Janome Memory Craft 6500

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Janome Memory Craft 6500

by Julia
(Wellfleet MA)

I bought my Janome 6500 Memory Craft sewing machine 4 years ago and was thrilled with it for several months. The upper thread began to break.

No combination of adjusting tension, thread, needles, material, stitches, speed made a lasting difference. The most aggravating thing is that it will work for a while and then start breaking thread again.

I took it to an authorized shop where they put in a new bobbin assembly, to no avail. When I had the face plate off in the hope that dust was the cause, I noticed that the bracket for the foot pressure indicator had sharp edges and bits of thread caught in it. I removed the bracket but the thread still breaks.

I have been sewing for 45 years and feel sorry for any one learning to sew on the Janome 6500 sewing machine.

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Janome Memory Craft 6500

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Mar 10, 2011
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Janome MC6500
by: Ken

I submitted a review a while back and focused on prior reviews - but did not have enough influence with my wife - she wanted this machine-and she ordered one.

I am sorry to say she now wishes she had paid more attention to those previous comments--our Janome MC6500 has the same problem with tension that so many others have.

Are there no positive comments, or ways these problems can be corrected? It appears to me the Janome company would stand behind their machines - they are sure making a lot of "friends".

Feb 26, 2011
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bobbin holder moving
by: CJ

So glad that I've found this page as I thought that I was the "problem" with my machine. I researched for ages before purchasing the Janome 6500 and was so excited to have a new machine. Sadly, only 3 months later, it was back to to the shop as I'd jammed up the bobbin and the bobbin case rotated out of position. The demo lady explained what I needed to do to get it back in position but said I was probably expecting it to seam too thicker piece (jeans hems). Sent it away under warranty, "my fault" pay $45 for new bobbin case. Same thing a year later. My bobbin case has needle holes in it and I now sand it down with a nail file to stop the jamming happening. Clearly, there is an issue as the magnet held case doesn't stay in position when under load. So wish I'd spent a bit more and bought a Bernina now.

Feb 07, 2011
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Bobbin case turning fix
by: Sewing machine technician

I repair machines for a living, and have run across this problem many times.
The nearly exclusive reason for this happening is the needleplate screws are not tightened.
People remove the plate to clean out fuzz, then only tighten it by using a fingernail.
It needs to be tightened with a screwdriver because there's a small locating pin on the bottom which holds the bobbin case in position.

Steve B.

Nov 16, 2010
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Janome Memory Craft 6500
by: Rosalyn

Buyer Beware!!! There is no warranty Janome repair available in the Springdale, Bentonville, or Fayetteville area. Closed and reopened in Ft. Smith.

I bought my machine online at SewVacDirect. I talked with the rep several times and he told me what a great machine the Janome Memory Craft 6500 was but NEVER told me the 6600 was available. Don't ask don't tell has come to Janome????

So, if you have a 6500 and get an Error Code: "BM Init" It is just a blown fuse!! I am writing this here because you will play heck to find anything anywhere about the error code.

So for all you fix it yourself types, save some money and order a fuse or two if you buy one of these machines.

Nov 12, 2010
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machine running on own
by: julie

Has anyone had the problem of their machine continuing sewing on its own, and increasing speed even after foot has been taken off the foot pedal. This is a new machine, bought in Jan.2010, sewn one king quilt, and 3 baby quilts.Please give me your ideas.J

Nov 10, 2010
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I NEED HELP!! :)
by: Anonymous

Help someone. I just purchased this machine from someone and am trying to use it to quilt. It's my first REAL machine aside from my wedding gift 16 yrs. ago that only had 5 stitch options. Anyway, I am getting ready to sew on it for the first time and can't figure out how to let the machine know that I have changed the foot from A to O the 1/4" foot. I have looked everywhere. It's go to be something simple. Any Help?!?!

Oct 21, 2010
Rating

Janome 6500P
by: Anonymous

I purchased a 1-year old used Janome 6500P with the intent to use it for quilting. After using it for 3 days, I traded it in for a Bernina 440QE. I was not satisifed with the tension on the Janome 6500P. The bottom thread (a different color than the top) could be seen with little dots of the bottom color everywhere.

I told them this was unacceptable to a quilter, since both the top AND the bottom of the quilt need to look nice, not just the top (which was his attitude). The dealer indicated the 6500P was traded up to another model....and the previous user owned less than 1 year. Maybe there was more to that story than just a trade-up?

