The way Janome’s Horizon Memory Craft 14000 sewing machine works blew my mind! I think this machine is fantastic for all who wish to take their embroidery to the next level but don’t want to spend big on factory machines.
In further text, I will try and explain why I bought it, how it has served me, what I think about it (as objectively as possible), and provide just general information about the brand and its machine. Note that this text comes from a purely personal experience (with just a bit of general information found on the internet), and as such should be viewed as a simple recommendation.
1. The needle threading is incredibly easy and cool, especially at the beginning.
2. Manual replacement of parts is also easy and I believe anyone can do it.
3. Speaking of parts, the machine comes with lots of them, so you can easily do anything – from sewing, embroidery, quilting – you name it!
4. The machine also comes with cool built-in stitches and embroidery patterns, you can choose them on your screen, and voila!
5. Last but not least – the machine works perfectly well and is of top quality! The 25-year guarantee proves it.
Love at the first sight
First thing first, let’s have a background story on how I fell in love with this beauty (God, I’m married, it feels like I’m cheating).
My nan used to make all kinds of stuff for me, from shirts to dresses, sometimes even underwear. She was never a pro but knew her way around machines, and generally loved to sew. When I was younger, I always loved to sit by her side and watch her make me a new dress or something like that.
To cut the long story short, ever since I was a kid, I loved making my own stuff (or at least, trying to make) on our old Singer machine. It has left a huge impression on me and I’ve been sewing ever since. I’ve become quite good and started earning some money along the way. As my clientele grew, so did the demands, and I had to buy a new machine that will work full-time and save me some troubles in the process. So I started my own research and found this machine.
I don’t know why, but Janome’s Horizon Memory Craft 14000 reminded me of my nan’s old Singer machine so much that I decided to buy it that instant. Of course, I have read other information about the machine and it looked like a perfect fit.
It was.
Now I’ve been using it for over a year and I couldn’t be happier. It does the job pretty much by itself and I can finally do everything I’ve ever imagined! And my customers are more satisfied than ever! It really is a life-saver, I’ll tell you that. Let’s have a look at what it does.
About Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000
Enough about me chattering about my childhood, let’s have a look at what this machine really does.
Lots of workspace for a machine of this size
What amazed me the most was how much space you get with a machine this “small” (it’s not small when compared to some older, traditional machines, but it’s not big neither when compared to other professional machines).
The workspace is around 11″ (or 280mm), and the free arm length is almost the same – 11″ (254mm), so you can do much bigger projects than with most standard machines. It comes quite in handy when you do embroidery on the clock.
Easy to operate
As I’ve said, the first impression of this machine was that It looked like old and traditional sewing machines. And it’s exactly as easy to operate it, if not easier!
You can find modern machines with 8, 10, or even 16 needles, and imagine having to maintain that beast! You’ll need a Ph.D. in engineering! This one, although modern, is quite easy to set up and navigate, even change parts.
Everything is visible, all the buttons have one simple function, and you don’t even have to do all the work – the machine will help with a press of a button! I don’t know if this is a standard with all the machines, but when I tried to thread the needle, it was done in 3 seconds. Amazing!
Also, when you open a drawer, you will find various foot holders inside designed for specific purposes, such as sewing, embroidery, zig-zag, and so on. Changing them is easy-peasy.
Modern technology helps
What my nan’s old Singer machine certainly didn’t have was the LCD screen that facilitates the process of sewing. On this screen, you can change the settings of the machine, see various patterns, create your own, and much more.
As said, there are buttons over the machine which you can press to do various tasks, but this LCD screen will do most of your work, even threading the needle. Also, you can easily transfer files from your PC onto it and have new embroidery patterns on a machine.
In short, it is basically a tablet device through which you can operate the machine without having to do a lot. I’ve seen lots of new machines are implementing such features and I simply love it. “The future is now, old man!”
Last but not least, there are LED lights all over the machine that help with sewing in the nighttime (in case your room light has gone out), so no need to worry.
Accessories and other features
I’ve already mentioned that there are built-in stitches and embroidery designs (around 750 in total), and you can use them for free to create something interesting. The LCD screen or your PC will allow you to create new patterns as well.
There are many automatized actions that help you out – thread tension, thread cutter when finished, needle thread, foot lift, and so much more. You can feel safe when sewing at high speeds (around 1000 stitches per minute) because the machine has a safety system that will block all processes if an error should occur, and therefore, no harm will be done to either you, the machine, or the project that you are working on.
Luckily, I bought the full package that comes with this machine, and it’s beautiful! I’ve gotten additional bobbins, needles, binders, attachments, a whole bunch of things! At first, when I saw all of it, I thought I don’t need all of this! But as time passed by, I’ve been using more of everything and it really speeds up the process enormously.
The brand makes a difference in sewing machines. All machines are made differently and not all have the same parts. In their prime, Singer made great machines that would last forever, but unfortunately these days, these machines are made of plastic, with smaller motors that are not built to last.
It is not about buying a brand that you know. I always looked where the machine is sold. If I am in a warehouse, I will find brands like Singer, Brother, and Janome. These are successful brands, but it is common to find lightweight hobby machines (Janome is the exception to this rule, as they produce lightweight hobby machines and high-quality machines for professionals).
