Janome Horizon Memory Craft 15000 is taking over the market.
It’s quilting, embroidery and sewing machine made for fabric discoverers, explorers, and adventurers.
The Janome 15000 is the very first household sewing unit to connect wirelessly to your Pc and/or laptop, and your iPad through your wireless network at home.
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It comes with the largest intuitive touch screen on the market. It also features an internal processor that is double as fast as its forerunner. This unit can handle anything you throw at it.
From wedding dresses to art quilts, the Janome 15000 will make sure that all your ideas come to life. It’s a super-powerful machine that will have your back on your sewing ventures.
When you make with thread and fabric, every task is a venture. And where you end up and how you end up depends entirely on you and your sewing companion.
Thanks to the wireless connection through your iPad or computer, and the processor in Janome 15000, you will achieve impressive results and make yourself proud.
However, let’s cut the chase and get straight into the details of this machine. It’s time to see what it has to offer and what makes seamstresses go crazy about this machine.
Without any further ado, let’s jump into my Janome 15000 reviews.
Product Specifications
Dimensions: | 24.1 x 12.6 x 10.2 |
Weight: | 33 pounds |
Warranty: | 25-year limited warranty |
Snap-on presser feet: | 21 |
Automatic needle threader: | Yes |
Automatic thread cutter: | Yes |
Maximum embroidery speed: | 1,000 |
Maximum embroidery size: | 9.1’’ x 11.8’’ |
Contents
Overall Review
The first thing you need to know about this machine is that it’s the first model by Janome to use wireless internet connection to let you communicate with your other devices.
If you have this machine at home, you will be able to connect it to your computer, laptop or iPad via two apps included.
Just imagine seeing the development process of your project from the comfort of your sofa or chair. The first application is the AcuMonitor.
This app allows you to view the development of your embroidery stitch out from far away. The other is AcuEdit which allows you to edit your designs using your iPad while sitting on your bed.
However, that’s not the best thing about this machine. You can also use all 480 built-in designs once the laptop or iPad has been connected to the sewing unit.
First Impressions
Firstly, I have great news for you. I mentioned that Janome 15000 is the first unit to establish a wireless connection with other devices such as laptop, iPad or computer.
However, what I didn’t mention is that it includes an actual iPad you can use to realize your sewing ideas and get amazing results. You can also connect it to your computer.
This model comes with 2 USB ports, bright LED lighting, adjustable speed slide control, and a large touch screen. The best part? You can switch colors to match your home décor.
This feature can make your sewing station a lot better and unique. You will also get an automatic needle threader, a clear cover bobbin, and lots of function switches.
It also includes an on-board stitch selection guide which I like. If you’re looking for a feature-rich, super-versatile sewing machine, look no further than Janome 15000.
It’s almost impossible to list out all the features present in the sewing unit. However, I will give my best to break down the most important ones later in this article.
For now, let’s talk about the performance of 15000 starting with the “on” switch. The moment you turn this switch on, your machine signals you that it’s turned on.
Also, this machine threads a bit differently than other Janome units. However, threading and winding it is pretty standard. You must lock your machine to thread it.
This is made for the user’s protection because the start/stop switch is very close to the needle.
Picking a design is also simple. Just scroll through the included designs using your stylus and touchpad to make a choice.
Once you choose a design, it will appear on the touch screen with details like which hoop to use, thread color, measurements, and trimming info.
The end product is similar to the onscreen photo in flawless detail. This model has programmed sensors that will stop the upper thread or bobbin before it runs out.
This eliminates the need for trying to locate the spot in your project where the thread runs out. All there needs to be done is to change the thread and push the start button.
Additionally, you can program your Janome 15000 for the certain type and brand of thread you’re using to get flawless results each time.
What I like most about this machine is the quiet operation. I also like the capability of sewing designs up to 200,000 stitches.
The Janome 15000 can handle many types of fabrics including natural fibers like wool, linen, and cotton, fine fabrics like velvet, taffeta, satin, and silk, knits, and upholstery.