I also tried using the applique stitching to put my name on a binding, but the first two letters kept squeezing together.

I have also read several reviews outlining problems with the bobbin holder popping out with several people needing to replace it.

Buyer beware.

Oct 09, 2010
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Janome 6500 bobbin jumping
by: carol

I had this problem and my dealer found that the magnetic ring below the bobbin was too thick, so he replaced it with a thinner one, and it solved the problem

Sep 18, 2010
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Janome 6500
by: Jeanne-M Turner

What an excellent machine. I bought my Janome 6500 some seven to eight years ago. I was looking for a semi industrial machine that could cope with all the demands that running a villa rental business could need. Curtains, upholstery and loose covers, Sheets,(I make my own from top quality egyptian cotton) Duvet covers and pillow cases to match, exterior covers for garden & pool furniture which has to be replaced each year due to the damage the sun can cause, as well as personal sewing for clothes and suits.

I also help out with friends and neighbors when it comes to dealing with their sewing needs. You name it I have probably tried it, including at least ten King size patchwork quilts with this machine. A true test of stability and endurance. I would like to upgrade to the newer machine but cannot yet justify the expense as this machine just keeps on going. What a nuisance, I love new machines.

Sep 15, 2010
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Bobbin Madness
by: Fran

I received my MC6500 01/2005. I took it to the shop where puchased for the problem the next day. I should have replaced/returned the machine. The owner of shop casually showed me how to remove the bobbin case and replace it in the proper position. After almost 5 years I have done this at least a thousand times, had it serviced, bobbin case replaced, and finding it difficult to enjoy my love for sewing and quilt making. That seems to be the only flaw in a wonderful machine. Seems for the quality of this machine and original cost that the manufacture would address the problem. The money spent is gone and most of us are not in a position to replace or continue servicing an unfixable issue.

Aug 27, 2010
Rating

Janome memory craft 6500
by: Ken---

Though we do not yet own the Janome memory craft 6500 sewing machine, it is, supposedly,in the "mail"--however, having read the reviews from other owners, I have concerns about bringing more problems for my wife. Most of the reviews are negative--are there no positive reviews for this machine ?

My wife has a PFAFF she has used for years and she has had some minor problems but nothing like the reviews on the JANOME seem to indicate.

Perhaps our best approach will be to stay with what we have and cancel the JANOME---thanks to the many bad reviews.

Aug 17, 2010
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Jumping Bobbin Case!!!
by: Cathy

I, too, have had considerable problems with the bobbin case jumping. The person who last serviced mine said that he spoke with someone from the company who said that they never heard of such a problem. Maybe we need to be contacting the company. I have had to replace my bobbin at least 10 times in the 7 years I have had the machine. That's a lot of extra money on top of what the machine cost in the first place. I like the features of this machine, but would gladly get a new machine if I had that kind of money to put out again.

Jun 14, 2010
Rating

Janome MC6500
by: Pat

I love using my Janome MC6500 but was having problems with the bobbin case moving out of position while sewing. The machine would stop and I would have to manually move the case back into place. I had taken it in twice to have it serviced. It would work fine for a while then start all over again. I finally took a real good look at the bobbin case itself. There is a little knob that sticks out on the outside of the little red arrow on the bobbin case. It had broken off. I replace the bobbin case and I am a very happy camper. It works great. I just wish that was taken care of when I had it service.

Jun 10, 2010
Rating

Janome 6500 bobbin problem
by: pat

I am also having a problem with the bobbin case moving out of place. I had taken it in for service and was told that "something" needed to be tightened. I wish I had asked what he tightened because 5 months later it is doing the same thing. I love my machine and have made several very large quilts using it. I would hate to spend the money to buy another machine but it does get frustrating when I have stop and move the bobbin back in place.

May 01, 2010
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Very satisfied!!
by: Anonymous

I too wonder about the negative experiences with the Janome Memory Craft 6500. I've had mine about 5 years and have made several quilts. I have never had to have it repaired or worked on. I've cleaned it myself and it sews like a dream. It's heavy! Not a good machine to take to class or quilt group. I've definitely gotten my money's worth. The needle threader is inconsistent but that's about the only negative I have to offer.

