LyndaOH

I'm not sure where you heard they are stopping production of the 7700, but that's not correct. There are thousands of 7700 owners who are very happy with their machines. The 7700 will continue to be produced under the Janome New Home name; with the newer machines out the price on the 7700 has been lowered and dealers will be permitted to sell it online. The MSRP is half of the 8900's MSRP and the 7700, with the same throat space and many of the same features as the 8900, will be a good option for many.

From my experience, the leap from 6600 to 7700 was huge. FMQ is a dream on the 7700 with consistent stitches, auto tension and the adjustable free motion feet. I've got a perfect 1/4" seam with the O2 foot and the auto single hole plate and I've never had to fiddle with tension at all. The extra 2" of throat space makes a huge difference. I can recommend the 7700.

lots2do

I'm glad that one of you brought up the feet. That's something I'll need to ask about when I see my dealer.

QuiltE

You have me confused here ...
**what does the 7700 have that the 6600 does not, for consistent FMQ stitches?
**you mentioned the 7700 has auto tension and adjustable FMQ feet ... is that the same blue dot bobbin case? and the specialized FMQ feet that you use with the 6600? or are you referenciing something else?

The auto single hole plate would be nice .... and the 2" extra throat would be amazing.

If you'd help me sort out my confusion ... I'd sure appreciate it!

lots2do

I have a friend who moved from a 6600 to a 7700 and she said the learning curve was huge for her but that now that she's used to the new machine, she loves it.

Judi in Ohio

I have the Horizon 7700 and I really like it. It's not fussy at all. I also have the Juki F-600 and although it does not have the addition space like the Horizon, for the money it is unbeatable. I love sewing machines so I have a bunch.
Judi

LyndaOH

I believe it's the auto tension which makes the difference when FMQing. Where I always felt the 6600 had a somewhat delicate balance of top and bottom tension, I never have to adjust my 7700 with the auto tension and although I have the blue dot bobbin case, I've never had to use it with the 7700.

The adjustable convertible FMQ foot allows you to have the foot just barely skim the top of the fabric sandwich. The fabric doesn't get pulled up and down with each stitch but it's not held down so tightly that it's difficult for it to glide smoothly. I believe you could use this foot with the 6600 but I could be mistaken.

Hope this helps!

QuiltE

LyndaOH .. yes, I have the extra set of FMQ that have that adjustability you described. It has been a huge difference.
Also, have the blue dot.

So I take that you are saying the 7700 has an "auto tension" feature that is not part of the 6600?

Is it truly automatic ... as in it figures it out, itself? and you have nothing to do with it?

Or is it something that you have to enable to work, and would have the option to turn it off?
If so where is it located and how do you do it?



I know there are at least three features on the 6600that are not on the 7700.
One is the bobbin winder.
I think another is that if you want to use the really large spools, that you have to use a separate stand.
The other ... I forget.

What did you notice missing, on the 7700?

Grannyh67

Better buy it at that price, it is more like $4000.00...great machine

LyndaOH

The auto tension is not available on the 6600. There's a dial right on top of the machine. Mine arrived from the factory set to Auto, but you can dial it up or down as needed. I have never had to touch the tension (top or bottom) and I've had my machine for about 18 months. I'm a pretty heavy user, I would say and work on everything from piecing to quilting, to bag making and everything in between.

You have the option of turning it off just by turning the dial.

The 7700 has a bobbin winder, just not a separate motor for the bobbin winder. I have not had an issue with this. I don't believe I ever wound a bobbin while I was sewing on my 6600.

The cone stand is available (ask your dealer to throw it in). Unlike the 6600, the 7700's cone stand is stationary. You attach it with a couple of screws.

I can't think of anything else that is missing!

QuiltE

Oh that was it .... the cone stand did not fold down for travel. Wouldn't be an issue for me, as about the only time it will travel, would be for servicing!

Thanks for explaining about the auto-tension. Something for me to ask about when at the dealer!

The bobbin winder ... I like being able to wind a bobbin, without unthreading the whole machine. However, not as big a deal, as that's only good, if you have an extra spool to wind from. Although, most piecing is done with one thread, so I usually do have an extra spool (or several!) on hand to do that. And that I usually wind several bobbins at a time for that thread.