Is the Janome HD9 Sewing Machine Good for Bagmaking? (spoiler - it totally is!)

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Do you love your Janome HD9? I do! Do you make bags or do you sew something else?

[@hilaryboggia1064]

yes I love it...BUT. the clearance is not high enough on the presser foot. also there is no free arm which I think is a big drawback.

[@JustSewG]

I love mine!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

@@hilaryboggia1064 yea! We have some wooden blocks that we put under the machine when we need a free arm. It works quite well ☺️

[@ritarogers900]

I agree with you on the whole about the janome hd9 but there are some really annoying bits. The thread gets in the wrong place, the tension slips and the little side door is always falling open and I had to have the threader replaced. There were only 3 bobbins not the 5 advertised and no there was no stand with it. The extras and bobbins cost a fortune (£5!!!) It's a really pricey machine. Should have bought a cheap industrial Brilliant bits, the bobbins are massive, the pressure foot is great, and it sews most thicknesses. I got the table free

[@CountryCowDesigns]

@@ritarogers900 I haven’t had any of those problems with mine 😬 I wonder if yours is a bad one. The only problem that I have had, is the bobbins being expensive 😆 I only have 5 for that reason! Sorry to hear you’ve had so many problems with yours

[@wendybeckman]

I have a Janome HD9 that I purchased during the pandemic because I wanted to make bags. I have been making quilts for 25 years. I have peiced quilt tops on my HD9 using regular cotton thread. I have also used Tex 70 and Tex 75 for making bags on the HD9. The thicker Tex threads work just as beautifully as the cotton quilting thread. This machine does indeed make beautiful straight stitches! I do use the Hlx5 needles with my HD9. Especially when I use the thicker threads, I use needles with a bigger eye. I bought the HD9 because I currently don't have space for an industrial machine. I have no regrets. I LOVE my HD9 for its ease of use and it's ability to go through all of the layers I ask it to sew through!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the machine 👍🏼

[@Studio7t7]

I love how different our videos are! Thanks for this collaboration Jo and Adam 😍

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Our pleasure!

[@roxannericchio3556]

I have had my HD9 for about 2 years and I love it. I do have 2 industrials but I still use the HD9 for many things. I love the larger bobbin too!

[@dmarie1157]

I have the HD9 with the version 2 of bobbin case. Whenever I have an issue, it's due to the bobbin thread sliding out of the bobbin case through the gap in the case. Hopefully in future they will return to the entirely closed circle case. I love the speed control switch (total tortoise here) and the huge presser foot on this machine (size 42 shoe) . My large cones of thread i just stick in a straight side mason jar and place it behind the machine, then run the thread up to the extendable thread guide on the top of machine.

[@HB-vr3vp]

Do you mean the problem with the bobbin case is on the version 2 model?

[@heatherd3660]

I have had my hd9 for years now. Love it! It will handle pretty much everything I have tried, much like those Jo mentioned but also including heavyweight denim and faux fur! I had a love/hate relationship with the built in needle threader - finally gave up after replacing it 3x. I use a separate needle threader now. My machine is inset in a large Kangaroo adjustable height sewing table so I am able to use it for larger projects, quilts and bags. I agree that the larger M style bobbins are excessively expensive, but require rewinding much less often. This machine and accessories have been worth every penny!

[@Noskipstitch]

I have the Janome hd9. I, too, love the tex 45 thread on this machine. I have to complaints about the Janome hd9. It's true that the thread cutter makes a loud noise, that's why I don't use it. And the presser foot does not go up high enough if u have thick vinyl or faux leather. But besides that, the machine is absolutely worth the money. Thank you for the great video

[@welshwitch2126]

The foot clearance is my main complaint, tension issues, skipped stitches. When it behaves, it stitches beautifully. I’m starting to use thicker vinyls that the HD9 just can’t handle. I’ve ordered an industrial, but I won’t be getting rid of any of my other machines atm.

[@patriciastobbart9516]

Thank you. I have a singer 9960 with all sorts of stitches as i use it for my art soft sculptures and home deco sewing. Its great for general bag making but it does struggle with thicker layers so i do have to think about what i may need to change regarding fabrics i really want to use. After over 2yrs of bag making i am thinking i need a machine just for bags now. Like you jo i now need a good brand that will sew whatever i want to use. Plus that slim foot is just a must. I have foot envy 😂 My fella has asked me to look into a bag making and faster straight stitch machine as a christmas gift. He says its what i moan about .. cheeky. Great review guys. Guess it maybe the one for me. Love the new fabric your going to be stocking. 😂 ❤

[@Ladybrite1]

I bought me the HD9 BE last month. I did a lot of investigating before buying. I am so glad that you released this, one year later review on this machine; You were part of my searching research. I will say that I love mine as well. If you have ever sewn on a vintage Singer 201; well, when I close my eyes; I am right there. Not that I close my eyes when I am sewing. She just plows through the tuff parts and I love how she purrs while doing so. Thank you for your videos ad pattern. I have been making a few of your bags and am ever grateful for you and Adam's generosity.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thank you. We used to have a singer 201. They sew and sound beautiful. Thanks for your support

[@Quilt4Joy]

