Hello. I have a Brother SE-270D that I've finally decided my LOVE/HATE relationship I have with it has turned to hate.
I have had a lot of problems with the machine ever since I first got it for Christmas a few years ago. I am unable to embroider with it at all because it leaves large loops of thread on top but they are larger underneath. I have tried pretty much every trick in the book to fix it. I've tried different types (polyester, rayon, etc.) of thread, different brands, I've cleaned the thing countless times, re-threaded, changed the bobbin thread, changed the needles, etc. etc. etc.......So, after a few years of grief with this machine, I'm considering throwing it out in the yard and shooting it.
First, I would like to get a different machine, though.

I would like to know what embroidery machine(s) you have or have used and how that worked out for you. Details about the machine you like and don't like and all that stuff, please.

I do know I would like a 12" x 18" (or somewhere in that area) embroidery area.
I would like a machine I can hook straight to the computer or at least use a jump drive. I don't want to deal with the "cards" anymore.
I would love for the machine to have the abiltiy to embroider caps.
Cutting jump threads automatically would be a big plus.
I would like one that has multiple needles so I wouldn't have to do thread changes, but I priced one of those once for about $13,000. I don't see that happening. ;)
I really don't care if the machine sews or not. I have a sewing machine...
Thanks for any opinions or input on this subject. :D

I have Husqvarna Viking machines. I love my Diamond, which runs about $9000, maybe a little less. It has a huge embroidery area, computer hookup or memory stick. Check it out. I don't know about any other machines as I don't have any nearby dealers other than the Viking one. Viking has great online support also. You can get updates and upgrades via the internet no extra charge. They also have the new Ruby which is cheaper than the Diamond with most of the same features. You can check them out at www.husqvarnaviking.com. Good Luck in your search.

I just don't think you'll get many of those options without spending in the thousands, but if you do let me know! ;) I paid around 500 for my singer futura and love, but it's not a commercial machine, that sounds like what you want.
good luck

grann of 6, I have been looking at (drooling over) some of the Husqvarna machines.
IF I would spend that much on one, I would probably just go ahead and get a commercial machine
Thanks so much for your post!

Yeah, several thousand! It's something to *THINK* about...and dream about...but I'm considering all options at this point.
A commercial machine would be wonderful. I wouldn't mind a used machine, as long as I got it from a dealer or a very reliable person.
A small business opportunity....

In the end I will most likely end up with a Singer with a 5 x 7 embroidery area. But who knows!? This road is curvy right now. I just hope the road is short. My new sewing room is finished, and I'm mostly moved in....and I can't even get started.... :(

Have you looked into the possibility of getting a Babylock Enterprise? It does cost some money but it sounds like what you are looking for. Try http://www.babylock.com/embroidery/enterprise/

If you're set on multi needles, you need to be looking at commercial machines.

You can get a used 15 needle from SWF east and get a really nice start up package if you are going that route. I researched commercial but would up with a Babylock Ellisimo. You are entering a whole new ball game when you go to a multi needle machine!

Here is a link to the used multi needle machine page:

http://www.swfeast.com/en/preowned.asp

Butter Cream I have had 3 Brother emb maching I started with the lower end to start and I then went to a 8500D then to a 4000D. I have been happy with all my machine. If there is a way for you to try out the differnt machine in your area I would do that and see which one you like the best. I wanted the 4000D when i got the 8500D. But I was trying to save money. So 3 yr later I got the 4000D I held on to the 8500 and sometime will have both going at the same time or will sew on one while the other is running. Good luck on your quest

Check out the Babylock site. They have a 6 thread, computer, very easy to thread. This is what our LQS carries and I used them at a John Deere seminar. They also carry a 10 thread.

I have a Janome 11000 which meets most of your wishes/requirements I believe. I paid $5000 2 months ago and I think many places are selling them for $4000 now. It also is a regular sewing machine. I can't tell you all the stuff it does because I haven't learned it yet! :) I'm pretty sure you can buy the hoop to do baseball caps on it though.

