Partner disclosure: SewingInsight.com is a participant in the Ebay Partner Network and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We earn a small advertising fees by linking to products on Ebay and Amazon. This does not increase the price for you as a reader but you will support our small business.
Janome Memory Craft 9900 Review (2023 update)
Note from Editor: This Janome Memory Craft 9900 review was originally written in 2015 and has been revised and updated in 2023. The 9900 is currently unavailable and we have listed other Memory Craft machines such as the Memory Craft 6650 , Memory Craft 9850 and Memory Craft 14000, that are ideal for quilting and heavy sewing.
When I reviewed Janome’s Memory Craft 9900 sewing and embroidery machine, I was truly pleased with the new features. It was a real treat for me to review this machine, especially since it is Janome’s most recent release. It’s always an honor to be one of the first to review a brand new sewing machine.
This model is now discontinued. Please look at other Memory Craft options
The Janome Memory Craft 9900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine is a versatile and powerful machine that is perfect for sewers and embroiderers of all skill levels. It features a top loading full rotary hook bobbin, 2 fonts with European characters, and a 2 & 3 letter monogramming function. The maximum embroidery size is 6.7" x 7.9" (170mm x 200mm), and there are multiple design transfer options, including USB. The Linear Motion Embroidery System and adjustable hoop positioning allow for precise and accurate embroidery. With 200 built-in stitches, 6 one-step buttonholes, and automatic thread tension, this machine is perfect for a wide range of sewing projects. The AcuGuide automatic cloth guide and easy reverse button make sewing even easier, while the adjustable knee lift and foot pressure adjustment provide added comfort and control. The Janome Memory Craft 9900 also comes with a semi-hard cover and DVD, and includes multiple hoops and a free arm for added convenience. With full intensity lighting and a LCD full color touchscreen, this machine is both easy to use and versatile.
Janome Memory Craft 9900 Features
To look at it, the Janome Memory Craft 9900 looks very much like most other Janome sewing and embroidery machines. That’s until you learn that this machine comes with three separate face plates.
The on board stitch guide is a convenient flip-up screen that is situated directly above the machine. When you lift the door to thread the machine, it’s right there.
The clear bobbin cover is a definite plus. With this, it is almost impossible for users to run out of bobbin thread in the middle of a delicate embroidery project, while inserting a zipper, making a buttonhole, putting in a sleeve or just sewing a simple seam.
The standard features on the Janome Memory Craft 9900 include:
- 200 built-in utility and decorative stitches
- 6 One-step buttonholes
- Automatic thread tension
- Built-in needle threader
- AcuGuide automatic cloth guide
- Snap-on presser feet
- Memorized needle up/down
- Fast, one-step needle plate conversion – no screws
- 7 piece feed dog
- Stitch Composer stitch creation program
- Free arm
- Drop feed
- Start/stop button
- Speed control slider
- Locking stitch button
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Full color LCD touchscreen
- Foot pressure adjustment
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Maximum stitch width: 9mm
- Maximum stitch length: 5mm
- On-screen assistance
- Built in timer tells you how long it will take to complete an embroidery project
- Easy set bobbin
- Bobbin winder with plate and cutting blade
- 175 Built-in embroidery designs
- 3 Fonts – 1 Cyrillic
- 2 &3 Letter monogramming function
- Maximum embroidery size: 6.7″ x 7.9″ (170mm x 200mm)
- Design transfer options: USB port
- On-screen editing: ability to resize, combine, duplicate, flip, arc, group, drag & drop, zoom, trace, select/change color choices
- Programmable jump thread trimming
- Flexible stitch travelling by units of 1, 10, and 100
- Auto return post thread break
- Adjustable hoop positioning
Alternative Janome Memory Craft Machines
The Janome Memory Craft 6650 and the Memory Craft 9850 are good alternative Janome Memory Craft machines from the same sewing line. The Janome MC 14000 is another alternative that is an advanced expensive embroidery machine for the advanced sewist.
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
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
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.
Working on the Janome Memory Craft 9900
Threading the Janome Memory Craft 9900 and winding the bobbin is as easy and uncomplicated as on almost any other Janome sewing, quilting or embroidery machine. When inserting the bobbin, however, I discovered a new feature that makes tangling or bunching bobbin thread impossible.
There’s a thumb sized guide next to the rotary hook that automatically ensures the perfect thread position each and every time. In addition, the clear plastic bobbin cover, seam guides etched on the interchangeable needle plates and five bright LED lights make working on the Janome Memory Craft 9900 an enjoyable experience.
