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Janome 1600P-QC Review
Editor’s note: This Janome 1600P-QC review was originally written in 2013. We have revised and updated this post in 2022. In addition to the updated review, we have added the Janome Memory Craft 6650, the Juki TL-2010Q and the Juki TL-2000Qi as alternatives to the Janome 1600p-QC. All of these machines are good industrial-grade sewing and quilting machines.
When Faye Nichol invited me to review the Janome 1600P at the Sunshine Sewing Center in Margate, Florida, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Overview of the Janome 1600P -QC
The Janome 1600P-QC strikes a harmonious balance between portability and industrial-level performance, earning its title as the best in its class. With a remarkable speed of 1600 stitches per minute, this high-speed, straight-stitch-only machine is a dream for sewing and quilting enthusiasts. Its clever design offers a generous 9" x 6" workspace to the right of the needle, providing ample room for intricate projects. The side-loading bobbin ensures easy access, even from a quilt frame. The machine's intelligence shines through features like the automatic thread cutter, ergonomic knee lift, and variable speed control, delivering both power and precision for seamless sewing experiences.
- Sturdy unit
- Smooth operation
- Great for quilting
- Feeds material well
- Sews through thick materials easily
- Extremely fast sewing speed
- Cannot drop feed dogs
- Only sews straight stitches
- No free arm
Janome 1600P-QC At A Glance
The Janome 1600P looks exactly like what it is – a home sewing machine with all of the benefits of an industrial machine. When I first saw it, I was under the impression that it was an industrial sewing machine.
However, after reading about it on the Janome website, I learned that this is, indeed, a straight-stitch sewing machine designed for home use. It appears to be an industrial sewing machine from the outside… It has built-in cone thread stands, heavy duty metal construction, and it is a single stitch only machine. However, I saw on the Janome 1600P that are normally seen on home machines only: on board threading guides; automatic thread cutting; needle up and down, and stitch locking buttons; a variable speed control slider across the top; and a large reverse stitch lever and thread cutting button on the right side along with the stitch length adjustment dial.
P1600-QC Features
The Janome 1600P-QC has standard features that are found almost exclusively on industrial sewing machines as well as features that many home sewers have come to rely upon.
- HL needle
- Side-loading, industrial rotary hook
- Memorized needle up/down
- Extra large 8.85″ x 5.5″ work area
- Dual LED lights
- Industrial-type thread take-up lever
- No oil holes in bed
- Sealed bearings on shafts
- Up to 11 lbs. of presser foot pressure
- Industrial pretension threading
- Thread diagram printed on machine front
- Bobbin winding diagram printed on machine top
- Liquid response foot control – no stalls
- Synchronized thread tension lever
- Variable stitch length up to 6mm
- Metal attachment setting plate
- Quiet operation with no external motor
Working on the Janome 1600P-QC
Threading the Janome 1600P and winding the bobbin are simplified by the easy to follow on board diagrams that take you through the entire process from the very start to inserting the bobbin in the case and mounting it in the race hook.
Adjusting the tension and stitch length are as simple as adjusting the tension dial above the needle or moving the stitch length slider on the right side of the machine.
The Janome 1600P runs like a heavy duty industrial sewing machine. It is super fast – faster than any other home sewing machine I’ve seen. It’s also very quiet and there is absolutely no vibration.
Since the Janome 1600P is a straight stitch only machine, sampling stitches for this review was very simple. I toyed with the variable speed slider and the stitch length adjustment dial. The stitches – both short and long – were well formed, tight and quite sturdy.
Fabrics that work on Janome 1600P-QC
| Natural fibers / cotton-linen-wool | Fur |
| Fine fabrics / Silk-satin-taffeta | Reptile skin |
| Knits (medium to heavyweight only) | Canvas / Twil |
| Synthetic fabrics / blends -rayon-polyester | Plastic / Rubber |
| Upholstery | Extra thick fabrics or multiple layer |
| Leather / Suede |
Accessories
The Janome 1600P is a no frills, single function workhorse. People who purchase this machine will not be disappointed with the standard accessories that come with this functional, no frills sewing machine.
