This week you will make a stitch sample for each stitch below on the Janome 3160QDC-G. Use two layers of cotton scrap, about 6" x 6". Write the stitch name and its settings (stitch number, length, width, foot) on masking tape beside each sample, then keep your samples in your project folder.

Stitch Controls

Read the Screen

Find the stitch chart inside the lid – every stitch has a number.
Use the stitch selection buttons to pick the number; the screen shows the stitch number, the length and the width.
Stitch LENGTH (– / +): how long each stitch is, from 0 to 5 mm. Short = strong and tight; long = loose and easy to remove.
Stitch WIDTH (– / +): how wide a zigzag is, up to 7 mm. On a straight stitch, width moves the needle left or right.
When you choose a new stitch, the length and width go back to the machine's default.
The screen also shows which presser foot to use.

Regular Stitch

Straight Seam

The stitch you use for most seams.

Select the straight stitch (centre needle).
Length: 2.5. Width: leave at the default (centre).
Foot: zigzag foot A.
Line up the fabric edge with the 5/8" mark on the needle plate.
Backstitch at the start, sew to the end, backstitch again.
Sample: sew 3 straight lines, 1/2" apart.

Reinforcement Stitch

Make It Strong

Use it where a seam gets pulled or carries weight: straps, pocket corners, crotch seams.

Option 1 – triple straight stitch: select the triple (stretch) straight stitch from the chart. The machine sews forward, back, forward for each stitch.
Option 2 – double row: sew a regular seam, then a second row 1/8" inside it.
Option 3 – box with an X: for straps, sew a square and then an X inside it.
Sample: one line of triple stitch and one box with an X.

Basting Stitch

Temporary Stitches

A long, loose stitch that holds fabric in place for now and is easy to take out.

Select the straight stitch and set the length to 5.0 (the longest).
Use a contrasting thread colour so it is easy to see.
Do NOT backstitch. Leave 4" thread tails at both ends.
To remove it, pull the bobbin thread. To gather, pull the bobbin thread gently and slide the fabric.
Sample: one line of basting, then gather half of it.

Lock Stitch and Reverse

Secure Every Seam

Every seam needs to be locked so it doesn't come apart.

Reverse (backstitch): sew 3-4 stitches forward, hold the reverse button and sew 3-4 stitches back, release and sew forward. Do the same at the end.
Lock stitch: press the locking stitch button – the machine sews a few tiny stitches in place and stops. Use it for topstitching and decorative stitches where reverse would look messy.
Sample: one seam locked with reverse, one with the lock stitch button. Compare the backs.

Changing the Foot

Snap-On Feet

Raise the needle and the presser foot lever, then turn the power OFF.
Press the black button at the back of the foot holder – the foot drops off.
Put the new foot under the holder so its pin lines up, then lower the lever – it snaps on.
Zigzag foot A: most stitches. Zipper foot E: zippers. Satin stitch foot F: decorative stitches. Buttonhole foot R: buttonholes.
Always use the foot the screen shows.

Stitch Sample Check

Before You Hand In

Regular stitch sample.
Reinforcement stitch sample.
Basting stitch sample (with gathers).
Reverse and lock stitch samples.
Each sample is labeled: stitch name, number, length, width, foot.
Threads are trimmed and samples are pressed.