At first, I thought the interchangeable face plates were an unnecessary add-on, but when you think about it, they are a wonderful way for your sewing machine to match your decor. On top of the machine is a flip top that not only gives you access to the spool and bobbin winding pins, it also reveals the stitch selection chart. All 200 stitch options, including three monogramming and lettering fonts. All of the decorative stitches can be rotated vertically or horizontally. Decorative stitches highlighted in pink are capable of rotating at 90o increments.
Watching the Memory Craft 9900 in action is a real treat. Completing this particular design takes about 90 minutes. As the work progresses, the tiny time clock in the upper right hand of the LCD screen counts the seconds down until the project is finished.
When the machine stops for thread color changes or to refill the bobbin, the clock stops and then starts back up when sewing is resumed. This feature makes it possible for you to always know exactly how much time is required for you to finish your embroidery project.
Changing the color of a design or a single element of any embroidery design is as simple as touching the elements you want to change and then using the stylus to touch the new replacement color on the on-board color palate.
The stitchwork is equivalent to any professional embroidery machine. Janome, after all, is the company that brought machine embroidery out of the factory and into the private home. It is still the leader of the pack when it comes to the quality of embroidery designs and ease of operation.
One of the most interesting new features on the Janome Memory Craft 9900 is the energy saver. If the machine sits idle for more than just a few minutes, the LED screen goes dark. Although you can’t see it, you will not lose anything. Your work comes back up with a simple touch of the fingertip anywhere on the touchscreen.
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 |
Accessories
Standard Accessories
- 11 Presser feet
- Zigzag foot
- Overedge foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Blind hemming foot
- Zipper foot
- Rolled hem foot
- Darning foot
- Button sewing foot
- ¼” seam foot
- Embroidery foot
- Automatic buttonhole foot R
- Stabilizer plate
- Two needle plates – 1Straight stitch/1Zigzag stitch needle plate
- 5 Bobbins
- Needle set
- Screwdriver
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper (buttonhole opener)
- Quilting guide bar
- 2 Spool holders – 1 large/1 small
- Extra spool pin
- Scissors
- Button shank plate
- Touch panel stylus
- Bobbin holder cleaner
- 3 interchangeable face plates – Metallic teal, red, pearl white
- Cloth guide
- Semi hard cover
- Embroidery unit carrying case
- Instructional DVD
- 2 Embroidery hoops:
- SQ20a: 6.7″ x 7.9″
- SQ14a: 5.5″ x 5.5″
Optional Accessories available through janome:
- Free Arm FA10: 3.9″ x 1.6″
- 9mm presser feet
- Additional embroidery hoops
Alternative Embroidery Machines
If you are looking for embroidery machines beyond the Janome brand, we recommend the Brother SE1900 and the Bernette B79.
If you are looking for the best sewing and embroidery machine, then Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery is the one. The features of this particular embroidery tool exceed your expectations by offering you a 5’’ x 7’’ area for embroidery so you can move ahead with larger designs without starting afresh. This is not all; you will also see 138 built-in embroidery designs, a color touchscreen, and 240 sewing stitches, making it irresistible for you to scroll past this instrument.
- Seamless operation
- Ability to import custom designs through USB
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Illuminating LED light
- Limited front selection for embroidery
- Included hoops may restrict usage for professionals
The Bernette B79 stands atop Bernina's lineup, blending the sewing prowess of the B77 with the embroidery finesse of the B70 DECO. This two-in-one marvel effortlessly crafts unique dresses with delicate embroidered flower embellishments. Ideal for creators of all levels, its attractively priced, user-friendly design transforms beginners into confident makers. The Christmas Design Bundle adds festive flair, while the intuitive touchscreen interface grants easy access to a vast stitch library and diverse embroidery designs. With precision, reliability, and durability, the Bernette B79 elevates your creative journey, ensuring consistent and accurate stitching for years to come.
- High-quality stitches
- Fast embroidery speed
- Colored touch screen
- Automatic thread cutter and speed controller
- Slow sewing speed
- A bit high priced
Read the detailed review of the Bernette B79 here
Maintenance tips for the MC 9900
| 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 |
Summary: Janome Memory Craft 9900
The Janome Memory Craft 9900 is whisper quiet. Although it weighs less than 30 pounds, I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a ‘portable’ sewing machine, but it is not a real heavy one either. The carrying handle makes it easy to move about from one part of the house to another when necessary. The interchangeable color face plates are ideal accessories for the home sewer who feels it necessary to have a completely color coordinated sewing room.
Just image a sewing room that is so thoroughly color coordinated that even the machines complement the carpets, curtains, cabinetry and upholstery. To many, a sewing room like that would be a dream come true.