I would say get the best one you can afford with the biggest hoop offered. I started out with the same machine you have now and 2-3 months later bought the Ellegante...3 months later I bought the Innovis 4000D, and then upgraded it to the 4500D.

In the meantime, while you're looking around, take your Brother to a reputable machine repair and have them check it out - sounds like your tension is WAY off. It might be fixable enough to use as a backup. Let us know what you do - I can relate to issues with machines....! I do like Vikings and Babylocks.

I have a Janome MB-4. It is a multi needle machine and I love it. It was around $6000 new but that included several add-ons. (digitizing software and snap on hoops).

I have 3 Brother machines, a sewing/embroidery, a sewing and a serger and I love them. I did have some problems like you are talking about and took it in to the dealer and it was out of time. Also, a lot of times they will take trade-ins, might check into that.

I am on my 4th Viking embroidery machine and loved them all. Everyone is different, however, so I would recommend you go to all the dealers in your area and try as many machines as you can. Buying through a dealer will give you the option for lessons on your machine and answers on any questions you may have in the future. Also ask the dealers about any used machines thay have. They usually offer a warranty.

That looks like a really nice machine.

Isn't Baby Lock related to Brother???

I'm not set 100% on a multi-needle machine, but I'm not opposed if I can find one cheap enough. lol

Thank you for the link. I will definately check it out.

THank you. I started out with a Brother sewing machine. My mom always had a Brother and has a newer Brother now. My luck hasn't been so good with the Brother machines the past few years. :( I'm glad you've had good luck with yours.

thanks. A John Deere seminar??

That sounds like a beautiful machine! ;) Thanks for the reply

Wow! That's a LOT of upgrades in a short amount of time!

Thanks for the reply. There is a machine repairman near, but he really doesn't work on computerized machines. Anywhere else I know of is about 1.5 hours away...I was considering having the machine serviced, but my husband said it wasn't worth it. lol. I may have to check the shop out that I have in mind and just see about a quote on fixing the SE-270D while I'm there checking out what they have. ;) I know for sure they carry Husqvarna.

That sounds like a nice machine. I will have to look into that. Thanks.

I have considered having mine repaired...but I've also thought about trading it in...I don't know what to do with it yet. It upsets me. I do love the way it sews. And it sews, it just doesn't embroider....I shouldn't brag!
I have an older mechanical Brother that I do believe is also out of time....

That is a great idea, but there are really not many dealers in my area. There is one that I know of, and it's 1.5 hours away. I plan to go there sometime soon.

I'd LOVE to go to an expo or show....now that would be FUN!

I have the Singer Futura 150 and I just love it! It is a great machine for embrodiery and sewing. Mine was about 600.00 cause it came with all the software.

Brother makes the sewing machines and sells them to babylock, and they put their name on it and they market it differently, like the qc1000 is the espire and the quatro 6000 is the ellisimo, the only difference is that brother has the my custom stitch feature that is only on their machines. Feet and attachments are all interchangeable

maybe just service that one for sewing , and get an embroidery only model that is higher end, either way expensive machines with computers need to be kept in good condition.

maybe just service that one for sewing , and get an embroidery only model that is higher end, either way expensive machines with computers need to be kept in good condition.

I have A viking SE and A viking #1+ wich is 13 years old runs like A charm.I love my vickings.

maybe go for the brother quatro 6000, its expensive, but i have seen it in action, its really nice. I would get one if i could afford it. I think they run 8000. From what the lady at the show said the 1500 can do most of the same without all the bells and whistles runs about 2000. The duetta 4500 is also very popular. I wouldn't mind having one of those when my espire gets old. You would still be able to use all of your attachments for sewing from your other machine

Thank you. I tried looking it up and was unable to find what I was looking for. I was sure I'd heard they were basically the same brand.

Thanks, but I am finished with Brother. I had some problems a couple years ago, and Brother's customer service was very bad. I have not had good luck with the Brother brand. :(

I do like the way the SE-270D sews. Sew smooth. I like all the different stitches it does, too. It just really annoys me that it doesn't do all the pretty embroidery it's supposed to do. Oh, well. We will see.

I've heard a lot of good things about Vikins. Thanks for your reply.