DawnS

Hi I'm looking to upgrade and my friend has a Janome New Home 7700. I'm finding there are New Home 7700s and Horizon 7700s. What is the difference? Also my friend is very happy with hers but says it is starting to eat the fabric when she's sewing thicker material. Any suggestions on that. Thanks!

zozee

No real differences other than the red face, from what I can find. My understanding (others can correct me if I'm wrong) New Home was the old name for Janome. Then it was Janome New Home. Now it's just Janome. Same great engineering. I was on the verge of buying a used 7700 a few years ago (for $1000) but my dealer said the better idea was her new "reboxed" Janome MC 8200 for $1400. Reboxed machines have maybe been used for a few hours at a quilt show or to demo for a customer before the actual floor model was set up. Everyone I know who has ever had the 6600.7700.8200,8900, and on up the price and feature scale, has loved them.

As for the machine starting to chew heavier fabrics, a couple things could be happening.

1) wrong size needle (thicker fabrics need bigger needle)
2) tension is too tight
3) some machines like to "take a bite" of fabric on the first 2 stitches of ANY fabric, so try using a "leader" piece (thick scrap) and then feed the "real" piece in .

How much does your friend sew? If the machine has had a LOT of use, eventually the motherboard will wear out. The electronic components don't last nearly as long as the motor. So negotiate a fair price accordingly. Or if she is giving it you , GRAB it! Do not pass GO. Do not collect 200. Go directly to Ja(nome). Sorry ,that was dorky.)

patricej

skip the 7700.
go for a Horizon 8200 or higher. the dual feed features are much better.
the difference between models in the 8000 series has to do with maximum speed, number of stitches and included accessories.
i am absolutely wild about my 8900.

mkc

Negligible difference. Horizon had to be sold by an authorized Janome Horizon brick n' mortar store. New Home could be sold via the Internet. I recall seeing the extension table was standard on the Horizon version and optional on the New Home version, but that's pretty much it.

If I were shopping now, the newest 8900 SE would be my first choice - it has an upgraded bobbin area and stitch plate.

Michelle

JustAbitCrazy

Your friend may be using a dull needle, and may need to put in a new, sharp one.

QuiltE

I agree ... while I never had the 7700, I did have its sister machine the 6600.
They were great machines.
However, they took the 6600 and 7700 and made them even better when they came out with the 8200 and 8900.

That being said, they have been out for a few years now .......... so what the latest and greatest is, is another possibility!

lindaschipper

I have the Janome 6500 Professional. Have yet to use but a few of the stitches on this machine....paid over $1400. With all the stitches that I'll never use I doubt of I'll ever get my money out of it.

Lady Diana

DO NOT BUY THE 7700. JANOME is phasing them out due to problems with the needle plate, plus other issues....some folks got great machines, many others got lemons. I have the 6600, real workhorse., also the 8900..love this machine. It is 9mm, which makes the decorative stitches really pretty..I always had issues with "eyelashes" on the back of my fmq....my fault totally, however, I opened up the box of my 8900, set it up according to the manual, didn't change the needle, nothing...PERFECT FMQ NO EYELASHES. Janome has since come out with the 9400, but it is more expensive. PM me..I will share a dealer who is great on pricing, whether you want a 8200,8900 or 9400.

rilene

I really love my 7700! If it`s a low price or free, get it!

dc989

I had problems with the 7700 and traded for the 8900 Janome. It is better, but has stitch problems with the automatic tension. I finally started using a stand alone thread holder and it helped immensely. I will not buy another Janome. I've been intrigued with the Juki machines. Several friends have them and LOVE them.