Suggest new embroidery machine
 

I need a new embroidery machine. I want one that self threads, can use magnetic (10" or larger) hoops, can align by touch, can download designs from computer directly, and is not touchy about the thread it uses. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated and considered. I don't have a dealer nearby, so I have not been able to try any out. Thanks in advance. Sharoni

Love my brother dreamweaver, she is a dream

I don't have an embroidery machine, but it's on my wish list. As soon as I upgrade my sewing machine, that's next. I have my eye on the Brother DreamMaker XE - but I haven't tried it out yet.

I have a Viking designer SE LE that I think fits your needs. I bought it few months back but now wanting to get a ten needle embroidery machine. It has very low hours (about 12 hours) for sale. Pm if interested

I have a barely Brother 4500d.. although I'm going to be listing it on Craigslist. It's not because it isn't a great machine, because it is... I just don't embroider much at all anymore. I'm thinking of downsizing to the smaller 5x7 hoop machine... I really need to get that machine listed.
Point though is that it's a nice workhorse of a machine, stitches beautifully and has a big horking hoop. :D I never had any issues with it not liking thread at all either.

I have a Baby Lock Ellisimo, love it.

I had a Viking Ruby for a yr and then traded it in for the latest, the Diamond Deluxe. Both machines are great; I use alot of different thread and I've never had a problem with any of them. I figure for the price I pay the machine should take it all and both of these did. The hoops sizes are great, way over 10" for the largest ones. The machines also have lots of features that I love. I love the cutwork needles and how much easier it is to let the machine needles cut the fabric instead of doing it by hand. There is a big price difference between these two machines and there are alot of people trading in their Rubys for the newest, Ruby Deluxe also really neat machine. Most of the time Viking has specials where you can get free financing as well. I have gotten it on both of my machines. And, even though I do live close enough to take the classes (and I do take them) there are things that I want to do that hasn't been covered yet in class and I've been able to figure them out. Good luck on you venture of finding the next machine. I love embroidery and got hooked very fast. I so totally don't understand these people who buy the machine and say they got intimidated by it and never use it. I promised myself that I wouldn't do that and I haven't.

Brother also makes nice machines. I recently took a two day class using one of the latest ones. While I love some of its features and it did a great job it also had (or didn't have) features that drove me crazy. One of the main things is that you have to tell it to put the needle down to start sewing; Viking doesn't do that. You just hit start and it lowers the needle, presser foot and starts. There are a few other things that Brother doesn't offer that Viking does so it's a matter of if you can possibly find dealers to test the machines out and see what fits your needs better.

Check out allbrands.com where I bought mine and I love it. Also HSN (Home Shopping Network) just had a beautiful one on for sale over the weekend. They have great prices too.

Test machines out at your LQS stores. Shop around. Read online reviews.

I test drove a lot of machines, makes and models, and bought a Baby Lock Elleageo. I love it. But the important thing is to get what works for you and test, test, test. Good Luck!