Let's Sew on the Janome HD9 - With Kelley Rao

This is another review of the Janome HD9. It's not as glowing as I'd hoped it would be, but it's good information to share just the same.
A few notes: I did not adjust my tension (default machine settings) so that might need to be addressed in the future.
Also, it's possible if I attached the walking foot, those differences in heights would be better accommodated when doing the top stitching.
After my demo, I did swap out the HLx5/16 needle for a titanium coated one (same size) and it seemed to sew a bit smoother.
Last, as I looked at the last 8 bags I have made (www.sewkelley.com) I think this machine could easily handle them (perhaps with the aid of the walking foot attachment on one bag).
In the end, I do find this machine to be more heavy duty than the Juki 2010Q and I love that I can use heavy duty thread in it. If that pressure foot lift were just a little higher, it would be a perfect machine IMO.

[@heathersmith9600]

Thank you for this Kelley! I don’t use leather- only faux/vinyl, so 2010q sounds good for me! Great side by side comparison. 32 layers of cotton?! Holy cow! I can barely get 4 through my Singer HD.

[@Wendy10910]

Thanks Kelly! In the next video, do you think you could zoom in closer to the bed of the machine as you’re sewing ? Thanks! Keep ‘em coming!

[@sewkelley]

You're welcome! I can try; what is it you need clarification on?

[@Wendy10910]

Kelley Rao I would like to see the stitch quality on the front and the back please… Thanks!

[@marionlewis4703]

Hi. I'm seeing more of the room and door than I am of the machine and your working it. Could the camera angle take in more of the machine bed in future , please.

[@joycelondon1639]

Thanks from Atlanta Ga USA very helpful i 💘 this one .👀 next time

[@janephillips3970]

Would you please do a tutorial on threading the machine and the bobbin? I have looked everywhere for a good tutorial and cannot find one, and am not real familiar with this type of bobbin.

[@josiesbows]

Thats what i need too!!

[@tkarlmann]

Would/could you replace either of you Juki industrial machines with the HD9? (I am presently looking at the Juki 1181 and the Janome HD9). I would prefer the HD9 for portability and space-saving in my apartment, so I am leaning toward the HD9, but I also know that the Juki 1181 would take anything I would throw at it -- for bag/backpack making. Which machine would you suggest? (I am aware of the Juki 1541, but I was told that it was too heavy-duty for even making backpacks) Your thoughts? Have you run into any applications where the HD9 would not do the job and you needed your Jukis?

[@sewkelley]

Honestly, no! Between 1181 and HD9, 1181 wins (there's really no comparison). They make smaller tables these days.

[@kayeyres1825]

If you had to choose the Janome HD9 or a Juki machine say TL2010Q or Haruka which one would you have. I am looking for a machine that will bags using vinyl/faux leather as in this your video. I just can’t decide which one would be best. From research the Juki appears to have more accessories than the Janome but I would probably have to buy a Teflon foot for which ever one I buy. Many thanks and please continue with your videos as a beginner they have helped me so much.

[@sewkelley]

I think I'd go with the HD9 if an Industrial is not an option. Yes, you'll need Teflon feet no matter which you chose, but they are cheap! Thank you for your kind words.

[@rsplatt100]

I love my Juki TL2010Q. Very strong, I love the thread cutting on the heel of the foot control. I have a Teflon foot for vinyl and leather. Works great

[@debrayork4551]

I wonder - have you tried the leather attachments? And did you thread it as recommended for heavier thread, wondering if that is the cause of the skipped stitches when you top stitched. for sewing with leather that is a huge deal breaker for me.

[@sewkelley]

I did not purchase the attachments; I have a Juki 1541 for the tough stuff. I did use HD thread and followed the guide for that.

[@TwistedMinded]

do you think v69 poly would work with the hd9? and how about v92 poly ?

[@traceysantierre4415]

Where is the ‘knee lift thingy’. I have no idea how this works lol. I’m thinking of getting an HD9 but will I need a special table??

[@sewkelley]

It fits in the front of the machine and is optional; but I kneed it! LOL. You don't need a special table, but if you want to sew on it like a flat bed, you can purchase the insert. I use my table from my Juki2010Q.

[@traceysantierre4415]

@@sewkelley thank you!

[@homelyheart]

Please help me decide! I have the Juki 2010. Still not happy with it. Feeds terrible with walking foot, tension so finicky... I used to own a Janome 1600p which was great for quilted bags and accessories, perfect stitching, so powerful. If given the choice between the Juki 2010 and HD9, which would you actually decide to buy and why? Thank you for your help! 🙏

[@robinh]

Did you sew handbags with your 1600? I have a brother 1500 for two years and have had no issues with anything. Thinking I should just keep it.