Feb 21, 2010
Rating

Janome MC 6500
by: Anonymous

I got one too. And I have the rotating bobbin case issue. And I have the patience of a saint with it. But its not just an issue of rethreading and restarting. Rather, each time the case rotates, it raps against a crossbar and gets nicked, as well as being pierced by the needle when it is out of place like that. The bobbin case can be replaced and it will be ok for awhile, but as it becomes nicked more often, it too will cause thread breakage and the machine to jam.
I know they are expensive, but I am considering going back to Viking.
It's no fun jonesing over a work in progress while your machine is down...

Feb 06, 2010
Rating

I love my MC 6500
by: Anonymous

After reading about all the trouble people have had with their Janome MC 6500, I thought I'd add my two cents. I absolutely LOVE mine. I bought it around 2004, and have had little to no trouble with it. Is it sensitive? Yes, I do find that it will jam up if it has a single thread out of place, etc, but I know what to do, so I simply clean it out and off I go again. I definitely would buy Janome again...actually my friend is thinking of buying a Janome 4030 QDC as she wants to learn how to quilt. Anyone know about that model?

Judy Elliot
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

Jan 23, 2010
Rating

money for old rope
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

don't it make you think. it seems that all the new machines coming out over the last few years have been nothing but junk. this doesn't work and that doesn't work. and the new technology is a joke. and it can't seem to be repaired. what a pigs arse the lot of it is. people please, bring out something that actually works for Gods sake.

Jan 23, 2010
Rating

Janome 6500
by: Maureen Crawford

Thanks for your comments - they have saved me from buying a Sapphire which I was really interested in. I have a Janome 6500 which hasn't work from the beginning. I had it back to the shop 6 times in the first year because the bobbin casing keeps rotating around, needle pieces the plastic bobbin casing, and thus thread keeps catching on the casing and causes it to rotate and stop - can't sew at all.

I have had it for 6 years now but only sewn on it for probably 6 months due to the fact that it was always broken. Sewing along perfectly happy (sometimes I even finished a quilt) and then BAM!!! - shuttle rotated, machine stopped and that was it - thus it was in service a lot.

Even an independent servicer gets it going again with a new shuttle case, but this last time, after sewing for 3 1/2 bobbins worth, it stopped again. I am sick to death of the unreliability and no one wants to know.

Was interested in the Sapphire, but since it has sort of just come onto the market, it may have teething problems they are letting the public sort out till they get it right, just like the Janome 6500 - I bought one right after they hit the market. Now may just forget about the Husqvarna until they have been on the market longer.

Jan 23, 2010
Rating

Janome MemoryCraft 6500
by: Sherrie

I have had my Janome MemoryCraft 6500 for almost 5 years and am finally giving up on it. I loved it at first - quiet, neat stitches with all the features I wanted as a quilter. However, the first time I used the feed dog down option, the feed dogs would not come back up.

I have had it to two dealers and the problem still persists. I have to remove the bottom of the machine and manually push the feed dog up apparatus into the proper position. A nuisance, but not a show-stopper.

Then I began having problems with the Janome Memory Craft 6500 machine taking up 5 additional stitches AFTER I have taken my foot off the pedal. I have had it to three different dealers, talked to a factory rep, and emailed Janome, but the problem persists. The best that Janome customer service could do was to tell me that I should take it back to the last dealer I took it to.

Sorry Janome, I've already put too much money and too many (thousands) miles on my car to take it back to a dealer who couldn't fix the problem anyway. My next machine won't be a Janome.

Dec 30, 2009
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janome 6500
by: christine

I would love the Janome 6500 machine except for the fact that the bobbin case jumps periodically causing me to have to stop work and place it back in its proper position. I have had it in for service for this problem, had the case and parts replaced to no avail. It just drives me crazy.

Oct 21, 2009
Rating

response - janome6500
by: Marcia

I'm sorry to hear about your problems with the 6500. I've had mine for almost four years, and absolutely love it. However, I know that a problem that is not getting fixed can be maddening. You are not too far from an excellent Janome dealer, who does a fabulous job of service. Look up Blaine's in Cranston, RI.
Good luck.

Oct 21, 2009
Rating

thead breakage
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

hiya, i have also been sewing for longer than i can remember. have you tried silicone spray on the cotton and in the bobbin area. i find that helps quite a bit. i also find some threads are brittle because of their age. even cotton has a shelf life. if it isn't the cotton then there is a fault on the machine. the thing is pinpointing it and sorting it out, this can be a nightmare as you know.

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