Janome 3160QDC-B Computerized Sewing Machine Review

Product Description

The Janome 3160QDC-B is a computerized sewing machine designed for ease of use and intuitive operation. Featuring a light-up screen for straightforward stitch selection, this model stands out for its user-friendly interface. Despite its mediocre lighting and sewing performance, it remains a solid choice, with a variety of accessories to satisfy even the most discerning tailors and seamstresses. Be prepared for a significant investment if you decide this machine is the right fit for you.

Basic Information About Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing Machine

The Janome 3160QDC-B is a lightweight, computerized sewing machine ideal for quilters, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone needing a portable machine for sewing classes or sewing groups. It is more affordable than the well-known 4120QDC and is exceptionally easy to operate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers. It boasts numerous useful features, smooth sewing, and a variety of built-in stitches. However, some users have noted that the lighting could be improved.

Key Features Of The Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing machine

Built-in Stitches and Buttonholes

• 60 built-in stitches including decorative, applique, hemming, darning, quilting, eyelet, and buttonhole stitches.
• 6 one-step buttonholes for added convenience.

Automatic Features

• Automatic needle threader to simplify threading.
• Fully automatic thread cutter for efficient operation.

Control Panel

• Backlit LCD control panel with easy navigation keys.
• Thread cutter button, reverse stitch button, and lock stitch button for enhanced functionality.

Bobbin System

• Top-loading, full rotary hook bobbin for smooth and easy bobbin changes.
• Auto-declutch bobbin winding for hassle-free winding.

Needle and Stitch Settings

• Needle up/down button for precise needle positioning.
• Manual tension dial for adjustable stitch tension.
• Adjustable stitch width (up to 7 mm) and stitch length (up to 5 mm).
• Memory for needle positions to save your preferred settings.

Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing machine: Additional Features

• Start/stop button for manual control.
• Speed control slider to adjust sewing speed (up to 820 stitches per minute).
• 7-piece feed dog for superior fabric handling.
• Lever-activated drop feed for free-motion sewing.
• Free-arm capability for sewing cuffs and sleeves.
• Extra-high presser foot lift for thick fabrics.
• Variable foot pressure for different fabric types.

Performance Of the Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing Machine

The Janome 3160QDC-B impressed our reviewers with its clean, flat lay of fabrics and evenly stitched surfaces. It scored well for both straight and basting stitches. However, the zig-zag stitching was less impressive, with issues like bunching and uneven stitching on the underside due to excessive tension. The blind hem and scallop stitching also fell short.

Zipper and Buttonhole Performance

Despite some shortcomings, the zipper test was flawless, earning perfect scores for ease of use and smooth operation. The multi-layer denim test also showcased excellent quality, with consistent stitching across thick layers.

Usability

The Janome 3160QDC-B received high marks for its simple, uncluttered instructions. It was easy to set up and use, from stitch setup to the automatic thread cutter. The onscreen display is well-lit and indicates the required presser foot or mode. However, the lighting was found to be inadequate, casting shadows and illuminating only a small area.

Buttonholes

The buttonhole attachment performed better than average, producing neat, smooth buttonholes. However, the lack of colored alignment marks and a partially obstructive plastic wall were noted as minor drawbacks.

Janome 3160QDC-b Sewing machine Is It Worth Purchasing?

The Janome 3160QDC-B is a valuable investment for experienced sewers looking for a durable, feature-rich machine. While it may not be ideal for beginners, its ease of use, illuminated screen, and excellent buttonholes make it a worthwhile choice for those willing to spend more.

Alternative Options

• Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist: Offers 600 stitch options and produces some of the finest buttonholes.
• Juki HZL-F300: More expensive but provides superior customization, automated functions, and precise stitching.

Comparison with 4120QDC

The Janome 4120QDC offers more built-in stitches (120) and one more buttonhole option but is heavier and more expensive. The 3160QDC is a better choice for portability and affordability.

Customer Evaluations

The Janome 3160QDC-B has received an average rating of 93.2/100 from 57 owner ratings across various platforms. Owners appreciate its ease of use, beautiful stitches, and automatic features like the needle threader and thread cutter. However, the poor lighting is a common complaint.

Standard Accessories of the Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing Machine

• 1/4-inch seam foot
• Blind hem foot
• Buttonhole foot
• Extension table
• Overedge foot
• Satin stitch foot
• Zig-zag foot
• Open toe foot
• Sliding buttonhole foot

Additional Elements of the Janome 3160QDC-b Sewing Machine

• Top-loading full rotary hook bobbin
• Manual thread tension control
• One-hand needle threader
• Snap-on presser feet
• Memory for needle up/down
• Superior Plus Feed System (SFS+)
• Seven-piece feed dog
• Free arm
• Drop feed
• Start/stop button
• Speed control slider
• Locking stitch button
• Easy reverse button
• Auto declutch bobbin winder
• Extra high presser foot lift

Janome 3160QDC-B: Warranty

The Janome 3160QDC-B comes with a 25-year limited manufacturer guarantee, covering:

• 1 year for parts and labor
• 25 years for mechanical parts
• 2 years for electrical parts

