Machine Suggestions
#1
Machine Suggestions
Hey all! I'm looking into purchasing an embroidery machine, particularly for quilting (though I will also use it for basic embroidery as well, of course). I have two sewing machines so I'm not sure I want or need a 2 in 1 machine, but I'm still in the research phase. I'm currently considering the Brother PE800 - that's about the top of my price range (currently at least - lol).
Anyway, just thought I'd see what machines you guys use, what you do and don't like about your machine, and just any general advice to help with my purchase decision.
Thanks so much!
Anyway, just thought I'd see what machines you guys use, what you do and don't like about your machine, and just any general advice to help with my purchase decision.
Thanks so much!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: California
Posts: 441
I seriously considered the Brother PE800 myself, but ended up getting the Eversewn Hero instead. I've been using it for both quilting and embroidery, and it is awesome. I was leaning toward the Brother because the hoop is slightly larger, but choose the Eversewn because of the 400 decorative stitches.
It's also less expensive than the brother.
It's also less expensive than the brother.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 5,051
Are you familiar with Amelie Scott Edge to Edge machine embroidery quilting designs? They are very popular and dealers teach classes on them. Make sure that you ask about them. Machine embroidery ...if you are a novice...has a learning curve and supplies are not inexpensive.
#6
my advice would be to go with either a Brother, Babylock or Janome brand.
you are more likely to have certified service/repair providers within a reasonable distance.
look for the biggest maximum hoop size available that fits your budge.
whether or not a PE800 will help with quilting depends a lot on the size quilt you usually make.
it's pretty small so anything larger than a crib quilt is going to give you fits unless you use one of the many quilt-as-you-go methods.
(with QAYG you can do just about any size quilt you want.
just make sure you plan assembly so that all the weight of the growing quilt is to the left of the machine.)
biggest challenge is getting everything to fit inside the harp while also getting the weight of the quilt off the hoop.
only a few years ago, it was difficult to find single-run embroidery patterns good for quilting.
(double and triple run motifs can get seriously out of wack unless the quilt's weight is perfectly distributed and off the hoop.)
pattern creators seem to have finally seen the light, though, because there are an ever-growing number available in a wide range of prices.
the first place i check for single-run motifs is the embroidery library (emblibrary.com).
they have a lot of choices in sizes that will work well for the size hoop you are considering.
they are also remarkably inexpensive.
as mentioned by sandygirl, amelie scott offers several collection of single-run patterns. they are reasonably priced, given the number of patterns and size options in each package.
you are more likely to have certified service/repair providers within a reasonable distance.
look for the biggest maximum hoop size available that fits your budge.
whether or not a PE800 will help with quilting depends a lot on the size quilt you usually make.
it's pretty small so anything larger than a crib quilt is going to give you fits unless you use one of the many quilt-as-you-go methods.
(with QAYG you can do just about any size quilt you want.
just make sure you plan assembly so that all the weight of the growing quilt is to the left of the machine.)
biggest challenge is getting everything to fit inside the harp while also getting the weight of the quilt off the hoop.
only a few years ago, it was difficult to find single-run embroidery patterns good for quilting.
(double and triple run motifs can get seriously out of wack unless the quilt's weight is perfectly distributed and off the hoop.)
pattern creators seem to have finally seen the light, though, because there are an ever-growing number available in a wide range of prices.
the first place i check for single-run motifs is the embroidery library (emblibrary.com).
they have a lot of choices in sizes that will work well for the size hoop you are considering.
they are also remarkably inexpensive.
as mentioned by sandygirl, amelie scott offers several collection of single-run patterns. they are reasonably priced, given the number of patterns and size options in each package.
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#7
Are you familiar with Amelie Scott Edge to Edge machine embroidery quilting designs? They are very popular and dealers teach classes on them. Make sure that you ask about them. Machine embroidery ...if you are a novice...has a learning curve and supplies are not inexpensive.
Thanks for all the info! I will check out the links and resources you guys mentioned. If you think of anything else please don't hesitate to add in - I'm not taking this purchase lightly and may end up going over budget to make sure I get what I want.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,434
You can also check for used or consigned machines with the local dealer. You may find the perfect deal. It looks like it is a 5x7 hoop machine. You will also need to know the stitch count limit.
Here is a link where you can search "free motion" and there are designs available. The designs come in different sizes that should work with the 5x7 size.
https://www.anitagoodesign.com/2018/12/product/
Good luck!
Here is a link where you can search "free motion" and there are designs available. The designs come in different sizes that should work with the 5x7 size.
https://www.anitagoodesign.com/2018/12/product/
Good luck!
#9
When I first became interested in machine embroidery several people told me to get a machine with the biggest hoops I could afford. It's good advice if you're sure you want to jump down this expensive rabbit hole. I started with a Janome MC200e. Fantastic machine but I outgrew it in about 2 mos and bought an MC350e. Wasn't long before I outgrew that one too. I now have the Janome 500e(it comes with 4 big hoops including an 8x11 quilting hoop)and love it. The Brother machines are also good, tough workhorses too, (I also own 2 Brother embroidery machines) but as far as being more user friendly, having a better screen and more onboard editing capabilities, for the money Janome wins hands down. If you're sure about this, save your pennies and get the MC500e, you won't regret it.
Cari
Cari
#10
You can also check for used or consigned machines with the local dealer. You may find the perfect deal. It looks like it is a 5x7 hoop machine. You will also need to know the stitch count limit.
Here is a link where you can search "free motion" and there are designs available. The designs come in different sizes that should work with the 5x7 size.
https://www.anitagoodesign.com/2018/12/product/
Good luck!
Here is a link where you can search "free motion" and there are designs available. The designs come in different sizes that should work with the 5x7 size.
https://www.anitagoodesign.com/2018/12/product/
Good luck!
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