Janome Memory Craft 550E LE Embroidery Machine
Janome's largest stand-alone embroidery machine with a generous 200 x 360mm embroidery area and fuss-free set up.
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This machine comes with Janome 2-year parts & labour warranty, which can be extended up to 5 years within 30 days of purchase. If you ever need support or servicing, our friendly team are always here to help.
Changed your mind? You've got 30 days to return any new, unused items in their original packaging.
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Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).
Janome Memory Craft 550E LE Product Review & Demonstration
The Memory Craft 550E LE is Janome's largest stand-alone embroidery machine. The 200 x 360mm (7.9" x 14.2") embroidery area is the biggest available on a Janome embroidery-only model - ideal for sewers looking to customise larger scale items like wall hangings, quilts and gifts. The RE36b hoop has levers that make hooping quicker and more accurate for a seamless setup. Four hoops of varying sizes are included so you can match the hoop to the design - a game-changer for anyone tired of splitting designs.
At up to 860 stitches per minute, the machine glides through large designs. The automatic thread cutter trims jump stitches over 3mm and cuts thread between colour changes for a professional result and less manual tidying at the end of a design. A bobbin thread sensor and upper thread break detection alert you before a problem interrupts a run and the auto return function repositions the needle at the point of breakage so you can resume without losing stitches.
The built-in library holds 180 beautiful designs covering classic motifs, floral alphabets, in-the-hoop monsters and Sashiko patterns, alongside 6 fonts for monogramming with 2 and 3-letter options. For larger or more specific projects, the USB port lets you import designs from a stick or direct PC connection. The Limited Edition includes a USB loaded with 30 large exclusive designs and AcuStitch software for PC-based design management.
All editing is easily handled on the colour LCD touchscreen: enlarge, reduce, rotate, flip, drag and drop, arc, combine, copy and paste, grouping, corner layout and zoom are all available directly on screen without connecting to a computer. The machine accepts JEF, JEF+, JPX and DST (Tajima) file formats and can handle designs of up to 200,000 stitches.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Embroidery-only machine, stand-alone
Embroidery Area
200 x 360mm (7.9" x 14.2") with RE36b magnetic hoop
Design Library
180 built-in designs plus 6 fonts; JEF, JEF+, JPX and DST (Tajima) formats
Embroidery Speed
Up to 860 stitches per minute, adjustable
Control Type
Full-colour LCD touchscreen with on-screen editing
Included Hoops
4 hoops: RE36b, SQ20b, RE20b and SQ14b
Skill Level
Intermediate to advanced
Machine Weight
11.6kg
This machine is perfect for
- Gift-makers embroidering personalised towels, blankets and home décor where larger designs make the difference - this machine has a generous embroidery area
- Sewers who find hooping fiddly - the easy-to-use RE36B hoop (patent-pending) glides into position for an effortless setup
- Crafters who want powerful on-screen editing (enlarge, reduce, rotate, flip, arc, combine) without needing a computer
Can sew but not ideal for
- Sewers who need the absolute fastest stitch speed - 860 SPM is adequate for most sewers
Not suitable for
- Those needing sewing capabilities - this is an embroidery-only machine
- This machine is not WiFi enabled - custom designs are easily transferred by USB
Materials and Build Quality
The Memory Craft 550E LE is built to Janome's standard of Japanese engineering, with a metal interior chassis providing stability during operation. At embroidery speeds up to 860 stitches per minute, consistent tension and accurate needle placement depend on a rigid, well-balanced body. The full-colour LCD touchscreen and front-facing control panel give clear access to settings.
The easy-set top-loading bobbin with a clear cover lets you monitor thread levels with a quick glance. The bobbin winding plate with cutter is built into the machine, keeping the setup process self-contained. A bobbin thread sensor and upper thread break detection monitor the machine continuously and alert you if either thread supply is interrupted.
Thread management on the 550E LE is largely automatic. The built-in advanced needle threader reduces setup time at the start of each colour change. The automatic thread cutter handles jump stitches over 3mm and trims thread between colour stops, which means less hand-finishing on complex multi-colour designs. The auto return function brings the needle back to the point of any thread break, so a design run can resume from exactly where it stopped. A bobbin thread sensor and upper thread break detection monitor both threads continuously and alert you before either runs out entirely.
The colour LCD touchscreen handles all design editing and machine settings in one place. The full range of on-screen editing tools is accessible directly from the touchscreen without connecting to a computer.
The Difference is in the Details
At 860 stitches per minute with adjustable speed control, the 550E LE keeps pace with large and detailed designs. Automatic jump stitch trimming and colour-change cutting reduce finishing time at the end of each run, and auto return after thread break means interruptions do not cost you stitches or positioning.