I can’t think of anything of significance that I don’t like about this machine. The fact that you cannot program more than one thread color at a time is in my opinion a very minor thing. Besides, I cannot recall any other sewing and embroidery machine in the same weight and price range that allows you to program two or more thread colors at a time. The Janome Memory Craft 9900 is great for the person who is new to machine embroidery because it is so easy to learn to operate.
In addition, anyone who has been embroidering on a sewing machine for any length of time would definitely appreciate the long list of features and the specifications that make this machine stand apart from just about every other sewing and embroidery machine on the market.
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 9900 Review
Summary
The Janome Memory Craft 9900 is Janome’s addition to its line of sewing and embroidery machines for the home. I fell in love with the new features it brings to the home sewer. If I was truly interested in machine embroidery, and wanted to buy a new sewing and embroidery machine, I would definitely give this one some serious consideration. Unfortunately this machine is no longer available and you will need to buy a prefurbished product on EBAY if you are looking to buy it
Other Janome Memory Craft Reviews
Janome Memory Craft 500E Review (2023 update)
It took years for Janome to come up with a replacement for the Memory Craft 350E. According to Fay Nichol, owner of Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, the 500E is well worth the long wait. She was so excited about this machine that she invited me to review it as soon as it arrived. In my opinion, the Janome Memory Craft 500E is an excellent, well-built embroidery only machine. It has but one limitation that I was able to observe. Unlike many other embroidery only machines that I have been able to review, anyone who invests in the 500E will not have the freedom of adjusting the size of their embroidery designs beyond 20% above or below the original design setting.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Sewing Embroidery Machine Review (2023 update)
Are you considering the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850? Read…
Janome Memory Craft 6500 P Review (2023 update)
Have you ever wondered which sewing machine the owners of sewing machine stores use? I certainly have. When I asked Faye Nicholl, owner and manager of Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, she pointed to the Janome Memory Craft 6500 P. It’s a sewing and quilting machine that is possibly the most solidly built new sewing machine I have seen in a very long time. It has all of the features anyone who enjoys sewing and machine quilting could ask for. It does not, however, have a free arm. That minor inconvenience is a long way from a deal breaker, especially when you consider the fact that Faye has been happy sewing and quilting on this machine for 12 years and told me that she has no plans to change anytime soon.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC Review (2023)
This is one of the most well built, user friendly computerized sewing and quilting machines I have had the pleasure of working on. The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC is a solid, quiet machine that can please the most seasoned of home sewers. It’s a great machine for beginners as well because its function buttons and features are so clearly defined and easy to use.
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.
Fantastic. Shame small hoop doesn’t come with machine
I got this machine about a month a go. I’m new to sewing of any kind so I really like the way I produced professional looking embroidery from the start. My grand children love the designs I’ve made for them and now my children are asking for stuff!
i love ur reviews. i would like to know if this machine can sew multiple layers and extra thick fabrics.
Hello, Has –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. The Janome Memory Craft 9000 is a sewing and embroidery machine. I hesitate to recommend attempting to sew extra thick layers of fabric. My advice would be to try varying thicknesses, but do not attempt anything like sailboat cloth, heavy canvass or thick leather.
Happy stitching.
I have embroidered with the MC9900 on Garment Leather,Canvas from Nancys Notions child workbook project,embroidered an Ipad cover with 2 layers fabric and quilt batting,Denim and Ultrasuede.
Using a #90 titanium embroidery needle it worked flawlessly.
Yes, it can. Most machines can… you have to use the correct size needle. Generally 10-12 for cottons… denim 16-18.
What software are you using with this machine….if any?
Dear Stacie –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
The software I used during the review was the standard software that was built in the machine. Perhaps some of the readers who actually own the Janome Memory Craft 9900 might be able to share their experiences with the software packages they are using.
Happy Stitching.
I have just received my new Janome MC 9900. There are two needle plates, could you describe which looking plate is for what purpose. Thanks.
it tells you in the manual
.
The one with the yellow mark on the bobbin case is for embroidery?
Jules, read your manual. I have the 9900. The second needle plate AND the second bobbin case are for the embroidery function. I have not experienced any thread breaks while embroidering. A huge improvement over my 9700. I am always “amused” or confused with the question of whether a sewing machine will sew layers. I assume the question is in regard to typical sewing room fabric. A decent machine will sew layers. But if one is making sails for a sail boat, or tents…i would buy a a professional heavy duty industrial machine. I hem my denims, i make purses, etc on all of my Janomes. They can handle it. I do go slower tho. And depending on the project, Zi use a Jean needle. I love my Janome. 9900. I am working on an “in the hoop ” embroidery project. I am using the small hoop that comes with the machine…..perfect for the 5 x 5 square blocks.