On the other hand, if you are in a dedicated store, you will find brands such as Bernina, Pfaff, Husqvarna, and Juki. These high-quality machines are priced higher but are sold to professional tailors and seamstresses. These machines are the ones that tend to be mentioned by professionals and are not usually available in department stores.
It is always better to buy a low-quality professional machine than a high-quality machine from an average brand. And if it has a cartoon character in it, chances are it won’t be the best machine.
Do you really need a computerized machine?
Many of the professional machines on the market are fully computerized, with one touchscreen and programmable sewing sequences. But they come at a price, and if budget is an issue, then the question of whether to buy a computerized machine or not needs to be asked.
Modern machines tend to be lighter (even with a stronger motor) because they have fewer parts, so they are easier to load, making them a good choice if you don’t have a dedicated area to sew, or if you have to take classes. They are also easier to maintain, with covers that can be removed so the engine can be oiled. The service may be cheaper as a result.
Mechanical machines may not look as much fun as their computerized equivalent, but they can deal with basic stitching. And good-old quality machines can be great machines to start with, because they are easy to master and tend to be heavy, so they can deal with the kind of abuse you can do on them while you are learning. Even good brands can be found at good prices because they have been replaced by computerized models.
However, many of the good and new machines are computerized or electronic, which means that the machines have stronger motors and extra power, so they have no problem with heavy fabrics and constant use. Computerized machines tend to have higher seam lines, with more exact spacing and therefore stronger seams.
Whether you choose a computerized machine or an electronic one (a hybrid, a mix of mechanical and computerized parts), you will have many options for stitching.
Computerized machines can be programmed, so that specific seam sequences can be remembered, and offer a large selection of decorative seams, as well as automatic thread trims (just like our Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 sewing and embroidery machine).
Which one to buy depends on your budget, but if you go for a mechanical machine, it is better to buy an old model, rather than a cheap plastic one. It will last longer and even if it only offers the basics, it will withstand much more use.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 Sewing Machine FAQ
What is a Janome Memory Craft?
Janome was the first sewing company to produce computerized machines in the world, as well as make the first home sewing machines with embroidery possibilities. Those unique machines were named Memory Craft.
Which Janome Sewing Machine is best?
It depends on the criteria. For example, many people have stated that the HD3000 is the best Janome machine because it’s of great quality and does the job perfectly with not so much money invested.
On the other hand, the Memory Craft 15000 has been seen as the best among the best machines in the world due to its completeness.
Is Janome Horizon High or Low Shank?
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 that I have is a High shank. I don’t know about other Janome machines but I do believe shanks vary depending on the model.
How do I know if I have a high shank or low shank?
We are going to determine the shank as follows:
- We will remove the adapter and the presser foot from our sewing machine, leaving the bar clean and without any accessories.
- Using our small inch ruler, we will measure the distance from the needle plate to the screw hole where the foot bracket fits.
- Results: If your sewing machine is 1/2 inch from the needle plate to the footrest, your sewing machine is Low Shank which makes quilting with rulers or the possibility of free embroidery unlikely.
- Result: If your sewing machine has 1 inch from the needle plate to the screw hole where the foot support fits, your machine is a High shank and you will be able to do any type of work.
- Other conclusions that you can draw knowing the measure of the reed – you will know exactly what type of presser foot you can use with your machine, most are “Snap-on” and those that are not, such as the adapter for quilting with rulers or the double-feed foot, must be specially adjusted to the support bar and without any adapters.
Who makes Memory Craft sewing machines?
Janome, Japan’s first household sewing machine manufacturer makes Memory Craft machines.
Janome means “snake eye” in the Japanese language and is pronounced “No-no-me” in most countries. Janome is now synonymous with quality and advanced technology in the world of domestic sewing machines.
In 1979 they released the first programmable computerized sewing machine in the world, the Memory 7.
In 1990 was the launch of the world’s first home sewing machine with embroidery functions, the Memory Craft 8000. In the year 2000 they commercialized the first domestic sewing machine that can be connected to a computer by means of a USB cable, Memory Craft 10000, and in 2013 the first home sewing machine that has “Wi-Fi” capability, Memory Craft 15000 (the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 sewing machine is much like the 15000, only without the Wi-Fi capabilities).
In 2013, Janome celebrates the number of 60 million machines manufactured. For such an event create the following commemorative logo.
Today Janome is consolidated as one of the leading manufacturers of sewing machines in the world.
Final words
- Janome Memory Craft 14000 has everything you need for sewing, embroider, and quilting!
- It’s easy to operate and maintain.
- It has various automatized and safety functions that help you out immensely.
- A bang for the buck deal in comparison with other professional machines.
- It’s heavy, quite a lot.
- You need to know a bit about technology to use Janome Horizon to its maximum potential.
Value Editorial and Buying debates
Why are Janome machines cheaper than some others?
What more can I say?
I hope you have found out what you wanted to hear about the Horizon MC 14000 in this text. My personal opinion is that this machine is fantastic and can do pretty much anything I need. The only downside is the price that amateur designers are not willing to pay.
If you want to take your sewing, stitching, quilting, and embroidery to the next level – I highly recommend the Janome Horizon MC 14000.
