Which kind of machine to get?
 

Hello all! I am thinking of getting an embroidery/ combination sewing machine. I already have one regular machine, a Bernina 230, which I would never give up. I have never done machine embroidery, so want to start out with something fairly reasonable, but also reliable. I have looked online at reviews for Brother and Baby Lock machines, as well as Singer and other Berninas. I don't want to spend a ton of money--under $500. What are your suggestions?

My only suggestion would be to avoid Singer machines. Brothers are wonderful, even the lower end ones. I'm not positive but I don't know that you'll find Bernina or Baby Lock combo machines under $500 ...

I would get a standalone embroidery machine, as I think you get better quality and reliability in that price range. It helps to start with the largest hoop that fits your budget. Also, remember that you are going to need to purchase threads and stabilizers to get started and these can add up pretty fast. I agree with staying away from Singer! This machine gets good reviews on Amazon, but it is a little above your price range:
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-PE770-...dp/B002MQI2NM/

Have you looked into used machines? I purchased a Husqvarna Viking Rose several years ago for around that price, and love it! It came w a dealer warranty. Speak w the trustworthy dealers in your area and see what they have to offer.

Good luck!

I haven't gotten into machine embroidery yet. Several guild members have the new Singer that does embroidery. I haven't heard one complaint from any one of them about their machines. One bought one from HSN and then the others got one after seeing hers. It has a large hoop.

-If you have a dealer in your area, be sure to check out the machines that have been traded in. If it is a good dealer, the tech has gone through the machine and made sure it is in good shape. You can get a lot more bang for your buck that way.

I don't know of a Bernina that you can get under $500. I have a Bernina 200e for sale and the LQS where I purchased it said they would ask $3 - 4,000. I currently have it for sale at a LQS where I purchased my 830 Bernina and asking $2 - $2500. Only has a total of 90 hours on it and I've been the only owner.

The reviews of this Singer Futura are why I wouldn't purchase that brand:
http://www.amazon.com/XL-400-Compute...dp/B004YEZLVG/

Modern Singer machines often seem to have tension issues and, if there's one thing I don't want while sewing, it's tension issues!

Since you already have a sewing machine, you may want to consider an embroidery only machine. That's what I did. For about $600 you can get Brother PE-770 that has a 5x7 hoop - it's a great little starter embroidery machine with a decent hoop size. If you wanted a Brother combo machine, you'd have to go up to the 1250d to get that hoop size. The 950d is a great little combo machine, but it is around $700-$800 on sale or with trade, and only has a 4x4 Hoop. The lowest priced Brother combo is the non-Disney SE-400 (or LB-6800-PRW) for under $500 but again only a 4x4 Hoop area. Dealers may have refurbished or used versions or classroom machines for a bit less.

Again, the biggest bang for your buck for a starter/beginner is the Brother PE-700 stand alone Embroidery only machine. I love mine!

Contact your local Bernina dealer and see if they have any gently used machine for sale. You might just score a great machine.