There is also the expense of items you embroider on and mess up! Stabilizers are expensive and you should have several different kinds depending on what you embroider on. Cost of thread is all over the place, along with the cost of designs; anywhere from about a $1 and up. Remember for the most part, you get what you pay for. If buying inexpensive thread, make sure to try it on your machine before buying a wide range of colors. Inexpensive designs can be badly digitized, or be great - also need to try out before buying a large amount from anyone vendor.