Whether you have had your Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200 QCP for a while or if you are just opening up your box, this post will help you navigate it with ease! Video link is included – scroll to the bottom of this post to find that.
The Horizon 8200 QCP is very similar to the Horizon 8900 QCP. So if you have an 8900 QCP jump on in, things should be very similar to what we cover here.
Tip: Start at the End!
I’m going to start where many people end when they are dealing with any issues. How to clean your machine. I know it’s a chore and really, if you’re sewing away, the last thing you want to be doing is cleaning. Creating is messy in so many ways but our machines will thank us endlessly if we keep them clean before – not after – they develop problems. After every 2 bobbin changes, I stop and clean out my machines. If I’m working with high lint fabrics, I stop to clean every bobbin change.
Steps:
- Turn off your machine and unplug it.
- Remove your needle and presser foot (I know this takes time but it’s going to give you the best view for getting everything nice and clean)
- Remove the accessory tray and the needle plate by using the One step needle plate remover lever. Remove the bobbin and the black bobbin holder.
- Using the brush that came with your machine, start to clean out the entire area making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Don’t force anything but don’t be afraid to poke around with the bristles a little bit.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe out the bobbin area and then put your bobbin holder back into the machine. Make sure to line up the red mark on the holder with the red mark on the machine.
- Install your needle plate, needle and foot and plug your machine back in and turn the machine back on.
- The Janome Horizon 8200 QCP also has a special cover so you can clean out the thread guide area. Lift this plate up and use your brush to clean out the area and wipe the cover down with a soft cloth. Reinstall the cover.
If you do this regularly you will cut down on many potential issues!
Trouble Shooting: If your machine isn’t sewing properly or the thread keeps breaking
This can happen to even the most experienced sewist. You get sewing and all of a sudden something isn’t working right. I really like to take a top down approach.
I start by locking out the machine, removing my bobbin and unthreading my machine (take the spool right off). First I check out my spool of thread making sure there aren’t any nicks or weird winds on it that would cause my thread to get stuck and pull.
Then put the spool back on and make sure I’m using the right sized spool cap, too big or too small can cause issues. Before rethreading, raise the presser foot which opens the tension discs. When threading, I make sure the thread slips in-between the discs and that it doesn’t get wrapped extra times around any of the thread guides.
Before threading the needle, I take a good look at it and run my finger up and down it. Any slight curves or nicks can have a big effect. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your needle, then now is the time to replace it! I rethread my needle and move on to the bobbin.
It’s very important that the bobbin goes into the machine the right way. The thread needs to peel off the bobbin to look the letter P. Once it is placed in the machine, the thread goes through the little slit between the metal pieces around the bobbin and pull the thread under the front finger guide. follow the arrows. Replace the cover and using the hand wheel (turn towards the front of the machine) bring up the bobbin thread or use the needle up/down button. I then unlock the machine and try it out. So many times this will solve any issues that have been happening.
Trick: Built in Snack Drawer
So this may not be the real purpose of the extra storage container but I’m choosing to believe this is why it is here. Sewing needs snacks. I think the best part is that it is located at the back of the machine so you have to finish sewing a seam before accessing your treat. That’s very motivating.
Troubleshooting: Weird Sounds
If at any time you are sewing and things start to sound off or you hear a buzzer that doesn’t sound normal, stop. I know that sounds pretty straight forward but trust your instincts and check the display for warnings. Check the back of your manual for any suggested fixes and if everything is checking out then rethread as outlined above to see if that helps.
Tip: Prepping for a big project.
I personally hate stopping to wind a new bobbin. I like to be proactive so before I start a big project, I wind up a few extra bobbins so when I run out, I can simply pop in a new one and not have to stop Sewing to wind a bobbin. Having them handy in the front storage compartment makes for an easy transition every time you run out of thread.
Trouble Shooting: Sewing fabrics and there are waves
When you are sewing with different fabric types you may have to make adjustments to the machine to get the desired effect you are looking for. This may take some trial and error with scrap fabric. Before you start playing around with these settings, make sure to write down where they started so you can quickly reset things at the end. Or use the default icon to reset the stitches.
A good place to start is looking up what type of stitches work with the fabric you are using and making sure you have the appropriate needle for that fabric. On the Horizon 8200 QCP you can adjust your thread tension, the foot pressure and, if you are using the Acufeed / Dual Feed, there is a balancing dial to adjust. Change one thing at a time and see how it affects your results. Once you have everything working properly make sure you write it down so the next time you are using these fabrics you know exactly how to set up your machine.
There you have it! You now are able to sew with your Horizon MC 8200 QCP like a pro!
What was your favourite, Tip, Trick or Troubleshooting idea?
Here is a link to the video Amanda recorded giving you a virtual tour of the Janome MC8200.
Stitch On!
~Amandabee