I love my HD9 machine. I use it for quilting and making bags. It’s a well built, beautiful machine. I have version II with the larger bobbin, really comes in handy - you will notice you’re not winding bobbins as much as with smaller bobbins.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

I agree. I don’t think I can go back to a small bobbin 😂

[@Stitchamajig]

Ive had my HD9 for 6 days and I love it. The only thing I don't particularly like is the guess work into stitch length. No markings between each number so you have to make sure you are dead on the number then count clicks till you get to 2.5 etc

[@amandaglidewell8451]

I love my Janome 1600 it’s just like the hd9 except for the jumbo bobbin and the extra tension jig for the thick thread. And I absolutely love it. I thought I was going to use it for just bags but I also sew heirloom baby clothes and it handles delicate fabrics mand lace so wonderfully, it never sucks the fabric down into the needle hole because it is so small. I hardly use my domestic sewing machine unless I use a zig zag.

[@peggybray5450]

Love watching you guys I live in the US so I had many machines to choose from but I make bags and leather bags so I got an industrial walking foot machine

[@harrietmattemaker7392]

After seeing your first video of buying the Janome, I bought him as well. I also have a Pfaff 610 ambition, a fine machine, but has his limits with faux leather en denim. I bought the Janome 6 months ago and I love him! What a machine, super. The only thing I find disturbing is the treadcutter, what a noise. I use my scissors instead. And yes, I like the little bags at the beginning of your video and wanted to ask about it. But it’s your newest pattern for october, very nice one!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks. It is loud cutting the thread!

[@barbaran9003]

Love my HD9 and I throw everything at it when making my bags

[@elenafigueira8746]

The hlx5 needles which the machine comes with are extremely strong, but they are designed to sew at high speed. So if you are never going to sew extremely fast, the normal domestic needles are fine to use. I use size 100/16 majority of the time, and use tex 70 bonded nylon top and bobbin. I love my Janome HD9, it is a beast and can sew through many layers, I’ve never had any issues. On occasions I may get a slipped stitch, but this is due to my needle gumming up as I’ve used dst and the machine doesn’t like it.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks for the tip

[@janetfoster230]

I have had my HD9 for about a year and it has helped me out with all of the thicker seams my Janome Skyline struggled with, great review.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks

[@alicekelly4975]

I almost bought this machine, I wound up getting a Juki TL 2020PE , it came with quilting feet for days, which swayed me. Lol, not relevant but I love Country Cow, many patterns on my “to sew” list. 😊

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thank you 😊

[@JudithBrummett]

I would LOVE! to see a comparison to the Fabricator by sewing thick layers of fabric, vinyl and thinner leather. I have been torn between the Fabricator and another industrial machine when I kept getting pop up with the HD9. Now I am very unsure lol.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Great suggestion!

[@gracecleverdon9962]

Love my HD9, love making your bag patterns on it.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks so much

[@paulasews]

Thanks! I purchased an HD9 last winter and love it for bagmaking! I’ve only used the HLX5 needles like those that came with the machine. I’ve been wondering if I could use my microtex domestic needles but had been afraid to try them. I might have to take the plunge.

[@TheCraftedHeartNH]

Great, video! I love my HD9 too......my first Janome was the S6 and I still use it for other types of sewing. My only complaint with the HD9 is the lack of the needle down option when you stop and the needle threader is awful....I have to do it manually which is becoming an issue with my eyesight and arthritic hands.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

That’s odd. My HD9 has the option to have needle down but it resets each time I turn the machine off.

[@FleurdeLinda.Stitches]

I’ve had the V1 since 2019 and absolutely love it!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

That’s great to hear!

[@twylastotes]

Great review. thank you I've been researching machines that i can travel with. Love your patterns.

[@anneg5786]

Love it, but I never use cutter w/Tex45 thread. I also wish the cables were twice as long because I sew on a high table.

[@rosalindmcgarrigle5803]

I love my HD9! I have used regular needles 14/90 and also the HLX5 needles but they are designed for high speed sewing and seldom do I do the 1600 stitches that it is capable of doing! This machine is a bag makers dream!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

I don’t think I ever use that sort of speed. It is a dream to use!

[@angelamcgovern1525]

I love my hd9, I have 2 bobbin cases one for tex 70 and one for thinner threads. The only downside is the cost of bobbins.

[@JoelAaargh]

This was great thanks guys! Im very tempted by one, I've started making gear with wax canvas, cordura and want to try the various xpacs too, I struggle to get an even finish currently with my domestic machine. Do you know if there's a swing arm binding attachment that will work with the hd9?

[@CountryCowDesigns]

I couldn’t say for sure I would be surprised if there wasn’t one. There are lots of attachments as it’s a very well supported machine

[@juliepearson5880]

Ooo I love those little saddle bags at the start ❤ when is that pattern released?

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Very soon! It’s our next pattern out in mid October 😃

[@juliepearson5880]

Oh fab! 🎉just what I’ve been looking for 😘

[@barbarafrangella796]

I ALSO LOVE MY HD9 THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEO

[@CountryCowDesigns]

You're welcome!

