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Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP has been discontinued, we have added alternatives such as Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, Janome Memory Craft Horizon 8200 QCP, and Janome Memory Craft 6650.
When I reviewed the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP at Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I first thought it was just another combination sewing and quilting machine. It is, however, more than that. The folks at Janome have added some features that I had never before seen on a sewing machine made for home or industrial use.
Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP Overview
Janome Memory Craft 9400QC is a computerised sewing and quilting machine that comes with 350 onboard utility, decorative, and quilting stitches, 4 alphanumeric fonts adjustable stitch length and width bith adjustable up to 9mm. The drop in bobbin comes with a transparent cover so that you can see when you are running out of thread. Tension control is automatic and the bobbin motor is also independent. Stitching speed can be adjusted up to a maximum of 1000SPM. You can view your designs on the full color LED touchscreen.
Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP has been discontinued. We recommend trying out alternatives that we hae added to this post.
For starters, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a small dial on the right side of the column is the drop feed control, which is in my opinion an answer to a prayer. Anyone who is familiar with reviews on this website knows that the placement of the drop feed control has been a pet peeve of mine for quite a while.
In addition to this very important change, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP has a stitch adjuster and stitch creator, which allow the user to create and customize stitches to suite their individual needs. There is also a USB port on the side of the column, and a large full color touchscreen on the front.
The on board stitch selection guide is inside the lid cover along with the numerical threading and bobbin winding guides.
The removable dual compartment accessory case reveals a convenient free arm. Beneath the needle is a large needle plate with seam guides etched all around and on the see through bobbin cover which makes it possible to see the thread supply on the drop in bobbin.
The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP comes with three separate needle plates: a zigzag plate; a straight stitch and quarter inch plate; and a professional grade straight stitch plate which is designed to work with the needle in the left position only. That needle plate also comes with its own separate snap on presser foot and ankle.
Across the machine head and above the needle is a series of function buttons: start/stop; thread tie-off and cut; reverse/lock stitch; needle up/down; presser foot up/down; design stop and a variable speed slider. There is also an advanced needle threader and a bright LED light that extends from the top of the machine adding extra illumination to the area around the needle.
What are some alternatives for Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP ?
Like we have already mentioned in this review, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP has been discontinued. Here are some alternatives that we recommend instead.
Are you searching for a compact-size embroidery machine? Then, with Janome Horizon Memory Craft 850, your hunt just ended. The machine can impress you with its versatility and abundance of great features. It consists of sewing and embroidery modes, allowing you to easily switch between the skills. Moreover, the machine provides you with up to 200x 280mm hoop capabilities to ensure precision, especially during embroidery, and the latest needle threading system lets you do some vibrant stitching.
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 has all the functions and extras you could possibly need for quilting. The enormous 11" to the right of your needle is included on the Janome Memory Craft 8200. You will be able to quilt a large quilt easily in this area. There is a knee lift included with the Janome Memory Craft 8200 QCP. Your presser foot will simply rise up with a quick push to the right with your knee! You may easily make the last tweaks to your project while utilizing it with the needle down option!
The Horizon Memory Craft 8200QCP's typical free motion quilting settings are perfect for free motion quilters! You also receive a convertible free motion quilting foot with a closed toe, open toe, and clear view foot in addition to a darning foot that can be used for free motion quilting. It only takes a quick flick of a button on the machine's side to lower your feed dogs.
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.
What are the features of Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP?
- 350 On board utility, decorative and quilting stitches
- 4 Alphanumeric fonts
- Drop in bobbin with see through cover
- Automatic tension control
- Adjustable stitch length and width – up to 9mm wide
- Independent bobbin motor
- Full color touchscreen
- More than 1000 stitches per minute
- USB Port
- Variable zigzag
- Advanced needle plate seam guides
- Stitch Composer Software allows users to design their own stitches
- 9 On board LED lights
- Automatic needle threader
- On board threading guides
- 2 On board accessory storage compartments
- Free arm
- Adjustable high light extends above the needle
- Function buttons:
- o Start/stop
- o Reverse/lock stitch
- o Presser foot up/down
- o Needle up/down
- o Thread tie-off/cut
- Variable speed control slider
- Work with single or double needle
- On board stitch selection guide
- On board ruler
- 4 Way mirror imaging
- Stitch memory
- 13 Languages
- Choice of three different background colors:
- o White
- o Pink
- o Yellow
Working on the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP
The on board numerical threading and bobbin winding guides make getting started a piece of cake. Once the machine is threaded, selecting a stitch is simplified by a clearly defined menu.
