Vol
Member since 10/2/10
Posts: 9 |
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Date: 10/3/10 1:36 AM I need to replace my old Elna that has been dropped a couple of times. The dealer that sold me the Elna now has Janomes. I like the 3160 but have read several comments about problems with the thread knotting up under the bobbin. The people who wrote the reviews made it sound like all the 3160 had that problem and that their Janome dealer could not solve the problem. I wondered if this happens often or if the several that wrote about the problem were just sounding off about something that seldom happens to this model. I would also like to ask about the weight of the machine. It weights about 12 pounds. Is it heavy enough to sit still while I am sewing or does it move around? I would appreciate any information that would help me make a good decision as I try to make up my mind. |
Ody
 
Intermediate
MO USA
Member since 12/6/03
Posts: 2549 |
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In reply to Vol
Date: 10/3/10 12:47 PM I have one and really like it. This machine is light, but mine does not move around or feel cheezy cheap and light. Speaking of light---it could have a much better light---it is hard to see.
I love all the features and the control is wonderful. I did have a challenge with the thread getting caught up in the bobbin when I changed the upper tension from high to low doing a shell stitch. I took it to my dealer, who is very good, and the problem was in the bobbin. I wish I could explain it, but a lever down there gets caught up behind something and catches the thread. It is easy to fix and I probably need to have them actually show me sometime in case it happens again.
I would not be sewing heavy home dec or really thick fabrics on this machine for long---or any light machine for that matter. This machine would be great for most garment or quilting purposes however, I bought it bc I can take it with me as my other machines are so heavy. The first thing I made on my machine was a bra during my sewing group's trip. Bras are not easy! Wow, lot more sewing and special stitches than you would think. This machine performed admirably for all those chores.
Hope this helps.  ------
"Sewing should be fun; make it that way!" Margaret Islander
Flying through life by the seat of my pants and hoping I get my crotch curve right.
"No humiliation is too great for a well fitting pair of pants!" Heidi Cooper
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My grandmother's Feather Weight |
Tenshi
Intermediate
GERMANY
Member since 1/28/10
Posts: 114 |
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Date: 10/4/10 1:25 PM I have it and I'm in love! It doesn't move around at all while sewing, while still being light enough to carry around. The buttonholes look nike, and the buttonhole foot seems to be more stable than the Brother buttonhole foot. I also had the problem of thread getting stuck in the bobbin area, but I just cleaned it out carefully, pushed and pulled the bobbin until it was in teh right position again and she sews like before. I guess it hat to doo with too many layers (12, though of a very thin fabric), so I would be careful with very thick fabric or a lot of layers.
All in all, I definitely recommend the machine. Hm, probably I shoudl write a review... |
Seams2Sew
Intermediate
USA
Member since 8/15/08
Posts: 454 |
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In reply to Vol  1 member likes this.
Date: 10/4/10 2:16 PM I have one and really like it. It does not move around while you are sewing. I have not had any problems with mine. It is easy to use and Janome accessories are reasonably priced. The lighting is terrible, but that is an easy fix. If you like your dealer, I would definitely keep this on your list. My favorite features: lightweight and easy to carry, hard cover, comes with extension table, adjustable pressure foot pressure, and I love the automatic thread cutter. |
Tenshi
Intermediate
GERMANY
Member since 1/28/10
Posts: 114 |
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Date: 10/5/10 2:05 AM Oh yes, I forgot to mention the huge extension table! I will never want to sew without one again! It is so practical and comfortable and much more easy to sew larger pieces. |
UmmAutumn
Beginner
Member since 10/4/11
Posts: 3 |
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Date: 12/23/12 11:29 PM http://blog.tv-sewingcenter.com/janome/bobbin-case-supporter-issue-with-some-janome-3160qdc-sewing-machines/
The above sight gives a detailed explanation about the boobin case supporter issues that some Janome 3160QDC machines have.
Please take a look at it. |
ilesliemy
Advanced
TX USA
Member since 2/25/05
Posts: 740 |
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Date: 12/24/12 1:01 PM I sewed on this machine at quilt festival and found it sadly lacking in features that I actually use, and I do most of my sewing on a 15 year old mechanical, though I do have a TOL machine also for certain things. The needle plate markings were not accurate, the foot pedal did not raise or lower the needle and it had no knee lift for the pressure. It had a poor satin stitch also. There were a room full of these and they all had the satin stitch issue. If this were a back up machine it might be fine but for an only machine I wouldn't be happy with it. Also not all the stitches were adjustable. Later that day I went to do some charity quilt assembly and there were a dozen Viking H class machines and these were terrific at half the price. Take a look at those and see what you think. The gal sewing next to me went and bought one.
Leslie
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Bernina Gal |
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