Janome 3160QDC-G: Sewing and Quilting Machine with Bonus Quilt Kit!: Full Review

Janome is a leading brand in the sewing machine industry with over 50 years of experience. The Janome 3160QDC is one of their newer computerized sewing and quilting machines aimed at beginners and intermediate sewers.

This review will provide an overview of the key features and performance of the Janome 3160QDC. We'll cover the specifications, types of stitches, accessories included, ease of use, warranty details, and pros and cons. Whether you're looking to buy a new sewing and quilting machine or researching the Janome brand, this review will help you determine if the 3160QDC is the right fit for your needs.

Specifications

The Janome 3160QDC-G sewing machine has the following specifications:

• Dimensions: 15.3 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches
• Weight: 21.2 pounds
• Number of stitches: 60 built-in stitches including 7 one-step buttonholes
• Buttonhole styles: Square, round, keyhole
• Included accessories:
  • Zipper foot
  • Buttonhole foot
  • Blind hem foot
  • Rolled hem foot
  • Satin stitch foot
  • Even feed foot
  • Bobbins
  • Needle set
  • Screwdriver
  • Seam ripper
  • Spool holder
  • Spool holder caps
  • Spool pin felt
  • Auxiliary spool pin
  • Quilting guide bar
  • Knee lifter
  • Instruction book
  • Dust cover

Another excellent option to consider is the Janome Skyline S5: Sewing Machine. This model features an impressive array of advanced capabilities, including a powerful motor, automatic needle threader, and an extensive selection of built-in stitches. It's designed for both beginners and experienced sewists alike, providing precision and ease of use for various sewing projects. With its ergonomic layout and user-friendly interface, the Skyline S5 enhances creativity and efficiency in any sewing experience.

Features

The Janome 3160QDC-G sewing machine comes with several convenient features that make sewing and quilting projects easier.

• LCD Screen: This sewing machine has a backlit LCD screen that displays your selected stitch, stitch width/length, and other settings. The screen makes it easy to see what mode you're sewing in.

• Speed Control Slider: Easily control the sewing speed with the speed control slider. Slow down for tricky parts or speed up for long seams.

• Automatic Needle Threader: Threading the needle is effortless with the built-in needle threader. Simply lower the lever and the threader does the work for you.

• Drop Feed: Engage the drop feed to easily quilt or sew free-motion with the feed dogs lowered. This allows for greater control over the fabric.

• Free Arm: The free arm makes sewing cylindrical items like sleeves, pant legs, and cuffs easier by providing an extended flat surface around the needle.

Additionally, the Janome S5: Computerized Sewing Machine offers advanced features such as an automatic tension system and multiple stitch options, enhancing your creative possibilities. Its user-friendly interface allows for seamless navigation, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced sewists. The machine's compact design ensures easy storage without sacrificing its powerful performance, making it a great addition to any sewing enthusiast's toolkit.

Stitches

The Janome 3160QDC-G comes with a wide variety of built-in stitches for both utility and decorative sewing. It offers 60 built-in stitches including:

Utility Stitches

• Straight Stitch - For seaming and topstitching
• Zigzag Stitch - For applique, buttonholes, stretch fabrics
• Blind Hem - Creates invisible hems
• 4 Step Buttonhole - For tailored buttonholes

Decorative Stitches

• Scallop - Adds a pretty finish to projects
• Satin - For decorative stitching and applique
• Cross Stitch - For embroidery effects
• Heirloom - Open stitches for heirloom sewing

The machine also has a built-in monogramming font to personalize projects.

One of the key features of this model is the 7-piece feed dog which provides superior fabric feeding ability. This allows the machine to handle a wide variety of fabric types with ease. The feed dogs grip the fabric and advance it precisely for smooth and consistent stitching.

Ease of Use

The Janome 3160QDC-G sewing and quilting machine is designed for intuitive ease of use. The controls are straightforward and allow seamless operation while sewing.

Threading the needle is incredibly easy with the built-in needle threader. Just follow the threading guide, lower the lever and the needle is threaded in seconds. This saves a lot of time and frustration compared to manual needle threading.

Bobbin winding is also very convenient. The bobbin winder is located on the top of the machine and disengages automatically when winding is complete. This allows you to wind bobbins without unthreading the machine. The clear cover makes it easy to monitor the bobbin winding.

Overall, the thoughtful design allows you to focus on your sewing rather than fiddling with difficult set up or adjustments. The Janome 3160QDC-G offers intuitive controls and ease of use even for beginners.

Performance

The Janome 3160QDC performs very well on a variety of fabrics. It can easily handle light fabrics like silk and cotton as well as medium weight fabrics like denim with no issues. The feed dogs provide good grip to move the fabric through smoothly. Even on thicker fabrics like canvas or multiple layers of denim, the machine sews without hesitation.

The 160 stitch models are Janome's workhorse machines, so the 3160QDC is built to handle thick fabrics without straining the motor. It has no problem sewing through heavy denim or small canvas projects. The extra high presser foot lift is helpful for sliding thicker fabrics underneath.

