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 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.
- Great for quilting
- Sews through thick materials easily
- Feeds material well
- Smooth operation
- No free arm
- Sews only straight stitches
- Can be difficult to thread at times
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
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.
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
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