Head to head
Brother PQ1500SL vs Janome 1600P-QC: harp space, speed & who should buy which
The value pick versus the speed pick in high-speed straight stitch. Both are 'nearly 9-inch' machines by marketing — here are the actual published numbers.
| Spec | Brother PQ1500SL | Janome 1600P-QC |
|---|---|---|
| Harp space (claimed W × H) | 8.6″ × 5.7″ | 8.8″ × 5.5″ |
| Max speed | 1,500 SPM | 1,600 SPM |
| Dual feed / walking foot | Walking foot incl. | check kit |
| Extension table included | Yes | No |
| Stitches | Straight stitch only | Straight stitch only |
| Type | High-speed straight stitch | High-speed straight stitch |
| Price band (street, approx.) | $500–1,000 | $1,000–2,500 |
Figures are manufacturer/retailer claims — source links on each machine's page. “n/p” = not published by the manufacturer.
Verdict
Harp: Brother officially publishes 8.6″ × 5.7″; Janome officially publishes 8.8″ × 5.5″. The 0.2″ differences cancel out — treat them as the same space.
The Brother typically sells for meaningfully less and includes the extension table and a 7-foot kit with a walking foot. The Janome runs 1,600 SPM to the Brother's 1,500 and has the stronger reputation as a frame head, but its extension table costs extra.
Per dollar of what is in the box, the PQ1500SL usually wins. Choose the 1600P-QC when a future frame mount or the Janome dealer network matters to you.
Pick the Brother PQ1500SL if…
- You want the most complete kit for the least money
- Pin feed for shifty fabrics appeals to you
- You quilt on the machine, not a frame
Pick the Janome 1600P-QC if…
- A hoop-style frame is in your plans
- You prefer Janome's dealer/service network
- You want the 1,600 SPM ceiling
FAQ
Is the Janome 1600P-QC's harp bigger than the Brother PQ1500SL's?
Marginally wider, marginally shorter: 8.8″ × 5.5″ (Janome) vs 8.6″ × 5.7″ (Brother), both manufacturer-published. No quilt you can manage on one will be impossible on the other.
Which machine includes more accessories?
The Brother PQ1500SL — extension table and a 7-foot kit including a walking foot are standard. The Janome's extension table is an optional extra per Janome's own page.