I am looking into getting an embroidery machine and have been doing some research but really have no experience in this type of machine. Can anyone offer me some pointers as to what to look for? I have an Elna, quilters dream and industrial machines, brothers. I have been very lucky with those two brands.

I would make sure that is has large enough hoops. The smallest being a 5 X 7" Mine are small and there are many designs I cannot make :(

I have a Pfaff and a Brother. I've had them for a few years. I would buy them again. To me the most important thing is the dealer. Go to some one you can work with, that will help you when problems or questions come up. I would check with all my local dealers to see which machine has the features you want. Each machine has different features. For instance, the next machine I buy will have a top loading bobbin, needle down, thread cutter, and dual feed dogs.

I have one, but have never used it.

thanks you ladies that is the stuff I am looking for. I just don't want to spend the money on something and not get me money's worth out of it, or wish I had spend the 100.00 more to get a feature that would make my life easier such as getting the larger hoop.

I have a brother, okay, I have two brothers, I love them both, though the older one I don't use as much any more, before Christmas both of them were on almost constantly. it really depends on what you are using it for, and when budgeting, add in all the extras that you need to use it, like when planning a quilt you need to add in thread and what have you, same with the embroidery, add in stabilizer, designs, thread, bobbins right off of the bat, as well as a program to help you manage your designs if it doesn't come with it, Hoop size, look into what you will be wanting to embroider.

I have been at it for almost 16 years so feel free to ask anything (though I still may not have the answer)

make sure that they are user friendly with you, what is easy for you may not be easy for me to use.

Depends on how much you want to spend. I have a Baby Lock Elegante 2 and I love it. If you can, go to a dealer that sells different ones and try them out. Some are more user friendly than others. The have different features. How big do you want to make your designs. Some of the machines only make designs as big as 5x7. Make a list of thing you want from a machine and go hunting.

:D :D :D

I was lucky finding my Pfaff. It was last years model so it was half price and she knocked off more when we bought it. I love it.

Hi,

I also have an Elegante 2 and I absolutely love mine also! It does it all.....embroiders, quilts, threads itself just about, cuts the thread, cuts the jump threads when you embroider.....it's wonderful! Has four hoops...up to 11 x 7, 5 x 7, 4 x 4, and think the smallest is like 2 x 2.
I do also have an Ellure which embroiders, and had an Esante which I really liked a lot, but had a good deal offered to me for the Elegante and I traded the Esante in on it. I sew daily, work at my LQS, on my Ellure and at home on my Elegante. When I am embroidering on my Elegante and need to sew, I have a Decorator's Choice at home also.
You need to check different dealers and brands out and see which one offers you the features you are looking for in a machine.
I love my Babylocks........have 3.

Let us know what you decide. Have fun...you'll love it.

Bev

I appreciate everyones help in my quest to purchase a machine. You all have been very helpful. I will first check with my local QS and see what they suggest. I just wanted to have a bit of information before I went in there and sounded stupid