Snap on presser feet
- Zigzag foot
- Overedge foot
- Rolled hem foot
- Zipper foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Blind hem foot
- Cording foot
- Overcasting foot
- Automatic buttonhole foot
- Basting/darning foot
- ¼ ” Seam foot
- Even feed foot
- Open toe satin stitch foot
- Flathead screwdriver
- 4 Sided screwdriver tool
- Extra needles
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- 2 Spool holders (1 large/1 small)
- Extra bobbins
- Standard quilting bar
- Quilting bar for even feed foot
- Cloth guide with screw
- Owner’s manual
- Accessory storage case with presser foot storage compartment
- Knee lifter
Optional accessories:
- Ruffler
- Ribbon sewing guide
- Quilting attachment kit
- Pintucking cord guide
- Horizontal spool holder
- Extra-large foot controller
- Buttonhole stabilizer plate
- Optional Presser Feet
- Piping foot
- 3-way cording foot
- Applique foot
- Beading foot
- Binder foot
- Adjustable blind hem foot
- Blind hem foot
- Border guide foot
- Button sewing foot
- Invisible zipper foot
- Edge guide foot
- Fringing foot
- Gathering foot
- Set of hemmer feet
- Pintucking foot
- Ribbon/sequin foot
- Roller foot
- Rotary even foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Sliding buttonhole foot
- Sliding guide foot
- Straight stitch foot
- Ultraglide foot
- Screw on zipper foot
- Open toe satin stitch foot
- Low shank free motion quilting foot
- Ditch quilting foot
- Open toe satin stitch foot
- Low shank open toe darning foot
- Open toe foot with attached quilting guide
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 | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Budget alternatives to the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P
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
More and more sewists are purchasing Juki TL-2000Qi Quilting Machine. Why? Because the features compel you to do so. The machine flaunts its speedy and hefty aluminium die-cast body that prevents excessive vibration, even if you are using it at its maximum capacity of 1500 stitches per minute. You can make the most out of the straight-stitch-only design as it provides you with exceptional results when quilting, constructing garments, or sewing home decoration projects.
- A large extension table
- Knee lifter to make free-motion quilting easier
- Automatic thread trimmer and an up/down needle to save time
- Lack of built-in decorative stitches can limit creativity
- Automatic needle threaders may hinder quilting for newbies
- Not versatile
Its sturdy aluminum die-cast body reduces vibration, even at its maximum speed of 1,500 stitches per minute.
The straight-stitch-only design delivers fantastic results whether you're quilting, making garments, or working on home decor. The large extension table and knee lifter make free-motion quilting a breeze, and the automatic thread trimmer and up/down needle save you time.
That said, the lack of built-in decorative stitches might limit your creative options, and the automatic needle threader could be tricky for beginners. It’s not the most versatile machine out there, but if you’re looking for speed and quality straight stitching, the Juki TL-2000Qi is a solid choice. A brighter LED light would definitely help for those detailed quilting projects, as many of the reviewers have mentioned. But overall, it’s a reliable machine for getting the job done efficiently.
Tying Off The Loose Ends
It was very easy for me to understand why the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P is a favorite of this sewing machine store owner. The P stands for ‘Professional’.
Some might mistakenly believe it is made for industrial use only. While the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P feels like an industrial machine and is excellent for use in a tailor shop or for professional alterations, it is designed for home use. This sewing and quilting workhorse reminds me of the sewing machines made before the middle to late 1980s… the ones that were handed down from generation to generation.
The Janome Memory Craft 6500 P has just enough features to make sewing a major source of enjoyment and pleasure for anyone who appreciates a well-built sewing machine. It does not have a free arm, but since it is designated as a quilting machine, a free arm is really not all that necessary. Besides, if you want to use it as a straight sewing machine, there are ways to achieve all of the tasks one performs with a free arm with just a few minor adjustments in technique.
I recommend the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P for anyone above the age of 10 who sews. With this in mind, I concede that some, but not all children younger than 10 will be able to use this machine as well. However, because of the extra steps required to make a stitch selection, I think younger children would get bored or frustrated. The Janome Memory Craft 6500 P is so easy to work with, so sturdy, and such a reliable sewing and quilting machine, I do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants a machine that can do just about anything and is not concerned that it is not ‘the latest model’. I have often said that the true test of a sewing machine is not how it operates when it is brand spanking new, but how it stands up after several years of constant heavy use.
The fact that the owner of a sewing machine store has been using it for 21 years and still loves it is enough to convince me that the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P is better than all other sewing and quilting machines in its class. This is not a lightweight or portable sewing machine. While it is not made with all metal parts, every one of the critical components is made of metal, not plastic. Like all other sewing machines with computerized components, the Memory Craft 6500 P requires servicing by an authorized Janome service and repair specialist at least once a year – more often if it is used heavily.
No doubt, because it works so well, you might be tempted to forego the annual visit to the shop, but this is the only way to assure that all of the components work at optimum capacity for the life of the machine. The particular machine that I reviewed has been in use for 12 years. I have no doubt that 24 years from now and beyond, the Janome Memory Craft 6500 will still be in service, providing many hours of flawless sewing and quilting. Its performance and handling actually remind me of the sewing machines of days gone by. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Faye’s grandchildren inherit these Memory Craft 6500 P’s and when they do, they will still be in perfect working condition.
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.
Janome Memory Craft 6500 P Review
Summary
The Memory Craft 6500P is a great machine but unfortunately is a discontinued model now. If you are looking for similar or better alternatives, we recommend you look at other Horizon Memory Craft options such as the 6650, 9850, 8200QCP and the 500E, that are available in the market. If you are still interested in the 6500P, read our detailed review and get an option to buy a pre-owned model
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.
Looks and sounds like the old (90’s) Elna 9000/Diva. That machine is/was the crown jewel of sewing, in my opinion.
Vernelle; I am doing lots of research before buying a new sewing machine. My last machine was a 1970’s White 2 tone beige Zig Zag Sewing Machine which I still have and use. It has been well loved. Well doing comparisons on the Janome website I found the DC 2015. I liked a lot of it’s features but am undecided. I printed out your reviews of the 3160 and 4120 and a friend has the 6260 which she loves. The 2015 seems to have a little bit of the best of all of these. I would really appreciate your input/ review
Thanks Michelle
Hello, Michelle –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
The DC 2015 would be an excellent choice. After all, if they continue to make the same machine after so many years and the customer satisfaction remains high, you cannot go wrong.
I sell Babylock and Brother brand at Tidewater Sew Vac in Virginia Beach ,Va and we started carrying the Janome 6600 last year..
I was surprised at how heavy a fabric these can handle.I do a lot of work for the US NAVY and am familiar with walking foot machines and for a portable machine this is the only one I found that can handle 2 layers of Herculite and /or webbing. We repair hundreds of sewing machines a year and I can never recall having anything go wrong other than a basic tune-up. A great machine!
Hi I am wondering can the lettering in mode 4 be done in different sizes? thanks
I have the memory craft 6500 and love it, but I do a lot of simple quilting and cannot figure out how to do a wavy line stitch. on my inexpensive brother I could adjust the stitch length and width of one of the stitches to create a wavy line stitch that “waved” in about 1′ segments. the stitch would be similar to quilt stitch mode 2 # 25, but elongated. can’t seem to figure how to do this. may be impossible and that makes me sad because I bought the machine for the bigger throat so I could do some machine quilting on bigger quilts. thanks for any input you can provide.
My Janome Memory Craft 6500 no longer shows information on the upper right screen. Is there something I can try to have the displays resume?