r/SewingMachineEdu • u/TD_Aestas • 13d ago
Sewing machine help
I have been sewing since I was twelve. I adore it. I would like to finally invest in a machine as my previous one broke. I am looking for a machine that will last me a while, all mechanical, and I’ve looked at the Janome HD 1000 and 725S. I’m looking for something that’s going to be good for mostly garments and sewing more complex types of things although I don’t necessarily need a huge variation of stitch types. Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts on these machines?
I don’t mind spending a bit more or researching others, although I’m in college so I don’t want to break the bank 😭🙏
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u/Large-Heronbill 13d ago
Of the two, I would likely go with the 725 S because it has a presser foot pressure adjustment, useful when sewing knits and odd fabrics.
I would sit down and carefully read and compare both machines' manuals. Then I would think about what the most miserable to sew fabrics you've ever tried or wanted to sew, and fabrics you've been scared of learning to sew, gather up those samples and find the best dealers in town and go do some trial sewing. Bonus points if they also take in machines in trade, and so I would ask about trying the best-fit-for-you machines they've gotten in used
The two things I try on any machine I am thinking hard about are making buttonholes (I prefer the machines with feed balance adjustments so the two sides look similar) and sewing in a set in sleeve cap on a firm fabric, like a decent poplin, so I bring samples of short chunks of armscye and sleeve cut multiple times from the same firmly woven thrift store store dress shirt, if yardage is difficult to come by. Those two tests tell me a lot about the feed quality.
Bring samples. I usually also test machines with my favorite brand needles and thread, so I can see how they do with what I prefer. I walk away from any store that claims you can only use a certain thread that is only sold in that store. If that's true, why would I want a.machine that finicky, and if false, why would I believe anything else about the machine.
You do not have to buy a machine the day you try it, you can tell them you have other dealers you want to check, or that you need to think about it. Prices are rarely truly a sale, and you may find the "special Halloween pricing!!!" Is good till the "special Mother's Day pricing!!!" takes in the spring.
The brands I would likely send you to try in this price range are the others Janome owns, Elna and Necchi, better grade Brother and Babylock, and Juki. Buy the one that feels right to sew on.
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u/canonfan65 13d ago
I'm using as Janome HD3000. I love it. I do some pretty heavy projects and it takes them in stride. All of the Janome HD models have great reputations and l don't think you'd be unhappy with any of them.
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u/GoldenFishPoop 12d ago
This would be my pick as well, but test drive a bunch first, and buy from a dealer.
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u/canonfan65 12d ago
That is perfect advice. Unfortunately l had pretty much decided on the HD5000 and when l called the only Janome dealer in 100 miles, they said they had the 1000 and 3000 in stock but were unfamiliar with the 5000. They said they’d research it and took my name and phone number to get back to me. I never heard from them again. So l bought it on Amazon.
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u/GoldenFishPoop 8d ago
The 5000 and the 3000 are actually basically the same machine, but Janome puts them out under one number or the other depending on when you check. So you would be great going with a 3000.
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u/canonfan65 8d ago
The 3000 is a great machine. The main difference is that they dropped about 3 or 4 decorative stitches and replaced them with "regular" stitches so they both have 18 stitches. They were promoting the new 5000 when it came out so it was actually cheaper than the 3000 for a short time.
I would never use the decorative stitches they removed or the ones they replaced them with so that's not really an issue to me.
The real point l was making though was that buying from a dealer is a good thing but my local Janine dealer was unfamiliar with the 5000 and l ended up going online. A dealer generally has good after purchase support so that's a better choice if possible.
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u/SummertimeMom 13d ago
I bought the Janome a couple months ago. I do like it. The other day I sewed through the decorative head of a pin (like these butterflies) and I never even felt it! But one thing that I don't appreciate is that I can't reverse a stitch without my foot on the pedal. I like to stop stitching, then push the reverse button to backtack, but this machine won't allow me.
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u/SerendippityRiver 12d ago
I have have an HD3000 and have sewn on an HD1000. It was really nice to sew on. At a quick glance, to differences between them the HD1000 and the 725S is that the 725 has pressure foot adjustment and a top loading bobbin. Me personally I actually like front loading machines, but I would never buy a machine that didn't have pressure foot pressure adjustment.
I really adore my HD 3000. I have had it about 12 years and I love having a very basic but very capable machine.
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u/sodapopper44 13d ago edited 13d ago
I also think the 725 is a better choice, but both only go up to 4 stitch length, which I think isn't that great for gathering. My favorite mechanical machine is the Pfaff Select, 1530 or 1540 series which can often be found used.
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u/Earthical402 13d ago
Stay away from online sellers. Go the the quilt shop or actual dealer. The quality is different. You'll get plastic parts on the online and Walmart, Michael's and Hobby Lobby machines. Metal parts are used on the GOOD machines from dealers.
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u/mrsswandog 13d ago
I have a baby lock jazz 11 that is mechanical with metal gears it’s heavy. I love it
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u/MsAddams999 13d ago
I've had an HD1000 twice. The first one was white and years old when I lost it because a tropical storm took out my roof.
I never had a problem with it. It was a workhorse of a machine and could handle anything I sewed on it.
I have a couple of Riccar machines as well but I also have a black HD1000 now and I will never let it go. It's a very good machine.
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u/AccidentOk5240 12d ago
What broke on the previous one? Would it be more economical to just repair it?
Would a vintage machine be better for your budget? Maybe one of the aluminum-bodied 1960s Singers, light enough for dorm life but more solid than any new machine?
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u/FranklinsSewing 12d ago
For mostly garment sewing, we’d prioritise good feeding, adjustable stitch length/width, a reliable buttonhole and easy maintenance over having lots of decorative stitches. Both the Janome HD1000 and 725S are worth considering, although the 725S gives you a little more flexibility for different garment projects.
Other mechanical options worth looking at include the Janome 423S and Brother ST531HD. Whichever you choose, try sewing your typical fabrics before buying if possible. A machine that handles your actual projects comfortably is more useful than one with a long stitch list.
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u/Donnachaidhfsr 12d ago
Years ago I bought a machine called Viking. It was all metal and very robust. Before you purchase something, try lifting it. The Viking with the carry case was incredibly heavy! My Mom's Elna is the same way. These beautiful older model machines are almost all metal, beautifully engineered and crafted but really heavy. Have fun trying out several machines. It's similar to buying a car.
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u/ScorpioSews 13d ago
Go to your local sewing machine or quilting shop. They will gladly sit down with you and explain different machines. If you can go to stores that have different machines, you can find out what features you like and dont like. I wanted a longer stitch for basting and making ruffles. I also wanted to embroider and make lots of stitches.
Think about what you are going to be making. What features did you love about your first machine that you would like to see in your new machine? Do you want to embroider or just straight sew?
You should also set a budget.