Users have the option of choosing a stitch from one of six menu categories all depicted by graphic icons… utility stitches; decorative stitches; alphanumeric fonts or a tee-shirt icon which when opened reveals an extremely interesting menu of helps for applying practically every imaginable sewing application.
For this review, I sampled several of the utility and decorative stitch options, some of which I believe have never before been available on earlier models of sewing and quilting machines.
Not only did the stitches all come out with precision and perfection, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is extremely quiet. There was no vibration at all and the ergonomic design makes for a very comfortable feeling, reducing the possibility for neck, wrist, shoulder and back strain when working for long periods of time without a break.
Which fabrics can go on the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP?
| 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) Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Upholstery | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber |
What accessories come with Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP?
Standard Accessories:
- 13 snap on Presser feet
- 1/4 Inch Seam foot
- AcuFeed Flex™ dual feed foot
- Automatic buttonhole foot
- Blind hem foot
- Button sewing foot
- Cloth guide
- Darning foot
- Free motion quilting closed toe foot
- Open toe satin stitch foot
- Overedge foot m
- Rolled hem foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Zipper foot
- 3 Interchangeable needle plates
- Zigzag
- Straight stitch/quarter inch
- Professional straight stitch (left needle position only) with presser foot
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Extra needles
- Bobbins
- Extension table
- Knee lift
- Owner’s manual
- Stitch composer software disc
- Instructional disc
Optional Accessories:
- 1/4 Inch seam foot for Acufeed
- 3-Way cording foot
- Acufeed open toe foot
- Applique foot
- Beading foot (2 – 1 narrow/1 wide)
- Binder foot
- Border guide foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Clear view 1/4 seam foot 9mm
- Clear view quilting foot and guide set
- Concealed zipper foot
- Ditch quilting foot
- Edge guide foot
- Extra-large buttonhole foot and stabilizer plate
- Free motion couching foot
- Gathering foot
- Blue tip needles
- Purple tip Needle
- Red tip needle
- Bobbin (specialized)
- Bobbin holder for free motion quilting
- Buttonhole stabilizer plate
- Circular sewing attachment
- Extra-large foot controller with thread cutter
- Horizontal spool holder
- Insert plate
- Long quilting guide bar set
- Optic magnifier
- Remote thread cutter switch
- Ruffler
- Single Acufeed holder and foot
- Ultraglide needle plate and Foot set
How to maintain the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP?
| 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 |
Summary: Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP Review
Fay Nicoll, owner of Sunshine Sewing and quilting, where I found myself reviewing this model, aptly describes the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCQ as a machine that does “everything up to embroidery”. I couldn’t help but agree with her. This combination sewing and quilting machine really does do everything but there is no embroidery hoop, no embroidery software and no embroidery designs.
To conclude my review, the Janome Memory Craft 9400 is definitely the dawn of the next generation of sewing and quilting machines from Janome. I must say, I was so happy to see that the folks at Janome took heed of my complaints and put the drop feed control in a very easily accessible place that I almost jumped for joy.
In addition to that very crucial feature, I really like the way the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP handles. The stitch selection process is only a little bit of a challenge because there are so many choices. Once the user understands the process, however, selecting stitches and creating new ones is possibly one of the greatest features this machine has to offer.
I do not believe the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is a good choice for anyone who has never worked on a sewing machine before or is still in the process of learning the basics of sewing machine operation because of the many advanced features that are standard on this machine.
There are interesting new features that I hesitate to recommend it for certain home sewers whose skills are good, but not what some would consider to be at a strong intermediate level.
Anyone who decides that they want to add the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP to their sewing room should be ready to spend some time getting to know this machine and working with all of the features before actually working on a major sewing or quilting project.
The good news is I don’t believe it will take long for a seasoned home sewer to learn to use these new features and be able to create fabulous clothes and quilts after just a few short hours of experimentation and practicing to determine preferences and favorite stitch combinations, which can be stored and saved for repeated use.
The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is more than just efficient, user-friendly and ergonomically designed. It is also affordably priced. With a MSRP of just $4999, this machine is within reach of many home budgets.
If you think you want to take home a Janome Memory Craft 9400 QCP of your own, set aside some time to visit an authorized independent Janome dealer near you. Ask a sales associate for a demonstration of this well designed sewing and quilting and be prepared to discuss flexible pricing and financing options.
Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP Review
Summary
The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is a high-end sewing and embroidery machine that offers a wide range of features. It has 1,400 built-in stitches, including basic utility stitches, decorative stitches, and quilting stitches. The machine also has a built-in embroidery module, which allows you to embroider a variety of designs. The Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a needle threader, a top-loading bobbin, and a free arm.