It can also handle synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon, and blends, leather, canvas, rubber, plastic, and super thick fabrics or multiple layers.
What will impress you about this unit is the 32 GB flash drive. Also, the PC capability that goes so well with the Prerunner, the Memory Craft 12000 is worth mentioning.
You can utilize your PC to make your decorative patterns and create them on the Janome 15000. When other machines are on or when the thread is running low, they beep to notify you.
However, this model notifies you with a few chimes instead. It’s little details like this that make this unit stand apart from other sewing machines on the market.
Features of Janome 15000
According to the official Janome website, this unit is loaded with regular features such as the following.
Ruler Quilting
Ruler-guided quilting is one of the best things about this machine. It allows you to take advantage of the wide selection of precision templates and expand your quilting choices.
You can engage the ruler work mode in sewing apps and utilize the brand new ruler work foot to follow along the guiding edge of precision cut templates.
With this machine, you can get consistent and beautiful quilting design finishes previously only available to longarm quilting machines.
Quarter-Inch Foot Without a Guide
Quilters know that precise seams are key to precision-combined patterns.
Personal preferences usually determine the just-right pairing of sewist and accessory foot to get those results. The quarter-inch foot without the guide improves visibility and precise seam placement.
Adjustable Zig Zag Open Toe Foot
The open toe adjustable zig zag foot is a new addition that makes it simple to follow your stitch progress when utilizing this original Janome option.
It allows you to see precisely where you want to narrow or widen your zig-zag stitch with the hands-free adjustment of the knee lifter.
Professional Grade Foot and Needle Plate
You can now experience top-stitching and industrial-style precision stitching with the Professional Grade foot and needle plate mixture.
Inspired by the great conditions of straight stitching from the left needle position and the narrow gauge of industrial accessory feet, this foot provides superior control and visibility.
What makes this foot a great addition to your sewing toolbox is the added benefit of being able to sew precise quarter-inch seams.
AcuSketch App
Make unique quilting and embroidery designs with ease using the AcuSketch application.
You can use a black canvas or place your favorite images or drawings to make straight-stitch designs that will express your creativity.
You can also experience and enjoy the power of quilting with embroidery by transforming a doodle into a quilt design that can be repeated over different blocks.
Lightbar Progress Indicator
This detail takes the 15000 model to a whole new level because the light can be utilized as a visual guide to designing completion.
You can track the development of your designs by the movement of the light within the bar on the face of 15000. It’s amazing.
Tapered Stitch Mode
Add precise detail to your projects with the tapered stitch mode. Cornering, applique, and top-stitching can now gain from the pro degree of completing that a tapered pattern can provide.
Pick from a wide selection of taper-ready stitches, adjust the desired stitch number and angle of pattern repeats or mirror photo design to meet your needs.
AcuStitch Tool
Turn ordinary patterns into embroidery patterns and arrange them along precisely sized circles and lines with perfection.
This eliminates the guesswork of trying to measure the necessary number of pattern repeats to perfectly outline and boost circular details.
It’s important to mention that this unit has 500 built-in stitches, 13 1-step buttonholes, 4 alphanumeric fonts, and 480 built-in embroidery designs.
It also has an onboard stitch selection guide, an automatic needle threader, a seven-piece feed dog, a needle up/down feature, stitch making program, a free arm, and a drop feed.
You will also get a start/stop button, a locking stitch button, an automatic thread cutter, reverse button, adjustable knee lift, extra-high presser foot lift, and a full-color LCD touch screen.
The presser foot height and pressure on this machine are adjustable. The 15000 includes app support with onscreen assistance and 10 white LED lights in five spots.
The max embroidery speed is 1,000 stitches per minute while the max embroidery size measures 9.1’’ x 11.8’’ which is amazing. It also has 2 and 3 letters monogramming function.
These are just some of the features inserted in this workhorse. It also comes with many accessories like 21 snap-on presser feet.
