I recently saw a post from someone who has a Janome 1600P and was recommended Janome purple top needles. And she said it completely eliminated her thread shredding. Since I have a Janome 1600P and problem with shredding while I have my machine on a frame, I immediately looked up these needles. Found they are specially made for the Janome models and they are ball point. Haven't tried them myself yet, but sure will next time I set up my frame.