Types of Stitches Offered by the Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing Machine

Built-in Stitches

The Janome 3160QDC-B comes with 60 built-in stitches, providing a wide range of options for various sewing projects. These stitches include:

1. Decorative stitches: For adding embellishments and intricate designs to your projects.
2. Applique stitches: Ideal for attaching appliques securely and neatly.
3. Hemming stitches: Perfect for creating professional-looking hems on various fabrics.
4. Darning stitches: Useful for repairing and reinforcing worn areas of fabric.
5. Quilting stitches: Designed specifically for quilting projects, allowing for creative and sturdy quilt construction.
6. Eyelet stitches: For creating small, reinforced holes in fabric.
7. Buttonhole stitches: The machine offers 6 one-step buttonholes for easy and consistent buttonhole creation.

Stitch Customization

The Janome 3160QDC-B allows for stitch customization with the following features:

• Adjustable stitch width up to 7 mm
• Adjustable stitch length up to 5 mm
• Manual tension dial for fine-tuning stitch tension

Specialty Stitches

1. Straight stitch: For basic seaming and topstitching
2. Zigzag stitch: Versatile stitch for finishing edges, applique, and more
3. Basting stitch: For temporary seaming or gathering fabric
4. Blind hem stitch: Creates nearly invisible hems on garments
5. Scallop stitch: Decorative edging for a feminine touch

Performance Notes

• The machine excels in straight stitching and basting stitches, producing clean and flat fabric lays.
• Zigzag stitching performance is less impressive, with some issues of bunching and uneven stitching on the underside due to tension problems.
• Blind hem and scallop stitching received lower scores in testing.
• The machine performs exceptionally well in zipper installation and multi-layer denim stitching.

Additional Stitch Features

• Memory for needle positions: Allows you to save preferred needle positions for specific stitches.
• Needle up/down button: For precise control over needle positioning.
• Lock stitch button: Creates a secure finish at the beginning and end of seams.
• Reverse stitch button: For reinforcing stitches by sewing backwards.

Specifications Of The Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing Machine

What types of fabrics can a Janome 3160QDC-B sewing machine handle?

Types of Fabrics

1. Lightweight Fabrics
   • Cotton Jersey: Ideal for lightweight, stretchy fabrics like t-shirts.
   • Chiffon: Suitable for delicate, sheer fabrics used in blouses and scarves.
2. Medium-Weight Fabrics
   • Satin: Perfect for smooth, glossy fabrics used in evening wear and lingerie.
   • Quilting Cotton: Excellent for quilting projects and general garment construction.
   • Linen: Great for summer clothing and home décor items like tablecloths and napkins.
3. Heavyweight Fabrics
   • Denim: Capable of sewing through multiple layers of denim, making it suitable for jeans and jackets.
   • Canvas: Suitable for heavy-duty projects like bags and upholstery.
   • Twill: Ideal for workwear and durable garments.
4. Specialty Fabrics
   • Applique Fabrics: handles various fabrics used for applique work, ensuring secure and neat attachments.
   • Darning Fabrics: Suitable for repairing and reinforcing worn areas of different fabric types.

Performance Notes

• The machine excels with straight stitching and basting stitches, providing clean and flat fabric lays.
• Zigzag stitching performance is less impressive, with some issues of bunching and uneven stitching on the underside due to tension problems.
• Blind hem and scallop stitching received lower scores in testing.
• The machine performs exceptionally well in zipper installation and multi-layer denim stitching, showcasing consistent stitching across thick layers.

Usability

• The Janome 3160QDC-B is highly rated for its simple, uncluttered instructions and ease of setup.
• The automatic thread cutter and needle threader enhance usability, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced sewers.
• The onscreen display is well-lit, indicating the required presser foot or mode, although the overall lighting could be improved.

Tips for maintenance And Lubricating the Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing Machine

Maintaining and lubricating your Janome 3160QDC-B sewing machine is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some expert tips for maintenance and lubrication:

Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning

1. Dust and Lint Removal
   • After each use, remove lint and dust from the machine, especially around the needle plate and bobbin area, using a small brush or a vacuum attachment.
   • Weekly or after heavy use, clean the feed dogs and the area under the needle plate.
2. Needle Replacement
   • Change the needle regularly, preferably after every 8 hours of sewing or when switching fabric types, to ensure smooth stitching and prevent fabric damage.
3. Bobbin Case Cleaning
   • Remove the bobbin case and clean it thoroughly to prevent thread jams and ensure smooth bobbin winding.

Inspection

1. Thread Path Check
   • Inspect the thread path for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn-out parts to maintain consistent thread tension.
2. Presser Foot and Needle Plate
   • Check the presser foot and needle plate for any nicks or rough spots that could damage fabric. Smooth out any rough areas with fine sandpaper or replace the parts if necessary.

Lubrication Tips

Frequency

• Lubricate the machine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 6 months or after extensive use. Refer to the user manual for specific intervals.

