Janome 3160QOV Sewing Machine Review

The Janome 3160QOV sewing machine has a lot more built in features compared to other sewing machine models, and that is why I think the selling price is also a little higher.

This model might not fit your budget if you are in a very tight budget financially. If you are wondering how much this machine costs then you can click the below big image to find out the price.

I think most of us can’t afford it but it is still achievable if you sacrifice buying other things and save some money before making the purchase. At least that is how I will obtain most of the things that I really want.

This model has a lot of features that I like and need for a sewing machine. Like I said the downside is the price is a little higher, but I think the price is worth with the included features. I will definitely benefit a lot when working on my sewing projects for the long run.

3160QOV Video

You may want to watch this short video for a little demo of this sewing machine

Where To Buy The Janome 3160QOV?

During my research online I found several places you can buy this model online. I don’t know if you can buy this model locally. You can check if you want but I doubt you can find it.

One of the retailers you can buy from is amazon. Click here to find out its current selling price, and for the other one you can click on the big image below to find out.

To be honest, the selling price for this model is a little high. Some of you might not be able to fit it into your budget.

I think the Janome brand sewing machine’s selling price is a bit higher when compared to other brands of sewing machines.

It really depends on you, if you have a brand preference or not. I know a lot of people will go with a brand name to buy a certain product. If you need a more affordable sewing machine then I suggest you try the Brother and Singer brands.

Check Price

Tip: By the way, if you buy from the above image or the blue check price button links, this retailer offers FREE SHIPPING and NO SALES tax unless you are living in certain states as of today, September 5, 2021. This might save you a little bit more money if both places are offering the same selling price. Click here to get this model with FREE shipping and no sales tax.

Features

Stitches and Feed Dog

This item doesn’t have that many stitch patterns to select from but it is more than enough for you to work with your sewing projects.

It has a total of 60 built in stitch patterns if you are curious. You can take a look at the picture to see what it looks like. Some of them look really nice and beautiful.

The machine has a 7 piece feed dog and that is considered a superior feed system. The higher the number of feed dogs a sewing machine has the better.

This is to give you more flexibility on controlling the fabric. Advanced users might have more benefit on this. I have seen some sewing machines that have 3 feed dogs.

Auto-Lock or Lock Stitch Button

This is a pretty handy little button to have for sewing decorative stitches. This will allow you to finish sewing the current stitch pattern before sewing the locking stitches.

If you don’t know locking stitches, it basically means to tie off the thread from becoming undone on the beginning and the end of the seam. So these two steps are pretty important when it comes to sewing.

With this machine you can either use the reverse or locking stitch buttons to do the locking stitches. I think using the locking stitch button to sew decorative stitches looks so much better when it’s compared with the one using the reverse button to do the locking stitches. Do take a look at the below picture to see what I am talking about.

On the other hand when you are sewing straight or zig zag stitches then the reverse button might be a better choice for locking the stitches due to it being faster and more convenient.

The reverse stitch button will immediately do the locking stitches without letting you finish the current pattern but the Auto Lock button will let you finish the current pattern and then sew the locking stitches.

Not all Janome’s sewing machines have this auto lock button. For example the Janome Pink Sorbet, Magnolia 7318 and other models. I am happy to tell you, all Janome’s computerized machines have this button built in the machine.

Start/Stop Button or Foot Pedal To Operate

Here is another cool and useful function to have for a machine. This button allows you to operate the machine without having to use the foot pedal. Of course it does include the foot pedal for this model.

Sometimes things just happen that you didn’t expect, like your foot got injured or you have lost or couldn’t find the foot controller. Then the Start/Stop button can come into play.

It’s just so nice to have another extra way to operate the machine when you really want to sew. By the way, you can only choose one or the other but you can’t use both options to operate the machine.

Once the foot pedal is plugged into the machine, the Start/Stop button won’t work. So choose which ever option you are most comfortable with.

Speed Control Slider

With this function you can choose to sew between fast or slow. Basically, it gives you the option to control your sewing speed.

