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What is the best embroidery machine that is not overly expensive. Just for personal use not commercial. Thank you for any suggestions.

I have a Janome 350....it was about $1500 if I recall correctly. There's also a Brother (?770?) that's a bit less, maybe $8-900 or so (maybe less, I really haven't priced them). You can also get one of the Singer ones (I have an old Singer Futura CE-150 as well) for about $600 or so. They're good machines but have a steep learning curve and lots of idiosyncracies peculiar to that system. So the cost pretty much runs whatever you're willing to pay. Also look into a used one...sometimes you can find a good deal. Hope this helps a bit!

I just bought a Brother HE1 on sale at Hancock's + a coupon for $255. Now it doesn't have all the bells and whistles but, since I don't know if I'll even enjoy doing embroidery, I thought this was a very economical way to find out. I've read the manual but I have not had a chance to set the machine up yet. I was looking at the Brother Designio but decided to try the HE1 first before making a larger investment.

I have the Husqvarna Topaz 20 - they are Topaz 25 now. But it cost almost $2,000.00. That is before thread and an embroidery program. It is the program that gives you the versatility in designs. My friend got the Brother PE770. She loves it - and she found a program for around $100.00. I would recommend you find a thread package with a nice variety to start otherwise buying one color at a time you are paying top dollar.

what do you mainly want to embroider? what hoop size do you want, do you want embroidery only

Check out some of the LQS to see what brands they sell and if they have any reconditioned or "school" machines for sale. You can usually get a good deal on a quality machine that way.

The most important thing is to decided on your hoop size. Once you done that, there is not way of upgrading.

I have a Janome 350E, but I have to say that I think they must be about to come out with a new one--the technology is old now and while I've not had problems with it, it is time they did upgrade this model--$1500 is simply too much for this machine anymore.

Look for a used one--maybe someone who is looking to upgrade. Unless you already are SURE You want to embroider, don't spend $1500+ on a first machine.

I have a V/H Designer I and love it. I bought it used thru a dealer several yrs ago and have had no problems with it. With the proper hoops, it does larger designs. I think I've seen them on eBay for around $600 recently. (Mine was $2000, used, several yrs ago) I'd definitely recommend buying it thru a dealer!

I used to be a professional embroider. I did caskets.

my home machine is the Brother pe770. about 799.99 retail, does a lot for a little amount of cash.