Hi All-

I am in the researching stages of looking for an embroidery machine. I really no NOTHING about embroidery machines, so this is all new to me! I really don't need the machine to sew, as I like what I already have. Any suggestions out there, or places I can go too to research this?

I am looking mainly for a machine that will do lettering in a variety of sizes..not so much fancy designs. However, I do think it would be cool if I can do larger things, not necessarily the size of a jacket back, but large.

And, also please share what you like about your machines! Thanks!

If you can afford it, get the Brother PR## or Babylock Bmp (same machine). They have 6 needles (less thread changes) and they ONLY do embroidery, so they are actually easier to use than the table top kind. I love mine.

My Janome 11000SE does beautiful lettering and it is very easy to do.

My Pfaff CV is a dream!!

First thing is what is your budget ? How big of designs are you thinking ? The bigger the design, the more they can run

I started Machine Embroidery with a Brother 8500. I believe it had a 5x7" max hoop size, and I loved it.
I sold my "piecing machine" when I moved but kept the Brother.
Then when I finally got settled again I bought the Brother Duetta...OMG...what a wonderful machine.
I find the 5x7 or 6x10" field is plenty for me.
I then ran across a very good steal on a Pfaff CV 5.5...large hoop, great machine.
But, you know what? I personaly like the look of the Brother Embroidery better than the Pfaff and the Brother has done some really dense designs and lots of stitches and I really, really love it. If I could, I would buy the Quattro and never have to buy another machine.
Just my two stitches....
Hope this helps.
Kirsten

I have a brother 2500, and love love love it! I started out with a PE700II but had a lot of problems with it and traded it in for the 2500. Whatever your choice, just be sure to get one that you can use a flash drive so you can transfer yours designs without having to hook up to your computer via usb cord. Of course if you happen to have a laptop, that probably wouldn't be much of an issue. My Brother is very user friendly and does fantastic embroidery.

I have two Brother machines, the ULT 2003 and the Innovis 4000D. I have found Brother to be the most user friendly machines I have ever worked with. Of the utmost importance I feel when you're looking for an embroidery machine is the dealer. Make sure you buy from a dealer who will give you some lessons and explain your machine to you and one that will service your machine. The dealer is really more important than the brand.

i have a janome 350E and it's certainly a work horse.

I have a Bernina. The embroidery stitches are perfect.
Wouldn't buy anything else.