Some people like to sew at a slow speed like a complete beginner learning how to sew or an advanced user sewing at the fastest speed for making a living with sewing.

If you move the slider to the right side, it will make the machine go faster and if you move it to the left it will sew slower. It doesn’t matter which option you choose to operate the machine, the Start/Stop Button or the Foot pedal, the sewing speed will all depend on the control slider that you have set.

Just to let you know not all sewing machines will have this function. Sewing machines with this function usually cost a little higher than your average basic machine.

For your information the Brother CS6000I, Janome JW8100, Brother ST150HDH and Singer 7258 which have this function seem to be a reasonable price when compared with other models.

The sewing speed for this model is 820 stitches per minute. I consider that very fast for sewing. I know there are sewing machines that are faster than that like the Janome HD9 Professional which can sew up to 1,600 stitches per minute. That’s the highest I have come across so far.

Needle Threader

Needle threading couldn’t be easier with this built-in needle threader. Janome calls this a One-Hand Needle Threader.

It doesn’t matter what they call it, all I know is it is a must have feature for me for sewing. I can’t sew without this function because I can never put the thread in the needle eye manually.

My eyes are failing me. I can’t even see the needle eye even with my glasses on. So it will be a pain in the butt to thread the needle for me. 🙂

I would rather choose not to sew if I had to do it manually. If I have to pick between the one hand needle threader and the automatic thread cutter functions then I would have to pick the needle threader. You might have picked a different choice than me.

You will benefit a lot with this feature. It will save you a lot of time. No more straining your eyes and frustration on needle threading. It is a thumbs up.

Automatic Thread Cutter Button

Yes, this model has an automatic thread cutter button for easy cutting both of your threads from top and bottom every time you are done with sewing. The scissor icon is located just a little below the LCD screen.

To use the thread cutter function, all you have to do is press the scissor icon when you are done sewing or you can set it to automatically trim the thread for you after you are done sewing the locking stitches.

There is also a little thread cutter on the left side on the head of the sewing machine.

This is manual thread cutter where you have to bring the threads to that little cutter to cut it. It is not like the machine cuts it for you.

Needle up/down Button

You have the option to set the needle position to be up or down when the machine comes to a stop.

All you have to do is press the icon with two arrows showing up or down. It is the middle icon or button on the screenshot.

With this function it makes it possible for you to not have to use the hand wheel. For example, when you are pivoting on your sewing of course you would want to set your needle position down to make it easier.

All you have to do is press the up/down button. If the needle position is up press the button again to set it down. So there is no need to move the hand wheel.

This will also work with cutting your thread manually with the built in little cutter from the machine. Just press the needle position button to set the needle up to do so.

One-Step Buttonhole

There are a total of 7 different styles of one step buttonholes for you to select for your sewing projects.

When you are buying a sewing machine, you should find one that has one step buttonhole instead of 4 step buttonhole.

One step buttonhole is a lot easier and faster and it is less likely you will make mistakes.

On the other hand a 4 step buttonhole requires more manual work or steps and you will be more likely to make mistakes. In other words, it is more complicated than a one step buttonhole.

One step buttonhole is made possible by the included Automatic buttonhole foot R.

More Features

Here’s more built in features for this model you wouldn’t want to miss finding out.

• Free arm – Nowadays, a decent sewing machine usually includes the free arm feature. This is to make sewing sleeves, cuffs and pants a lot more efficient. This is also nice for sewing baby clothes since baby clothes are pretty small. When the machine isn’t turned into a free arm then you can use it for storage for your small sewing accessories like extra bobbins and needles.
• Bobbin loading – It comes with a top loading full rotary hook bobbin. This is good that you don’t have to go underneath the machine to load the bobbin. Loading on the top is faster and easier. It has a clear cover for easy monitoring how much thread you still have left in the bobbin before you have to wind more.
• Reverse button – This is for locking the stitches without them getting untied from the beginning and end of the seam.
• Drop feed – We are taught to drop our feed dogs before starting quilting, but there are some people who don’t do it and they are still getting good results with their quilting. If you like dropping the feed dogs then this option is for you to do so. There is a drop feed lever on the back of the machine for you to drop or raise the feed dogs.
  