- 2 presser feet
- Hemmer foot
- ¼ inch straight stitch foot
- Bobbins
- Industrial needles
- Lint brush
- 2 screwdrivers (1 large/1 small)
- Spool cap
- Spool holder
- Spool net
- Knee lifter
- Accessories case
- Owner’s manual
In addition to the items listed here, an optional extension table is also available.
MC 6650 – Janome alternative to 1600P-QC
Janome Memory Craft 6650 Sewing and Quilting Machine takes the seventh position in the category of the best eight quilting machines. It’s considered a powerhouse since the instrument is packed with versatility and precision, becoming the top quilter and sewer choice. The machine attracts you with its spacious 10’’ throat space, making it perfect for managing bulky quilt projects. After that, you will see that the device carries a robust body with 170 built-in stitches, a superior needle threader for you to resume intricate sewing easily, and includes alphabets to ensure that you are doing it correctly. This specific quilting machine offers you speedy stitching of up to 1000 stitches per minute, promising you an efficient workflow. At the same time, the LCD screen allows easier navigation, simplifying usability.
Maintenance
| Actions | After each use | Monthly | Annually | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by sewing repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Janome 1600P is not for the faint of heart. This is a very fast sewing machine. Even though the speed can be adjusted down to 800 stitches per minute, it is designed for high-speed sewing. With this in mind, I do not recommend its use by anyone who is in any way intimidated by its power. Although learning to use this machine is very easy, I do not recommend this machine for use by anyone who is new to sewing. The on-board threading and bobbin winding guides are very useful.
From time to time, even the most seasoned home sewer sometimes needs a little coaching when it comes to threading a machine they are unfamiliar with. A straight-stitch only sewing machine like this is good for working with very heavy materials like canvas, leather, and thick vinyl. I can see it in a sewing room where the owner enjoys making leather and suede purses and coats. If this is your forte, and you are looking for a machine that can handle those specialized heavy-duty jobs, the Janome 1600P just might be the machine for you.
If, however, you are looking for a machine that can give you decorative stitches and do lots of different things, or if the space in your sewing room is limited, you should consider other options.
Juki alternatives to the Janome 1600P-QC
If you are looking for a newer sister to the 1600P-QC here are your options.
If you are looking for more options, you can check out our list of the best industrial sewing machines. Also check out our review of the Janome Memory Craft 12000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Janome P1600-QC Review
Summary
The Janome 1600P looks exactly like what it is – a home sewing machine with all of the benefits of an industrial machine. When I first saw it, I was under the impression that it was an industrial sewing machine.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
On the long arm the Janome 1600P is skipping stitches and fraying the thread. I had is serviced and changed the needle. I don’t know what else to do, it’s been 2 years I had the machine and have not been able to quilt on the long arm for this reason. Could someone please HELP!!!
I am having the exact same problem!
I think that the 1600P can not do the long arm but the 1600P DMX or 1600P Q(?) are the only two Janome models that can. I have not been able to get this confirmed. If you know of anyone that can answer that question, that would be great.
Thank you for your reply. We will figure this out.
I read something that helped me. Looking at the eye of the needle at 6 o’clock, loosen needle slightly. If the fraying is the top thread, insert another needle in the eye and gently turn the eye right to 5 o’clock. If the problem is on the bottom, turn gently left to 7 o’clock. It worked for me. Haven’t had the problem since. The difference in minimal but makes all the difference. Hope it helps.
I have had my grace frame and Janome 1600P for just over 12 months I have had no problems with either the machine or the frame. is the needle in correctly? have you checked your bobbin tension? are you using the correct needle?
Hi, I too have the Janome 1600p and share your frustration with skipped stitches and frayed thread and can find no solution either. I do not use a Grace stitch regulator however and wonder if either of you use one…I am on the verge of buying one as a last resort for solving the problem. Catherine
I have the sure stitch but was still not able to get the long arm quilting to work. Skipping stitches and then frayed thread. Still trying to find out if the Jamone 1600P can be used on a long arm frame. I am thinking not!!
I use mine a long arm frame. It sews lovely. But I am now having trouble using a special Westalee ruler foot. It won’t pick up the bottom thread
I also have the skipped stitches and frayed thread. Did you get help anywhere for this problem??