Positive Sides of Janome 15000
I recommend this unit because it’s amazing. The advantages of 15000 overshadow the disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the positive sides.
Embroider Like a Real Pro
With this unit, you can produce extra thread-intensive and larger embroidery in one design layout, insert and mix designs for a total stitch count of up to 200,000 and sew up to 1,000 stitches per minute.
Wi-Fi Plus Useful Applications for Sewing
This machine has built-in wifi capabilities that make everything a lot easier.
You can transfer designs, adjust embroidery placement and view your stitching. Thanks to the apps, you can edit and view your projects from anywhere.
Amazing Embroidery Capability
The Janome 15000 includes 480 built-in embroidery designs. It provides a wide selection of motifs and styles for different types of projects.
It also has 5 regular hoops including the small free arm hoop to the GR hoop. If you want to enjoy almost effortless embroidery, buy the 15000 model today.
Perfect for Large Quilts
One of the reasons why I like this machine is because it can accommodate large quilts. It comes with the biggest workspace measuring 17.25’’ bed and 11’’ to the right of the needle.
AcuFeed Flex
The AcuFeed Flex is a fabric feeding program.
It moves layers of projects together underneath the needle with great precision from both the bottom and top. You can enjoy this amazing addition with quilts, thick fabrics and so on.
Free-Motion Quilting
Whether if you’re applying details or completing a project, free-motion quilting is easy with a selection of the bobbin surfaces and friction-free table and 4 various accessory feeds that this model has to offer.
It provides even and smooth stitching every time.
Impressive Lighting
I am a huge fan of good lighting and I can say that the lighting of this machine stunned me. It comes with LED lights for shadow-free sewing space.
If you want extra brightness, pull out the High Light. It works with the AcuView magnifying program that provides three lenses of different strengths.
Ability to Make Custom Stitches
You can make and edit custom stitches with 15000 which is another thing that I like and appreciate. This unit allows you to make unique decorative stitches with the Stitch Composer.
If you have never done this before, don’t worry because it’s very easy. You can utilize your new creation like an inbuilt stitch, adjusting width and length, and applying it to combinations.
One-Step Needle Plate Conversion
When piecing quilts or utilizing lightweight fabrics, a straight stitch needle plate can make a difference. Just press the lever to release the plate, and put a new one on spot without any tools or screws needed.
A Large, Vivid Touch Screen
If you purchase this machine, you will be able to design, edit and view on a large, vivid touch screen. It’s honestly the biggest one in the industry.
You will get a complete 800 x 480-pixel resolution and 16 million colors. Working on the 9’’ touch screen feels like working with your computer.
Trusted Brand
The best thing about this machine is that it’s a Janome sewing machine. This company was the first to introduce machine embroidery to our homes not that long ago.
It’s a popular and trusted brand for many reasons. One of those reasons is quality yet affordable models such as this one. The Janome 15000 is reasonably-priced.
However, it’s loaded with more features than you can imagine. I didn’t want to list all of them in the review because it would take two full word pages.
There’s nothing that this machine cannot handle with so many advanced features. The basic stitching is super easy while the quilting is impressive.
The 15000 is one of those machines that will inspire you daily and bring out your creative side. It’s the best machine ever.
I like this machine because it is quiet. Although it can handle more than a heavy-duty model, it still purrs like a kitten which I appreciate.
Negative Sides of Janome 15000
Every time you turn the button to turn on your Janome 15000, it releases a chime to signal you that it’s on and running. I find this helpful but some users find it annoying.
Also, this machine threads a little different from the other Janome units on the market but the threading and winding up the bobbin remain pretty much the same.
They’re easy to master, even for beginners. However, if you’re a beginner and you want to buy this unit, keep in mind that it has a learning curve.
It’s not the simplest sewing machine out there. Another disadvantage is the fact that you have to lock the unit to do some threading to your fabric.
This is for your safety and protection since the start/stop switch is situated close to the needle. This is considered a safety feature but many users dislike it.
Is Janome 15000 a Worthy Purchase?
