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I'm having a bit of a deja vu moment and feeling like I've asked this before...
Lately I've been really considering on getting an embroidery machine (maybe I considered the idea before, hence the deja vu). I've been thinking about it because of my stained glass quilted wallhangings and I'd like to have labels for all eight of them. Well, its not just the wallhangings. I'd like to have one for just about anything quilted I make in the future. I hate the iron on sheets you can print the designs on. My handwriting is not the prettiest so I'm not planning on writing my own with fabric markers. I really, really liked the look of a customized embroidered label I had ordered and it turned out fantastic, but the process of trying to communicate what I wanted was...well, a little frustrating. A slightly frustrating experiance is not the only reason why I'd want to get an embroidery machine and do it myself. I could do more than just labels. I'm thinking "I could create things and they would be awesome!" I'm kind of hitting a snag on finding a machine that I would like. There are so many embroidery machines and its been a little hard deciphering what one would suit my needs. I would like the option of expanding on the designs already programmed into the machine. I've seen embroidery designs on the internet you can download to use on the machine. I'd like one that could actually use those designs. It would also be nice if it could sew AND embroider. And I'm wondering if I have to give an arm and a leg to have such a machine or if there are more affordable options. Like $500ish affordable. |
Most, if not all, new machines will be able to sew out designs that you download. If at all possible, you want to get one with a USB port, not a card (looks like a card you'd put into your camera, BUT it usually has a propietary format that requires a special $$ writer box). If possible, you should go and use machines at dealers. Most machines will let you add text to a design, and possibly make the design a bit bigger or smaller. If you want to combine designs, create your own designs etc, you will need embroidery software for your PC. I'd look at Embird, which is pretty cost effective. Google it. There are several sites that will allow you to download a sample version to play with. Also, get the machine with the largest hoop size you can afford. 4X4 is pretty limiting.
Good luck! |
Actually, just about any inexpensive embroidery machine will do what you want. The expensive part is the software required to do it!
Close to $2k. Embird however, makes a less expensive package that you can start with the basics, and add packages as you need them. I don't know what it costs, but it's very popular. |
If you are thinking labels and designs up to 5" X 7" the $500 machines will do that and you can sew on them too.
My Singer will do this :D Don't know about all of the machines, but the Futura's you download the design to your computer and then send it to your emb machine via a cable that is provided. I prefer this to the other machines that need a box to transfer them. There are also free programs, that will convert other format designs to your machines format. It makes it nice when you find a free design in the wrong format :D Having the right needles, a good varied supply of stabilizers will also help make this venture more successful :D:D:D |
Brother has some for less than 500 that hooks to your computer and has a 5x7 space, mine is a brother se350 with only a 4x4 space that works for me and I had to buy the PED Basic for another 100 they are sewing and embroidery I got mine from Amazon. I love my machine very user friendly!!
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The only one that you will find for $500 or so would be embroidery machine only and used.
Sometimes you can find a used machine at your sewing stores, because some people will trade-up. I would make sure if buying used that they let you try machine and give you lessons. |
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Originally Posted by cjtinkle
Actually, just about any inexpensive embroidery machine will do what you want. The expensive part is the software required to do it!
Close to $2k. Embird however, makes a less expensive package that you can start with the basics, and add packages as you need them. I don't know what it costs, but it's very popular. |
Originally Posted by Flying_V_Goddess
Originally Posted by cjtinkle
Actually, just about any inexpensive embroidery machine will do what you want. The expensive part is the software required to do it!
Close to $2k. Embird however, makes a less expensive package that you can start with the basics, and add packages as you need them. I don't know what it costs, but it's very popular. |
The Singer Futura's for around $500 do not need additional software. You plug them into your computer, and no additional equipment is needed.
If you shop around, you can find them on ebay or other online sites :D:D:D |
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