Memory Craft 550E

I have the MC15000 and in hindsight wished I had purchased a separate sewing machine and embroidery machine or so I thought. Because I embroider a lot it reduces available sewing time. Wanting to stay with Janome brand I purchased the 550E instead of another sewing machine as there is no better model for sewing than the MC15000. I admit I did not do my homework very well. This machine does not have a lot of the features in the MC15000 sewing/embroidery machine- those differences are: 1) uses a different software program for editing designs, 2) does not use the ipad technology - that is amazing on the MC15000 3)changing the bobbin holder involves removing the plate with a screw (MC15000 is a very quick process) 4) no automatic foot raise 5) screen is much smaller 6) needle threader is not automatic and the manual one does not work very well. The one thing I do like is the embroidery frame access on the side instead of behind the machine. What I would like to see is the Janome MC15000 technology that only does embroidery and one that only sews - split the MC15000 into two separate machines.

I am new to machine embroidery. This machine is easy to use and provides for perfect stitching every time. Love that it comes with larger sized hoops for every project.

I absolutely love machine embroidery on my Janome 550e. The machine stitches out beautifully! Plus the "on screen" editing software in the actual machine is fabulous!!!

My mom always said you should focus on being good at one thing. The 550E's mom must have told her the same thing :-) -- this is a great option if you are already in love with your existing sewing machine, but still want the fun and functionality of embroidery. Here in the S4H studios, we like to be able to switch over the 550E and let it do its thing while continuing to sew on another model. And.... that giant hoop is fantastic. We used it to design our stunning set of Peace Pillows.

This is a wonderful embroidery machine. It's often under-estimated over-looked because of its boxy shape but it's just as capable of precise stitching as other more expensive top-of-the-line machines and has a huge embroidery field. Only criticism I have is that the motor is unnecessary loud but that's only when the arm is moving into position.

I am really enjoying this machine. I’ve had Berninas and Brothers, this is my first Janome. It has enough features to make it user friendly and easy, and not so many to complicate things. I love the hoops! It comes with 4 hoops that are sized just enough bigger than the other brands that they are easy to use for in the hoop appliqué projects. That is what I do primarily. The big one is really big enough for most projects and has nice quick release corners. Included is some rubber stick on tape that adds non slip to the hoop, and magnets as an extra hold on the large ones. It doesn’t come with the RE28b so I added it to complete the set. It is perfect for 6X10 in the hoop. I had bought another brand embroidery only machine and hated it enough to want to trade it in. The dealer pointed me toward this one and I am glad she did!

It works for flat thinner materials. The foot isn't adjustable, which limits how thick you can embroidery. That's a shame. Bigger hoop, but width limitations. Also, there is too much maintenance involved with this machine.