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| Janome:1600P (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 727 time(s) |
6 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 16 people | | Reviewed by: | Mittskitt | 
| About Mittskitt | | WV USA | | Member since: 5/1/06 | | Reviews written: 2 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 1 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 2 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 8/19/09 5:58 PM | | Approx price paid: | $799 | | Had this machine for: | 3 months | | Recommended? | Yes |  | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
| | What Mittskitt likes about this machine
Just to set the scene, so to speak, I will start with some background info. I have been sewing since the late 60's. My first machine was a cheap Monkey Ward, and then what followed has been a result of my inability to ignore sewing machine manufacturers' marketing hype. So next came a Singer Golden Touch and Sew, Viking 6370, Viking 990, Viking #1 (not the plus), Viking Quilt Designer, Viking Designer SE, and Bernina 155. Keep in mind that of those machines, I personally feel the Viking 6370 was the best and had the most power. Course, being caught up in the whole computerized, push button hype, I traded it in on the 990. Well, three months ago I kept looking at those machines the manufacturers call "Professional" and some refer to as semi industrial, and some refer to as quilting machines. The Janome 1600p, Brother1500, etc. So here I am three months later writing a review. The reason I gave you some background is so you can put in perspective why I say that this is the only machine, out of all of those previously listed, that I would save from a burning building. This machine only does one stitch, but it does it extremely well. It has a needle up down button. It has a thread cutter button. It has a bobbin winder button. That's it. Just three buttons. The bobbin is wound by a separate motor and winds very evenly. There is a wide lever on the right side for reverse, and the reverse stitching is immediate. No half stitches, just an immediate reverse and then immediately back to forward. The stitch length is controlled by a device that I consider the best of sewing machine technology, and that device is called a dial (keep in mind this is just my opinion). Maximum stitch length is 6mm. This machine has a needle threader. It has a vertical side bobbin and uses metal bobbins. It uses HL machine needles. The upper tension is a beehive tension. The pressure is adjustable by dial and there is a setting indicator. This machine has a knee lifter for the presser foot. It also has a slide to set the speed. Even though this machine will stitch 1600 stitches per minute, you can also stitch one stitch at a time. This machine is especially good for topstitching. I topstitched through six layers of denim, two layers of heavyweight interfacing and a layer of fleece without so much as a hiccup. All those layers were the bump in the road and the machine plowed right through, with the stitches staying the same length. I was using coats and clark extra strong for jeans gold thread. It looked just like the topstitching on blue jeans. Btw, the denim was from material cut up from blue jeans, so it was not a light weight denim. Only two feet were included with the machine, the regular foot and the narrow hemmer. It also came with 4 bobbins, a cloth guide, needles, screwdrivers, oil, and accessory box. The presser foot is changed by using a thumbscrew. The thread cutter works very well. The stitch is beautiful. The control one has while sewing is extraordinary. I would recommend this machine to anyone who is tired of sewing with sensitive computerized machines. Before buying keep in mind that you clean and oil this machine yourself. Now isn't that a novel concept? What Mittskitt does not like about this machine
I don't like the fact that now there isn't any reason for me to look at other machines.....:) | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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| Reader Comments | | Bellatina | 8/19/09 | Hi Mittskitt,
What a great review! I've been looking at this machine for some time as an additional machine because of its speed and ability to handle thick layers. Does it sew at 1600 stitches per minute at all stitch lengths? Some computerized machines only go at top speed for one stitch length. Is the thread cutter automatic by pressing a button? Did you purchase on the internet or from a dealer? I'm glad you are enjoying your machine. Happy sewing. | | * * * | | poorpigling | 8/19/09 | I have this machine also. You did not mention that there are additional feet available..not many but a few..they were listed on the Janome home site..And BTW..You can still just look...LOL. | | * * * | | Mittskitt | 8/19/09 | Hi Bellatina.....the speed is the same regardless of the stitch length. The thread cutter works by pressing the large button positioned above the reverse lever on the right hand side. I purchased from a dealer. Glad the review was helpful!
I just noticed the features listed for this machine. Will anyone believe I only checked three of those features?.....:) | | * * * | | Betakin | 8/19/09 | Very nice review. Thank you. I think we can all take note that you have used many machines in the past and hold this model in highest regard..that makes a difference. It seems like a wonderful machine. | | * * * | | cherylwashere | 8/19/09 | Hi Mittskitt,
I also have this machine and love it. I have several other machines and find this is my go to machine before the others. There is a good selection of speciality feet for this machine. I just bought most of them. Also, something you did not mention or perhaps have not noticed it yet. It has an extra high presser foot lift. Comes in handy. Good luck and enjoy your new machine. | | * * * | | ilesliemy | 8/19/09 | I adore this machine also and one thing I LOVE is the instant needle up/down button. Press once and the needle goes up, another press and it goes down. This is perfect for bringing up the thread from the bobbin. I use this in quilting all the time. It will also stop all the time in either position until the machine is turned off. I have 2 machines in cabinets in my sewing room - this is one and I use it nearly daily. | | * * * | | Mufffet | 8/19/09 | Your review is so good it makes me giddy! Knowing your experience with machines and sewing puts the review in perspective, and makes it that much more valuable. Sounds like a great machine. Probably all that most of us need. Doesn't do buttonholes I suppose. No, well...that's a downside. I wonder if the old buttonholer attachment would work on it though?>;) People have been putting it on their computerized Vikings here to test that out, so maybe... | | * * * | | mssewcrazy | 8/20/09 | I also have this great machine in my machine arsenal. It gets used whenever I have lots of straight stitching/home dec or really heavy fabrics to deal with. I also like it if I want to make quilted fabric for a project. I love how fast it is and the industrial like thread cutter feature. The walking foot is a nice extra to have with this machine for certain applications with many layers. An all metal invisible zip foot comes in the optional kit as well but I have not tried it. You did a really good review of this machine. It is very well built. | | * * * | | SandyinMO | 8/20/09 | I have the Juki TL98Q, which is almost like this machine. Most people don't realize that you can buy industrial presser feet for these machines. Check out Sharpsewing on Ebay stores for many industrial feet at very reasonable prices. | | * * * | | Lil Flo | 8/20/09 | Excellent review! I have the Juki TL98Q and it is very simuliar to this one. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The straight stitch is all it does, but as you said on yours, it does it very well. Thanks for your review. | | * * * | | Lil Flo | 8/20/09 | Excellent review! I have the Juki TL98Q and it is very simuliar to this one. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The straight stitch is all it does, but as you said on yours, it does it very well. Thanks for your review. | | * * * | | catsmeow | 8/20/09 | I really liked your review -- very helpful! Sounds like it could be an "only" machine that sews anything you could possible want (with the possible exception of saddles)! As I grow older I have a deeper appreciation for simple, less complicated things. Great reveiw! | | * * * | | Sandys Simple Stitches | 8/28/09 | Help!!! I just bought this machine yesterday and my thread breaks and shreds after using it a short time. I have it threaded right and I can't figure out what is wrong. ANy help would be appreciated. | | * * * | | Tee Jones Actie | 10/21/09 | I have this machine and can ditto everything you have said! It is awesome. I make wedding and prom gowns. It makes the best seams and sew sooooo fast! It sews through thick fabric like a dream! | | * * * |
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