Do you FMQ on Janome 1600P,6600or Pfaff Expression 3.0?
 

I would like to know the pros and cons of FMQ on any one of these machines. I have tried the Pfaff out and liked it but before I send that kind of money I want to be assured that I have the best machine for FMQ. I would be interested in just how picky are they about thread, 1/4 inch seaming, or anything else you might think of that would be good to know. Thanks for all your great in-put ahead of time.

i have a 1600 P for my long arm machine on a gracie frame. i just love it
if is threaded right it sews so nice. sorry i didnt look at any other machines.

I have the 6600P. It took us a short while to get used to each other, but once we did all is well.

I love the accufeed food and use it a lot, even for piecing. I have a 1/4 accufeed foot as well as the regular. I do have to adjust my needle position for a proper finished 1/4" seam though. I purchased it as a companion to my Husky 535 so I could keep it set up for piecing and use the Janome strictly for FMQ (I wanted the larger harp). I like the accufeed so much that when I'm piecing ... I still use it. I'm neglecting my Husky!!

In the beginning I had more than usual thread breakage. As I said, this has all but stopped. I will still have some issues at times with a lesser quality thread. Neither my machine or I like Connecting Threads brand "Essential". My machine would at times break only 1 ply of the thread leaving the remainder of that ply to bunch up somewhere in the machine (usually the tension discs!), and I also found the thread incredibly "messy" - fuzz EVERYWHERE after only a 1/2 or so of usage. As a result I use mostly higher quality threads (Aurifil, Superior, Gutterman).

I am a frequent cleaner of machines. At least every bobbin change. Because I'm taking the darn thing apart so often, I wish the face plate was easier to remove. The screw at the back is little hard to get to and I have very tiny hands. This is a minor *complaint*.

I love FMQ on this machine and have even started thread painting on it with great results.

There is not much I don't like about this machine.

I have the Janome equivalent of the 6600 under Elna label (7300). I rarely break a thread but I use top-stitch needle for FM and did buy the "blue bobbin case" to use when doing FM. I read on another board that users of both machines like the blue bobbin case. I have extremely good control and feel the Elna FM's beautifully. I also owned a Juki 98e which is similar to the 1600 and had good luck with that one, too. But, for a machine that takes up so much space and really "should" be in a table or desk, I opted to go with one that had more versatility so I sold the Juki. No regrets. I do read/hear often that machines w/ vertical bobbin are better for FM than top-loads. That's probably true statement but I have no issues using the Elna for FM and the needle/bobbin case eliminated all eye-lashes from the back of the quilt. I also discovered that using start/stop with speed set at medium helped me keep very consistent stitches during FM however I mostly meander so I don't know if this would work in following a pattern/design. I personally do not like the accufeed foot for piecing. I feel it is too bulky and does not provide a crisp edge for me to follow so I bought the clear-view 1/4" foot and do not use the rudders (guides) that it comes with. For 1/4" piecing, I think the 1600p would be best. The 3.0 is such a nice machine with added benefit of the free-arm. It also has a more appealing stitch package and I love the "antique" quilt stitches on those models. If i were convinced all the bugs were permanently out of that line, I would sell my Elna and buy it. At the same time, I feel the Janome/Elna is a sturdier machine overall and will out-last the Pfaffs in terms of longevity and frequence of repair as they have a strong, proven track-record. I keep it because it is a work-horse and we get it done together and I'm not sure I'd feel the same about the Pfaff but i do LIKE its features best.

Hi, I have the Janome 6600 (now over 4 years old) and love it for EVERYTHING..... I have never had a problem with threads, and I do buy and use a lot of thread from Connecting Threads. Have never had a problem with it breaking, but it does produce lint, which is not a problem with me, as I clean my bobbin area every other bobbin use anyway. Love the accufeed, is just wonderful for attaching bindings and quilting, and it is very nice for use of bulky materials. For fmq, it is great, the extra throat space is nice to have. I too use the blue bobbin for fmg and is does make a difference, more even stitch tension. What amazes me is how easy this machine is to use, love all the stitches. The two features that I think ALL machines should have are: the push of a button to cut the threads, and the independent bobbin winder. So after saying all this did I add I just love my 6600 and out of my four Janomes, it is my favorite.......