I, too, have had the same problem with my Janome 1600 PQ. My husband purchased it for me one year ago. I have taken it back to the dealer with no help at all. I am using it on my Handi Quilter (the old one with the rails on a table top. I am considering purchasing a heavier carriage with handles and a speed controller (so I don’t have to have the foot control in my hand). It is frustrating to say the least and I may never purchase another Janome again. The machine works perfectly on my table top, just not on a frame. I just finished a lap quilt using my little Brother and the stitchesare beautiful. Any help from anyone would be appreciated.
I had my machine serviced and timing set to factory settings. It sewed beautifully with the normal foot. The westalee foot wouldn’t work so I took the machine with the special foot back to the serviceman…. He readjusted everything and now it sews with any thread, needles ( not just the HL ones), thicknesses or foot.
No broken thread, skipped stitches or frustration.
I am very happy with my Janome
Get the timing adjusted
I’ve found out that the Jamone 1600P, not PQ or the other, does not work well with the long arm. It is great for stationary quilting where you move the fabric but not on the long arm. It was sold with the Gracie Frame about 5 years ago and then was learned of that. I purchased both second hand two years ago and was not told and have been fighting with it since. No one around my area could help and I had it serviced 3 times. I will not buy another Jamone because you can not get any help when the machine is not working properly. I have been on all kinds of websites and youtube and NO HELP!
Catherine do not buy the stitch regulator that is not the problem.
I use my machine on my frame and it works just fine.
Here is a post on my blog with my machine working on my frame.
http://jobutterfield.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/scrap-happy-saturday.html
Hi Everyone. Thanks for all the advice and help….today I have just quilted a single bed quilt perfectly:
I sought advice from a Janome dealer in England and after much discussion purchased the feet listed below and it is now behaving perfectly.
I bought two sets: Janome convertible Free Motion quilting foot set and janome Free Motion Frame feet set.
From these packs I replaced my foot plate with the darning plate and changed the foot holder to the one supplied in the set and then applied the open toe quilting foot from the other set.
I found the dealer really helpful and he was more than willing to phone me in Spain to sort the problem.
I was using a foot purchased cheaply on the internet when I was experiencing these problems.
I own the 1600P. During the first year, the thread guide plate fell off and it would not hold the tension. I had yet to sew a complete quilt top. The dealership refused help. After several years in the closet I have just paid to have the thread guide plate repaired and the machine serviced. I intend to sell it. This is my second and last Janome. My first machine malfunctioned at about one and a half years and two quilt tops. It too is in my closet ready to sell. My old Viking 990S keeps on sewing with no problems. I’ve learned my lesson.
Lots of people have been able to overcome these problems, here are some links that I hope are not too late to help you!
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PfaffHobbyGrandQuilter/conversations/topics
http://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/skipped-stitches-driving-you-nuts1.html
http://www.fixya.com/support/t413355-thread_breaking_terrible_looping
I’ve also found other pages with advice, by doing a web search for “machine quilting on frame janome 1600p” or something like that. Don’t give up yet! Those that have worked out the kinks say its a wonderful system. Wish me luck, i just purchased the combination used, and got the machine back from my local Janome dealer for a service.
And I knew I had seen another really detailed one – this person went through all the above troubles and gives a 14 point list of suggestions
https://piecemealquilts.com/frame-quilting/.
I have had my 1600P DBX for almost 10 years. It is the best machine ever for everything except free-motion quilting. It was refurbished, and for the first couple of years, it free-motion quilted just fine. Since then, the thread frays, then breaks, constantly. I spent hours on the phone with Janome who could not resolve my problem. My only local Janome repair person was unable to resolve the problem. I only piece and quilt on my machine, and do not need the costly features of decorative stitching machines. Has anyone ever resolved this? I am thinking of buying a new one, or trying the new 9400 (which is almost triple the price). HELP!!!!
It’s all in the timing. Get a good technician to spend time on it. Explain your style of sewing. I’m buying my 4th janome. I have hade my straight stitcher for over 10 years and absolutely love it. I quilt on it every week. I no longer own my quilt frame but free motion all the time. It goes on workshops and retreats with me always.
jobutterfield.blogspot.com.au
Does a Janome 1600P a high or low shank? I don’t have a manual for mine. It’s on a 10′ table. I want to get a ruler foot for it any suggestions on which kind I need?