Noise level is average for a home sewing machine. It has a quieter operation than older mechanical machines but is not silent. There is a low hum when running and slightly more noise going through thick seams, but it won't disturb others in the next room. Many users mention the 3160QDC is quieter than expected.

Accessories

The Janome 3160QDC comes with a selection of accessories to enhance your sewing and quilting experience.

Included Quilting Kit

This machine includes a bonus quilting kit, which is a great extra for quilting enthusiasts. The kit contains:

• Quilting foot
• 1/4" seam foot
• Walking foot
• Quilting guide
• Quilting bar

Having these specialized quilting feet and accessories right out of the box makes it easy to start quilting projects right away. The kit provides everything you need to achieve professional quilting results.

Presser Feet

Several snap-on presser feet are included to handle different types of sewing tasks:

• Zigzag foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Zipper foot
• Blind hem foot
• Satin stitch foot

With this variety of presser feet, you can tackle projects like installing zippers, sewing buttonholes, adding decorative stitches, and achieving invisible hems. The presser feet snap on and off easily for convenience.

Bobbins

The Janome 3160QDC comes with 4 plastic bobbins so you have spares ready when one runs out of thread. Having extra bobbins on hand helps keep your sewing moving along without interruption. The clear plastic lets you easily see how much thread is left.

Seam Ripper

A seam ripper is included for undoing stitches and opening buttonholes. The seam ripper has a sharp point for slicing through threads and a curved end for safely lifting the threads without damaging the fabric. It's an essential tool for any sewing project.

Warranty

The Janome 3160QDC-G comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This is an exceptionally long warranty for a home sewing machine.

The 25-year limited warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for 25 years from the date of original purchase. This covers mechanical and electrical parts, as well as electronic components and printed circuit boards. Labor charges are also covered for the first year.

The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage caused by improper use, neglect, shipping damage, or service or modification by unauthorized dealers. Accessories, attachments, needles and light bulbs are also not covered.

To obtain warranty service in the U.S, owners can contact Janome's service department. Janome has service centers located throughout the United States. Alternatively, sewing machine dealers authorized by Janome can provide service. The customer will be responsible for transportation costs to and from the authorized dealer.

Outside of the U.S., customers will need to contact the dealer where the machine was purchased or the local Janome distributor for information on warranty service.

Pros & Cons

Summary of positives

• Large workspace - The Janome 3160QDC has a generous sewing area of 8.25" x 14" which provides ample room for large quilting projects or home décor projects.

• Easy-set bobbin - This machine features a top loading jam-proof bobbin system that is very easy to insert and makes setting the bobbin a breeze. No more struggling with front loading bobbins!

• Superior feed system - With 7 piece feed dogs, this machine provides smooth and consistent fabric feeding even at high speeds or with hard to manage fabrics like vinyl or leather.

• Large variety of stitches - There are 30 built-in stitches including all the essentials like straight stitch, zigzag, and buttonholes. Great for both basic sewing and decorative stitching.

• Automatic thread cutter - The machine can trim your top and bobbin threads with just the touch of a button, saving time and hassle.

• Knee lift - Raises the presser foot using your knee so you can keep your hands on your project. Convenient when sewing large quilts or sewing on buttons.

Summary of negatives

• Manual thread tension - Adjusting thread tension is done manually by turning a dial. Some find this tricky compared to machines with automatic tension.

• No speed control - The Janome 3160QDC only sews at one speed. Those wanting slower precision may need to use the foot pedal for control.

• No stitch selection display - You select stitches by turning a knob but the stitch number/name isn't displayed. A chart is needed to see which stitch you have selected.

• No automatic needle threader - Manual needle threading can be tricky, especially for those with vision challenges or arthritis. An automatic needle threader makes it simple.

• No sewing advisor - Some computerized machines recommend the ideal stitch length/width/tension settings. This Janome lacks that helpful guidance.

Conclusion

The Janome 3160QDC Sewing and Quilting Machine is an excellent option for quilters, sewers, and crafters looking for a versatile and user-friendly machine. It comes with 160 built-in stitches including 7 one-step buttonholes and has a maximum sewing speed of 820 stitches per minute.

Some of the standout features include the superior feed system for smooth fabric feeding, automatic thread cutter, memorized needle up/down, easy reverse button, and start/stop button. It also includes an extension table, walking foot, quilting guide, and acrylic sewing machine cover.

The machine performs smoothly and quietly even at high speeds and is able to handle multiple layers of fabric without difficulty. It's easy to adjust the stitch length and width and the bright LED lights illuminate the sewing area nicely. The buttons are intuitively placed and easy to use.

Overall, the Janome 3160QDC offers tremendous value at its price point. It's feature-rich yet simple to operate even for beginners. The variety of included accessories add to the machine's versatility.

I would highly recommend the Janome 3160QDC Sewing and Quilting Machine to anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality, computerized sewing and quilting machine. It has the features and performance to satisfy advanced sewers while remaining user-friendly for novices. This machine is sure to be a worthwhile investment that will provide years of reliable service.