I love to sew in layers, i use a lot of denim and plastic can i still use it with this sewing machine ?
Vernelle, i am still using my customizer 10000 plus that I bought in 2005 when I purchased my Janome 9700. I recently bought Embrilliance tho I have not used it yet. I do not. ” digitize”. I use software to combine designs…editing software.
I purchased this machine in January 2014 and had a hard time finding reviews so thought I would add to this review which is great and helped me make my decision to purchase. I have been sewing/embroidering for three months with zero problems. I have made a dozen purses, canvas and leather with no problem. I have always changed my needles after every project, buy them by the 100’s so I do not have to worry about having enough. This machine is high quality and has many features for the price point. I planned on buying software but to date have been able to do everything I need on the machine – rotate/size/copy. Would recommend without hesitation if you are in the market for a new machine.
I have been sewing up a storm with my 9900. I love it! The editing software that I bought and use is Embrilliance Essentials with Alpha Tricks. There are a few reviews of this machine on Pattern Review, btw.
In regard to the question about the two needle plates, Each communicate to the machine which functions you can use when in place. For example, if you have the embroidery plate & bobbin in the machine (single needle plate vs, the 9mm opening), the machine will not allow you to program it for wide stitches . Only straight stitching options are allowed to operate. Sweet!
The wo hoops that come with the machine are more than sufficient for my needs. I am pretty sure that there is a small hoop accessory purchase for stitching cuffs, etc. No GIGA hoop tho…fine by me. The one Zi bought for my 9700 collects dust…..never ever used it.
Stacie
Hello, I want to buy this machine, but I have a question… above in your review, you indicate with an “X” next to the items listed below:
Leather/suede
Fur
Reptile skin
Canvas/Twill
Plastic/Rubber
Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers
Does this mean that I can’t sew four layers of denim? Or 8 layers of cotton – which is not uncommon when quilting.
?? I thought Janome was a hearty machine? Please respond. Thank you.
Nancy, Vernelle gave a thorough and fair review of the Janome 9900. I assume the “x” meant that she did not test sew on those particular “fabrics”. Why would she???
Nancy, sounds like you sew more industrial type fabrics. Of course this machine sews multiple layers of fabric.. I embroider on faux leather (vinyl) with no issues. As for real leather, real fur (dead animals) i cannot attest to that. Frankly, i would look into a true “industrial” machine designed fr heavy duty sewing. There are plenty of reviews on the 9900. At Pattern Review. http://www.patternreview.com. Join some Yahoo! Groups fir other reviews and real life usage on the machine. I adore this machine and don’t regret the purchase.
Stacie
I have been disappointed in the MC9900. It’s a great sewing machine, but as for the embroidery not so good. I use the Floriani Total Pro program, and have had no success in downloading designs to the embroidery machine. I even hired a computer tech to help me and she was puzzled. I have seen many complaints about this machine, and frankly am sorry I bought it.
Sharon i felt your pain and aggravation when i purchased my 9900. Saving embroidery files to USB is not the same process in the traditional sense.
I had the same issue until i scrolled the screen on. My 9900. Use the right and left arrows at the bottom of the screen . They were there.
****My Trial and error “tips”. Your experience may vary….****
**SAVE embroidery designs in the proper hoop size for your machine. Make sure that the design is saved inside the hoop side. (I use Embrilliance)
**Locate the design file on your PC and right click the file to “copy”
**Open the USB file then ” paste” the file to the embf folder. Why oh why you cannot “Save as” to the USB is a mystery but it is what it is. Here is my tutorial. Stacie
**FROM YOUR SEWING MACHINE, When trying to locate files on the USB , use the left/right arrows on the screen for scrolling.
I have had my machine since November and using the USB for transferring designs to the machine has been a very frustrating process. It has been trial and error as I also learn Embrilliance. I am getting there!
Ooops. I guess that I should explain that ALL embroidery design files should be saved to a folder named embf . To save them, you have to copy/paste them to the embf folder on your PC. YOU CANNOT “save as”. You do need to insert the uSB into the 9900 to format the folder onto the stick. Then take the USB and insert it into your PC. Open your design files, copy the file, then OPEN the USB drive and then PASTE it into the embf file on the USB. Insert the USB into the 9900. Open the USB icon and then scroll thru the designs that are on the USB by using the left/right arrows on the bottom of the machine screen. Gee, i hope this clears up the issues. I probably should make a tutorial in .pdf to share.
I love love my 9900 now that I understand the goofy process for saving embroidery designs in the folder on the USB.