Overall, the Janome Memory Craft 9400QCP is a high-end sewing and embroidery machine that offers a wide range of features and is easy to use. It is a good option for both beginners and experienced sewers.
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Happy Stitching.
I have this machine. The dial on the side of the 9400 is the differential dual feed control, not the drop feed control. Tha drop feed lever is at the bottom of the machine down below that dial.
Leorah,
What is the “differential dual feed control”?
I make doll clothes and my machine (viking +1 old) wants to eat the fabric. Would this feature help? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The differential feed control allows you to set the speed at which the AccuFeed moves the top and bottom layers of fabric. This is helpful when matching patterns or ensuring top and bottom fabrics align at ends.
I’m looking at buying a new machine and choosing between the 9400 and the Pfaff Performance 5 – there is about $1,200 difference in the price
Any comments on either machine?
Hi Betty, i am in a similar dillema. I was looking gtw. MC 8900 QCP and Pfaff Performance 5. I have bought the Pfaff Performance 5 – which a good sewing machine, very intuitive with beautiful stitch options. However I have sent it back because the buttonholes did not have same quality as promised and because the engine was not so powerful as Janome 8900 QCP. You now this is like a big car that does not have enough horse power. I have missed the power so now I am looking for Janome 9400.
Pfaff is also a very good machine. You have to try both out and hear your heart.
I love the Janome 9400. It is well worth the investment. It sews beautifully and creativity is brought out with the features of this machine. It let’s you design your own stitches and save them to memory. The ease and power of this machine is a time saver. The independent bobbin winding motor is also a plus, as well as the advanced lighting system and optional magnification attachment sold me on this machine.
I’m happy to hear this Donna. I am looking at the 9400 but haven’t test driven it yet. It seems to have so many more features over my Bernina 630. Just trying to find more reviews…. Have hardly heard anything about it.
The Janome has major thread cutter problems. It is a great machine other than the fact the thread cutter works maybe half the tim.
Never had any thread cutting problems on 9400
Hope you have solved yours
Brenda,Wales UK
I hate Pfaff machines! I have a Creative Vision which is a combination Embroidery and Sewing machine. it goes into repair 3 months a year. I have had numerous machines as they replace them when they could not fix them with the same results. The needle threader has never worked and it hates to machine quilt. I have a New Home 6000 from the early 80’s that has never been repaired which is really a Janome machine. I have a small travel machine, a Janome Dacor which I love and have never had repaired in the 10 years I have owed it. I just bought a Janome 9400 and look forward to a wonderful adventure !
Beware when you buy the Janome 9400 it has issues with the cutter. It does not cut the thread overtime. Wait a year before you buy
PAM…do you mean… that this cutter issue might be improved on the 9400 within the
year?
I’d like to know how someone who has had this machine for more than 6 months, using it all the time, likes it. Considering this and the Babylock Crescendo. Does anyone have any experience with both these machines?
I have the 8900 and recently bought Babylock Crescendo. I hate the Babylock dual feed. It is bulky to attach. Fabric bunches behind it and you cannot do decorative stitches with it. The machine is 7 mm as opposed to 9 mm with the 9400. I have been considering the 9400 but some stitches that I can utilize on the 8900 with the accufeed are grayed out on the 9400 (serpentine stitch which is my favorite for quilting). I do like the auto pivot on the Crescendo and the laser beam is fantastic for piecing. The Crescendo stitches are lovely. I prefer to piece on the Babylock and quilt with the 8900 and the accufeed. I am not proficient with free motion. But if I could have only one machine it would be Janome.
I am thrilled with my Janome MC9400 having upgraded from a little $500 Janome,,, especially as I am getting into quilting. However, I do a lot of dressmaking and am having trouble doing stretch knits. I have an overlocker so can use that for most things, but using the recommended stitches U6, U7 do not work well for top stitching. They bunch at the start and won’t move. They also seem to stretch the fabric. And from what I can see I cannot move the needle position either when using these stitches to facilitate sewing close to the edge. (eg doing pockets on a jacket). Have searched web sites without any success.
I have started to use Wash Away Wonder Tape which is double sided sticky 1/4″ tape that I place in stretch fabric seams. Position and gently press fabric together. Then sew the required seam. This provides stability to the feed dogs and completely washes away. LOVE this product, no pinning needed either. Works beautifully for narrow knit hems too. Also I use Knit-N-Table tape for collars, armholes and hems needing body but modest stretch.
Oops! Knit-N-Stable , darn spell check.