• Snap-on presser feet – There are a total of 7 snap on feet. Snap on feet makes it super easy and fast to change feet from one to another.
• Presser foot lifter – This model gives you a little extra height on the presser foot. You can raise the foot about 1/4 ̋ (0.6 cm) higher than the normal up position. This will give you extra room to sew thicker fabrics or materials.
• Auto declutch bobbin winder – This can’t get any easier with the built in bobbin winder. It is very quick and easy to do. Just set it up and let the machine wind the thread into the bobbin for you. Hmmm… I am wondering how long it would take for you to do it manually by hand? Like it takes forever 😀
• Manual thread tension control – This will allow you to adjust the thread tension if it is either too tight or loose with the dial.
• Foot pressure adjustment – You will have the option to adjust the foot pressure with the dial on the machine if you are not satisfied with the current setting. This is great because different kinds of fabrics require different foot pressure settings.
• Maximum stitch width and length – You can adjust the maximum stitch width to 7mm and as for length it is 5mm.
• Needle plate – It has an extended needle plate with guide lines imprinted on it. This is helpful to guide your fabric to maintain a straight line with your stitches. With this guide you will have better looking sewing seams and not crooked ones.
• Handle – This is easy for carrying the machine to where ever you want to go.
• LCD screen – The LCD screen is backlit and it has easy navigation keys.

Accessories Included

• 3 Bobbins
• Spool pin felt
• Needle set – 3 needles
• Additional spool pin
• Satin stitch foot F
• Zipper foot E
• Automatic buttonhole foot R
• Overedge foot C
• Blind hem foot G
• 1/4 ̋ seam foot O
• Custom crafted zigzag foot F2
• Seam ripper (Buttonhole opener)
• Screwdriver key
• Lint brush
• Small spool holder
• Large spool holder
• Spool stand
• Hard cover
• Extension table
• Foot controller
• Manual
• Power supply cord

Included Janome Quilting Kit

Another thing I want to mention is that this item includes a quilting kit. It is great that you don’t have to buy it separately.

This quilting kit costs something around $100 and it could be more or less. It depends on the seller.

You can actually find this Janome Quilting kit by clicking here. For your information the part number for this kit is 200100007.

This quilting kit will be awesome to have if you are either learning or love quilting. This will expand your sewing projects.

Janome 3160QOV Reviews

This model has an awesome high average rating given by consumers. This is a decent sewing machine to go for especially for advanced users.

But if you are a total beginner on sewing I wouldn’t suggest this model. That is because of the price tag being so high, but if you have money to burn then go for it.

✅ Pros:

• It is quiet and easy to use.
• Both advanced and beginner level users can use this model.
• A lot of users said they love and are happy with this model.

❌ Cons:

• It’s kind of pricey, but it’s well worth the money.
• It doesn’t say anything about twin needle sewing but others are saying you can do twin needles for pin tuck sewing.

Janome 3160QOV vs Janome 3160QDC, And 3160QDC-T

You might be wondering what are the differences between these three different models. Well, all three of them don’t really have that many differences in term of features and dimensions, other than the look on the selection screen and the years they have been released out on the market.

The 3160QDC is the oldest model released in 2013 and it might be earlier than that. You might not be able to get this version. The 3160QOV was released in the year 2019 and the 3160QDC-T (T is for tan in color) model was released in the year 2020.

So it is up to you to choose whichever model you prefer. Personally, I would stick to the latest model and pick the 3160QOV over the others. I like the way it looks on the front of the machine. By the way, QOV stands for Quilts of Valor.

In terms of average ratings, all three of them have awesome ratings and they are above 4.5 the last time I checked while writing this article.

Warranty and Manual

You can find the manual by clicking here. The manual is about 48 pages long. It is always a good practice to read the manual first before you make the purchase.

Well sometimes I don’t do it myself when I am buying a gadget and other times I couldn’t access manual until I actually obtained the item.