Lubrication Points

1. Bobbin Area
   • Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the bobbin case and hook race to ensure smooth rotation and reduce friction.
2. Moving Parts
   • Lubricate all moving parts such as the needle bar, presser foot lever, and feed dogs. Use a high-quality sewing machine oil and apply sparingly to avoid over-lubrication.

Procedure

1. Turn Off the Machine
   • Always turn off and unplug the machine before performing any maintenance or lubrication.
2. Accessing Parts
   • Remove the needle plate, bobbin case, and any other parts that obstruct access to the areas needing lubrication.
3. Applying Oil
   • Use a small dropper to apply sewing machine oil to the designated points. Avoid using too much oil, as excess can attract dust and lint.
4. Wipe Excess Oil
   • After lubrication, run the machine for a few minutes to distribute the oil evenly, then wipe off any excess to prevent it from staining fabrics.

General Tips

1. Use Quality Supplies
   • Always use high-quality sewing machine oil and avoid household oils, which can gum up the machine.
2. Follow the Manual
   • Refer to the Janome 3160QDC-B user manual for specific maintenance and lubrication instructions tailored to your machine.
3. Professional Servicing
   • Schedule a professional servicing every 1-2 years to ensure all parts are in good working condition and to address any issues that may arise.

Pros And Cons Of The Janome 3160QDC-B sewing machine

Pros

1. User-Friendly Interface: The machine features a light-up screen for simple stitch selection and is described as intuitive and easy to operate.
2. Versatility: With 60 built-in stitches and 6 one-step buttonholes, it offers a wide range of sewing options.
3. Automatic Features: Includes an automatic needle threader and a fully automatic thread cutter, enhancing ease of use.
4. Portable: At 12.6 lbs, it’s relatively lightweight and suitable for transportation to sewing classes or groups.
5. Quality Stitching: Produces clean and flat lay of fabrics with evenly stitched surfaces, especially for straight and basting stitches.
6. Excellent Zipper Performance: Received perfect scores for ease of use and smooth operation in zipper installation.
7. Good for Thick Fabrics: Performs well in multi-layer denim tests with consistent stitching across thick layers.
8. Accessories: Comes with a variety of presser feet and accessories, including an extension table.
9. Durability: Features a die-cast aluminum frame for longevity.
10. Warranty: Includes a 25-year limited manufacturer guarantee.

Cons

1. Lighting Issues: Many users report that the lighting is inadequate, casting shadows and illuminating only a small area.
2. Mediocre Performance on Some Stitches: Received lower scores for zig-zag, blind hem, and scallop stitching.
3. Price: It’s described as a significant investment, which may be a drawback for budget-conscious buyers.
4. Learning Curve: While user-friendly, it may not be ideal for complete beginners due to its range of features.
5. Bobbin Winding: Some users found the bobbin winding process to be subpar.
6. No Knee Lift: This feature is absent, which some advanced users might miss.
7. No Walking Foot: Not included in the standard accessories.
8. Buttonhole Limitations: While generally good, there are no colored marks for buttonhole alignment, and a plastic wall partially obstructs vision.

Conclusion

Overall, the Janome 3160QDC-B appears to be a solid, feature-rich machine best suited for experienced sewers who are willing to invest in a durable, versatile sewing machine. However, the lighting issues and performance of certain stitch types are notable drawbacks to consider.

FAQs About Janome 3160QDC-B Sewing Machine

1. Q: How many built-in stitches does the Janome 3160QDC-B have?
   A: The Janome 3160QDC-B features 60 built-in stitches, including decorative, applique, hemming, darning, quilting, eyelet, and buttonhole stitches.
   
2. Q: Is this machine suitable for beginners?
   A: While the machine is user-friendly, it may have a learning curve for complete beginners. It’s better suited for sewers with some experience due to its range of features.
   
3. Q: What is the weight of the Janome 3160QDC-B?
   A: The machine weighs 12.6 lbs, making it relatively lightweight and portable.
   
4. Q: Does it come with an automatic needle threader?
   A: Yes, the Janome 3160QDC-B includes an automatic needle threader for easier threading.
   
5. Q: What type of bobbin system does it use?
   A: It features a top-loading, full rotary hook bobbin system with auto-declutch bobbin winding.
   
6. Q: How many buttonhole styles does it offer?
   A: The machine provides 6 one-step buttonholes.
   
7. Q: What is the maximum sewing speed?
   A: The maximum sewing speed is 820 stitches per minute.
   
8. Q: Does it come with an extension table?
   A: Yes, an extension table is included with the machine.
   
9. Q: What kind of warranty does it come with?
   A: It comes with a 25-year limited manufacturer guarantee (1 year for parts and labor, 25 years for mechanical parts, 2 years for electrical parts).
   
10. Q: Is the lighting on this machine adequate?
    A: Many users report that the lighting is inadequate, which is one of the main drawbacks of this model.
    
11. Q: Can it handle thick fabrics like denim?
    A: Yes, the machine performs well with multi-layer denim and other thick fabrics.
    
12. Q: Does it have a free arm?
    A: Yes, the Janome 3160QDC-B has free-arm capability for sewing cuffs and sleeves.

All Used Image Credit: Janome.Com