I was sent the brand new Janome Memory Craft 500e embroidery machine out to try and I am having such fun with it! (I also reviewed the Janome Skyline 5 last year found HERE). I haven’t done machine embroidery in years, so I was really nervous about it. However, once I figured it out (very quickly), I was on a roll and made a few projects and have more projects in mind. Scroll down to see what I made. If only there were more hours in the day!
I have been sewing for a long long time, and machine embroidery is very different, in my opinion. First of all, the machine is really large, so that took some getting used to. 
There is a wonderful touch screen which makes the whole process easy. My biggest tip is to scour the internet for video tutorials. I stumbled across several great ones for getting started. The machine does come with a DVD, but I prefer finding videos on You Tube. I watched a 10 minute video on how the process works and I was ready to go.
The Janome Memory Craft 500e comes with 4 hoop sizes, which is so awesome. I noticed that most machines only have one or two, which can be limiting. For specifications, read HERE.
The main thing with embroidery is being sure to learn all about the stabilizers you need. There are all different kinds: soluble, tear away, lightweight, heavyweight, etc. The list goes on. I asked a few friends that are experts at embroidery and they gave me tips, which helped a lot. There is a lot of trial and error.
The Memory Craft comes with amazing built-in designs. I was so impressed with the choices. There were beautiful border designs that I hope to try out this week. Every built-in design that I tried out, stitched out perfectly.
Ainsley and I collaborated on the very first project. One of the built in designs happens to be a bracelet, and we joined two of them together to make a fun headband! How cute is this? I had NO idea that embroidery machines could make something like this. This was a project that was fun and easy, but looks so cool. Clearly, I need to still clip the little strings, but hey, time is of the essence at the moment.
This was my first time using soluble stabilizer and it was so neat to watch and learn the process. You embroider directly onto it and when it is finished, you simply soak it in water and the stabilizer dissolves!
We joined the two bracelets together using simple hand stitches and added elastic at the back to create a headband.
Next up, I made some Star Wars towels for the kids’ bathroom, which happens to be Star Wars themed. (full pictures of the bathroom will come once we finish the flooring). This was a bit trickier because now I had to purchase the designs (search etsy and google for embroidery files you can purchase) and then figure out how to load them onto the machine. Using a flash drive or the USB cord, you can import anything!
If you look closely, you can see that I still have things to learn about properly stabilizing and how to prevent skipped stitches, but that is the same learning curve with anything. The kids love their new towels!
By the way, check out the Darth Vadar shower head, ha!
Thanks for letting me try out your newest machine, Janome! I can’t wait to make some more items, such as a Christmas banner that I will share on my instagram page when it is all finished.
Hayley
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Nice job!
Thank you for the review. I just traded in my Janome Memory Craft 300e for this machine. I hope to use it weekly! I will as long as life doesn’t get in the way of having fun! Thanks again for affirming my purchase of this rather Large, but wonderful machine!
Hi
I’m about to sell my 350e on a certain auction website and invest in the 500e. I had the 350e when they first came on the market and got hooked immediately on machine embroidery and have made lots of household items and gifts. I can’t wait to get my new machine in a few weeks and create even more impressive things!
A tip for embroidering towels that will help stop skipped stitches and the embroidery sinking into the pile is to place a piece of water soluble stabiliser on the top of the towelling fabric and embroider on to this. It creates a smoother surface for the machine to run over. You must still use a suitable stabiliser on the wrong side of the towelling too. I like to use a tearaway.
Happy stitching.
enjoy your new machine!!
Hi ~ I bought one of these machines back in November last year……I have successfully designed a logo onto the programme, but I just cannot get it to transfer onto the sewing machine…what am I not doing???
I had the same issue! I found out that you have to format your USB card first…. I found a you tube video showing just this…. google formatting usb for janome embroidery…. I will try to look as well!
Does the 500e sew like a regular machine too?
no it is just for embroidery
I have the 500e too. I love it. The quality of the stitching is amazing. I also have the 350e but am not selling it as I like to use them both. Am just awaiting delivery of the 2 hoops that didn’t come with the machine so that I can use it for smaller patterns without being too wasteful on fabric.
I have both the 300e and the 500e…absolutely in love with the 500e, one of the best machines I have owned and used, I have been embroidering for over 20yrs. I often read comments regarding towel pile and people using wash away on the front to prevent the pile loops from ruining the design….can I just say ladies…GREASE PROOF PAPER, the plain old fashioned stuff you buy for your kitchen. Saves an absolute fortune on wash away or tear away and works just as well, any little bits left showing, simply pick off with your tweezers and all the rest will wash out in the first wash.
What is “Grease Proof Paper” I have never heard of it.
It’s bought in a roll at most supermarkets along with cling film and tinfoil.
it’s actually called waxed paper.
Are you taking about parchment paper? I bought my 500e 3 months ago. I love it
Is this machine able to function for edge to edge quilting?
I am not sure about that!
Yes, it will function for edge to edge quilting. Amelia Scott’s website has a lot of designs and information on this. You can also purchase software for the 500E called Aqufil. You can use this for quilting also. I was impressed.
This is the great machine thanks
I just read your review of the Janome 500E. I’m getting mine on Weds and m so excited. Looking st pictures of your the machine set up, I couldn’t help but notice how organized all your thread is! How did you secure the thread racks to the peg board? You should do a tutorial for making a peg board organizer!
I just brought home my 500e Saturday. I sold my old Bernina 830e and I am excited to start on this new machine. Is grease proof paper – WAX PAPER? Thanks very much for the review!
Reb
Yes….wax paper
I really appreciate your work. Thanks for sharing!
Embroidery
Thanks for the review, my singer future has been nothing less than a nightmare since purchasing and want to buy the Janine embroidery unit. I personalize handmade items – can I make my own words to embroidery via this software? Thanks
Hi. I am just about to purchase but my dealer has a 450E and says no different than the 500E. ??? Is this true or should I get the 500. Excited to try these new machines soon 🙂
I am waiting for my Janome 500e machine to arrive. I had the Janme 350 e and loved it but I want to embroder larger items It sounds like an amazing machine. CAN’T WAIT.
hi heyley,
When we talk about some embroidery work, Janome is the one stands for it. It have some great features that can attract anybody. The LED display is so much addictive and the work plate size is also good. thank you for a great review
Love to see your sewing and embroidery machine. the writing was good. thank you for the awesome review. it was really informative