Should you choose Janome 3160QDC or 4120QDC? Both are full-featured computerized sewing machines that offer superior and consistent performance. Janome 3160QDC vs 4120QDC are standing in the same price range, with the former being slightly more affordable than the latter. Below, you can read the comparison between the two models, as well as the recommendation about which one to choose.
What we will discuss in this article include:
– The dimensions and build quality of each sewing machine
– How many stitches that come in each sewing machine
– The feed system and special capabilities of each sewing machine
– The performance of Janome 3160QDC vs 4120QDC
– The compatible voltages that can work with these sewing machines
– Which computerized sewing machine that is better for the money
Size and Weight
Let’s start with the dimensions of these computerized sewing machines. They are not cheap, so it is fair to expect them to come with excellent build quality. Janome will not disappoint you in this regard. See also: Janome HD3000 vs Magnolia 7330.
If you put the two sewing machines side by side, you will see that they have very similar sizes. Each of them measures 8.4 inches tall, 6.9 inches deep, and 15 inches wide. This is pretty compact and space-friendly. Each of them has a work space area of 6.8 inches x 4.5 inches, which is good enough for most small projects. They also come with an optional extension table for larger projects.
There is just a small weight difference. Janome 3160QDC is slightly lighter at 12.6 lbs. Janome 4120QDC is a little bit heavier at 14.3 lbs. In general, both sewing machines are still considered pretty lightweight and easy to bring along. You can easily take these machines to your sewing class.
Both Janome 3160QDC and Janome 4120QDC have a very good build quality. They come with a metallic frame and tough hard plastic casing. The sturdy frame does a great job in stabilizing the unit during operation. The buttons and controls also feel solid and durable. Both sewing machines come with a hard cover to protect the unit when traveling or when in storage.
Built-in Stitches
When choosing a sewing machine, the number of built-in stitches is one of those factors that you always check right away. This is also a difference of Janome 3160QDC vs 4120QDC. If you work on a wide range of different projects, you need a vast range of stitch options so that you can use the most suitable stitch for every purpose and situation.
Janome 3160QDC is not bad at all with 60 built-in stitches. All of the basics are covered. There are also several varieties of stretch stitches and decorative stitches. In addition, 6 one-step buttonholes are included as well, so you have some options to choose from when making buttonholes on your projects.
Obviously, you can already become flexible and versatile enough to handle many different projects with Janome 3160QDC. However, this model does not have the ability to make stitch combinations. Also, this model lacks a twin needle guard, so we don’t recommend using a twin needle with this sewing machine. On the other hand, Janome 4120QDC is even better, as it offers a huge stitch collection which is twice larger, the ability to combine stitches, and a twin needle guard.
Janome 4120QDC comes with 120 built-in stitches. There are many varieties of the basic stitches, stretch stitches, and decorative stitches. There are also 7 one-step buttonholes. So, you can use many different types of stitches on different projects and be as creative as you want.
There is a twin needle guard which will allow you to use a twin needle for making decorative stitches and hems safely. One of the distinctive features of this model is its ability to combine stitches and save the presets. The sewing machine can save up to 50 stitch combinations.
Feed System
The next difference between Janome 3160QDC vs 4120QDC is the feed system. At first, the difference is not apparent. However, if you check their specifications, you will see that they use different feed systems. This arouses a question about which one that is actually easier and more reliable to use.
Janome 3160QDC is already equipped with the Superior Feed System Plus (SFS+). It actually still uses 7-piece feed teeth. However, it rotates in a box feed system instead of an elliptical rotation, so that the feed teeth can come up and drop together at the same time. It ensures that the feed is controlled in a consistent manner. There is also a foot pressure dial which enables you to adjust how hard the presser foot pushes onto the feed teeth.
Janome 4120QDC is still using the basic 7-piece feed teeth. This is sometimes called the Superior Feed System (SFS). It works in an elliptical rotation. However, it already has the pressure foot adjustment mechanism, so you can increase or decrease the pressure as needed according to the materials.
Other Features and Accessories
Janome 3160QDC and Janome 4120QDC come with several similar features. They both have manual thread tensions control, stitch width adjustment, and stitch length adjustment. Both machines have a maximum stitch width of 7mm and a maximum stitch length of 5mm.
Both models come with an automatic needle threader. This is definitely very useful for all users. It can save you from straining your eyes too much. Both models have a top-loading full rotary hook bobbin with the Auto-DeClutch bobbin winding. The Auto-DeClutch feature will automatically stop the needle when you are winding the thread, hence ensuring your safety.
Both models are compatible with snap-on presser feet. They come with several feet and accessories. However, Janome 3160QDC includes fewer items than Janome 4120QDC.
Janome 3160QDC includes:
– Buttonhole foot
– Sliding buttonhole foot
– Blind hem foot
– Overedge foot
– Satin stitch foot F
– Satin stitch foot open toe
– Special bobbin
– Quilting attachment kit
– Extension table
Janome 4120QDC includes:
– Buttonhole foot
– Sliding buttonhole foot
– Blind hem foot
– Overedge foot
– Satin stitch foot F
– Zipper foot
– Zigzag foot
– Special bobbin
– Needle set
– Seam ripper
– Extension table
Each model here is backed by a 25-year limited warranty. This warranty will cover any defect in the materials and craftsmanship. However, you need to register your product on the official website in order to be eligible for the warranty.
Performance
In terms of performance, both Janome 3160QDC vs 4120QDC are impressive. They both are capable of delivering excellent stitch quality consistently. They both can make various types of stitches flawlessly.
Janome 3160QDC can easily make straight chain stitches with great qualities. They look fine and sturdy, pretty much a reminiscent of vintage sewing machines’ beautiful stitches. The stitch definition is very good, even when making dense decorative stitches. The stitch lock and thread cut button will make your workflow quicker and more efficient.
This sewing machine also works very quietly. It won’t disturb the entire neighborhood when working. Despite the somewhat lightweight body, Janome 3160QDC still has good stability and steadiness to ensure a consistent stitch quality.
Janome 4120QDC is just as impressive, if not better. With this sewing machine, you can program stitch combinations to make custom sequences or monograms. There is also the mirror image feature which is really handy for making symmetrical patterns. The thread cutter will cut the thread right at where you stop sewing. You will need some time to learn and understand the operation, but it is actually quite easy and simple once you get the hold of it.
Just like its sibling, Janome 4120QDC also works very quietly. And it is really fast. It consistently delivers excellent stitch quality, with very good definition and durability. The stitches are always flawless, without any miss or gap.
Power Requirement
Unlike the mechanical counterparts, computerized sewing machines need electricity in order to operate. Note that Janome 3160QDC and Janome 4120QDC have some differences in their power requirements. This is very important to remember if you are planning to bring your sewing machine to a different country which uses a different voltage.
Janome 3160QDC supports dual voltage 80V – 240V. It can be used in the United States just fine, as the standard household voltage here is 110V. However, you can also use it in places that use 220V or 240V. So, you should be able to use this sewing machine in most countries in the world.
Janome 4120QDC, on the other hand, only supports 110V, which is the standard US household voltage. You should not use this sewing machine with 220V or 240V power. It will damage the electronics. If you really need to use this sewing machine with a different voltage, you can use a voltage converter.
Janome 3160QDC vs 4120QDC
Conclusion
Between the two, Janome 4120QDC is generally better and more recommended. It comes with more advanced features and capabilities. Besides having more stitches and buttonholes, it also has the ability to combine stitches to make custom patterns. It also comes with more feet and accessories.
