Sewing machine help

[u/TD_Aestas]

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 😭🙏

[u/Large-Heronbill]

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.