Thread: janome 8900

Total dream machine. I would have kept my 7700 but the first one I got was a lemon (changed out by the dealer no problem). The fact they are stopping production after just 2 years kind of freaked me out so because I know so many sewers who have had problems with the 7700 I traded it in for a 8900.
It probably wouldn't have crossed my mind to do so except a part fell off in mid-November and late-December they were still waiting for the part.

Total dream machine. One of the many things they Really got right was the O patchwork foot with the D95 stitch.

The first test 9 patch I made using the default setting came out dead on the money.
I think I made 8-10 before it hit it right on the 7700.

Did I say it is a dream machine yet?

With my trade in I paid 1999.00 for it and I feel like it is the machine I'll be buried with.

KalamaQuilts ... can you give us some more insights as to which features have been dropped/added for the models you are mentioning? I've got the 6600 now, love it ... and the main thing I would like is more throat space for working with bigger projects. And easier switching of the feet, sure would be nice!

Originally Posted by KalamaQuilts

Total dream machine. I would have kept my 7700 but the first one I got was a lemon (changed out by the dealer no problem). The fact they are stopping production after just 2 years kind of freaked me out so because I know so many sewers who have had problems with the 7700 I traded it in for a 8900.

I'm not sure where you heard they are stopping production of the 7700, but that's not correct. There are thousands of 7700 owners who are very happy with their machines. The 7700 will continue to be produced under the Janome New Home name; with the newer machines out the price on the 7700 has been lowered and dealers will be permitted to sell it online. The MSRP is half of the 8900's MSRP and the 7700, with the same throat space and many of the same features as the 8900, will be a good option for many.

From my experience, the leap from 6600 to 7700 was huge. FMQ is a dream on the 7700 with consistent stitches, auto tension and the adjustable free motion feet. I've got a perfect 1/4" seam with the O2 foot and the auto single hole plate and I've never had to fiddle with tension at all. The extra 2" of throat space makes a huge difference. I can recommend the 7700.

Originally Posted by LyndaOH

From my experience, the leap from 6600 to 7700 was huge. FMQ is a dream on the 7700 with consistent stitches, auto tension and the adjustable free motion feet. I've got a perfect 1/4" seam with the O2 foot and the auto single hole plate and I've never had to fiddle with tension at all. The extra 2" of throat space makes a huge difference. I can recommend the 7700.

You have me confused here ...
**what does the 7700 have that the 6600 does not, for consistent FMQ stitches?
**you mentioned the 7700 has auto tension and adjustable FMQ feet ... is that the same blue dot bobbin case? and the specialized FMQ feet that you use with the 6600? or are you referenciing something else?

The auto single hole plate would be nice .... and the 2" extra throat would be amazing.

If you'd help me sort out my confusion ... I'd sure appreciate it!

Originally Posted by QuiltE

You have me confused here ...
**what does the 7700 have that the 6600 does not, for consistent FMQ stitches?
**you mentioned the 7700 has auto tension and adjustable FMQ feet ... is that the same blue dot bobbin case? and the specialized FMQ feet that you use with the 6600? or are you referenciing something else?

The auto single hole plate would be nice .... and the 2" extra throat would be amazing.

If you'd help me sort out my confusion ... I'd sure appreciate it!

I believe it's the auto tension which makes the difference when FMQing. Where I always felt the 6600 had a somewhat delicate balance of top and bottom tension, I never have to adjust my 7700 with the auto tension and although I have the blue dot bobbin case, I've never had to use it with the 7700.

The adjustable convertible FMQ foot allows you to have the foot just barely skim the top of the fabric sandwich. The fabric doesn't get pulled up and down with each stitch but it's not held down so tightly that it's difficult for it to glide smoothly. I believe you could use this foot with the 6600 but I could be mistaken.

Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by QuiltE

You have me confused here ...
**what does the 7700 have that the 6600 does not, for consistent FMQ stitches?
**you mentioned the 7700 has auto tension and adjustable FMQ feet ... is that the same blue dot bobbin case? and the specialized FMQ feet that you use with the 6600? or are you referenciing something else?

The auto single hole plate would be nice .... and the 2" extra throat would be amazing.

If you'd help me sort out my confusion ... I'd sure appreciate it!

Same goes for me ... ??
I have the 6600 and love it, haven't seen any reason YET to move to the 7700 or the new 8900 ... ?? My 6600 FMQ's beautifully. I think a lot of people just expect the machine to do FMQ COMPLETELY FOR THEM. It still takes practice !!
I've tried several friends' 7700 machines and couldn't justify spending more $$, there was little difference IMHO, other than the extra lighting and the throat plate ... but on the plus side, with the new models, Janome will keep reducing the price on the 7700 ...

so far I see a lot more embroidery stitches, and along with those
there is a 9mm feed dog! The feet are a lot wider consequently. You can use the standard Janome feet, but if you forget and do some 9mm stitching you will be lucky if all you bust is a needle.

The part that slides out from around the free arm is the same I think, and I think I got all the same feet I got with the 7700.
Instead of the computerized throat plate for single needle and embroidery change requirements, the 8900 comes with two throat plates.
Comes with the identical acrylic surround, the same carry case you aren't supposed to carry

Thread track, bobbin winding, and bobbin case are still the same.
Identical footprint to the 7700 so it went right into my table like it was born for it.
The feet are easier to switch as the acufeed system has been modified so it sits higher in the back.

When I finish piecing my Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt I'm going to load the first quilt to be quilted, I'll probably have more to say then.

Would love to hear from others who have the machine.

Thanks KalamaQuilts for the extra info.



For those interested, here's a side-by-side comparison of the new 8900 and 8200 from the Janome site.
http://www.janomespecials.com/mc8900-mc8200/compare.htm

and another side-by-side for the older 6500, 6600 and 7700
http://janome.ca/machines/Horizon/compare1.php

Now hopefully I can do an apples to apples comparison!