I would like to buy an embroidery machine to embroidery small things like roses and initials. I already have many different sewing machines (featherweights, Singer treadle, Singer handcrank, Singer 301, serger, and my New Home) so I'm not looking to spend an arm and a leg for something that I may not use that much.

Do you have any recommendations for an inexpensive but good embroidery machine.
(Is there really such a thing as inexpensive and good in the same sentence?)

Thanks for the help.
:)

I bought a Singer Futura CE250 2 years ago online. It was $550 including shipping, 3 software programs. It does fine on the basics, I have a 4X4 and 4X6 hoop. I am pretty happy with it but there are a number of bells and whistles that I wish it had. It is a great starter machine, but I kind of wished I would have waited and saved to get a used/reconditioned machine from a local dealer. Buying online you do not get any classes and these singer's do not have a very good manual for the embroidery module. I also thought that I would only want to do a few things with it, but once I started doing projects with it, it is like anything else, you want to be able to do more with it :wink:

Like I tell anyone looking to buy a machine, no matter if is embroidery or for quilting or whatever. Go and test drive a bunch, as many as you can, make sure that they are user friendly to you, Brother generally has the thread cutter, another might have the designs you are more likely to use, Another might have the bobbin in a place that is easy for you. They are all different and all have their own perks. And if you find one that is out of your price range, maybe you can find a good used one. I am addicted to machine embroidery and use my machines a lot.

My DH bought me an embroidery sewing
machine, for my birthday, in May. I just love
it & it's perfect for the occasional added touch.
We paid $379 for it at Walmart. I have no regrets
buying it. It is a Brother & sews like a dream.
I hope this helps you decide.
:D :D :D :D :D

I second cute buns. Try out everything you can get your hands on, then look for a machine from perhaps someone who wants to upgrade. I am very fortunate, as I have a bells and whistles Bernina, and can see how frustrated my friend is, who has the Bernina one down from mine, but didn't buy the embroidery module to go with hers.

The used Bernina that I bought did not work properly.. so getting my money back.. already talked to seller and she understands.. I saw a Brother PE770 advertised on HSN.. anyone know about it??

I have the Brother PE770 and I really like it a lot. It has a number of built-in designs and a few fonts. It has memory 'pockets' that you can save the design and then do a lot of them on different sewing times without having to set it all up again.
It has a USB port to connect to a computer. You can download designs and save them to your computer and the PE770 can then retrieve and stitch out (as long as it is in .pes format).
It is a Great machine for the price. Sure I would like to have the humungus hoop and do grand designs, but I know my limits!!! There is not enough time in any day...week...month or year to do everything I want to do...so this machine is just perfect for me!!!
Good luck with your search!

I have the Brother PE 7550 D and love it. It's the only one I know anything about. It came with a cord, can plug it into the computer and down load patterns that way. Very simple and easy to learn how to use. It comes with a 5" X 7" frame.

Ninnie and Susan... well I ordered the Brother PE770.. will be needing suggestions of doing squares to put together in a quilt for neices.. and such... now looking for cheapest good thread!!

I'm also looking to buy an embroidery only machine and have been considering the Brother PE 770, but I'm not sure I'm ready to drop $800 on an embroidery machine. My main reason is that I like the option of being able to plug it directly into my computer and use downloaded designs. Are there any other machines out there that have this capability? How difficult is it to just buy blank cards and save designs onto those? It may be more cost effective for me to buy a less expensive machine and the software/hardware to make my own cards.
My concern with earlier Brother machines is it seems that the non-Disney versions won't accept Disney cards - does this mean I won't be able to create any Disney designs? I don't like that limitation. Also, will they only take Brother cards, or will I be able to make my own?
Thanks for any clarification you all can provide!