Stacie
While digitizing a large file to my wife’s MC9900, I found out that if the design is even one millimeter larger in any direction than the maximum size stated for the hoop, the machine will never even “see” the file on the USB stick. For example, I would recommend a max size of 198mm X 168 mm for the large hoop.
Also, if your design is too large (comes too near the edge of the allowed area) you cannot shrink it enough in the machine to rotate the design. On my project, I had to rotate the design 180 degrees in photoshop and then create the stitching file (.jef) afterwards.
I have just purchased the 9900 after owning the 350e for six years. I have been sent 2 needle plates but they are exactly the same. can I embroider using the sewing needle plate or do I have to change the plate.
Karima,
Congratulations on purchasing the 9900. I bought this machine in January and love it. Page 87 of the manual shows the needle plate to use, the straight stitch needle plate. Good luck with your machine and hope you get both needle plates soon.
Hello, Karima –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Yes. You can use the same needle plate to embroider on your Janome MC 9900.
Happy stitching.
just wondering if this would be a good machine for doing some quilting on?
Hello, Mandy –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
According to the owner’s manual, it is possible to execute some quilting tasks on the MC 9900. This machine is primarily designed to perform sewing and embroidery functions. The quilting stitches and features are available n the MC 9900 are significnatly limited when compared with a machine that is specifically designed for quilting.
How much is this sewing machine?
MSRP is $4999.00. Negotiate for a better orice.
I bought my 9900 a year ago. I’ve made a few smaller quilts since then and have no problem with it. I love how it sews, it is really quiet. I’ve only done one embroidery design, one of the built in ones, and it came out really nice. I am hoping to do some more embroidery very soon. It is really helpful to use the manual. It does tell you exactly how to set up the machine for embroidery. Also the shop where you bought it should provide lessons. Also Janome runs specials about every 6 mos. so that even though the MSRP is 4999, you should be able to get it for 3999 when they do.
I bought the 9900 two years ago and love it. I just made some quilted potholders and they came out fine. However if you wish to do machine quilting, I’ve found it has a tendency to push the fabric even with the even feed foot. However you can get around this problem by making sure the pressure foot has looser pressure. I haven’t done much embroidery so far, but what little I’ve done is what has been already programmed into the machine and it came out great. Good luck.
Cecilia
Bought my 9900 in May 2015 – Janome Canada had a big sale. I pd $2499 for it. Just found this site so probably too late to help you out. Love my machine!
Hi,
Great info, I love my 9900, you have stated Optional Accessories available through janome:
Additional embroidery hoops???? What size hoops are available?? I would love a larger hoop.
Regards
From Australia
Cathy
Hello, Cathy –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
This link will take you to the Accessories page for the Janome 99900. I have already made the ‘hoops’ selection. Merely click on ‘Select an Accesory’ to access the details of each hoop.
http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Embroidery/MC9900.
Happy stitching.
Hi, I am thinking of purchasing the memory craft 9900, can you please tell me if you doing several lines of wording will the machine automatically centralize the words.
Many thanks
Hello, Tina –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. Since I didn’t think i had enough information to answer your question, I asked one of my Janome resources… Faye Nicholl at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting. She agreed that we need more information in order to adequately respond to your inquiry. Specifically… how will you be loading the information in to the machine? You have several options here… Will you be entering the wording line by line? will it be downloaded from a computer or will you be programming it directly to the sewing machine?
I have a MC9900 and so far I love it. I’ve downloaded some designs from Embroidery Library to my computer, but not sure if I can use them as downloaded by saving them to my USB stick. Do I need to open them first on the computer. I don’t have a separate embroidery program. Do I need to get one? I hope someone can clarify this for me. Thank you so much.
Cecelia, You have to at least save the design file in an .embf folder and then load the embf folder onto the USB stick.you cannot load the file to the USB stick without the folder.
Please read my previous posts for explanation of the file.
I love Embrilliance software for editing and combining design files. And I want to see the designs too.
Stacie
You might want to look at Floriani or DIME for your software program. Totally usable with Janome, easy to use, and you NEVER pay for an upgrade.
I have purchased Janome MC9900 recently. I have no experience of stitching / embroidery. As a first step, I tried winding thread to the bobbin looking at the instruction manual. For my luck, the thread got wound up to the bottom side of winder spindle (not on the bobbin). I don’t know what to do? Please help.
You have to make certain that the thread is under tension from the moment you begin winding, and adjust the speed of the machine down to about 25% or less. All my bobbins wound at a faster speed performed erratically. Also, the bobbin should be adjusted to be around 3/4 full when wound, NOT 100%
full. I couldn’t get my wife’s winder off either, but I used a sort of dental probe and the scissors to clear the thread.
