Originally Posted by mpspeedy
In my experience the machine is just the beginning. There is special thread, stabilizers and of course designs. Any machine will come with some basic stuff like different fonts for alphabets. It will probably have a number of designs for labels and a smattering of different subjects. Once you get into embroidery designs it is like M&Ms you can't eat just one. I probably have $2000 tied up in additional designs. I would be willing to bet that I have not used more than 25% of them. Like everything else the techknowledgey keeps changing and there is always something new. Be prepared to become addicted.
Boy -- is mpspeedy correct. I cannot not begin to add up my investment. MUCH more than 2k!! over the period of 8 years. The machine, then the designs, threads,etc, next the software, add hoops, then more designs, then a better machine . . . It never ends :-)
Here is my 2¢ worth - on your question. I have had an Embroidery machine for many years and have sold them as well. I have embroidered on Babylock, Bernina, Viking and Pfaff. You may not "need" thousands of stitches BUT do not sell yourself short - purchase something that gives you a little flexibility.
1) You are better off purchasing a good used medium line machine from a dealer (or at least a machine that has a dealer nearby that can service it) rather than purchasing a new lower cost bottom line machine.
2) For best results, you REALLY will need embroidery thread and stabilizer. While you may get away with using other threads - it is not recommended and each machine has it's own quirks. You also run the risk of breaking thread and needles. My old Babylock would embroider with cheap embroidery thread - my current Pfaff only wants premium thread.
3) Designs - You do get what you pay for. That being said, there are some great sites that have down loadable designs that are really good. ALWAYS stitch out free or downloaded designs before you put it on your final piece. Purchase designs CAREFULLY off of Ebay. There is an Embroidery Coalition that has targeted Ebay purchasers who have unknowingly purchased pirated designs.
4) How big is the design area - and how many hoops are provided? What do you want to do with it??
5) How are the designs loaded? If you must "purchase" designs on preloaded proprietary cards this may add many $$ over the course of ownership. Some of the older machines use floppies - old technology but you can load the designs on machines with out expensive transfer programs!!
Good luck - Craigslist is a great place to look - I bought my Pfaff off of it. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.