Janome Memory Craft 6700P vs Janome Continental M7
Among higher-end Janome sewing machines, the Memory Craft 6700P and the Continental M7 are two of the models people compare most often for quilting and heavy home sewing. Both are large, computerized sewing machines (not embroidery combos) with lots of decorative stitches and enough power for layered work. See our Memory Craft 6700P review and Janome’s site at janome.com.
Status note: Janome has discontinued the Continental M7. It still appears in used and remaining-dealer inventory, so it remains useful to compare, but new-stock availability varies. Do not assume a current M7 replacement is covered here. This page compares the 6700P and M7 only.
Both machines are home machines with a semi-industrial feel: strong straight stitching, wide throats, and enough decorative stitches for creative work. Neither has a free arm, so sleeves and small tubular sewing are harder than on a standard flatbed-with-free-arm machine. For many quilters that tradeoff is acceptable for the workspace and feeding power you get.
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Janome Continental M7 (discontinued)
The M7’s standout is workspace: about 13 in (330 mm) to the right of the needle, among the largest in its class when it was current. That room helps with big quilts, free-motion quilting, and bulky garments. Changing needles and threading around the needle area also feels less cramped.
The needle plate lifts with a button and seats with magnetic assistance, so plate changes are less of a fight than snap-only systems. Expect a large decorative stitch library (around 400), on-screen stitch selection, and Janome techniques/tutorials in the interface. Quilt-block helpers can measure stitch sequences for piecing workflows, including chain-piecing style stops between units. A QR code on the machine links phone users to tutorial pages when you need a quick refresher.
Tradeoffs: the M7 is large and awkward to haul to retreats. Because it is discontinued, parts/support still exist through Janome channels, but buying new is harder and you should confirm warranty/dealer support on remaining stock.
Janome Memory Craft 6700P
The 6700P is still a substantial machine, but smaller than the M7. Throat space is about 11 in (279 mm). Height under the arm remains useful for free motion, just not as open as the M7. Many sewists prefer it for classes and retreats because it is easier to transport.
The needle plate removes and snaps back into place. It works, though seating it firmly can feel abrupt if you are used to assisted plate systems. The screen is more basic than the M7’s: decorative stitches are often selected by number/mode rather than browsing a large visual picker. Physical dials for stitch length and width give direct control that some sewists prefer when fine-tuning.
Shared strengths and who should buy which
Both machines commonly include extension tables for free-motion and heavy projects, a generous presser-foot set, AcuFeed-style dual feed feet (wide and narrow options help with zippers and layered seams), and a high-performance straight-stitch plate setup that narrows feed for cleaner straight stitching. Soft US pricing for the 6700P is typically in the upper mid-range for a non-embroidery Janome; M7 pricing now depends on leftover new stock or the used market.
Choose the Memory Craft 6700P if you want a current, portable-enough quilting/sewing workhorse with excellent AcuFeed support and you do not need the M7’s extra throat. Consider a Continental M7 only if you find good remaining stock or a well-serviced used machine and the extra workspace is worth the size and discontinued status. For most shoppers buying new today, the 6700P is the more practical path.
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what is the price of the mk7 continental machine