I also use 1.8 on my Janome. I think it makes my seams more secure.
Sue

I think that if the stitches are too short/small - that weakens the fabric. (Especially if one has to unsew!)

For piecing quilting type cottons, I also use the 2.5 setting - on the other machines, it's probably around 12 stitches per inch.

I would imagine that you go slightly bonkers when the instructions say "sew with a scant quarter inch seam" :rolleyes:

I like 1.8-2.0 for regular and 1.6 for pp or bargello

Thank you everyone who offered insight. I believe that 10-12 per inch is a reasonable compromise between strength and efficiency for me. Hadn't thought of the possibility of weakening the fabric with stitching too close. Don