Just a quick question. I'm thinking about purchasing an embroidery machine and am just wondering what would be a good brand or model for a beginner?

Me too! I posted same question a few days ago!! lots of great advice. good luck with your search.

Mee tooo!

I just bought a ruby by viking. i'll be trying to emb. this weekend

I've been searching also.
I want an embroidery only machine. I think I'm getting the Janome 770 ( I think that's the number)
I don't want one I'll outgrow but I also don't want one that costs a fortune!
Check out the other threads on this topic. There have been several very good ones in the Search link.

I think alot has to do withhow much money you can spend. They seem to range ALL over the place! I got a real simple, cheap and easy to use one at Walmart first, since I knew NOTHING about it.....but "outgrew" it quick, as I wanted a bit bigger area.

I'll tell you what I use in my classrooms - I have 2 Bernina Deco 600's and one Bernina Deco 650. I paid $300 for the 600 and $350 for the 650, all used. Never had a any problems with any of them and my kids mastered them in no time. They have several built in designs and fonts that are really good quality. They do not have USB but they will take the PED Basic software. Check out reviews on them on www.patternreview.com. You can also check them out on Ebay.

Wow, lalaland, that seems like GREAT prices!!!!!!! I could only find ONE used machine in my area....

I have the brother HE-240 and I really love it... I first bought a singer embroidery only machine, and had so much trouble with it... Returned it and bought this brother dual sewing/embroidery (the embroidery tray is never removed) and I love it to pieces.... Good luck on your search...

I started out on the Brother Pc 85. It is an older model now so you might could find a used one at a dealer.

look for lessons at the dealers as they need some taming

This is the first one I purchase and is "still" my friend for sewing also...now have a babylock embroidery machine!

I have had a Janome 350e for 4 yrs & just love it. It is very user friendly and does a great job. It is an emb only machine because I didn't want to have to choose between sewing or embroidering. I sew on my Viking while embroidering on my Janome. Whatever brand you get, I highly recommend you get one that handles both the 4x4 & the 5x7 hoops at a minimum.

I have two Brothers and I LOVE them. I have one that does a 4 x 4 and the other that does a 5 x 7 design. I bought one for $600 and the other for $1000 (and got a free Madeira thread cabinet FULL of threads thrown in.) My smaller Innovis is a combo machine, so I can use it for sewing too. That makes it really nice for road trips (retreats, sew-ins, et cetera) because it is light weight.

I have a Janome 350E and have had no issues, very user friendly. Go as big as you can, you won't regret it. The 350E goes to 5"x 7" and that takes care of most things. You also want the USB port as well as thread cutter and low thread in bobbin warning. It is very user friendly and I have no regrets on its purchase.

I bit the bullet and have a Janome MB4 and love it. (Actually my DH thought I needed it so have).

Ruby the Quilter

I agree with Jdiane I just bought a 350E along with a 6600p and going to pick them up today hopefully...Can't tell you how the Janome 350E is, but from all the research I have done in the past 3-4months, I finally settled on the Janome 350E...Wanted 2 machines so I didn't have to choose between embroidery or sewing...now I can do both....