99-Quilters

Does anyone have a 3160 QDC machine and what do you like or
dis-like about it.

I am new to using using it and wonder if you have a tips for me
about using it for free motion quilting.?

I would like to try free motion quilting...but am not to sure
of myself about setting it up for the best preformence.?

Would like tips and some input on what is the best set-up
needles and thread to use.

Thanks

SueSew

I bought one in Jan to replace my 1966 Elna. I love it! I do think that the higher end Janome's do better FMQ - I tried one at a trade show and I was FMQ'ing up a storm, fabric moved smoothly, machine didn't inhibit the motion. Got home, put on my darning foot, and jerked through some pretty ruffled feathers. Ugh!

I would talk with your dealer and ask for some one-on-one. That's my plan. I fully expect they'll tell me that 3160 is a nice 'portable' for taking to bee and to classes but the Memory Craft or the Horizon are the 'real' quilter's equipment.

I do think that when you drop the feed dogs you should reduce the presser foot pressure unless you have a two-spring foot where you can do this from the foot. In fact, even in piecing I now set it to 4 instead of 6 because it feeds more evenly.

Another thought - I was always having the needle come out because the one-spring darning foot bounces so much - I had to get a real screwdriver (not the dinky little thing that comes in the toolkit) and really crank the needle holder screw good and tight.

Good luck with your machine - I hope you like it as much as I like mine!

99-Quilters

Thank you for your suggestion...I really think that going to the dealer would be the best way to find out as much
as I should know about settting up my machine for FMQ. I love the needle up and down and it does feed the fabric
evenly and has lots to different stitch settings, which I love.
and you are so right about setting the pressure foot at 4 instead of 6 that works so much better.
I am learning slowly. I do have a singer for the heavier sewing that has a dial which I use to adjust my pressure
for sewing demin and heaver fabric's. I also use the Singer for doing my quilt binding, etc.
It really is a heavier duty machine...and I have used it for years so I am comfortable with it.
I just need to use my new Janome 3160 more and practice , practice...Thanks So much for responding so quickly.
It was snowing here in Wisc...(this a.m.) but melted this afternoon and snowy days are just the right weather for sewing , sewing and more sewing.
Happy sewing with your 3160 QDC !!!