It depends on what type of embroidery machine you buy. Mine only does embroidery, but that's because I travel with my machines and it's easier to just set up my regular sewing machine unless I have a special project. I had a Janome 10001 upgrade, but traded it for the two machines as the other was so large and bulky to carry around, but it did do both sewing and embroidery.

I had an embroidery machine that did embroidery only, but now I have one that sews and does embroidery. I have the Kenmore version of the Janome one (same machine), and it is a heavy machine. I like it because when it is time to embroider you don't have to put on a whole other attachment like some other ones to switch to embroidery mode. It is heavy so I don't carry it around. I figure when I'm out I'm not going to be using the embroidery part anyways. This is the machine I do most of my sewing on. I have another computerized Kenmore/Janome that has a lot of fancy stitches that I kept after I got the new machine as a back-up and to take out places. Also, it's nice to be able to sew when the embroidery machine is set up and working on something. I just got a featherweight that I plan to use to take on quilting outings. I figure the less the computerized ones get knocked around travelling about, the better.

I have a janome 9700 does both jobs beautifully :)

I have a Janome 10000 that will do both but I only use it for embroidery. At home I sew on a Janome 6600 and for taking things to group I have a Janome 5024 which is light and non computerized. I agree with deplaylady, they get knocked about when we keep moving them. Also insurance is a problem for carrying them in the car. I love each one for what it does.

I don't have an embroidery machine, yet! When shopping for my machine this was a huge question in my mind, do I get a combo or single units. After further investigation I decided I wanted separate units. The single needle unit embroidery machines take a little bit of time to do a design, so I'll still be able to sew (or whatever) and the other machine will be going about its business.

Janome 9500 here. Does both and tons of fancy stitches and easy to use. Whatever you get, no matter what brand (cough Janonme cough lol) get the absolute biggest hoop size you can afford. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

I have a Janome 9700 that does both beautifully, but it is a pain to change over from sewing to embroidery.I originally got the combo machine because of space & I wanted to use the embroidery to quilt blocks, but I seldom use embroidery anymore. Would like to go to just straight sewing machine, but must sell my 9700 first. Janome makes a good machine. Wish I have bought 2 separate machines though, but what works for you.

A pain to switch over? I'm confused. The 9500 all I have to do is push a couple buttons and change the foot. What do you have to do on the 9700? I plan to upgrade this year is why I am asking.

I have the Janome 10001, it does both. I love it. It is heavy so I don't like taking it away from home.
It is very easy to use and produces a nice product, in both sewing and embr.

i have the viking Ruby which does both and i love it.