Janome Quilter's Companion MC4900QC

A Great hint to improve machine – This machine is a great sewer BUT would be improved if one could open the lefthand case easily instead of screwed in All machines so Is so frustrating at times Show details

Unreliable – I bought my machine new in 2007 and for the first two years it was ok... However since then it has been a. disaster. I have had it repaired so many times.. I have just picked it up again and after 2 hours use.. another jam... it seems to be bobbin related and when I change the thickness of fabric.. I would not be buying this machine second hand from anyone, as the unreliability factor is high.  Show details

Great when it works – Since I bought this machine it has now broken down twice, with the exact same problem: Wind the bobbin, re-thread the machine to sew, and it won't work, flashes E-5, and I have to take it to be repaired, and they said it is an electronics issue. Wishing for my Singer, which only needed tension discs.

Good machine mostly – Sews nicely and I haven't had as many problems as other reviewers mention. My main issue is that it doesn't like too many layers of fabric....just doesn't have the power to get through, particularly if the thicker area is where you need to start sewing (I use my pfaff machine if I need the extra oomph!) One step buttonholing is easy, needle… Read more

threaded works perfectly and has a good range of stitches- more than I've ever needed really. It occasionally gets a tangle in the bobbin area which locks it up until the thread is cleared.

Janome 4900 pitches a fit – I have had the same issue. It is very particular. Its like it gets mad and you have to leave it for about 5 minutes for it to finish its temper tantrum. It has to have a certain bobbin and sometimes a certain thread. I have not been happy with my Janome 4900.

Have some issues with this product – I just purchased this a couple of months ago (used) & everything went great until I had to load a bobbin. I have had one miserable time ever since, as it locks up & gives me an "E-5" error code, which I was told could possibly be a motor issue. Seems funny that the bobbin loading seems to cause this & it is talking a "mechanical problem". Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

Janome 4900QC – I've had this machine for close to 5 years and it has been a dream. It's straight forward to use with many stitch options. The instruction manual was easy to follow. It came with many optional feet including a walking foot. I only wish it had a brighter light and that it could sew a little faster. reliable, great for the home sewer, many accessories

Bad – I had an Elna Air-electronic which I loved but the repair man broke the circuit board and gave me an older mechanical Elna which weighed a ton as replacement, very hard to pack up and move. I took advantage of a Janome trade in deal & agent recommendation. Now know why they were trying to get rid of them. Not happy. Would like my old Elna… Read more

electronic back. I have a Baby Lock Imagine which works perfectly, but the Janome really lets the side down. I live many hours from the nearest service centre, so need something reliable. This isn't it. Comes with a handy slip over case with handle - easy to carry and put away. Fancy stitches are illustrated on the lid. Has an instruction book. Good LCD display with large letters. Quieter than my mother's 30year old Janome. Is good when it works. Constant problems with bobbin winding which then snags unexpectedly when sewing. Bobbin does not cut out automatically when full as per instructions. Move the tension knob but does not register on display and makes no difference to sewing light fabrics (puckers) - suspect it does not work. Stitch length cannot be increased on some important sitches (stretch stitch is too small and puckers the knit & makes it obvious). Light could be better at the front. Slow to start, then very fast (is not all that fast), keeps sewing for a couple of stitches after you lift the foot. Can't handle thick fabric - pinch pleating on curtain tops - it stops - you can do it by manually turning the hand wheel (but why should you do every stitch "by hand"). Can't handle larger spools of thread as it has to sit sideways in a shallow well. The spool & cap often pops off the upright secondary spooler (meant for the second thread in twin needle work). Has trouble with the first few stitches at the edge of material (often snags itself)- I now use a tab of dissolvable interfacing at the start of critical work. Threading and bobin winding are very critical, even done properly you will have to re-do several times and practice on scraps before it is right to do important work. Rolled hem foot disappointing I've gone back to ironing & sewing. Standard Elna bobbins don't fit - had to give away 60+ and rewind onto the clear plastic Janome bobbins. The knee lifter rod is very difficult to remove - need to take it out to pack - it gets stuck - service man spent 15 mins trying to extract it and told me "don't use it again". It got stuck during the sales demonstration too. Instruction book is a little short of information (particularly troubleshooting) and doesn't mention some limitations. Would have preferred a DVD showing some of the more challenging things which are hard to describe.

Terrible – Based on my experiences with this machine, it's very unlikely that I'll ever even consider buying a Janome again. I'm disappointed and frustrated, and this was not a small purchase. After spending over $1000, I'm left wishing I would've stayed with the ancient Kenmore that my aunt bought in 1975. It still works. When it works, it's very easy to… Read more

use. It breaks all the time. Since I bought this machine, it's been in for service at least once or twice every year, and always over minor operational issues such as thread jams that knock the needle and bobbin out of alignment enough that it will not run. The embroidery stitches are frequently uneven, and the machine refuses to accept metallic thread.

Bad – Disappointing, as I spend so much time taking the machine apart. I am puzzled how Janome can produce earlier machines that worked so much better and now fail with some basic? components such as the bobbin winder. I bought this machine as it had a needle threader and more stitches. I liked the stretch stitch and the overlocking and applique… Read more

stitches. The button hole is more advanced I don't find that stitches are even in length if you sew faster/slower. I do a bit of machine applique and struggle to maintain a satisfactory finish. I am totally cheesed off with the bobbin holder. I am forever resetting it, taking the plate off and starting over. It is very awkward to use the screwdriver there too. I have paid for a service because the machine 'sounded rough' and gained no better results. Currently I think a train set would be quieter than my machine. I had my other Janome over 20 years and sold it in perfect condition- no shop services ever, just regular cleaning.

I don't like how you have to unscrew the top section where the light is when I am constantly having to self service the machine as it is very time consuming.

Bad – No more Janome for me. The old ones worked beautifully but this one is a $1300;00 lemon. Yes it can do beautiful things if you dont mind taking it apart every 5 times you use it. Very disappointed. Very easy to learn to use. This is my first computerised machine, 3rd Janome. Beautiful stitches, can sew anything ---when it works. It often… Read more

doesnt work. Ive had it 18 months and its been serviced 3 times Janome keeps it for up to 2 WEEKS every time you drop it off. Sometimes when you are going along, sewing beautifully, you change the bobbin and bang! no more sewing. Ring the service centre, the place of purchase, and theyre very helpful with maitenence instructionsand what to do to correct it, but I am not a sewing machine mechanic and dont plan to take the course! This machine spends more time apart being cleaned/oiled etc than actually sewing.

Terrible – am trying to get my money back from the store however i dont think i will as they do not refund even though i was not told this when i purchased the machine am extremely disappointed have just received this for mothers day and have not been able to use it! error message came up and the tension is abslutely non existing!

Good – This machine has revitalized my interest in sewing and quilting, and gives a professional finsh. Easy to use and verstile. I love this machine! Have had great success with using the special stitching patterns - completed several quilt tops, dresses and home accessories. Love the fingertip control. No problems with tension. A couple of times a thread has been caught in the hook race, which messes things up. Removing the thread solves problem. Show reply