Although I do not have access to specific customer reviews or complaint data about the Janome Memory Craft 9850 sewing machine, based on my knowledge of common issues that can arise with sewing machines in general, here are some common complaints that I and other users have mentioned on Facebook groups:
Bobbin issues:
Users may have experienced problems with the bobbin, such as it getting jammed or not winding properly. I like to call this the “jumping bobbin case” problem. This happens when there is stress on the bobbin cause by several factors such as improper threading or super thick material. If this happens often enough the little bobbin stopper spring is weakened and the bobbin case will jump out more often. Inspect the bobbin case for burrs that can cause more jamming and undesirable stitch appearance. If the burrs are mild, I can use a nail file to smooth them out. If you notice your machine goes from humming smoothly to sounding like rock tumbler, the culprit is probably a bobbin case snagging on the thread. Replacements can be ordered online. The bobbin stopper spring is not something I have tried to replace myself. Honestly, I probably would if I could find the part.
Thread breakage:
Some users may have reported issues with the machine frequently breaking threads, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. If I am embroidering a design and experience frequent thread breaks, I go thru a series of checks. First I completely un-thread the machine and re-thread. If that doesn’t help, I will change needles. If that doesn’t help it could be the combination of the type of needle with the type of thread for the material being embroidered. I have also found that some tear away stabilizers are problematic. I received some free tear away when I ordered a set of New Bothread and my thread kept breaking. I thought it was the new thread. It turned out to be the complimentary stabilizer. Yikes. For more information, see the post
Here are a couple of stabilizers I do not have trouble with.
Needle problems:
Users may have had issues with needles breaking or becoming dull quickly, which can impact the quality of stitches and make sewing more difficult. This problem is all about the quality of the needle or the application. Ball point needles are intentional dull for knit fabrics. If you use a ball point needle on wovens you could experience snags or pulls in your fabric.
There is a rather complicated matrix of matching the proper needle to the material, thread and sewing method. Sometimes the 80/12 needle is sufficient for most garment sewing.
Sharpness of the needle depends on the material. Scarf depends on the thread. For instance, the embroidery needle scarf is shaped to protect the finer thread from friction caused by rapid sewing. Embroidery needles are typically available in 3 sizes: 75/11 (for quilt cotton), 80/12 (for batik or linen weight, and 90/14 (for denim, canvas or fleece).
The lighter the weight of the fabric, the smaller needle should be used. The heavier the fabric, the larger the needle should be used. Choose the smallest size needle that is appropriate for the fabric.
I sew a lot of bags, so I go thru a lot of denim needles. If I am embroidering on denim, vinyl or cork, I use a 90/14 embroidery needle.
It’s important to note that these are just potential issues that users may have reported and that the Janome Memory Craft 9850 is generally considered to be a high-quality machine with many advanced features. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and read customer reviews before purchasing any sewing machine to ensure that it will meet your needs and expectations.
Tension issues:
Users may have reported difficulties in achieving the correct tension, resulting in uneven or loose stitches. Tension on this machine should rarely need adjustments. Monkeying with tension means trouble. If you find your stitches look loose or loopy, the culprit is most often the way the machine is threaded or choice of needle thread combination. Mr jumping bobbin case is also a consideration.
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