Janome 3160QDC Sewing Machine: A Comprehensive Review

The Janome 3160QDC is a lightweight, portable, computerized sewing and quilting machine that has become quite popular. In this comprehensive janome 3160qdc review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, benefits, performance, and ease of use of the Janome 3160QDC. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced sewer, read on to see if this versatile machine might be a good fit for your needs!

Introduction to the Janome Brand

Janome is a leading manufacturer of home and industrial sewing machines. The company was founded in 1921 in Japan and has grown to become one of the most well-known and respected brands in sewing.

Janome is known for making high-quality sewing machines that are easy to use, even for beginners. They offer mechanical and computerized machines to suit all skill levels and budgets. Some of their popular sewing machine lines include the Memory Craft, Horizon, and Magnolia.

The Janome 3160QDC is one of Janome’s computerized sewing and quilting machine models. It combines ease of use with ample features at an affordable price point compared to some other Janome machines.

Overview of the Janome 3160QDC Sewing Machine

The Janome 3160QDC is a versatile machine that can handle all types of sewing, crafting, and quilting projects. Here are some of the main features and benefits of this model:

Lightweight and Portable Design: The 3160QDC weighs just 12.6 pounds, making it one of Janome’s more portable models. The lightweight design and included carrying handle make it easy to transport to classes, retreats, or even sew in small spaces at home.
User-Friendly for All Levels: With its computerized functions and included stitch reference guide, the 3160QDC is beginner-friendly. At the same time, it has enough options to satisfy advanced users.
Extensive Stitch Selection: This machine offers 60 built-in stitches total, including utility stitches, decorative stitches, buttonholes, quilting stitches, and more.
Fully Adjustable Stitch Settings: The stitch length and width can be customized on the 3160QDC for versatile sewing. Stitch length ranges up to 5mm and width up to 7mm.
Automatic Needle Threader: The built-in automatic needle threader provides quick and easy threading to get sewing faster.
Multiple One-Step Buttonholes: Choose from 6 one-step buttonhole styles to easily create buttonholes suited to your project.
Jam-Resistant Bobbin: The full rotary hook bobbin system provides smooth, snag-free sewing.

Image source: amazon.com

Janome 3160QDC Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Weight	12.6 lbs
Built-in Stitches	60 total
Buttonholes	6 One-step styles
Stitch Length	Up to 5mm
Stitch Width	Up to 7mm
Bobbin System	Jam-proof, top loading, full rotary hook
Feed Dogs	7-piece Superior Plus
Presser Feet Included	7 (zipper, buttonhole, overedge, more)
Lighting	LED light
Maximum Sewing Speed	820 stitches per minute

Key Features and Functions of the Janome 3160QDC

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go over some of the important features and functions of the Janome 3160QDC in more detail:

Built-in Stitches

The 3160QDC comes equipped with 60 built-in utility and decorative stitches total. The stitches are clearly printed on the side of the machine for easy reference.

Utility stitches include straight, zigzag, stretch, overcasting, blind hem, and more. These stitches cover all the basics for constructing garments, home decor projects, and everyday mending jobs.

Decorative stitch options range from florals and scrollwork to satin and heirloom patterns. These can be used to embellish projects or as border designs on quilts.

There are also 6 one-step buttonhole styles to create buttonholes suited for different fabrics and garments. The buttonholes are automatically sized to your button.

Fully Adjustable Stitch Settings

A major benefit of the 3160QDC is the ability to customize your stitches. The stitch length and width can be adjusted to achieve the exact look you want.

The stitch length ranges from 0 up to 5mm, while the stitch width ranges from 0 to 7mm. Adjusting these settings allows you to make stitches shorter and closer together or longer and more open.

Being able to fine-tune stitch settings gives you more creative freedom when sewing or quilting. You can set the machine to produce delicate stitches on fine fabrics or make bolder stitches that stand out on thicker materials.

Convenient Computerized Buttons

Despite being computerized, the 3160QDC is very user-friendly thanks to the conveniently placed buttons on the front of the machine. These buttons allow you to control common functions with the touch of a button:

Start/Stop Button: Sew without the foot pedal for greater ease of use.
Reverse Button: Instantly reinforce stitches by reversing.
Needle Up/Down: Raise or lower the needle position for pivoting, applique, or detail work.
Lock Stitch: Secure the beginning and end of seams with the auto-lock stitch.
Thread Cutter: Automatically cut top and bobbin threads when finished sewing.

