Janome Memorycraft 4900

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Janome Memorycraft 4900

by PJ Mellor
(Houston, TX, USA)

When my beloved Singer 6268 sewing machine wore out, I decided I wanted a top-of-the-line computerized Janome sewing machine since I had recently purchased and loved my Janome 300E embroidery machine.

I wish I could say I love the Janome Memorycraft 4900 just as much as my embroidery machine or as my old Singer (which never gave me a second of problems for over 20 years) but, alas, that's not the case. The bobbin is not the easiest thing to wind, but I assumed I'd acclimate.

The worst part--and I do mean WORST--is the jamming for no reason. It will be sewing perfectly, then jam, beep and flash a warning message. I'd cut the fabric out, pick out all of the little peices of thread, dust the bobbin casing and re-thread. Sometimes it will work, others it won't. Very frustrating. I know it's threaded correctly--it was sewing fine before!

I'll take it in and the darn thing works perfectly for the tech. I take it home, it jams. I realize they can't fix something that's not broken when they see it. I get that. So the last few times, I took it in with the jam still in tact. Then a lady told me she had the same m/c and had the same problems--a saleslady told her it was a "glitch" in this particular model. I don't want a glitch! I want a dependable sewing machine.

The lady said she sometimes has to rethread her machine 3 or 4 times. that's something I guess you could get used to--if you always were just sewing a straight stitch.

But what if you were doing something decorative? Worse, what about a buttonhole? Have you ever tried to rip out a buttonhole, especially one with a wad of thread behind it? I need a dependable machine!

I'm going to try the dealer one more time then contact Janome to try and get some satisfaction. Has anyone else had this problem with the Janome Memorycraft 4900?

Comments for
Janome Memorycraft 4900

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Jan 24, 2011
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love this machine
by: Anonymous

I have had this machine for almost 2 years, and the only problem I have had with the bobbin was due to machine not being threaded correctly. I do use only new thread and higher qualitiy thread. I love this machine and have used it a lot! Sorry someone had problems.

Sep 23, 2010
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Solved!
by: P.J. Mellor

I finally "fixed" my problem w/ the Janome 4900--I took it back to the dealer and bought a top of the line computerized Brother. I love the self-threading feature, once I acclimated to it! So far, it's heads above the Janome 4900, but then I've only pretty much sewn just straight stitching and zig-zag so far.
I was very fortunate. After fighting with my Janome for almost 3 years, I was allowed to trade it in and given what I feel is an above average trade-in amount. I urge you to try to return you Janome--the worst that can happen is nothing! I've found, too, dealing with independant dealers is best b/c they are willing to work with you--they can't afford to lose any business!
I never thought about the age of the thread being a problem--should ahve tried that first, i guess. It was all just so frustrating!

Sep 23, 2010
Rating

The Worst Machine I have ever owned.
by: Anonymous

This machine just seems to get worse everytime I try to use it. I have done everything to try to stop the gathering of thread under the bobbin, but to no availe. Have spent 3 hours threading and re threading cleaning pulling everything apart and putting it back together, still no sewing. Does anyone have any suggestions as this machine is 18months old and hardly been used.

Jun 09, 2010
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Janome Memory craft 3500
by: CHARLENE

I love this machine. I guess they don't make it anymore. I purchased mine about 5 yrs ago.

Mar 01, 2010
Rating

MC 4900 Janome
by: Downy

I bought the janome 4900 -2 weeks ago. It sews nicely since my singer was worthless for 31 years. I could never get parts for the singer. As far as the 4900 Janome, the thread got bound up on me twice, both times when I was monograming letters. I had unscrew the bolt to release the material and clean out the bobbin area. An experienced sewer told me to get new thread, So I threw away all my old (29+ spools), thread and I haven't had any problems so far using new coats and clark thread. I plan to visit the place where I bought the machine and ask if they had heard of any glitches with the machine, as the other comment suggested. I believe they should have told me about the problem if that is true.

Feb 15, 2010
Rating

I bought the Marie Osmond ...I am thinking not a great idea!
by: Joanie from Chicago

When my beloved 6268 wore out... also after over 20 years! I too decided to look at the Janome. I bought the Marie Osmond and frankly I am dissappointed! I constantly have to stop the bobbin from bouncing around under the needle. I don't do a lot of fancy sewing but I do sew a lot!! I spend more time fighting with the bobbin bouncing.... I have to keep stopping and re-set the thread underneath so that it sews nicely.. Oh, and how about this--- when I use a pre-loaded bobbin that I bought from Janome I hardly have any trouble, but when I fill the bobbin myself, it always seems to have trouble!!! I miss my auto bobbin winder and I miss the solidity of the machine. I have to keep this machine because I can't afford another new one. Do a lot of research before buying one of these machines!

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