Keep at it!
Just pull the round plastic part up and it comes off so you can release the thread underneath
Hello, the same thing happened to me. But all you need to do is hold it between your fingers and pull the bobbin winder up and off. It may be a little stiff to do. There are no screws to undo. Good luck.
Thanks I will try it out!
Thank you. I’ll try that.
I bought my 9900 in August 2014 and have had no real problems with it. I didn’t have any lessons, just went through the instruction book. One mistake I made was using the straight sewing needle plate for embroidery. It was fabulous (great embroidery results). I took this needle plate off, cleaned the machine as instructed then I had problems with embroidery. Ripped my hair hair out trying to fix problem. Re-read instructions. Changed needle quite a few times etc etc. Even went back to Janome store to check whether I was threading properly, blah blah blah. Tried what she said, still a problem. One last trick up my sleeve before I took machine back. As last resort I went back to instruction book. Guess what? I was using the wrong needle plate. I found the slight variations on the needle plate itself. Using the embroidery needle plate, the embroidery is perfect again.
One of the ladies at a different Janome shop had told me you did not need to change it for embroidery. I had this in the back of my mind all along. So girls, please make sure you change the needle plate for embroidery, also read instruction book carefully in front of your machine and try the instructions out
Also when I bought the 9900 it came with the Janome Digitiser Junior as a freebie and I have had no trouble using reputable dealers embroidery designs. Machine cost me $3000, complete with the latest Digitizer Junior software, valued at $495 Aussie dollars, free. I would highly recommend the Janome 9900!!
I too was told by a Janome demonstrator that I didn’t need to change the plate, I will in future thanks for the heads up!
Hi! purchased my Janome 9900 back in September 2014. Haven’t had a chance to explore embroidery except once. I had a Kenmore sewing machine for 17 years that was really a nice experience but needed a replacement. I am still confused if this was a good choice to buy 9900 since I am very good at sewing but don’t know if I will learn to use all the features on the embroidery on this machine. Looking at the manual the options seems endless.Are the built in designs on 9900 enough or this machine encourages to purchase online designs and import? Please advice since I still have the option to get a 6600 by Janome and return this one.
If the shop where you purchased your machine offers embroidery lessons, you should take them. It’s a little complicated to learn on your own. Embroidery is lots of fun and you might enjoy it.
Juhi, No embroidery machine “built-in” designs will be enough. Frankly, i rarely use them. I buy the deigns I need/want. The Janome 9900 has USB an it is easy to transfer designs from your PC to the machine. BUT, pls. Read the above discussion on how to do it. It is tricky but once you understand it, it works. I love my 9900.
Stacie
Juhi, I would keep the 9900 but I am so into machine embroidery. There are good built in embroidery designs, but there are heaps and heaps of others online at a reasonable cost and you can download them in the JEF format (for Janome current machines). I am like Stacie, I love my 9900 too. I have done more embroidery than ordinary sewing up to this date. Try and have some lessons from place of purchase, for the machine embroidery.
Maryanne
Love my Janome 9900 which I purchased last summer. I am puzzled about one thing and hope you can help. With my older Janome embroidery machine I could open an embroidery file (I will use a flower design as an example) and then go into the edit mode and add lettering so all could be viewed on the screen and stitched out at the same time. This was a big hit with my kids who liked to see their name included on things I embroidered for them. Is there a way to combine a design and text with this machine? I will go bonkers if I am no longer able to do this.
Susan, yes this can be done easily. Go back to your Dealer and ask for a demo. This would be much better than me writing it in the comments section of this blog!!
You have no idea how relieved I am! I much appreciate your response and will follow up with my dealer this week.
I have purchased Janome 9900 in 2014
I love it
I bought mine a little over a year ago, and I love it too. I haven’t done much embroidery on it yet, but did try out that part and I very pleased with it. I’m looking forward to doing more embroidery after I finish a few quilts for friends.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Stacie, THANK YOU! My neighbor recently purchased a Janome 9900 and asked for my help with the “computer” side of her machine. I was going nuts trying to figure out how to get from the thumb drive to the 9900. THANK YOU for explaining the process (convoluted and crazy as it is)! She is *thrilled* now with her machine.
And I no longer feel I’ve lost my computer cred.
Kathleen
I purchased my Janome 9900 in October! I’ve not sewn a stitch in years. I’ve done some patches on leather vests with no problems using a leather needle. I’ve not done much conventional sewing but it does work great. The screen for altering designs is awesome! I’m buying all kinds of projects the transfer process is painless as stated it is sad that it is just not a bit bigger in stitch field and I’m so hooked I may upsize already! If you are just starting out this is a great little machine!
