Janome Memory Craft 500E vs Memory Craft 550E
The Janome Memory Craft 550E has the larger embroidery field, 200 × 360 mm against 200 × 280 mm on the Janome Memory Craft 500E. The Janome Memory Craft 500E reads JEF, JEF+ and JPX; the Janome Memory Craft 550E reads JEF, JEF+, JPX and DST. The Janome Memory Craft 550E has more built-in designs (180 vs 160).
Largest embroidery fields, drawn to scale.
| Spec | Janome Memory Craft 500E | Janome Memory Craft 550E |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Largest embroidery field | 200 × 280 mm (7.9 x 11 in) | 200 × 360 mm (7.9 x 14.2 in) |
| File formats | JEF, JEF+ and JPX | JEF, JEF+, JPX and DST |
| Getting designs on | USB stick | USB stick |
| Wi-Fi | Not listed | Not listed |
| Built-in designs | 160 | 180 |
| Hoops | RE28b, 7.9 x 11 in; SQ20b, 7.9 x 7.9 in; RE20b, 5.5 x 7.9 in; SQ14b, 5.5 x 5.5 in | RE36b, 7.9 x 14.2 in; SQ20b, 7.9 x 7.9 in; RE20b, 5.5 x 7.9 in; SQ14b, 5.5 x 5.5 in |
| Placements at full size | 13 of 14 | 13 of 14 |
From the makers' published specs, checked October 2026.
Choose the Memory Craft 500E if…
- You mostly sew smaller designs such as names, monograms and left chest logos.
Choose the Memory Craft 550E if…
- You want bigger designs: its 200 × 360 mm field sews larger designs in one hooping.
- You want more built-in designs (180).
Your own designs, sized for your hoop
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Memory Craft 500E vs Memory Craft 550E questions
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What is the difference between the Janome Memory Craft 500E and the Janome Memory Craft 550E?
The Janome Memory Craft 550E has the larger embroidery field, 200 × 360 mm against 200 × 280 mm on the Janome Memory Craft 500E. The Janome Memory Craft 500E reads JEF, JEF+ and JPX; the Janome Memory Craft 550E reads JEF, JEF+, JPX and DST. The Janome Memory Craft 550E has more built-in designs (180 vs 160).
Can the Janome Memory Craft 500E and Janome Memory Craft 550E use the same designs?
Yes, as long as the design fits the smaller field. Both use JEF files.
Which has the bigger hoop, the Memory Craft 500E or the Memory Craft 550E?
The Janome Memory Craft 500E's largest field is 200 × 280 mm and the Janome Memory Craft 550E's is 200 × 360 mm.
Can I make my own designs for either machine?
Yes. Upload a logo or picture to Embrizo, set the size for your hoop and download JEF. Digitizing and previewing are free with an account.
Where do these specs come from?
From each maker's published specifications, checked in October 2026. Check the current model page or your dealer before you buy.
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