embroidery machine
 

Been thinking of buying an embroidery machine that is inexpensive. I have a good sewing machine. Don't know how much I would use it. How many of you have one and what would be a good one to buy? Thanks in advance for all the input.

If you are just beginning I would suggest:
- you set your budget
- look at all models available
- definitely get one with a USB port for downloading designs from the 'net
- decide if you really 'need' the bigger hoops or not
- look at those that are gently used and given in trade for fancier machines

That way you will know if you will use it enough to justify a bigger purchase later. Many of my quilting friends are quite happy with their old machines because they do what they want them to.

I have Vikings and love them; just upgraded to their best Diamond Deluxe. My suggestion to you is to check out the dealers where you live. The machine is very important but so is the store you are dealing with. You'll want one where you can get classes and support. I vetoed on brand because the LQS here that sells them are some of the rudest people around; I wouldn't want to rely on them. My viking store is totally the opposite and I've never had a bad experience there and they are just nice people, great classes and lots of help. Our teacher is always listening to what we want to learn both with the software and the machine and incorporates that into our classes. They've even started classes in using the sewing part of the machine; not just the embroidery part. I love my machine and its very addicting. Good luck and happy hunting.

Just wanted to add; the hoop size is very important. If you only get a 4X4 hoop you'll be very limited and get bored really soon. My largest hoop is over 13 in; there is lots of options for my machine so look for not only what size hoop comes with it but if you can get any larger ones too.

I have a janome and love it and since they're coming out with a new embroidery machine march 1, maybe the others will go down in price.

Depends on your budget. I have a Viking which is extremely expensive even when it's on sale. Look into the Brothers, I have seen people in classes I have taken with Brothers who are very happy with them. Make sure whatever machine you get you can easily buy single embroidery designs for off the internet. It will save you a small fortune to be able to buy just one design instead of a whole package. You have already received some great ideas in previous posts, consider them all.

Kat

I have a Brother and highly recommend them! They have machines with a wide variety of options and prices. It's already been said tho, hoop size is important, and the USB port.

I'm a Brother lover too....I believe they have the lowest prices and have embroidery only machines.

I have the Viking Ruby. I love it. I had an old Singer embroidery machine (2005) I do not like that one.

Brotherlover here

Baby Lock here. Love my Ellageo Plus

I traded about 5 sewing machines i wasn't ever going to use and a little cash for my uses Janome 9500 a couple years ago. Got a great machine and more room at home for fabric! :D. Also got the same warranty as if it were new at my dealer.

I have a Brother Quattro and a Janome 350e but use the 350e the most.

I have the cheapest Brother embroidery machine. It was $300 and only has a 4 in area to embroider.
I use it for quilting only, not interested in designs on towels, clothes, etc.
6 in blocks work well. Ive made baby quilts with teddy bears and nursery rime red work designs and they are adorable.
Also found some designs that are just designs that are 4 in. squares in red work.
I used 9 patches for the alternate blocks and they work perfect.
My camera will not download to my computer anymore for some reason so cant post pictures.
Would love to have a machine with the big hoop to quilt a quilt with but cant afford it.

You will get as many opinions as there are folks on this board - lol - on this question. All the brands have good machines and not so great machines. I used to work for Viking. Had a Babylock that I just loved. Now have twoo Pfaffs.

Firstly. determine what it is that you want to embroider. This will dictate the size of the hoop you will need. Just remember - once you get going you will want to do more!! Here are some questions to consider

Set a budget.
When you look at a machine - how easy is it to set up?
How are the designs transferred to the machine (I would tell you to "run" from any machine that has a proprietary card if it does not come with software and hardware to write your wanted file on the card - many now use a USB interface)
What size hoops are there?
Are there lessons available locally? (even if you did not purchase it at a dealer often they will sell you lessons)
Is the user interface (the screen to run the machine) straight forward and intuitive?
If it is used - how many hours is on it (most machines internally keep track and that time can be accessed).
Play with it and look at the stitches top and bottom.

AND once you have it - have fun!!

Selling my Janome 350E
ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Janome-Memor...item4ac1feba23
Craigslist http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/art/3645105040.html

Viking Rose love...

In a few short months i will be the happy new owner of a tajima singlehead 12 needle c1201 mqchine. Thats twelve needles of color,99 colorchanges before i even need to look at it. Along with all the hoops triples and quads of them thread 50,000 designs, computer and all setups and printers, hat attachment, emb field of 28" x 36" ( or 34"). And a tune up and del. To my door for agrand total of $6,000.00. Look on ebay too becore you buy. Good luck to you. I used to be a prof embroider, caskets were my game. I loved it. Im not an emb snob, i just hate changing thread colors, and with this i have 12 colors and changing thread is as simple as knotting it and pulling it thru.