| Janome:3160QDC (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1590 time(s) |
10 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 4 people Very Helpful by 11 people | | Reviewed by: | Seams2Sew | 
| About Seams2Sew | | USA | | Member since: 8/15/08 | | Reviews written: 2 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 2 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 12/19/12 1:21 PM | | Approx price paid: | $549 | | Had this machine for: | almost 3 years | | Recommended? | No | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com |  | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What Seams2Sew likes about this machine
This machine is packed with features: automatic thread cutter, needle up/down, speed controller, 60 stitches, and adjustable presser foot pressure. All of this in a 12 pound full size machine. The stitch selection was very easy. You can move through the stitch selection one stitch at a time or ten stitches at a time. It sews very quietly and I did not have any problems with it moving or vibrating. Threading and bobbin winding are easy, and you do not have to bring up the bobbin thread to begin sewing. It’s very easy to transport, and I really enjoyed using it until it started having problems (see below) This was my class/back-up machine. I used it for garment construction and piecing. What Seams2Sew does not like about this machine
The lighting is awful. The manual is very brief, and pretty typical for a Janome manual. It covers the basics, but the writer must get a bonus for using the fewest number of words.
The placement of the start/stop and reverse buttons are bad. It is difficult to see them when sitting in front of the machine.
I purchased this machine a few months after it was introduced by Janome. I read about the bobbin issues, but never experienced any problems with my machine. I wanted this machine for a back-up, to take to classes and for my children to use if/when the started showing an interest in sewing. A few months ago, the bobbin started jamming. The first jam occurred when I was attempted to sew together two pieces of quilting cotton (not exactly difficult or thick fabric).
After getting the jam cleared, it was clear that there was a problem with the bobbin case. I took it in and the tech replaced the bobbin case and bobbin stop; however, the machine continues to jam, and I do not want to put any more money into it. My daughter was using it a sewing class and it was just constantly jamming. Both the instructor and I watched her carefully after the first jam, and we did not see her doing anything that should cause the machine to jam. It was so frustrating for all of us.
The needle plate screws on so with every jam, I have to unscrew the plate, clear the jam and screw it back on – very irritating.
I love the idea of a feature rich lightweight machine, but Janome really dropped the ball with this one.
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Thank you for sharing about your experience with this model. Hopefully, it will help people avoid a similar experience.
12/19/12 2:22 PM
A dealer near me said he wished they were more like the platinum gems. You'd have probably liked the 760 but it didn't have a thread cutter. I keep an eye out for one of those--they are perfect class machine and actually retailed for more than the 3160.
12/19/12 4:51 PM
There was that factory problem and I thought the dealers were all over that and fixing it - which may have been what you had done. So sorry you didn't get a prime machine in this one. Hope you are very happy with your new machine! :)
12/19/12 6:47 PM
sewfrequent, the gems do seem to be little tanks compared to the 3160. Unfortunately, I sold my 720 to help pay for this one. I was seduced by the additional features and stitches. I actually looked at the 760 when this one started having problems, but I didn't want to spend that much money, and I'm not exactly thrilled with my dealer right now. Mufffet, you would think that the dealers would contact people and have them come in to have their machine looked at even if they haven't had any problems. I am not pleased with my dealer's handling of this situation. I feel like I'm stuck with a "bad" model. People will google this model and see all the negative reviews and not want to purchase a used one. Even if someone was willing to take a chance on it, I'm uncomfortable selling it to someone else given my history with it. I cleared the latest jam and it seems to be working for now so I guess my back-up has a back-up. Thanks raggmopp!
12/19/12 8:04 PM
Are the 760's still available as new? I haven't seen one in a long time. I just didn't want to pay $550 for one but thought the price would come down. It might be worth taking it to a different tech at a different dealer to see if someone else can set it right for you.
12/19/12 9:21 PM
I'm sorry to hear of your problems with this model and your local Janome dealer. Have you contacted the manufacturer not just about the machine but about the dealer, too? Is it still under warranty? Even if your dealer is not helpful, Janome should at least stand by their product and offer some support. Do you still have the box? You might have to ship it to their facility.
12/19/12 10:43 PM
I have read numerous bad reviews for this model. I am planning on purchasing it big sister the Janome 4120QDC. Has any one heard of the same problems being passed down? I am a bit scared :(
12/20/12 2:19 AM
Oh no...sorry to hear that, I bought the 3160 in June...I have just started to use it...trying to teach myself how to make quilts! I haven't had any problems yet...I sure hope I won't experience any problems with this machine...it's my first electronic machine, and I love so many features it has....my other sewing machine is also a Janome...PRL18...basic mechanical...I love that one too...never had any problems so far : )
12/20/12 6:15 AM
Sewfrequent, I think you can still get a new 760. My dealer has one on display. Poplin, I haven't contacted Janome directly. I bought my daughter another machine for Christmas so I'm not very motivated about dealing with this one right now. After the holidays, I'll evaluate things and determine how much effort I want to put into it. Unfortunately, I don't have the original box. I've learned my lesson though . . . always keep the box. UmmAutumn, I haven't heard about any problems with the 4120. There are many many very satisfied Janome customers. Holmar, hope you continue to enjoy your 3160. I'm sure your machine is fine. As Muffet said, Janome did identify and fix the problem at the factory. However, some machines had already been sold.
12/20/12 9:00 AM
It's unfortunate to hear you're having issues with your machine. Curries, did your dealer reset needle bar & hook timing on your machine? If not that would explain why the machine continues to jam.
12/20/12 8:41 PM
Sew2006, there wasn't anything in the tech's notes about resetting the timing. I'll probably give the tech a call directly after the holidays, and see what he says. I really really like him, and I like the 3160 when it's working. I'm just not too excited about the rest of dealer's staff right now maybe bypassing them and talking to the tech directly will help. Thanks for all the suggestions.
12/21/12 2:09 PM
I sold my 760 also to buy this machine when it first came out. I got a lemon and I was pissed off, I didnt get anywhere with my dealer UNTIL I emaled Janome. Janome contacted the dealer and advised them to exhange my lemon for a new one, the dealer did and so far so good, no problems at all. Im very happy that Janome put the pressure on the dealer. I dont understand why the dealers are such jerks, all they have to do is send the lemons back to Janome for credit...is it to much trouble to make your customers want to come back in the future...i just dont get it....anyway thank you janome!!! i hope dealers read this.
12/22/12 6:30 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.
12/23/12 11:32 PM
Sorry to hear of your problems. I recently purchased a 3160 as a class/backup machine to my Bernina 1090. Absolutely love it! I do agree about the lighting though. Really bad. But I have a bright LED bendible light that makes up for it. I use it on both machines. My dealer said the best way to use the bobbin winder on this model is wrap the thread twice around the tension peg for the bobbin winder. Works like a charm Try it. I had borrowed a 760 from a quilt friend when my Bernina died at a retreat. Loved the little machine and the light weight. Went to buy one and saw the 3160 on sale. The extra features sold me, as did the price, which, including a quilting package, was only $30 more than the 760 that did not have a quilting package. Time will tell, but it's been a consistent winner since I purchased it....
2/12/13 8:52 PM
Where did you find one on sale? I'm having a hard time coming up with the $800
4/15/13 0:29 AM