My Janome 4000 used to have a vertical and horizontal thread holder, however, after one of it's check-ups the bar would not go vertical, which creates some problems from time to time. I do love my Janome, it has served me well all these years. Thankfully, when she needs to go in for a check-up and a check, I have an old Brother that I got for free at the local recycling center and it has always worked well for me in a pinch.