For those who had a 7700 and upgraded to 8900
07-03-2013, 02:19 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Behind my sewing machine
Posts: 7,202
For those who had a 7700 and upgraded to 8900
I am debating upgrading my Janome 7700 to an 8900 and would love feedback from those that have. Pro vs. cons. Was it worth the trade in...what makes it better? Are the advantages for quilting or reg. sewing? I would love to hear what you have to say. I really wish they had sewing lessons in our area and if they did not cost a fontune to take.
07-03-2013, 05:13 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: iowa
Posts: 663
I went from the 6600 to the 7700 to the 8900. I loved the 6600, regretted buying the 7700, and LOVE the 8900. I love the basics - how it sounds, how it reacts, how much space and light I have, how easy it is to use. The major improvement over the 7700 that I appreciate are:
1. You can change the needle plate with just a press of a button instead of screws.
2. Snap on Acufeed feet - standard, 1/4 inch, stitch in the ditch
3. 9mm stitch width
4. More alphabet options.
I do piecing, free motion quilting, stitch in the ditch, and machine applique. I can make the changes on this machine quickly to go from one to the other. I have had no problems with the tension for free motion quilting - even with metallics and monofilaments. The stitches I use for applique lay flat and tight. I have used the fine Bottom Line threads to the coarser/heavier quilting threads and the automatic tension seems to adapt.
Hope this helps.
1. You can change the needle plate with just a press of a button instead of screws.
2. Snap on Acufeed feet - standard, 1/4 inch, stitch in the ditch
3. 9mm stitch width
4. More alphabet options.
I do piecing, free motion quilting, stitch in the ditch, and machine applique. I can make the changes on this machine quickly to go from one to the other. I have had no problems with the tension for free motion quilting - even with metallics and monofilaments. The stitches I use for applique lay flat and tight. I have used the fine Bottom Line threads to the coarser/heavier quilting threads and the automatic tension seems to adapt.
Hope this helps.
07-03-2013, 11:52 PM
#7
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Behind my sewing machine
Posts: 7,202
This is vey helpful. Thank you.
I went from the 6600 to the 7700 to the 8900. I loved the 6600, regretted buying the 7700, and LOVE the 8900. I love the basics - how it sounds, how it reacts, how much space and light I have, how easy it is to use. The major improvement over the 7700 that I appreciate are:
1. You can change the needle plate with just a press of a button instead of screws.
2. Snap on Acufeed feet - standard, 1/4 inch, stitch in the ditch
3. 9mm stitch width
4. More alphabet options.
I do piecing, free motion quilting, stitch in the ditch, and machine applique. I can make the changes on this machine quickly to go from one to the other. I have had no problems with the tension for free motion quilting - even with metallics and monofilaments. The stitches I use for applique lay flat and tight. I have used the fine Bottom Line threads to the coarser/heavier quilting threads and the automatic tension seems to adapt.
Hope this helps.
1. You can change the needle plate with just a press of a button instead of screws.
2. Snap on Acufeed feet - standard, 1/4 inch, stitch in the ditch
3. 9mm stitch width
4. More alphabet options.
I do piecing, free motion quilting, stitch in the ditch, and machine applique. I can make the changes on this machine quickly to go from one to the other. I have had no problems with the tension for free motion quilting - even with metallics and monofilaments. The stitches I use for applique lay flat and tight. I have used the fine Bottom Line threads to the coarser/heavier quilting threads and the automatic tension seems to adapt.
Hope this helps.
07-04-2013, 04:52 PM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: oregon
Posts: 1,371
I've upgraded from 6600 to 7700,now to 8900. I think it's a big improvement in terms of FMQing without eyelashes and the necessity for "quilting words". I like the improved lighting,smooth and quiet operation,ease of use of quilting foot,the options for needle position,the improved 1/4 inch foot. It is a real work horse.
Since I got it,I have breezed through a variety of projects,including easily quilting a queen size quilt.
Since I got it,I have breezed through a variety of projects,including easily quilting a queen size quilt.
07-04-2013, 07:59 PM
#9
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: WA State
Posts: 9
Hi Carol - I loved my 7700, but upgraded to the 8900 to get the better (taller - 9mm) lettering for projects with kids. The downside if you have had the 7700 is that your extra AccuFeed presser feet (1/4", SID, Open Toe) don't fit the new 9mm machine. If you use those (I really do) you have to buy all new ones to fit the new style and wider, AcuFeed on the 8900. Just an unanticipated expense for me. I do love the easier 1/4" seams on the 8900, and everything else I've tried is at least as good as the 7700. I love that I can use the magnifier for my tired eyes, and the remote foot-powered thread cutter makes me feel so efficient. (Those were anticipated extra expenses!)
Tecla in Kingston, WA
Tecla in Kingston, WA
07-05-2013, 07:30 AM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
I recently "test drove" the 8900, it was wonderful. I loved everything about it, except the cost. I couldn't buy it at that time, but can't get it out of my mind. One thing that had me worried was all the new learning I would have to do. That seemed too hard. Another good thing was the shop offered unlimited lessons for lifetime. That seemed like a good thing. The 9mm stitch width seemed like a good thing. This shop (my favorite) seems to know that I'm dying to get this machine, this week they are offering no interest financing for 36 months. Very tempting.
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