Janome 14000 vs 15000 – Which Is Better?

The Janome 14000 and the Janome 15000 are both perfectly capable machines, but which one is the right one for you?

Is the Janome 15000 worth the extra money (or hassle involved with getting one), or should you stick with the 14000?

Let’s start with a quick features comparison!

Janome 14000 vs 15000 Features comparison

Differences Between the Janome 14000 vs 15000

While there are a few differences between the machines, as displayed in the above chart, they are the same in all the ways that really matter. For example, the embroidery size is the same (9.1” x 11.8”), you’ll get the same work space, the AccuFeed system is the same as well – as are most other features.

In fact, the only things you’ll actually get with the Janome MC15000 which are not included, or are lesser with the MC14000 is:

• The MC15000 comes with a semi-hard cover
• It has 510 built-in stitches (Compared to the MC14000’s 400 built-in stitches)
• It has 479 built-in embroidery designs (Compared to the Mc14000’s 350 designs)
• Horizon Link Suite (Software for working on projects and uploading designs)
• You can combine stitches for quilting and embroidery

In short, while the MC15000 does have some interesting features, it’s up to you to decide whether they are worth the price tag of – $12,999 MSRP they want for the machine!

That’s a tough pill to swallow for most people, and with the MC14000 coming in at a much more attractive price point of $6,500, we hardly think the MC15000 offers enough to be worth this price.

So, what will you really be missing out on with the MC14000?

There are two main features you’ll have to do without.

The first is the Horizon Link Suite. This software allows you to connect your computer directly to the machine for uploading designs and monitoring your projects. However, it also comes with some pretty cool software, like AcuSketch, which allows you to trace photos on your iPad and turn them into embroidery designs.

However, if you already have digitization software, you can still upload custom designs to the MC14000 using the included USB port. You can even purchased software, such as Brother Stitch Express for around $140, far cheaper than the price difference of the MC15000. While the software is neat, it’s definitely something you could do without to save that much money.

The Pattern Combination Tool is also not included with the MC14000. This tool allows you to combine up to 100 stitches into different patterns, which you can use for embroidery and quilting. It’s actually a pretty cool feature, and it may make the MC15000 worth it if it’s something you’d use a lot in your projects.

If you’re interested in checking out reviews, pricing, and availability for these machines, click here to check prices for the Janome MC14000, or here for the MC15000. OR, if you’d like to learn about the full features and capabilities of both of these machines, keep reading for our full write up!

PS. As a side note – the MC14000 is also dual-voltage, while the MC15000 is not. This isn’t really important to most people, but if you live in another country where it’s tough to find a sewing machine with the proper voltage for your country – you may want to check out this machine.

Janome MC 14000 Overview

The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000 offers sewing, quilting, as well as embroidery features. So, if you want an all-in-one solution, this one could be the one. In addition to the many excellent quality of life features this machine has though, it also features 11″ of throat space! That makes it a great choice for those looking for large throat sewing machines for quilting.

However, the machine is no slouch when it comes to embroidery either, offering a generous embroidery area that’s perfect if you need a machine for large designs and 350 built-in designs. You can also upload your own designs via the included USB port if you’ve got embroidery digitization software.

There are also 400 built-in stitches, 11 lettering fonts, 4 included hoops and 19 presser feet. Moreover, the machine allows you to edit your designs on a large LCD screen. It lets the user resize, duplicate, flip, group, zoom, trace, drag and drop, arc, rotate, and combine designs.

Don’t worry about needle threading, thread tension, and thread cutting either. All of them would be taken care of by the machine automatically. Plus, it comes with a free arm, letting you work on intricate projects with ease.

The lighting system is quite intense too; with 10 LED lamps, you’d be able to work on darker fabrics and night tasks with ease.

This machine is also quite speedy, offering sewing and embroidery capabilities at 60 – 1000 stitches per minute – allowing you to adjust the speed as needed. This allows beginners to choose to start out slower on their machines, but a more advanced sewer to not be hindered as they progress.

You’ll get a lot of premium features like automatic thread tension, an automatic thread cutter, AccuFlex, etc. However, while the Janome MC14000 is an embroidery machine that connects to computer, it does so via USB, and some consumers aren’t a fan of the included software, which isn’t as good as Horizon Link Suite.

Click here to get the best price on the Janome MC14000

Janome MC 15000 Overview

While the Janome MC15000 is very similar to the MC14000, it does have some very interesting features. It’s up to you whether or not you think those features are worth paying nearly twice as much for though.

This includes the ability to connect to your device wirelessly using the Horizon Link Suite software. You can communicate with the machine via your iPad, PC, laptop, or desktop computer using two apps.

The apps not only allow you to monitor the embroidery stitching progress, but you can also use your iPad to design layouts for your projects. This includes AccSketch which allows you to trace photos or other images on your iPad, transforming them into embroidery designs. This could make the Janome MC15000 a contender for best embroidery machine for custom designs.

The Janome Horizon MC 15000 comes with one of the largest LCD screens you would see out there. You’ll be able to navigate through your embroidery layouts effectively. It’s so big that it feels like using a tablet on your sewing/embroidery machine.

And, the fact that this machine features a lot of built-in designs from leading designers makes your work more fun and enjoyable. Not only that, but you get a generous workspace on this modern machine. This allows you to seamlessly work on larger projects.

In addition, the Janome 15000 is known to be quite easy to use as well. Although it offers sewing and embroidery both, you can easily shift from one to the other thanks to the one-step needle place shift.

What’s more, you get 480 built-in embroidery designs, 510 sewing stitches, a large LCD screen for quick and easy editing, and bright LED lighting on this versatile machine. In addition to other great features like automatic thread tension, and automatic thread cutting.

In short, while the Janome MC15000 has a lot to offer, the price you pay for it is substantial. If you have the money to spend on it and you think you’ll actually use all of these features, then it could be worth the cost. We, however, prefer the MC14000. Click here to check prices and availability for the Janome MC15000.

Tanya Womack

Tanya, both a nurturing stay-at-home mom and a skilled crafter, is the creative force behind our blog. As the co-founder of Romney Ridge Farms & Crafts, she’s the editor and curator. She also runs the Romney Ridge Farms & Crafts social media accounts where we post new patterns for you to enjoy.