I know you posted this video a while back but I just purchased my M7 a few months ago. Thank you so much for your video. I initially purchased it for mainly quilting but I have fallen down the rabbit hole of bag making!! I am obsessed. I thought I needed a more industrial machine for bag making but you have convinced me I do not. Well. Not right away!! 😊😊. I do love my machine.Thanks so much. Take care ❤️
Oops! According to Janome, “HP” stands for “high performance”. Not important. I have the Janome 9450 and love the HP foot and plate. Thank you for all the information sprinkled with humor! Great video. 😀
Really appreciate this video. You get into demonstrating features of the Janome M7 Continental without a lot of wasted introduction time (really, when one is looking for quick/fast answers, intros aren't that interesting, so thanks on that!). Additionally, you seem to have a clue as to what a new owner of a Janome M7 Continental wants to know "to get to know" one's machine. Thanks!
I Just bought one today!! I am loving it and did not know that it had the HP mode but the shop owner rolled up fabric like you did and it went through it like butter!! My sad part is that I had just purchased a Bernina 770 QE plus and now I have to sell that one because I love this one! Thanks for the video!!
Thanks for your review. I am late to the party, but got a job at a quilt shop and after 10 months of staring at the M7 asked the owner what she’ll take for it. She gave me a pretty good deal and threw in the trolley
I have a Janome MC 6700P and I love it as a bag maker. Thank you for the review on this machine. While my machine isn't as fancy as this one, it is still a work horse.👍🏼
This one is SUPER new. I was torn between their HD series and this one. The HD series is semi-industrial, but is straight-stitch only. I still make clothing from time to time, so I needed a machine that could still do both.
@Gerri McCann I'm not sure of what the Brother is capable of but if you get the MC6700P you will not be disappointed. It's an amazing machine it will sew from the softest & most delicate of fabrics to very thick & heavy.
Thanks for this video. As of yesterday, i now have my first Janome, the M7. Previously I was die-hard Pfaffie because of the built-in IDT (dual feed). I especially appreciated your comments about the stitches and fabric weights. The Pfaff was really struggling with bulky layers. This machine appears to combine the best of both worlds for the type of sewing I do.
Agreed! I haven't had any issues with it aside from the thread tails going under the plate. I tend not to use the automatic cutter as a result. I just like to deal with that on my own and hold the thread tails before I start. I know a lot of quilters use a piece of scrap to start off their stitches, then trim it.
@@fiercekittenz yes I my janome 9850 qcp it bunches up when I start I was thinking maybe should take to the shop where I bought it but if it’s doing the same to you maybe it’s just a thing that happens but it looks like doo doo on the other side sometimes. I’ll play with it more
I've just ordered this model and traded in my VERY much-loved Janome Horizon 7700. Now I'm looking forward to doing lots of cool sewing. Thanks for your tips and suggestions. I'll stay tuned to more of your videos...so keep 'em coming! & :-)
I had the 7700 too! Traded it in last week for the M7. Absolutely loving it but wanting to get into more of a variety of projects including bags to make it worth the purchase. So far I’m loving it f
While this is way ahead of where I am, I am really happy to see this video. Thanks for sharing your opinions! Also I love this machine OMG it is crazy the amount of features that are on it.
I recently bought this machine, for quilting, but I thank you for this video b/c I still learned a lot! LOL. I’ve been enjoying getting to know and use this machine for the past week. So many features and it seems to strive to make using it idiot proof.
It is definitely a good machine for the avid quilter! I however am not a quilter and felt the machine was ultimately wasted on me. I sold it and bought a HD9 this Summer. There wasn't anything wrong with the M7. I just didn't use 90% of its features.
I thought the view of the needle and the lighting was pretty neat when I saw this at my dealer. I haven’t taken the plunge but enjoyed your video. It looks like a wonderful machine.
