Editor’s note: This review was originally written in 2013. We have revised and updated this post in 2022. Since the company stopped making this product, we have added the Janome Memory Craft 6650, the Juki TL-2010Q, Juki TL-2000Qi and the Janome 1600P-QC as alternatives to the Janome QC 6260. All of these machines are good industrial-grade sewing and quilting machines.
A chance comment during aquaerobics class led to my being able to review the Janome QC 6260 sewing and quilting machine.
Overview of Janome QC 6260
The QC (Quilter’s Companion) machines were introduced in 2003 as a series designed specifically for quilting. The top-of-the-line model, the 6260QC, has computerized stitching, 60 stitches, six different types of buttonholes, and a maximum zigzag width of 7mm. It has a special 7-point feed dog system from Janome’s Superior Feed System. 3 levels of foot pressure adjustment are also included. The machine looks different from any other Janome because of the ergonomic work table. It has a gentle slope at the front to make it simpler to feed fabric. In addition, the LED display makes it easy to choose stitches and change their width and length.
At A Glance
The Janome QC 6260 has an on board stitch tutorial inside the top lid as well as a stitch selection guide on the right front panel, a see through bobbin cover, a speed control lever and reverse stitch, stitch locking and needle up/down function buttons above the needle. The accessories drawer slides out to the left. The work space has a six inch ruler decal on the front, and it slides off completely to allow access to the free arm.
Features of the Janome QC 6260
- 60 decorative and utility stitch options, including:
- Sculpture Stitch
- Uni-directional Blanket stitch
- Heirloom Stitches
- 12 Satin Decorative Stitches
- Star Stitch
- 6 one-step sensor type automatic buttonhole stitches
- 2 digit LED stitch pattern indicator
- Adjustable stitch length and width from 0 to 7 mm
- Built-in needle threader
- One hand thread cutter
- Foot pressure adjustment
- SFS (superior feed system)
- Top cover storage
- LED stitch indicator screen
- Up/Down needle stop setting key
- Lock stitch
Janome MC 6650 – Alternative to Janome QC 6260
Many sewists think of MC6650 (Memory Craft) as a sequel to the Janome QC6260 (Quilter's Companion). This new model is a top-notch workhorse that deserves the same good reputation as its predecessor for wonderful quilting experiences. The wavy stitch is fantastic because it effortlessly adds playfulness and character. Adjusting the stitch length and width is simple to comprehend and do. Adjusting the tension is easy and reliable. The tension wheel on the 6650 is easy to maneuver.
I've learned that you can keep the tension at about 4 for almost any application. Even though the automatic thread cutter cuts down on the wasted thread, it's clear that it's not good for all tasks, like collecting stitches. It features an automatic bobbin winder, which is much nicer and easier. You cannot stitch when the presser foot is up. It will just keep beeping at you.
The device is easy to adapt to and does not have a lot of complications. It is, however, for the experienced sewer, and a newbie will not be getting the better of this too soon. The brand has cut a lot of inconveniences out with this device, and it gives you an overall seamless experience with little to no extra work.
Working on the Janome QC 6260
On board threading guides and graphic decals detailing the process for winding the bobbin make setting up the Janome QC 6260 and getting it ready to go to work easy enough for a novice to master.
When paired with the stitch tutorial inside the lid, this is possibly one of the most user-friendly sewing and quilting machines I’ve seen. The stitch selection process is very easy. On the front panel, there are four buttons situated just above the stitch selection guide and below the LED stitch display screen and stitch length and width adjustment buttons.
The first button gives you access to the first row of 15 utility stitches. Pressing the second button gives you access to the six buttonhole options as well as the first level of decorative and appliqué stitches. By pressing the third and fourth buttons, you can get to the last 30 decorative stitches.
The quality of the stitches on the Janome QC 6260 is great. For this review, I used a piece of denim. The stitches are well-formed, tight, and very well-defined, including the heirloom cross-stitch designs. The only thing that was hard about using the Janome QC 6260 was that the drop feed control lever is under the worktable. To get to it, you must first remove the work table entirely.
I guess this is why my friend’s machine was set up without the worktable in place. For the life of me, I don’t understand why sewing machine manufacturers decided it was a good idea to put the drop feed control in such an inconvenient location.
This is one innovation that the world could definitely have done without. My old Fleetwood, circa 1969, has the droop feed buttons right on the front of the machine. Dropping and raising the feed dogs is a cinch when I need to add a button, darn do some freehand quilting or embroidery.
Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers / cotton-linen-wool | Leather / Suede |
| Fine fabrics / Silk-satin-taffeta | Fur |
| Knits (Medium to heavyweight only) | Reptile skin |
| Synthetic fabrics / blends – rayon – polyester | Canvas / Twill |
| Upholstery | Plastic / Rubber |
| Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
Janome QC 6260 accessories
The Janome QC 6260 has two different storage areas, one beneath the lid and a drawer that slides out of the large work space. The extensive list of standard accessories that come with the Janome QC 6260 includes:
- 8 Snap on presser feet
- Zigzag foot
- Satin stitch foot
- Overedge foot
- Rolled hem foot
- Blind hem foot
- Zipper foot
- Automatic buttonhole foot
- Cording foot
- Hard cover carrying case
- All-in-one quilting kit
- Accessory storage box
- Quilting bar
- Extra needles
- Screwdriver
- Bobbins
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Felt
- 2 pool holders [1 large/1 small]
- Spool pins
- Spool stand
Maintenance
| Maintenance Action | After each use | Monthly | Annually | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service by sewing machine professional | No | No | No | Yes |
| 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 | No |
Janome 1600P – Another alternative to Janome QC 6260
The Janome 1600PQC is the only portable sewing machine you need if you want industrial-strength stitching. It is not an industrial machine by definition, but you won’t really feel much of a difference when using it. The variable speed control slider will make it simple to navigate the challenging seams since it will let you slow down without having to be concerned about the pressure you put on the foot control. You can change how much pressure is put on the foot, making it easy to stitch both thin and thick materials. To get the right amount of pressure, just turn the dial on the upper left of the machine clockwise or counterclockwise. When you put this together with the "superior feed mechanism," you get a machine that can handle fine silks one minute and denim the next. You'll love the speed control, the ability to move the needle up and down, and the "superior feeding system," among other things. Finish the seam, then push the scissor button. It's excellent if you want to seem great and professional each time while saving some time.
If you're a quilter, upholsterer, or seamstress, this chair's extra arm space of 9 inches means you won't have to worry about squeezing your work in, which is perfect. With the extension table in place, you have a fantastic workspace.
Read the detailed review of the Janome 1600P here.
Janome QC 6260 – Tying Off The Loose Ends
With the exception of my dissatisfaction with the placement of the drop feed lever, I think the Janome QC 6260 is a wonderful sewing and quilting machine. It is lightweight, so if you decide you want to carry it to class, you can. The owner of this particular machine, however, said this is her very favorite machine and said she refuses to take it anywhere unless absolutely necessary.
It is also very user friendly. Despite this fact, I do not recommend that children use the Janome QC 6260, but I believe a teen or adult who is learning to sew would be quite comfortable with it. The machine I reviewed was purchased in 2006. I doubt you will be able to find a new Janome QC 6260 at your local Janome dealer. However, you may be able to find one that has been traded in for a later model. You might also be ale to find one online at a site like e-bay. Good luck with that, however. When I did an online search for Janome QC 6260’s on sale, I came up empty handed.
That, no doubt, is a testament to the superior quality of this machine. When people buy it, they don’t want to get rid of it. If you have one of these gems, hang onto it. If you do come across one, snatch it up at once. You won’t be disappointed.
Juki alternatives to the Janome QC 6260
My search campaign for the Janome QC 6260 online has proved futile. You might be able to find old ones on eBay, but do not expect new models anymore. The brand has discontinued this model, but they have also come up with upgrades and similar models all this while. Janome makes a whole array of quilting machines in different price segments.
If you are looking for a newer sister to the QC 6260, here are your options.
The new Juki TL-2010Q is a high-performance sewing and quilting machine. The TL-2010Q is a single-needle, lock-stitch, portable machine, constructed of aluminum die-casting to ensure industrial-quality sewing and quilting. This machine is made for precise sewing, with features like an industrial sub-tension system, a slider for changing the speed, and bright white LED lights. With a large work area of up to 23 inches (with auxiliary table attached), the TL-2000Qi can handle large quilting, sewing, or home decor projects with ease.
Some of my favorite features are the needle up/needle down, speed control, and thread cutter. The thread cutter works when you bounce your heel back and forth on the foot pedal. This is a sturdy workhorse that is strong and nicely made. It only has a straight stitch, though.
Why does that matter? The machine only produces great straight stitches that don't tangle or develop bird's nests on the underside when they are sewn. It features a very quick motor, like a machine used in industry.
Free-motion quilting gives you so much control over your work, and working with a huge quilt is made simpler by the broad throat. The Juki TL2010Q supports speed control, allowing you to select the ideal pace for the job.
Juki’s TL-2000Qi is yet another workhorse with an intimidating stitching speed, but it will not quite intimidate you because it is fairly easy to work with. It is a true industrial machine that weighs a lot if that might be a factor for you. To top that off, it is extremely substantial. The device responds super quickly and gives you a rather smooth experience at the work table. To save you time and tension while threading the needle, there is an automated threader. It indeed takes a few attempts before you feel confident threading the needle. When working on large sewing or quilting tasks, the machine's working surface, which measures around 23 inches, is ideal. With the machine purchase, a flat-bed extension table is supplied to expand your workspace.
To hang on to the fabric and concentrate on the project you're working on, there is a knee lever that enables you to elevate or lower your presser foot without using your hands. For skilled and experienced sewers, this is useful. This machine is great for professionals who sew a lot because it has an industrial look and is built to last. It should last you for many years.
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.
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