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You Say You Want A (Straight Stitch) Revolution! (Part 3)
Welcome to Part 3 of our machine releases series! What is this series, you ask? Brother and Janome are releasing MANY new machines this fall, and we’re splitting the news into separate emails so each release gets the attention it deserves.
In Part 1, we covered the re-release of the Continental M6 and 5300 QDC, both with the Laundry Basket Quilts treatment. In Part 2, we gushed over the Brother Expedition BX1 and BX1E, two embroidery and combo machines with a stitch regulator (BX1), large 14” hoops, and positioning technology that remind us why Brother is one of the best in the game.
Today, we’re starting a straight-stitch revolution with THREE new Janome HD machines: the HD8, HD9 V3, and HD9 QCP!
HD stands for heavy duty, and man, are these machines powerful. These straight-stitch, semi-industrial workhorses can tackle everything from chiffon and quilt cotton to canvas, cork, vinyl, and, yes, even leather.
Bagmakers, upholsterers, quilters, and garment-makers — if you work with tough materials or multiple layers, these machines are ready for the challenge. They are built to sew through projects that would make other machines cry “Mercy!”
Okay, now let’s get to the good stuff…
Janome HD8 (I Need A Heavy Duty Machine)
If you have ever said, “I want a machine to make bags or go through jeans, but I don’t want to sign a blood contract for it,” the HD8 is the machine for you!
It’s got POWER, enough that it does beautiful topstitching through two pieces of very thick leather. (See above!)
And at $1,199, it’s accessible enough to give your main machine a friend.
*** CLICK - I am *very* interested in the HD8! ***
*** CLICK - I am *very* interested in the HD8! ***
The HD9 V3 (I Am SERIOUS About Heavy-Duty Sewing)
The HD9 V3 is the third iteration of the HD9 that we’ve carried in our shop for forever. (The previous version was the V2.) V3 boasts a new colorway, but overall, it is mechanically the same machine as the V2.
Now to the important question: What sets it apart from the HD8?
The HD9 V3 has brighter lights and a heavyweight thread path. But the most important part remains: it has that same serious piercing power. At $1,699, it’s an excellent price point for anyone that is head over heels for bagmaking, upholstery work, quilting, or just sewing in general.
Oh, and another important addition to the V3 upgrade: the machine comes with an extension table, walking foot, and darning/free-motion foot and plate. (For the record, so does the HD8. ????)
*** CLICK - I've always wanted an HD9, and at this price point? I'm sold! ***
*** CLICK - I've always wanted an HD9, and at this price point? I'm sold! ***
HD9 QCP (I Want The Heavy-Duty Power, Quilting, And Convenience)
As you can tell by now, all three machines (HD8, HD9 V3, and HD9 QCP) are no-nonsense powerhouses. But what sets the HD9 QCP apart is that it takes that same heavy-duty foundation and adds more control and convenience thanks to two key features:
• Floating Mode — The floating mode dial lets you adjust the height of the presser foot while sewing. This is especially helpful when moving over bulky seams or sewing projects with varying thicknesses. Instead of getting stuck or slipping when you hit a thick-to-thin transition, the presser foot can move over it more smoothly. Basically, it’s a built-in hump-jumper!
• Built-in drop feed — Flip a switch and drop the feed dogs! In the HD8 and HD9 V3, you have to swap out the needle plate for the darning foot plate in order to do free-motion quilting. The built-in drop feed makes it quicker and easier to set up your machine for quilting.
Another subtle but important distinction: the HD9 QCP is very sleek, and part of the reason is because the work area is slightly more spacious than its HD counterparts. That little bit of extra space can make a surprisingly big difference when you’re working on larger projects.
P.S. In addition to an extension table and walking foot, it also comes with a quarter-inch, stitch-in-the-ditch, and free-motion feet.
*** CLICK - Okay, THIS is my machine! ***
*** CLICK - Okay, THIS is my machine! ***
Phew, that’s a lot of machines, features, and information to take in! But don’t get overwhelmed — we’re here for you! Come and see us — we’d love to talk with you about these new releases, what you want to sew, and which machine would make the most sense for you.
And if you’re just enjoying the series, we love that, too! Start thinking about what you’re going to sip while you read Part 4. We’re talking about the Janome Skyline 8, which features a stitch regulator. *Gasp*
And don’t get us started on the exciting new accessories that will fit these new machines!
We don’t know that we’ve ever seen a season with so many releases, but we’re here for it, and we hope you are, too!
Happy sewing, and we’ll see you soon!