[@jillkama7614]

I was waiting for this! Ty

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Sorry it took so long 😂

[@sitinurhafidza]

What's the name of the backpack you showed early in the video..which pattern designer is that...i super love it..thanks

[@CountryCowDesigns]

All the bags in this video are our own patterns. This backpack is a pattern we are currently developing and will be released in early 2024. Our next video tutorial will give me details

[@gsissens]

Great review! I bought an HD9 a month ago and absolutely love it. I didn’t know I could use my ‘normal’ needles in it so thank you for that!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michelleaugustin7739]

did you change the pressure of the foot? May I ask what your pressure foot setting is , Great review.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Glad you liked it. I’ve never changed the pressure. It’s still in the original setting

[@rosati_handmade]

I agree with the thread cutter. Also, why design a machine that can take heavy thread and NOT make a thread cutter that can cut that thread? That being said, I prefer leaving long tails anyway, so I don't use it even with lighter thread.

[@dorothymasterson57]

Hello! 1. How is the lighting on your machine…is it bright enough? OR do you have to supplement w a high lumen lamp? 2. On Adams SailRight he had to purchase diff feet. On your Janome which feet come with …and what others do you recommend to purchase. 3. Do you use a “walking foot” ? If so, which fabric textile is it us d on? 4. Does your machine have a knee lift that has the “needle down position” when pressure foot is raised… for example in pivoting? Thank you both for your insight to the wonders of a domestic sewing machine vs an industrial!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Lighting is fine for sewing. I would buy as many as you can but the narrow and zipper feet are essential for bag making. I don’t use a walking foot on this machine The machine has a knee lift and it can be in needle down or up position

[@welshwitch2126]

I found the lighting to be insufficient, but I have “old eyes”. I bought a little strip of lights for the underside, as well as an Ott-light floor lamp. I need all the help I can get😊

[@gypsyrobin]

The HD9 came out in 2018 as Version 1, and then the Version 2 is the replacement. So when you buy extra Bobbins, make sure it's labeled as V1 or V2 for your version. There is a Walking Foot that comes with the Quilt Kit that also has a 1/4 inch foot & a few other accessories related to quilting. As for the extention table, 100 Pounds is $120 US dollars. There is a Universal Table the machine sits into but it's approximately $600 & about 48" Long x 17" wide. The needles are HL-5 from size 8 to 22/24 and needles for Leather only. There are 2 threading paths for lighter threads & heavier threads detailed in the manual. I love my HD9 and would love the Sailrite Fabricator as I did have the Sailrite Portable L-Straight Stitch but gave it to my son-in-law since he has a boat which is what that machine was created for. I also don't use the Thread Cutter due to tieing off threads to the back with zippers, etc. but on occasion I do with basting.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks for sharing the extra details. Very useful

[@Noskipstitch]

Jo, What is the backpack u hv in the middle of the table between the two crossbody bags, in the beginning of the video? I would love to get that pattern, thanks

[@CountryCowDesigns]

It’s a prototype pattern due for release in early 2024. In our next tutorial we reveal more details 😃

[@Noskipstitch]

@CountryCowDesigns Nice work Jo, another great pattern 👏 Wish it was sooner, though

[@andrew-ij1or]

Hi Jo, how is the machine after the use of the period of time you're had it? As I may get one. Andy.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

It’s very good. I usually it regularly and it doesn’t miss a beat

[@andrew-ij1or]

@@CountryCowDesigns thanks for letting me know, thinking of doing bags, rucksacks maybe, looks, sounds so much better than the Singer heavy duty, I have now Jo, was is good but "kunks" with certain fabrics and multiple layers. Sailrite is good but the tax is a real stinger!

[@Karen626]

Thanks for the video! Question: Does it have a free-arm option? If not, how do you manage to topstitch small-diameter STRUCTURED bags on it?

[@CountryCowDesigns]

It doesn’t. But we found a way around it. We have two wooden blocks that we place under the machine and it lifts it up and effectively turns it into a free arm. Then we topstitch the small structured bags 😆

[@Karen626]

@@CountryCowDesigns Very good solution. That seems like it would give you even more room for the bag than my domestic. Thanks.

[@hollyk4368]

Did you get the narrow foot thru Janome?

[@CountryCowDesigns]

I think so.

[@HB-vr3vp]

Id like to know what model the Sailrite is please. I wondered if you have considered doing a comparison between the HD9 and the Juki TL2300 Sumato. The Juki is more expensive. I would like to know how the HD9 handles topstitch thread too.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

The Sailrite is a fabricator. I find the HD9 is great for topstitching

[@HB-vr3vp]

Fab thanks for letting me know

[@TerryJerry]

This is excellent

[@roxannericchio3556]

What is the largest size thread you use on your Janome?

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Tex70 is the largest

[@kowalskyks]

What are the large white square things on the wall behind your machines? Is it a light?

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Yes. They are LED panel lights

[@kowalskyks]

Do you happen to know the name brand? I must be using the wrong search terms, all I'm coming up with are large ones.

[@luisellacherchi4180]

Ciao è possibile fare un video in Italiano per conoscere meglio la macchina professional Grazie

[@tsdbangla9785]

Nice 🎉🎉🎉

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks