Janome Sewist 740dc Computerized Sewing Machine with Backlit LCD Screen

Every time I use this machine, something about it impresses me. It's simple, it's sturdy, and it's wonderfully precise. If you're old enough to remember when you could expect your entry-level tools or appliances or whatever to last at least a few years, you'll really appreciate this machine. So, super high marks for quality and utility. Also, we're kinda old now, huh? What really makes this a standout purchase to me, though, are lots of little things: There's a removable spool pin that you can set into a slot on top of the machine. You can wind a bobbin without unthreading the machine, then just pop it off and drop it in the accessory tray so it's out of your way. The little accessory tray flips out, has a little ruler on its front, and has a wee shelf where I keep a couple empty bobbins so I don't have to dig for them. If I leave them on my table, I'm liable to miss them as they're clear. The free-arm is only as wide as the needle plate; when you pull the accessory tray off, it removes the platform from both in front of AND behind it. You can actually get a human-scale sleeve cuff around it! This is a big deal to me, as only the front comes off for most machines' free-arm, and you can't get anything smaller than Godzilla's pant leg over it. And that's just what I've noticed so far! I honestly feel like I should send Janome a thank you note or something. Think about it: when was the last time you bought something that didn't have 75 "features" you'll never use and didn't want in the first place, but actually did the 5 or 6 things you bought it to do reliably and perfectly -every- time? How about the last time you bought an entry-level anything that didn't feel cheap and flimsy? Or break on day 3? I couldn't honestly remember. I don't know how or why, but this company appears to have missed the everything-is-disposable-now thing. Somebody very obviously cared about this machine's design and performance, and I couldn't be happier with the result.

LOVE this machine. It is perfect to take to sewing retreats or for travel, just the right size. Runs well light weight, not noisy, well made, easy to thread and love all the extra stitches. I've never been disappointed with a Janome machine.

Excellent machine. Just like new. Great features and works very well.

I LOVE my Janome Sewist! I bought about a year ago and have sewn without issue ever since. I chose it because I don't like electronic interface machines and this is mechanical. It has simple offerings, but has all the stitch types I need. I use it to make all types of clothing and household items, excluding jeans or suede, which I have not tried, because I suspect they would be too thick. It preforms marvelously with all types of cotton, polyester, and even 100% silk satin (no catching or slippage!). The foot and needle are easy to change and it's very easy to thread. It's not terribly heavy or large. I have yet to encounter any tension issues, which were common with my past machines. Highly recommend!

Had purchased another major brand that starts with an S that had all the bells and whistles but it was a total piece of junk. Nothing but problems from day one. It was returned (not from Amazon). This machine doesn’t have as many stitches or do embroidery and was about 2x the price as the previous one. I have had not one problem with it so far. Stitches are nice. Does not sound clunky and cheap like the other machine during use. Does a nice overlock stitch. Will most likely upgrade to a higher end model of this brand in the future.

I'm a total beginner, didn't even know how sewing machines work at all. But although this machine may not have all blows and whistles, it has everything that a beginner like me will need - basic stitches, foots, needles, thread bobbins, etc. The instructions are very clear and will teach you how to prepare and use this machine which I appreciate. It gets through more than 3 layers of canvas easily, vinyl was also not a problem for this machine. I plan to do some car upholstery using it so will update you all with my thoughts on that matter. What made me buy this machine is the fact that it made in Taiwan and that parts are not plastic, initially I was looking at some cheaper "heavy-duty" Singer machines that end up in a trash due to the fact that they're crappy and plastic on the inside, and only heavy and rigid-looking on the outside. This Janome is pretty heavy so keep that in mind if you plan carrying it around. Cons I've noticed so far: - Light is pretty dim, I need an extra lamp while working with it - Foot pedal is hard to get used to - I'm driving manual and thought it will be easier. Also it feels like it needs me to depress more sometimes to start sewing and then ease the pedal right away so it won't sew too fast - I don't know if it's normal or not - I didn't find any notes on maintenance in the instructions, other than removing lint and dust. It probably needs oil, right??

Exactly what I was looking for

So far it works fine. This is the same Brand as the one I’m replacing and I’ve had the old one for many years. I expect this one will do the same.

Simple to operate with some fabulous features. I love that it cuts the thread after sewing, which is most helpful with my quilting. I was also impressed that it writes, love & sweet, a great addition. The push button operation opposed to a foot peddle is brilliant. I have an older version of this model but the extra stitches and the thread cutter have made this purchase worth while.