I have this machine as I wanted a more heavy duty machine but one that I can also use for quilting as I didn't want to buy two upgraded machines and I wanted a really big throat space. This thing so far plows through everything. I can do even cork double fold straps with this. It's a heavy price tag but I can do everything I need on it. I can use Tex 45 thread, larger needles or use an 80/12 quilt needling with cotton 50 wt or 40 wt thread. I really love it. I probably wouldn't do thick leather on it (maybe??? i have not tried) but I love this machine.
I first seen this machine on this video. I was able to test one out at a local quilting Expo, and it is the best machine I’ve ever tried. I hope to be a bag maker at some point.
Thank you for the review, was debating this machine, you helped me decide. My M7 ships today!! Bonus it is bundled with an Elna press😉 Perfect bagmaking combo
@@Sheryl0705 I received my machine, then waited for the table to come in. Just got her all setup and loving it! Havent really got to put it through a thorough test, there is sooo much to learn but I think its a keeper!
Lori Widmar, thank you so much for your reply! May I ask what table you bought? I’m sure there is a whole lot to investigate with your new M7! I can envision so much than could be accomplished with this machine!
Great video, thank you! I considered this machine a couple months ago when I was looking to upgrade for my quilted bag making. Unfortunately at the time there was very little information about it. So you're definitely filling a need! I ended up going with the Janome 6700p which I'm (now) glad to hear has nearly all the same features, although sadly with 4 inches less of harp space. On the other hand, it was something like 1/3 of the cost. I'm happy with what I have for now, but maybe next time!
This was funny as hell! Even my husband laughed and he doesn't give AF about sewing! It was also informative, and now I want this machine despite not needing it. 6 layers of vinyl???? Also, congrats on hitting 10K subs... yes I've been watching so many of your videos recently that I noticed.
If you get to a point where you're able, talk to a local Janome dealer. Oftentimes they have specials where they can take your machine as a full trade-in. That's what I did. I gave them my 20 year old Viking Rose. It didn't even turn on anymore. They took it as a $2k trade-in! I financed the rest.
Hello from Aust. I am in the market for and upgrade. I have started making bags and a few other bits and bobs (not quilting) and have seen the M7. I have watched a few video's, but yours has certainly made my day and convince me. However, there is M8...... But do I need what it has too offer??? mmmm decisions, decisions.. I think for a first time semi prof machine the M7 will be the bomb for what I need. Thank you so much for sharing
I have to be super honest - I did end up selling the M7 last year and downgraded to the HD9. I felt the M7 was too much machine for what I was doing. I could sell it and get something a quarter of the cost, right? Fast forward to this Fall and I ended up caving to my desire to start collecting Smart Dolls (Japanese ball-jointed dolls). Naturally, I didn't have any machines that could zig-zag, so now I have a Bernette B38. Weeeee! Some decisions were made here in Casa de Kittenz.
Great video how many times do you lol on a sewing tutorial! I also learned a lot I have the Janome 9850 Qcp no matter how many times I read the book I still don’t get some of it like you I like to do bags but also quilting and other things I’m fixing to look for more of your vids glad I found you. Thanks for the info because some things on that monster of a machine I have also on mine and it helps me. I saw that machine but wasn’t in my budget the one I got wasn’t in my budget but I had to have it I love it and have so much to learn. Thanks again.
They’re so good! I mostly use it for clothing and quilting, but they’re awesome workhorses. Gotta catch those holiday sales and 0% financing. They will certainly have a sale soon for Valentines!
Totally love this machine! I've been watching it for a while now and as a quilter it's nice! Not that I need another machine. One thing going for it from a quilting perspective is the ability to fmq with a zig zag stitch. I do love making bags too. Do you know if this machine would handle light to mid-weight leather? Withe the appropriate needle and thread of course. I'm leaning towards yes. That will certainly be a trial test I'll try at the dealer's when I check it out.
I THINK it would as well, but I don't have any genuine leather to try it on. My opinion is if it can handle 6 layers of marine vinyl with 40wt cotton thread and an 80/12 needle, it would probably have no issues with thin leathers.