The button controls and LCD screen make operating the sewing and adjusting settings a breeze. You don’t have to navigate complex menus or decipher confusing icons.

Bright LED Sewing Light

The LED sewing light on the Janome 3160QDC provides illumination right where you need it. The lighting makes it easier to see your stitching line and prevents eye strain.

Many sewers find the lighting on the 3160QDC better than comparable models. However, some users still recommend supplemental lighting for sewing very dark fabrics or for precision work like applique. A portable sewing machine light can help brighten things up.

Free Arm for Sewing Sleeves and Cuffs

By removing the detachable accessory case, the 3160QDC converts into a free arm machine, perfect for sewing cuffs, sleeves, pant legs and any other tubular items. The free arm provides easier access when sewing small circumferences.

7-Piece Feed Dog System

This Janome machine incorporates a 7-piece feed dog system, which gives greater precision when feeding fabric layers. The superior box feed design helps move fabrics smoothly and evenly, resulting in professional results with no puckering.

Advanced Needle Plate

The Janome 3160QDC uses an advanced needle plate design that further improves fabric handling when sewing. It has additional etched lines compared to previous plates to provide more visibility and control.

Included Accessories

The 3160QDC comes with several presser feet and accessories that provide versatility right out of the box:

Zipper foot – For perfectly stitching zippers in place along edges or centered in garments.
Satin stitch foot – Helps achieve smooth satin stitching for decorating projects.
Automatic buttonhole foot – Ensures professional, consistent buttonholes.
Blind hem foot – Lets you create invisible hems on skirts, pants, curtains.
Overedge foot – Prevents fabric fraying by overcasting seam allowances.
1/4″ foot – Keeps perfectly straight 1/4″ seams for quilting or clothing.
Zigzag foot – All-purpose foot good for many project types.
Extension table – Supports large sewing projects and quilt layers.
Hard cover – Protects machine when transporting or storing.

Having multiple presser feet and accessories available right away expands the machine’s capabilities and versatility.

Ease of Use on the Janome 3160QDC

One of the biggest advantages of the Janome 3160QDC is that it’s very user-friendly, even for those who have never sewn before. Important factors that improve the ease of use include:

Easy Set Up and Threading

From winding the bobbin to threading the needle, the whole set up process is straightforward on the 3160QDC.

Numbered guides printed on the machine walk you through threading the needle in the proper order. The built-in automatic needle threader does the tricky part for you with just the push of a lever.

The quick-set bobbin can be dropped in and clearly viewed through the transparent cover. There’s no struggling trying to insert the bobbin correctly.

Intuitive Stitch Selection

Choosing your desired stitch is a breeze thanks to the stitch reference printed directly on the machine. Simply locate the number of the stitch you want and use the directional buttons to select it on the LCD screen.

The LCD display also tells you which of the included presser feet works best with your chosen stitch. This takes the guesswork out of sewing preparation.

Janome 3160QDC stitch selection guide. Image source: janome.com

Slide Controls for Speed and Tension

The 3160QDC has slide controls that make it very easy to adjust the settings as you sew:

Speed control slider – Lets you limit the maximum sewing speed, perfect for beginners.
Thread tension dial – Changes the tension with a simple turn while sewing.

These user-friendly controls provide more fine-tuning capacity compared to similar entry-level machines.

Pressure Adjustment Dial

A pressure adjustment dial lets you set the presser foot pressure depending on the fabric you’re sewing. Reduce pressure on delicate fabrics; increase it when sewing multiple layers or heavy fabrics.

Being able to optimize pressure improves stitch quality and prevents lightweight fabrics from puckering.

Quick Reference Guides

Janome provides several quick reference sheets right on the machine to help guide beginners:

Stitch selection reference
Threading diagrams
Needle chart

With all the guides at your fingertips, you don’t have to memorize steps or refer back to the manual each time.

Sewing and Quilting Performance

Now that we’ve gone over the features and ease of use, let’s look at how the Janome 3160QDC actually performs for sewing and quilting projects.

Quality Stitch Formation

This machine produces consistent, high-quality stitches on all types of fabrics. It handles lightweight fabrics like chiffon as well as multiple layers of denim or quilt battings.

The stitch formation remains neat and even when sewing slowly or at high speeds up to 820 stitches per minute. You can depend on the 3160QDC turning out professional finishes.

The impressive stitch quality means you can take on detailed sewing projects like heirloom stitching and expect great results. Of course, it easily handles everyday construction stitches too.