I have just received my 9900 as a birthday present, I am confused about the two sewing plates, the instruction manual States to use the straight stitch plate for embroidery, so when do I use the embroidery plate? Am I using the correct plate for embroidery? Also the top thread keeps breaking, I have turned down the tension, but feel that the embroidery threads are not as strong as normal sewing threads, can I use the normal threads for embroidery?
I absolutely love this machine. High quality to the embroidery, silent, easy to thread, great with so many lights to light up work area. I was told in the shop that sells Janome that it easily can sew heavier fabrics, and I have tried both canvas, leather, suede (several layers) without any problem at all. The machine should come with all three hoops is my opinion. As it is now you have to by the smallest one separate.
The 99000 senses which plate is installed. It will not function if the wrong plate is installed for the function selected. You use the embroidery plate when the machine is set to “embroidery”. I use embroidery thread to embroidery. The thread is designed to handle the speed of embroidering .
I’ve had my 9900 since February 2014. I’m not sure I made the right decision on this machine. I feel limited with my two hoop sizes and the two projects I am working on required me to find help to do them. One I had to get the designs split and the other the fills which stitched for all the others in the group doing the quilt and not using Janome switched perfectly. I have to ask the designer to change all the fils so mine are very plain compared to the others. Very disappointed in that. The machine sews well but is limited.
My 9900 is the third embroidery machine I have owned and I like it the best. Flawless stitching every time. Not sure how large a hoop you need so I can’t comment on that, but I wonder if the designer is the culprit for your stitch-outs looking more plain than the others. The designer programs how the design is filled in, not your machine, so if the designer created a plainer version of your design then you may want to request that it be revised to match the others.
I just got the 9900 and i do not have a folder called Embl, how do i fix this?
thanks a million in advance 🙂
If you go into embroidery mode and click on Designs, you will probably see a window with a bunch of pre-installed designs showing. If you look in the column at the right side of the screen you will see a file folder picture that if you click, will bring you to a window that shows a picture of a sewing machine and a picture of a stick drive. Embf is the one you would click on to access all the designs stored in folders on your machine.
Do you have to use janome needles with the 9900
In the UK you are only supplied with one needle plate, the straight stitch plate. However it works well for both sewing and embroidery. I found the embroidery bobbin holder tension is set too high, as the bobbin thread kept coming out on top, so after a lot of hair pulling and threatening to throw the machine out of the window, I managed to sort it out by turning very slightly the screw on the left of the bobbin case counter clockwise until I got perfect stitches.
Another gripe is that is does not tell you in the instruction manual how to import embroidery designs. Its is a very convoluted process . You have to make a folder then transfer them into the folder , then transfer to them to the usb stick. Thank God for You Tube and a very nice man from Oz who helped me.
I also do like like the fact the needle doesn’t not move, when you are attempting to create precise positioning for continuous or border embroideries. Only the on screen curser moves, so it is difficult to be accurate.
That said, I love the fact you can increase or decrease your designs up to 20%. I love the pop up needle plate cover ( no looking for the scewdriver).
Fabulous stitches, and that I could change the screen background to pink and not be stuck with the depressing black. The countdown in time and stitches is very useful and you can switch the machine half way through a design and it will pick up where you left off when you switch it back on.
So happy to find this website! Your comments have already helped me with my Janome 9900! I love the machine but have had a hard time figuring out how to transfer purchased designs to the machine. I succeeded, but don’t know if I’ll remember how I did it. If someone makes a PDF of the method, please share! Thanks.
Love this site– thank you all!
I have had a Janome 350E with Customizer 11000 ver. 1.2– for 4 years and just read that the GiGi hoop can be used on this machine. I’m excited but can’t figure out if I can use 11000 or need the 10000 Plus in order to use the GiGi hoop on my 350E. My dealer sold his shop and I’m confused. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
I’m new to embroidery machines and have just purchased the Janome Memory Craft 9900 yesterday. I was up doing an embroidery design last night. I have to say that I love my new machine, it’s wonderful. I’m a newbie to embroidery and it walked me thru with the manual, video and the digital screen on the machine. I just need to find out how to get new designs downloaded on my USB to try. Very excited about my Memory Craft 9900 future projects.
I download designs from my favorite websites onto my computer, then drag them onto my stick drive so that I can plug the drive right into the USB slot of my sewing machine. Make sure you use .jef files and be mindful of the dimensions as the designs must fit into the switchable area inside your hoops. My 9900 seems to do a flawless job every time and I hope you have the same great experience!