I subscribed when you shoved your head in the throat space... this is how I want my reviews... let's be friends! Lol great video. This is my dream machine & out off my price range right now. What do you recommend in the $2000 range?
HAHAHA yes!!! Ok so for that price range you have a LOT of options. Do you want embroidery? One of the best things you can do is pop by a dealer and talk to them about the various machines and be firm with your budget. Trust me. They'll try to get you into some interest-free 24-month thing if you aren't firm.
THIS IS AN UPDATE! Decided to buy Janome 6700P instead of Janome M7. This Professional machine also does everything I need it to do - and MUCH more - AND probably 1/2 the price (approx) of Janome M7. It looks almost the same (w/o the computerized screen) and only a little smaller in throat length, but still 10" of huge space! - and it does FMQ perfectly! The 9mm stitch width is great for lots of projects. IT HAS PLENTY of features, plus brilliant LED lighting and fits in my HORN sewing cabinet/table opening and also comes with extension table. Sorry Janome, I just couldn't justify purchasing M7 and would have needed to buy another table to sit it in. My machine is now 2 yrs old and it's been a total pleasure to sew with! I LOVE IT! Thanks Janome! :)
I'm curious how you'd compare this machine to the BabyLock Jazz II or Allegro. There aren't many machines that offer the combination of a large throat space, greater than 850spm, and zig zag stitches without falling into the "prestige flagship model" price range that those two BL machines somehow manage to avoid.
@@fiercekittenz If you happen to find one that you can put through its paces, I think a review/comparison video would be really helpful. Most of the coverage I've seen of it is just standalone "look at this neat machine" videos rather than putting it up against some flagship machines or even finding other models in the same price bracket to compare with.
@@NicoyaI wish I could but I can't afford to buy all of those machines. All of my machines, except the Ricoma MT-1501 for embroidery, have been bought by me. I'm not working with any sewing machine brands right now. Ricoma is a machine embroidery partnership.
I did. I needed a machine that still had zig-zag capabilities. I do like to zig zag on my foam interfacings as it helps compress down the seams a bit. The HD9 was TOO industrial when I already had an industrial machine. What I wanted was a machine that was a step down from an industrial, but not a plastic hunk of junk.
I have the Janome 6700p. I quilt and make bags. The only gripe I have is finding that “sweet spot” for the tension and stitch length with thicker fabrics, but once I get there, it sews like a dream. I haven’t had a lot of thread breakage on my projects, but I will say I do like to have samples to fiddle with first, just to make sure. My dream machine would have a speed regulator for free motion quilting, but I don’t want a Bernina. I was disappointed by all the plastic - lots of vibration and it just didn’t feel as stable or durable as the Janomes.
Thank you for the demo. What size threads can be used in the Continental M7 Professional? would I be able to use a Tex 40 or a #69 bonded nylon? And what size threads can the needle threader handle? TIA
@@fiercekittenz Thanks. I have seen more definitions on the weight of upholstery thread. I guess you will normally say, it is Tex 70 polyester thread. So I guess this machine can sew Tex 70 thread like many other domestic sewing machines as a standard max. But what about Tex 90? I saw a single report on the M7 being successful with that too. A few domestic machines can do that including the vintage Husqvarna machines.
What exactly do you want to do with the sewing machine? What projects are you interested in? I can say that as of this past Spring, I sold my M7 and downgraded to the Janome HD9. As a bagmaker, I rarely touched the rest of the features of the M7.
@@fiercekittenz Hi, I sew mostly handbags now. I am trading in my Pfaff Creative Icon and love some of the special stitches, but I have had it just over one year and it needs to go to the repair shop for the third time. I had similar issues with the Creative Sensation Pro that I traded in for this, so time to leave Pfaff. I also own a Janome 15000 which I use primarily for embroidery, plus a Juki TL-18QVP which I love for making bags except it’s only a straight stitch. Once in a while I want to make quilted table runners and aprons. When I trade in my Pfaff I have to trade up to get my full value back to apply to the new machine. My neighbor swears by (not at) her Bernina, which she has had for several years and never had to take it in for anything broken, just annual cleaning. I’m learning towards the Bernina but? I’m drooling over the Babylock Solaris Vision but I would have to sell my SUV and start hitchhiking for that and my dog would not appreciate that, especially in winter! Any suggestions? Thanks!