This model has a 25 years limited warranty against defective materials and/or workmanship.

FAQ

Does This Include Any Carrying Case and Cover?

No, it doesn’t come with a carrying case. The good news is it comes with a hard cover to protect your machine from collecting dust when it is not being used.

As for a carrying case, you would have to buy one separately if you wanted one. Be sure to check the measurements for the carrying case that it would fit for this model.

What About An Extension Table?

I am happy to say it includes an extension table for more sewing space. This is obviously for bigger sewing projects. As you know buying a decent extension table could cost anything around $50.00 or more separately.

Does This Model Have a Metal Frame?

The answer to that is YES. The internals of this machine are made out of metal. The Janome brand usually makes their sewing machines mostly with metal frames, but not like the Janome 10 Stitch Sewing Machine. I don’t recommend this machine at all.

How Much Does It Weigh?

This machine weighs around 12.6 pounds. To me it is not too light or heavy. It is just about the right weight for ladies to use.

If you have a sewing machine that is too light it will cause the machine to move or jerk around if you are sewing in a very high speed.

If it is too heavy then it will be too heavy for ladies to take it to sewing classes or moving it to different locations. Yes, we can always ask for someone’s help on that but sometimes it just won’t be possible and we have to do it our own self right?

Does It Light Up?

Yes, the machine does have some light to brighten up the sewing area. This will be useful for sewing in a darker room or location.

What Is The Measurement And Working Space?

The measurement for this model is Width 15 inches x Height 8.4 inches x Depth 6.9 inches.

You will have 6.8 inches for the Width, and 4.5 inches for the Height on working spaces. This might have a little more on the width for working spaces when compared with the JW8100, Pink Sorbet and Magnolia 7318 models. It ranges about 0.1 to 0.5 inches more.

If you are interested you can read the Janome JW8100 review and the Pink Sorbet review. Sorry, I haven’t written a review for the Magnolia 7318 model. Maybe I will do that later.

Are Janome Sewing Machines Low Shank?

Not all Janome sewing machines are low shank. Some of their sewing machines are high shank like the Janome Skyline S3 sewing machine. Click here to read more about the Janome Skyline S3 sewing machine.

Just to let you know the Janome 3160QOV model has a low shank. If you are wondering how you can tell if a sewing machine has low shank or high shank then you would have to measure it. If you have the measurement of 3/4 inch then that is a low shank. If you have 1 to 1 1/4 inch then that is a high shank.

Does This Machine Embroider Letters?

I am sorry to say NO. You can’t embroider letters with this model. It does have decorative stitches but no letters.

If you want to embroider letters I suggest the Brother SE1900 or the Brother SE600 sewing machines. Both models can sew and do embroidery. Click here and over here to read more about the Brother SE600.

Are Janome Sewing Machines Good?

I believe the Janome sewing machine is a good buy even though their price is a little higher than other sewing machine brands. It is most likely because their machines have a metal frame instead of plastic.

According to my research online, a lot of people who have bought the Janome brand sewing machines are very happy.

A lot of them have given it a high rating. Janome is a major company that has been selling sewing machines for a long time. Their machines should have high quality and can be trusted.

Where Is Janome Manufactured?

Some of you might be curious about where the Janome products are manufactured. Janome machines are manufactured in three countries and they are Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. If you want to know the history of Janome sewing machines manufacture then click here to read more.

Does This Machine Require Oiling?

You might be wondering if the model requires oiling for maintenance. Well according to the manual, it doesn’t require you to do it. That is kind of cool, less work to do and saves you money on buying more oil. >O<.

You are required to clean the hook race and feed dog for maintenance. It is not hard to do the maintenance on this sewing machine. Just follow the instructions from the included manual.

Just always remember to turn the power switch off and unplug the machine before you are doing any maintenance work. You have to do the same thing to turn the power switch off when changing needles or snap on foots. This is for your own safety and protection.

If you are interested in this model click here to get it with FREE shipping and NO SALES tax for certain states and click here to buy from amazon if the other place is sold out.