Excellent Fabric Feeding

The 7-piece feed dog really helps grip and move fabric evenly, especially helpful for quilting through thick layers. Testers found no issues with uneven fabric feeding or stitches looping or bunching up.

The Superior Plus feed dogs and integrated quilting guide sew fabric layers together precisely. You can stitch beautiful quilting designs even as a beginner.

Smooth and Precise Sewing

This sewing machine offers very smooth sewing performance. The internal components minimize vibrations for greater control.

Starting and stopping is very precise thanks to the auto-lock stitch function. The 3160QDC doesn’t creep or lose place, critical when sewing corners or sewing small pieces together.

The quiet operation is another bonus that makes sewing on the 3160QDC an enjoyable experience. You don’t have to talk over the racket of a loud motor!

Quilting Capabilities

From piecing together blocks to stitching intricate free motion designs, the 3160QDC can handle quilting tasks with aplomb.

The extension table provides extra support for managing large quilt sandwiches. Lower the feed dogs for free motion quilting. Adjust the knee lift to raise the presser foot hands-free.

With its precise feeding and 60 built-in stitches, quilters will find this machine delivers professional results without breaking the bank. An optional walking foot offers even more quilting functionality.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While the Janome 3160QDC excels in many areas, there are a few potential drawbacks that sewing and quilting enthusiasts should keep in mind.

Lighting Could Be Brighter

One of the most common complaints about this model is that the single LED sewing light is somewhat dim. While the lighting is sufficient for general sewing, some users wish it was brighter.

Supplementing with a portable sewing machine light can illuminate the needle area better if extra visibility is needed.

Small Throat Space

The 3160QDC’s throat space measures just 6.75″ high and 3.75″ wide. While adequate for most projects, the opening is limited for sewing larger items or quilts.

Machines with a larger throat capacity will provide more ease when maneuvering bulky projects under the needle.

Possible Needle Issues

Some owners report needle breakage problems and recommend replacing the needles it comes with immediately. Using high quality needles like Janome Purple Tip needles usually improves performance.

No Twin Needle Capability

This model cannot accommodate twin needles, only single needles. That limits stitch options compared to Janome machines compatible with twin needles.

Limited Buttonhole Options

With only 6 one-step buttonhole styles, creative sewers may desire more built-in buttonhole designs compared to higher end computerized Janome models.

Who Is the Janome 3160QDC Good For?

The Janome 3160QDC is a great pick for the following users:

Beginners – Easy to set up and operate. Guides and automatic features simplify sewing.
Intermediate sewers – Offers convenience of computerization without a steep learning curve.
Quilters – Excellent for piecing quilts and free motion work thanks to the extension table, feed dogs, and stitch selection.
Traveling sewers – Lightweight and portable design is perfect for classes or retreats.
Garment sewing – 60 stitches and 6 buttonholes are sufficient for constructing clothing.
Crafters – Decorative stitches add flair to crafts and home decor accents.
Anyone wanting Janome quality on a budget – More affordable than top-of-line Janome models but maintains impressive quality.

The Janome 3160QDC is versatite enough for sewing, crafting, quilting, and everyday mending jobs. The combination of quality and user-friendliness make it a smart buy for sewists of all skill levels.

Summary of the Janome 3160QDC Sewing Machine Review

To wrap up this extensive janome 3160qdc review, here are the key benefits that make this computerized Janome model stand out:

Lightweight and portable design offers sewing flexibility.
Created with beginners in mind but with enough functionality for advancing skills.
Produces neat, consistent stitching on all fabric types.
60 built-in stitches (utility, decorative, buttonholes) provide versatility.
Fully adjustable stitch length and width settings provide creative control.
Well-placed buttons make controlling common functions convenient.
Bobbin loads quickly and indicator window prevents running out mid-seam.
Feed dog system keeps fabric feeding smoothly, even through heavy layers.
Comes with 7 different snap-on presser feet to expand your abilities.
Automatic needle threader and easy threading diagrams simplify set up.
Extensive accessories included like extension table and hard cover.
Provides excellent value without compromising Janome’s quality reputation.

For sewists and quilters wanting professional features without breaking the bank, the Janome 3160QDC is a feature-packed machine worth considering. It hits a sweet spot of quality, versatility and ease of use.

I hope this in-depth janome 3160qdc review gives you all the details you need to decide if this computerized Janome model is the right fit for your sewing and quilting needs! Please let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.