Side-by-side comparison · Specs checked October 2026

Janome Memory Craft 550E vs Janome Memory Craft 400E

The Memory Craft 550E has the bigger embroidery field: 14 × 8 in against 8 × 8 in.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Memory Craft 550E if you want the bigger embroidery field (14 × 8 in vs 8 × 8 in); or if you want more built-in designs (180 vs 160).

Choose the Memory Craft 400E if you want to spend less (lower typical price).

Memory Craft 550E vs Memory Craft 400E: specs side by side

SpecJanome Memory Craft 550EJanome Memory Craft 400E
TypeEmbroidery onlyEmbroidery only
Embroidery field14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm)8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm)
Hoops included14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm); 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm); 8 × 5.5 in (200 × 140 mm); 5.5 × 5.5 in (140 × 140 mm)8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm)
File formats.JEF, .JEF+, .JPX.JEF
Design transferUSB stickUSB stick
Built-in designs180160
Lettering fonts66
Sewing stitchesDoes not sewDoes not sew
Cap frameNoNo
Screentouchtouch
Released2019—
StatusSold newSold new
Typical price$2,899–$3,499$1,399–$1,699

Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.

Embroidery field: Memory Craft 550E vs Memory Craft 400E

Memory Craft 550EMemory Craft 400E
Memory Craft 550E: 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm). Memory Craft 400E: 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm). Drawn to scale.

The field is the biggest design each machine can stitch in one hooping. Bigger designs have to be split into parts. Check a design size.

Memory Craft 550E

Good for stitching jacket backs, quilt blocks and long border designs in a single hooping, if you already own a separate sewing machine. Not for anyone who wants one machine that also sews, or who wants Wi-Fi design transfer.

About $2,899–$3,499 new (checked October 2026)

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Memory Craft 400E

Fits someone who wants a Janome embroidery machine with a medium square field for home décor, garments and monograms. Not for anyone who needs a field longer than 7.9 in (200 mm), or a machine that also sews.

About $1,399–$1,699 new (checked October 2026)

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Janome Memory Craft 550E and the Memory Craft 400E?

The Memory Craft 550E has the bigger embroidery field: 14 × 8 in against 8 × 8 in.

Is the Memory Craft 400E better than the Memory Craft 550E?

It depends on what you need. Pick the Memory Craft 400E if you want to spend less (lower typical price); pick the Memory Craft 550E if you want the bigger embroidery field (14 × 8 in vs 8 × 8 in).

Do the Memory Craft 550E and Memory Craft 400E have the same hoop size?

No. The Memory Craft 550E stitches up to 14 × 8 in and the Memory Craft 400E up to 8 × 8 in in one hooping.

Can the Memory Craft 550E and Memory Craft 400E use the same design files?

Yes, both read .JEF files.

More comparisons

Full specs and sources: Janome Memory Craft 550E · Janome Memory Craft 400E. We are not affiliated with any maker.