Janome's metal interior construction keeps the machine stable through long embroidery runs. Japanese manufacturing standards and a top-loading bobbin system designed to resist jamming mean the 550E LE is built to handle regular, sustained use. Our team at The Sewing Studio are authorised Janome retailers, here to support you before and after purchase.
The 550E LE's full-colour touchscreen gives you direct access to design editing, colour sequencing and machine settings without connecting to an external device. AcuStitch software (included with the LE, Windows PC only) lets you apply built-in decorative stitch patterns to fun editable shapes - stars, spirals, squares, circles and more - for unique embroidery designs. The colour suggestion feature guides thread selection for each design, which is useful when working with an unfamiliar design file. Our team are available by call, chat or email for advice on setup, design formats or troubleshooting.
The on-screen editing functions cover the full range of design adjustments: enlarge, reduce, rotate, flip, drag and drop, arc, combine, copy and paste, grouping, corner layout and zoom are all available directly from the touchscreen. The 180 built-in designs and 6 fonts give you plenty of material to practise with from the start. Our YouTube channel carries additional tutorials to help you get more from the machine.
The front-facing control panel puts the start/stop button and programmed thread trimming button directly in front of you during a run. Adjustable embroidery speed lets you slow down for dense or detailed areas without changing any other settings. The extra-wide extension table, included with the machine, gives fabric and stabiliser the support needed for large projects such as quilts and wall hangings.
Janome Memory Craft 550E LE: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Large Projects with Less Rehooping
The 200 x 360mm field fits more of a design in a single hoop, which means fewer splits and repositions on quilts, wall hangings and large gifts. The four included hoops let you match hoop size to the job throughout a project.
On-Screen Editing Without a Computer
All design editing, sizing, rotation, combining and more, is handled directly on the touchscreen. Import a design via USB and adjust it for your project without needing to open software on a separate device.
A Design Library Ready from Day One
With 180 built-in designs, 6 fonts and a USB loaded with 30 large exclusive designs included in the box, the 550E LE gives you a working library before you purchase a single additional file.
Inside the Janome Memory Craft 550E LE
Large Embroidery Area and RE36b Hoop
The largest embroidery field on any Janome stand-alone machine. Patent-pending levers on the RE36b hoop make hooping faster and reduce repositions on large projects.
Automatic Thread Cutter and Thread Management
Trims jump stitches over 3mm and cuts thread at each colour change. Bobbin and upper thread sensors alert you before either supply runs out.
Full-Colour LCD Touchscreen and On-Screen Editing
The full editing toolkit is available on screen, from resizing and rotation to combining and arc text. Accepts JEF, JEF+, JPX and DST (Tajima) file formats and handles designs up to 200,000 stitches.
USB Port and Design Import
Imports designs from a memory stick or direct PC connection. The LE includes a USB with 30 large exclusive designs and AcuStitch software for PC-based file preparation.
Built-In Design Library and Fonts
180 built-in designs covering classic motifs, floral alphabets, in-the-hoop monsters and Sashiko. Six fonts support 2 and 3-letter monogramming with a colour suggestion feature for each design.
Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Embroidery Foot P
- 1 x Embroidery Editor (QR Code to download the embroidery editor on page 4 of the instruction manual)
- 1 x Extension Table 600mm x 400mm
- 1 x Bobbin Holder Cleaner
- 1 x Lint Brush
- 8 x Magnets
- 1 x Screwdriver (Winged)
- 1 x Screwdriver (3 Pronged)
- 1 x Special Bobbin Holder for emb
- 2 x Spool Cap (Large)
- 2 x Spool Cap (Small)
- 2 x Spool Holder Special
- 1 x Spool Pin Extra
- 1 x Touch Pen Stylus
- AcuStitch PC Software (online download - Windows only)
- 1 x USB Flash Drive - Large Embroidery Design Collection (30 exclusive designs for RE28b or RE36b hoop)
- 1 x Instructional Video (QR Code to download the video on page 4 of the instruction manual)
- 1 x Power Lead.
- 1 x USB Cable.
- 5 x Bobbins (Plastic)
- 1 x Instruction Book
- 1 x Needle Set
- 1 x Scissors (Small)
- 1 x Soft Cover
- 1 x Quick Reference Guide
Hoops In The Box
- 1 x Hoop RE36b (Inc. Template) 200 x 360mm
- 1 x Hoop RE20b (Inc. Template) 140 x 200mm
- 1 x Hoop SQ20b (Inc. Template) 200 x 200mm
- 1 x Hoop SQ14b (Inc. Template) 140 x 140mm
Manufacturers Specifications
- Computerised Embroidery Machine
- Machine Size: W566mm x H335mm x D532mm (Inc. arm)
- Embroidery Speed: 400 – 860 s.p.m.