@@fiercekittenz I just realized the M7 is not what I am looking for. The Bernina has a much small throat area (the left end of the bed) which makes it much easier for bag topstitching.
I'm not finding a foot with the M7 that will sew on vinyl... I've tried the walking foot, the HP foot, and the regular foot. I did buy a teflon foot but it doesn't fit this M7. What do you use that allows the machine to smoothly and evenly stitch across vinyl without getting hung up? Thanks - love your videos!!!
You can put tape (like Scotch tape) under your foot to help. I haven't had issues though. I actually have a video where I talk about sewing with vinyl specifically and using this machine in the video. I tried to reproduce the issue and it wouldn't do it LOL
will it do an overlock or diamond shaped edge stitch that will also be able to read the tension or is that tension reading capability only for the HD mode?
I am pretty sure that it reads the tension and adjusts as-needed in all modes. The demonstration I gave with it going over the various thicknesses of fabric was not in HD mode.
I have a video that covers a few tips for sewing thicker fabrics. Basically, increase stitch length to 4mm, use a large needle (like a 100 or 110) and don't be afraid to hand crank!
Hi my name is Kiva. I just started my own small business. I have to get a better sewing machine for bag making. I was looking at the m7, sailrite fabricator, juki 1181, juki na 11 ut. I was wondering could you do everything on the m7 can you sew leather with it. I know you have the juki. 1181 But I don’t know what order you got them in or how much you use either one. I can’t afford both right now. If the m7 can safely handle doing everything. Then I would go that route. If it can’t then I would start with an industrial walking foot. What are your thoughts.
I don't think I'd sew leather with it, to be perfectly honest. It can absolutely handle woven fabrics in bulk, but if you want to do vinyls, leathers, or other thicker/denser fabrics, you'll want to go up a notch. You could consider the Janome HD9 Professional OR take a look at the Juki 2010Q! Edit to add: consider those two I mentioned if you don't have the space for the big old industrial. They do come built into tables that are about 40" wide, 20" deep so space could be an issue. They're also silly heavy!
Thanks I thought so but I could hope. I am struggling to pick an industrial right now. I was looking at the sailrite fabricator, the juki 1181n, juki 1541s, thor 1541srg, or juki na11ut
When do you use your walking foot machine instead of your Janome? If I only wanted one more machine:) could I sew clothes, lightweight fabrics, with the walking foot machine? The Juki is a lot cheaper than the Janome.
I use the Janome for more delicate pieces like pockets and smaller zippers. Also use it for smaller bags when I don't need the heft of thicker interfacings. The Juki is what I MOSTLY use, but I found that it was too heavy handed for some of the more delicate steps.
I've fallen in love with this machine. One question, does it have a knee lift? I didnt see one on your machine and it isn't listed on the specs, but oh such a lovely machine. *sigh*. One day maybe :)
Hello darling, hope you arecwell. Thank you for your informative videos. I want to buy a walking foot flatbed industrial sewing machine for bag making (Protex TY3300). Is it ok?
I have never paid that much for my cars! Wow! I can't imagine investing that much money in a sewing machine unless you are sewing for an income. I wish my budget would allow such a beauty to join my collection. I just bought a gently used JANOME CoverPro 1000 CPX and my JANOME DC5100 arrives tomorrow. Even though I don't sew as much as I used to, there are certain features my now deceased Baby Lock had that I don't want to live without. I hope the DC5100 doesn't disappoint. I waited over 2 months for the part to come in for my 16 year old Baby Lock, but either it is on backorder big time due to Covid-19 issues - or my machine is no longer supported. 😢
