weatheread

I went from a Brother PE 150 at Wal-Mart in 2001 to a 2003ULT in 2004 and 2009 I got a Jamome 10000at a garage sale was going to give to my Daughter but liked it so much I kept it for almost a year then got a Janome 11000SE and gave DD my 10000 The PE 150 I gave to my mom with PE Basic she never tried to use it . My advise is try out the machines at Dealers don't let them talk you into something you don't want TRY OUT THE Machines go with the most user friendly to you let them know you are comparing it gives you a edge in price dealing

BRenea

I once bought a "cheap" ($1000) embroidery machine because at the time I didn't think I would embroider enough to justify anything more expensive. It was a total nightmare...I currently have a Bernina Artista 730E and it is wonderful. In most cases you get what you pay for, and you're better off at a reputable dealer than the local discount store.

Kathy N

I have a Janome 11000SE and LOVE IT. It does large embroideries, I can do lots of lettering without ever rehooping, USB port, and on and on with features. I also own the Janome 9000 and it works great too, but can't go as large with the embroideries.

Buy only from a dealer who will give free lessons with purchase. That support is critical.

KwiltyKahy

My favorite is Bother. I tell people inteested in a new machine to go to the dealers and try them out. Dealers have support, instruction and repair. Most of the do trade in too. Check out the ones that have been traded in, the mark up on sewing machines is substantial and you can get more machine for the money if you take one that way. Usually the tech has gone through them and makes sure the work well.
Good luck in your search.

texas granny

I got my fiest emb at walmart for less then 500 I got this one in case I didn't likt it. But it only did a 4x4 So I wanted one that would do more.
I have since gotten 2 more going up each time. If you can find a good brother used or new go for it there user friendly. Good machine and stitch out great emb.

lalaland

I started out with a PE-150 which is your basic bottom of the line machine. It's limited to a 4x4 stitching area, and kind of slow, but you can buy the software for it for $120 or so. Used they run anywhere from $150-$500. They have good resale value. I've owned 2 and never had a problem with either one.

I own both the Bernina Deco 600 and 650 and really like them both. They take the same software as the PE-150, are a little faster, and have a few more features. The stitch outs are higher quality than the comparable Brother machines, don't know how they stack up to other brands. A fair price for a 600 use is $300, a 650 used is $350. Price could be more if a lot of extras are included.

I had a Brother 8500D, which cost $3000 new, and really liked it. I sold it on Craigslist for $1500 used and felt that was a fair price, I had it for 2 years.

I have a Brother Innovis 4000D now, which I paid $5000 for and I love it. I'll probably stick with it and not upgrade further.

My only negative comment is both the Brother 8500D and Innovis 4000D are combo machines, they sew and embroider. I never sewed on the 8500D and probably never will on the 4000D either. I embroider a lot and need an accessible sewing machine that isn't tied up doing something else.

grann of 6

That is why I have so many machines. I have 5 Husqvarna/Vikings. I used to own Singers but not have one again. My cheapest Viking was $800 new, has fancy stitches and push buttons. I got that for my granddaughter to use when she was 5. I have aDesigner I which is about 10 years old; that is my workhorse. Then I have a Designer SE which was $5000 new with lots of accessories, also a good workhorse. Then last year I got a Topaz for the added sewing area and large embroidery units. That was $3000; has USB port. I love it too. But about 2 months ago I got the awesome top of the line Diamond; won't say how much that cost. I did get a floor model with extended warranty, and all the bells & whistles. The Topaz & Diamond I use for embroidery, the others I sew on while I am embroidering. I also have 2 sergers. I sew for people besides my hobbies, so I need reliable equipment. Love the Vikings.

Wings

I have a Janome 350e and a Janome 9500 - I love the 350e however if you can afford the large bed machines buy one of those because you will get a larger embroidery size from them. The 350e is a great machine and if you are inventive it is surprising what you can do with the smaller embroidery size. It does a 5x7 hoop and a 4x4 hoop.

lalaland

I've heard lots of good things about the Janome 350e.

The Bernina Decos can do 3 sizes - small, med. (4x4) and large (5x7). Still limited but at least you have a choice.

retired2pa

I have a Brother ULT2003D that I bought brand new for $1200. I love it and I've made a LOT of things since 2003. I just had it serviced and they couldn't believe that it was just like brand new. I've never had a problem with it and would recommend trying out the Brother models from a dealer. I suppose it depends on how deep your pockets are when you're looking. I read a ton of reviews before I bought mine. As one poster said...$2000 will buy you junk, but that isn't necessarily true. If you don't need a combo machine it will be cheaper to buy just an embroidery machine. I leave mine set up to embroidery but occasionally have used the many decorative stitches on my quilts. Check out as many as you can. You'll love whatever you get :)