Happy to say… I bought the 9400 last week and got instant gratification. There are absolutely no problems with my thread cutter. All is working well so far…. Very happy with the stitches. Love the lighting and larger workspace. Would like to hear more from new owners…
I have a Janome 9400 mc,lovely machine but l am not liking the bobbin sensor,yes it’s great to let you know when thread is low,but l thought l sensor would not work if switched off.Full bobbin and it still tells reads bobbin,really annoying
On your blue X’s & red check marks are they what it can ‘sew’ regarding fabrics? I see both used for use on different sites as yes and no, and I have no clue. Am shopping for my wife. Thank you. She sews mainly quilts and regular clothing. Sometimes heavy stuff.
Scott, that list was confusing to me. I have this machine and love it. I have used it to sew cotton, silkly fabrics, burlap, denim, vinyl and a few others without issue. If you are using the right foot and needle for the fabric thickness or fussiness, it is fine for all types.
I find that it does not handleheavy fabrics well. I hem a lot of jeans for my grandsons and it does not perform well … especially on Carhartts!
I bought the 9400 last year at the Houston Quilt Festival at a substantial savings – I love this machine so much! Just wish I was as smart as it seems to be, lol. My old Bernina Artista 160 was getting long in the tooth and needed a new baby sister, which is why I was in the market.
I bought the 9400 at Festival of Quilts in August. Mostly very pleased with it, love the thread cutter and really enjoy using it without the foot control as the button is so accessible. I find though it seems very sensitive to the type of needle used. I was quilting a small lap quilt with a built in wavy, or serpentine stitch. Long stitch length, wide wave, walking foot. I used the needle provided in the kit, a purple needle for ‘denim’ or think fabric. Everything went well for some time until the needle broke. I then inserted a Smetz denim needle. However, when the wave of the stitch was on the right hand side, it skipped up to six stitches. OK on the left but consistently skipping on the right. Many rows were unpicked. Very frustrating and with a deadline, I got out my Bernina which has a similar built in stitch. Same quilt, same thread, walking foot, same Smetz needle, worked perfectly. Skipped stitches usually indicate a blunt or inappropriate needle but had no problem with my Bernina. Where am I going wrong?
I am having skipped stitches – I have been sewing with Janome for years and never had a problem but the 9400 qcp only likes one needle which does not make any sense to me. So if you can keep a stock of purple needles on hand you probably won’t have any troubles. The nearest shop to me is 45 miles away. I find this quite disheartening. To spend that much money on a sewing machine and have to worry about making sure it is a Janome purple needle. My treadle will sew on and with anything.
Try using the Janome recommended needles, I use blue tip and red tip, do quilting and free machine embroidery, no problems
Help, looking for a machine to sew and free motion quilt. Considering Janome 9400qcp or Brothers VQ2400 Dream Creator. Both have great features. I am in the middle of a project and my husband dropped my machine and it can not be fixed.
I have had this machine for 1 year. I love it. I’ve had no problems at all with it. I quilt with it and do free motion quilting. I just purchased a ruler foot to try the new dot to dot quilting.
It is an amazing machine and I hope it will run forever.
Has anyone used their stitch creator disc away from their machine and taken USB to their workroom?
I don’t have a PC laptop to take to my workshop and wonder about using one elsewhere…..would love to hear from anyone who has used the stitch creator with 9400
I bought the Janome 9400QCP about a month ago and do like the machine except I am having issues with thread bunching underneath when beginning a seam. I have tried different needles, switching to a blue dot bobbin holder as well as adjusting the stitch tension but it doesn’t seem to help. The needle threader worked fine for the first couple weeks but will not thread the needle now. Has anyone else had these issues with this machine. I will have to take it back where I bought it and see what the issue is I guess.
I bought the 9400 Janome just before Christmas and just having time now to play with it. One thing I’d like to change is the presser foot. I want to be able to put the presser foot up and down myself. Does anyone know how to change the setting so that I can do this?
I think was a rushed review. She got the function of the knob on the side wrong. Then she says it won’t sew cotton fabric? It’s a quilting machine for heaven’s sake, it is made to sew cotton fabric. They need an updated review.
How do you get the auto-lock button to turn off?
I have a janome 9400
It has been at the shops twice it’s only 2 years old
It has electrical problems have I brought a lemon machine
I love my Janine MC9400 for sewing but really struggling with quilting. The feed dogs don’t seem to be able to pill the fabric through evenly especially over seams. The stitches look uneven. What am I doing wrong? Has anyone else had this problem?
My machine said foot control is out of order. It’s been 4 months and I haven’t received service from Arlyce in Baraboo, WI. She said they ordered part but has not yet put into the system. Any idea what’s going on? Order came from UK.