[@karenthomas5732]

Thanks Kelly, can you show your settings, I am having trouble getting mine right, also the bobbin, it keeps popping out, have you got any tips putting it in? Cheers.

[@sewkelley]

I wrote them down if that helps: Needle Tension 4; Foot Pressure 3. For the bobbin, though awkward, gently spin it around and push inwards. You'll hear/feel a click when it's in place. It won't pop out once it's snapped in place.

[@karenthomas5732]

Kelley Rao thank you so much xo

[@sheilajohnson7996]

Hello Kelly I am seriously considering purchasing this machine. Would you be so kind as to let me know if you remain happy with the machines performance for bag making and home decor projects? I need to decide before the end of the month when prices increase so if you could, please let me know at your earliest opportunity. Thank you!

[@sewkelley]

It's a solid machine. I did purchase for retreats and such and because I no longer do them or attend, I recently sold this gorgeous machine.

[@raggedyanna6-Missy]

What lights are you using on your machine? It’s so bright

[@sewkelley]

Just what came with the machine(s).

[@Jckay2003]

Do you miss not being able to adjust the needle position when making handbags?

[@sewkelley]

Not at all. I guess is their is a trade off, I have more control and can sew a wider variety of materials on my industrials.

[@sylvienguyen3361]

Enjoyed watching your informative video. It seems that Janome HD9 is a bit loud. Can you comment? Thank you.

[@sewkelley]

It's a little loud, but so is the 2010Q. After awhile, in all seriousness, it's kind of a comforting sound.

[@sylvienguyen3361]

Thanks for your helpful reply. @@sewkelley

[@lindawheeler9450]

I have the HD9 and I just love it sometimes I would like to know more about how to do the tension with different threads

[@sewkelley]

I've only sewn with HD thread on mine (so far); the guide is pretty clear on the machine which channels to follow for HD and regular thread.

[@margaretmayhew8072]

I really appreciate your taking the time to show how this machine operates. It would be great if you would hold the piece you sew close to the camera so we could see how the stitches look after it was stitched. I only have domestic machines.

[@sewkelley]

I'll do that better next time. A domestic is just fine for bag making. Just a question of choosing the right materials.

[@Marckovski]

Where did your buy the table?thanks.

[@sewkelley]

I have two Juki 2010Qs and the table fits the HD9.

[@amariiah]

Hi! Thanks for this video. So far Ive changed my mind from 2010q to hd9. Is there an hd machine that can handle more layers than the hd9?

[@sewkelley]

If you have the space, I'd go true industrial. I use my Juki 8700 75% of the time and my Juki 1541 the rest. My Juki 2010q and HD9 are for sewing retreats.

[@riskalmessiah]

Hi. Can you do a demo on much lighter and sheer fabrics? Thank you

[@sewkelley]

I'll try to remember! I rarely use this beautiful machine except for travel/retreats.

[@shann.on.crafts1276]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. My HD9 is on its way due to arrive next week. Im wondering if I might ask You what table extension you have? Im looking to get one but dont understand what size/type i need to order. Thank You!

[@sewkelley]

I used the table that came with my Juki 2010Q (I have 2). But they do sell the table extension for the HD9 (not inexpensive)

[@mirjamschouten4974]

I have a janome 1600p , and i was wondering if you already used the walking foot on your HD9?! I can buy one for my 1600p but they are very expensive and i was wondering if it makes a lot of difference.

[@sewkelley]

I have not, but one came with it! I should try it out.

[@karynyoung1464]

This is a wonderful demonstration. I am trying to decide between the Juki TL-18, Janome 1600p and the Janome HD9. Have you ever tried the Janome 1600p? It's my understanding they have the same motor strength.

[@sewkelley]

So glad you enjoyed. I have not tried the Janome 1600P. Besides motor strength, compare the type of threads they can sew (regular and #69 or #92), the presser foot lift, things like that. I wish you success!

[@stephanniemetz3610]

Thank you!

[@marievague9169]

Loving watching this 😊 I would love a hd9 but think I might have to wait a while. How does it compare with your industrials Kelley? Xx

[@sewkelley]

Thanks Marie! Honestly, it's not a fair comparison. This is a heavy duty machine and not an industrial; my industrials out-perform hands down.

[@cathydurham10]

Kelley which industrials do you have?

[@sewkelley]

@@cathydurham10 Juki 8700 and Juki 1541

[@sfkid57]

Does it have speed control and well it's so true lightweight leather

[@sewkelley]

Yes, it has speed control and a foot pedal. I think you can sew lightweight leather (like 2 oz max).

[@susanmoroney6003]

Thank you for a great video!

[@TGBTGAlways]

This machine has 11 pounds of pressure you don’t have to sew like you’re afraid it can handle it

[@carolinebizzell5974]

Well, I didn’t know there was a cutter on the side! Lol

[@sewkelley]

It's super sharp, too!