Anyone have thoughts on best beginner embroidery machines? I think I would like to try. But I would like to start inexpensively.

I only buy Husqvarnia Viking...I cked yesterday because I have a cheap one I bought 8 yrs ago for 800.00 and need an upgrade...yes that was the cheapest they offered...Now the cheapest is 1600.00

WOW! But I have heard they are great machines. Maybe I should try to get a good used one to play with until I see if I like it...........

I bought a used Brother PE180 off of ebay (from Canada), It worked great, I had no lessons, but it only stitches 4x4. I used it for a few years then, I sold it to my sister who has embroidered lots and lots on it. I purchased a new Brother which stitches 5x7 with a USB to add designs, I love it... Easy to use, I am not a professional, just use it to embroider a name on quilts or burp rags.

I have heard that Babylock machines are very user friendly. If I was buying another home embroidery machine I would look into one. I bought a Bernina six years ago and the classes that came with the machine were not very helpful. I told the owner of the shop that I felt the "guide classes" were more of a marketing ploy to get me to buy extra feet, designs and software for the machine, which of course, I did. I learned how to embroider using the book that came with the machine and lots of patience. This is something new so don't feel stupid if you don't get it at first. You didn't know what to do with a sewing machine the first time you used one. I wish I had bought a used one to start with also. I was afraid to buy online and wanted the "service with the sale". My dealer turned out to be a jerk who treats his customers like crap. Ask around your area and when you find a good dealer, try the machine out and make them tell you why you should spend the money on it. Don't be shy, this is alot of money to most people and you want to be informed about the machine you buy.

I am now about to buy a used industrial machine and I can't wait to get it! I will have no lessons, but I am confident that I can learn since I taught myself the first one. Good luck in your search, I would love to know what you end up buying.:)

I did the same with the Husq 800.00 machine...only did a 4x4 and within 4 mths I upgraded to the Husq SE combo embro/sewing machine which normally went for 7500 but I lucked out and got one from an "Open Stock" sale which was only used a few times in a show for 4500....So I really wasted 800 though I still use it but it's a dino compared to the SE which gets the most use because it does all diff sized embro's...So just make sure you don't do what I did...

I agree about researching the local dealers. I have a Bernina that I love. Unfortunately, my dealer closed about a year after I bought my machine. There was no follow-up from Bernina and I have not had any luck with emails or phone calls to them. A dealer, in my opinion, is essential. Good luck and happy sewing.

Thank you all so much for your help! I will let you know what I decide. Good info for me to consider!