Oops, typo! I meant to say the STITCHABLE area inside the hoop.
Hi I am wanting to purchase this.. can you do free machine embroidery with this without the programing? If so is is straight forward? Any advise on how this can be done would be great so i can proceed x
Boa Noite
Quais tipos de bordados essa máquinas faz? Alguém pode me tirar essa dúvida por favor? OBRIGADA
I have a Janome 9700 and I am wanting to do Monogramming. However, the letter size that is on the machine is not large enough.. Is there a way to download a program or certain letter to increase the size of the letters?
Hi, I’ve been using my Janome 9900 part time for a few years now. I continue to have an issue with loops in the top thread on my embroidery projects. I don’t want to start making adjustments to the tension screw. Although I’ve been told to. I’ve also been told it is the way I’m threading the top thread. This has been very frustrating. Any advise?
my mc9900 keeps getting a warning..it only shows the foot pedal with the cord hooked up to the machine. I have to reset it by turning the machine off or unplugging the pedal cord. It’s difficult to sew anything because its a constant warning
Trish, how long have you had the 9900? Take it back to your Janome dealer to see what they say. If the machine is more than 12 months old, maybe it needs a service?
Thank you Maryanne, I will take it back but its been more than a year old. But I believe its still under warranty
Suzanne I hope your problem has been solved by now!! Do you clean around the bobbin case monthly, the instructions say? Are you using the correct needle plate?
Change your needle regularly! Finally I would take it back to your Janome Dealer, if all instructions in hand book are followed first, to see what they say about it!!! I have had two years of wonderful use so far. Please read the instruction book thoroughly. I had a bit of a botch up (my fault) at first with what needle plate to use for embroidery and general sewing!
Hi there,
Did you get to the bottom of what was wrong, as I also seem to have the same problem
Hello, am new to embroidery machines and am considering starting with a used Janome 9000 but cannot find any reviews for this machine. Does anyone out there know anything about it and if it is a decent machine to start? I found one for sale at $550, which I am sure is a great price but is still a huge outlay if the machine is not great.
Thanks much, Cynthia in Ventura, CA
I have owned my 9900 for well over a year now. It embroiders beautifully and has functioned very well with my regular sewing as well (some garment sewing and a lot of home dec). It is versatile and more reasonably priced than the current new machines out there. $550 sounds almost too good for this machine, used, so if it were me, I would have it checked and make sure it works before you spend the money. Good luck!
Thank you for your reply. In the end, we have opted for a Brother PE780D embroidery machine and a Janome sewing machine separately. We plan to visit our local shop tomorrow to check out the Janome sewing machines. They have what appear to be some pretty good prices… so just need to select the right machine.
Thanks again!
Cynthia
Love my machine. I live too far away to access lessons so started off with the manual. After that You Tube became my best friend. I would have the laptop beside the machine and follow tutorials on everything from how to download designs and get them in the correct file on USB. Found out you can only use 8G USB after buying bigger. I can combine designs and wording together and as time goes by I streamline things.
Have had machine for 6 months and love it. Have my 28 year old Janine set up for regular sewing and my Husky over locker so mostly use MC9900 for embroidery and patchwork. Highly recommend if you are prepared to take the time to learn as it is only “plug and play” for the basics.
I mostly Quilt. Does the MC 9900 have a built in walking foot? My 6600 does and I love it, thinking of upgrading to the 9900, but don’t want to loose the walking foot function. Thank you
Is the Janome mc 9900 still fully warranted if purchased new in 2018? I had a Janome mc 9000 and it is obsolete can not be repaired. I loved that machine and used it for 15 years. There is a Janome 10000 I can pick up for $1000., but it too is no longer warranted and has no parts availability, so am concerned that Janome stops supporting older machine and forces you to buy new. Not sure when the mc 9900 first came out and how many updates it’s had.
My 9900 keeps making nests when I am embroidering. I have re threaded, checked the bobbin, cleaned the machine. And am getting very frustrated. Please help.
Hi, how many different sizes can I do lettering if I get this machine? what are the sizes? thanks
i love my my memory craft 9900 i did have to go to the internet to find out how to transfer files.. I am having a different problem now though
when I buy bundles of files it seems that sometimes the picture file is missing. my recent experience was there were actually 4 designs each with 3 different sizes great value!!! but when i copied the files only 2 came up on the display panel. the 2 that came up had JBF files (image files i found out) and these came up. BUT the other files are not coming up. I contacted the supplier who told me she only needed to the one file!!!!! can you help me or am I completely wrong