Has anyone had problems making a Rope Bowl with a Janome 3160?
 

I am planning on going to a class/workshop making fabric bowls for my quilt guild. This morning someone mentioned that the 3160 is not strong enough to go through the rope. I wonder if maybe it had to do with the type of clothesline used (cotton vs. poly blend) or if it's just the machine.

Thanks in advance!

I have not tried it, but I would say the rope would be too heavy for that machine.

I have seen a lot of drop-in bobbin machines jam on heavy fabrics. You could get yourself an old front-loading Kenmore from the thrift store for less than $20, that you could do those bowls on.

I used a 'poly/poly-blends' 1/4 inch rope to make a bag that was the same principle you are talking about. I sewed it on my BERNINA 1130 or B530 and had no problems at all. I used a wide zig-zag stitch. There are two methods for covering the clothes line that I know of. One is to wrap one inch wide strips around the cord; the second is to use 2 1/2 strips and encase the cord. In this case, I folded the edges into the center of the strip-think double fold commercial bias tape. Then I encased the rope, overlapping the edges and stitched down the center. It was fun to do. It used lots and lots of thread.

I so enjoy making rope coiled baskets, trivets. So much fun. I usually use striped fabric because I like the swirled finished look it gives.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]587820[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]587821[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]587823[/ATTACH]
I had to find a 100% cotton cord that would go under my pressure foot. I have a 'Quilters Delight Janome' sewing machine. So I ordered Wrights 8/32" cording. I use a 90/14 needle. I have made so many items that I ordered 50 yards of cord at once. I cut 3/4" strips and wrap diagonally around the cord. (I use Crafty Gemini YouTube video. She taught me well.) Have a blessed day!

Quilter1147 - those are gorgeous in a striped fabric!

I would try a small coaster at home. I wouldn't believe everything you hear because I saw reviews of my Walmart brother that it couldn't go through thick layers and I have never had any problems with thick layers. The only way you will know is if you try it out on a small project

Beautiful work! Thanks for the suggestion-I’ll get cord and give it a try.

I have an older Janome Harmony that was made for Sears over 20 years ago. I've made rope bowl on it and it worked great. But I will say that cotton clothes line (rope) works better with it.