- Full Colour Screen
- Eco-Mode
- Auto Thread Tension Control
- Built in Needle Threader
- Automatic Thread Cutter (Scissors Button)
- Flexible Stitch Travelling (By units 1,10, 100 and 500)
- Design Time Indicator
- Built in Memory
- Drag & Drop for Design Position Adjust
- Resizing from 80% to 120% (every 1% increments)
- Zoom (In / Out)
- Flip: Vertical / Horizontal
- Time Indicator
- Carry Handle
- Embroidery Editor
- Horizontal Full Rotary Hook
- Top Loading
- Approximate Weight: 11.6 kg
- Multi Language: 14 Languages
- Upper Thread Sensor
- Embroidery Format: .JEF JEF+ .JPX .JPX (ACUFIL FORMAT) .DST (TAJIMA FORMAT)
- Remaining Bobbin Thread Sensor
- Tracing Function
- USB Memory Key x 1
- Maximum Embroidery Size: 200 x 360mm
- Maximum Stitches per Design 200,000
- Monogramming – 6 Fonts
- Built in Embroidery Designs: 180
- 2 & 3 Letter Monogramming
- Embroidery Area Tracing
- 5 LED Lights in 3 places
- Built in Memory 4MB
- Soft Cover
- Worldwide Voltage
- Origin: Taiwan
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size: W566mm x H335mm x D532mm (including arm)
- Machine weight: 11.6kg
Design Options and Controls
- Maximum embroidery area: 200 x 360mm (7.9" x 14.2")
- Built-in designs: 180 (classic, floral alphabets, in-the-hoop, Sashiko)
- Built-in fonts: 6
- Monogramming: 2 and 3-letter
- Maximum stitches per design: 200,000
- Embroidery formats: JEF, JEF+, JPX and DST (Tajima format)
- Display: full-colour LCD touchscreen
Embroidery Features and Functions
- Embroidery speed: 400–860 stitches per minute, adjustable
- Automatic thread cutter (jump stitches over 3mm and colour changes)
- Programmable jump thread trimming
- Auto return post thread break
- Built-in advanced needle threader
- Bobbin thread sensor
- Upper thread break detection
- Adjustable hoop positioning and auto design centring
- Flexible stitch travelling (by units of 1, 10, 100 and 500)
- Adjustable speed while embroidering
- On-screen editing: enlarge/reduce, rotate, flip, drag and drop, arc, combine, copy and paste, grouping, corner layout, single colour sewing, zoom
- Colour suggestion feature
- USB port for design import (memory stick or direct PC connection)
Bobbin and Needle System
- Bobbin system: horizontal full rotary hook, top-loading
- Bobbin winding plate with cutter
Clear bobbin cover for thread level monitoring
Connectivity
- USB port for memory stick
- Direct PC connection
Warranty & Support
The Janome Memory Craft 550E LE is covered by a full 2-year parts and labour Janome warranty. Warranty service is handled by us here at The Sewing Studio - simply contact us and we will arrange collection or return. The warranty is extendable to 5 years via Janome's extended warranty scheme (details in the box).
Product Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions below.
What is the largest design this machine can embroider in a single hoop?
The RE36b hoop gives a maximum field of 200 x 360mm (7.9" x 14.2"), which is the largest area available on any Janome stand-alone embroidery machine. For designs larger than this, the machine supports splitting across multiple hoop placements.
Do I need a computer to edit designs?
No. All editing functions are available directly on the colour LCD touchscreen, including enlarge, reduce, rotate, flip, arc, combine and more. A USB stick is all you need to load a design from an external source. AcuStitch software is included for those who prefer to prepare designs on a Windows PC before transferring.
What embroidery file formats does the 550E LE accept?
The machine reads JEF, JEF+, JPX and DST (Tajima format). Designs in other formats will need to be converted before transfer. AcuStitch software can assist with file management and preparation on a Windows PC.
How does the automatic thread cutter work?
The machine trims jump stitches automatically when they exceed 3mm and cuts thread at each colour change stop. This reduces the amount of hand-trimming needed after a design run, particularly on multi-colour designs with frequent colour stops.
Can I use this machine for Monogramming?
Yes. Six built-in fonts support 2 and 3-letter monogramming. Text is entered and adjusted directly on the touchscreen, where you can change size, position and capitalisation before stitching.
Is the 550E LE suitable as a first embroidery machine?
The machine's touchscreen controls, built-in design library and automatic thread management make the setup process straightforward. The four included hoops and 30 bonus designs on the USB give you everything needed to start stitching immediately.
Is the 550E LE WiFi enabled?
The 550E LE does not have wireless connectivity but you can easily import your own designs via USB.