People love the quiet operation, different options and advanced features of this machine.
If you do your research and read other sewists' experiences, you will notice that they love their new sewing buddy because it inspires them to try different things.
Generally speaking, it’s a great unit but has a big flaw that users dislike. Allegedly, the needle threader is not working properly.
This can be a dealbreaker for some potential buyers. However, minus the needle threader, the Janome 15000 is a great machine.
Janome 15000 is not a portable sewing machine which is another disadvantage so if you’re looking for a portable machine, look elsewhere.
Many users complain about the weight. It’s too heavy to carry to classes. However, they love it anyway. It produces beautiful stitches and has tons of features.
They love the way it sews and appreciate the good tension control. Some say that they’re obsessed with the decorative stitches and the programming capabilities.
It’s a must-have sewing machine, they say.
Final Words
If you’re looking for a decent sewing machine that can meet your needs and expectations, then 15000 is perfect for you. It’s a feature-loaded unit with advanced options.
The motto of this brand is “the easier the tools, the more creative you become” and their 15000 proves that. It’s easy to use but not the best choice for absolute beginners.
The biggest advantage of this machine is the tablet included. Also, I like the slightly angled screen so you can view the screen.
This is the first tablet from Janome that uses your home wireless connection. You can easily download 2 free applications to the tablet from Google Play or Apple App Store.
You can do this after you purchase your 15000 and enjoy the advantages of these apps. The first one is a monitor app called “AcuMonitor” which allows you to monitor your designs.
The second one is called “AcuEdit” which allows you to make and edit your designs from your computer or tablet in the comfort of your chair or sofa thanks to your home wifi connection.
This unit has the largest sewing bed, as well as the biggest touch screen on the market. No other screen in the Memory Craft line compares to this one.
The max embroidery speed is 1,000 stitches per minute while the max embroidery size measures 9.1’’ x 11.8’’ which is amazing.
These are just some of the features inserted in this workhorse. It also comes with many accessories like 21 snap-on presser feet.
What I like most about this machine is the quiet operation. I also like the capability of sewing designs up to 200,000 stitches.
It’s a stable and precise embroidery machine that will provide unmatched precision and quiet operation every time. It’s affordable, efficient, and impressive.
It’s also covered by a 25-year limited warranty.
Hopefully, you enjoyed my Janome 15000 reviews. I tried to provide as much insight on this machine as I could. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth buying or not.
For those of you who already own or owned this machine, I have a question. What’s your opinion on this machine? Feel free to drop a comment and let me know!
Carol Hoekstra
I have the Janome 15000. Loved it’s features. Then last year the machine just shut down. When I get turned it back on, the display board on the right side of the machine was totally black. I took it to my Janome dealer and I was told that one of the main boards was out and it was covered by warranty but the board would have to be ordered. Three and a half months later I finally got my machine back. I used it a little nothing fancy really just sewing pieces together and it started acting up again. Because of the virus, my dealers store was closed. When they finally opened we talked to the repairman and told him we were bringing it back because it still did not work correct my. They have had it for three months now. The repairman told me it was fixed but he noticed that it was not updated to the latest version. The repair man called me back and said the updates would not load and the screen turned all red when he tried to load it. The repairman called Janome and asked them why and he was told a major board must be out. Last I heard the repairman’s supplier had run out of boards and it would be the middle to end of September perhaps mid October before the board was available. I w my machine has already been gone again for three months and either I got a lemon or the repairman doesn’t have a clue. I have bought 7 Janome machines from this dealer. He has a big quilting store and should have a competent repairman. Some of the machines were traded in on upgrades. I have not had a good experience with my Janome 15000 at all
Mary Janes and Galoshes
Dear Carol,
I’m so sorry that you’ve had this experience with your Janome. Usually, they’re excellent and don’t cause many issues. Why don’t you try another certified repairman?
Also, you can contact Janome directly and ask for advice. Keep me posted and don’t worry. I’m sure that everything will work out in the end. Have a stress-free day!
Love, Mary.