Sewing embroidery machine?
 

I've been planning on buying one of these for some time but can't for the love of me decide which to go for. Have spent hours trawling the net reading reviews looking for best deals etc but just when I think I'm going to bite the bullet and chose I start dithering and wonder if the choice would be the best for me. Basically I've got the HV DD deluxe, Janome 12000 or Bernina 830 in mind. It's such a huge investment to make I'm aghast that I end up with the wrong machine. There are no outlets nearby that I know of where I could try out the machines which is a bit of a pain so need to make a decision based on information and reviews. I'd really appreciate any advice/recommendations from those who are already using any of these machines, the good and the bad. Thank you any suggestions really appreciated.

I'm guessing the HV DD is the Diamond Royale by Viking? Friend has it and loves everything about it. I couldn't afford it but it's a dream machine. Don't know anything about the others.
Good luck!

Thank you. I've read they're all great machines but then come across reviews that find fault with them. I have a sapphire already so feel comfortable with the HV. I have a little janome but I didn't do well with it though I don't think ?I've read any bad reviews about their more powerful models. I'm a bit worried that the Bernina may be too hi tech for me. I have zero experience of the Bernina range.

There's something wrong with every machine, depending on who you talk to. I stick with Viking's because they are all I've ever had. Someone else will love the Bernina and so on. Try them out and get the one that works for you. I just bought the Sapphire 960Q and I have the old old #1+. I can do little embroidery on it but didn't take to it like I thought I would. After selling Vikings for a while and having to keep the embroidery machine going constantly I decided it wasn't something I had to have right now. I'd love the new sit down quilter though.

I would suggest a trip to each dealer and test drive the different machines. That is simply too much of an investment to leave up to someone else and their opinion. By testing the machines personally, you will discover options you don't like, things you just can't live with, and functions that will seal the deal. Be an informed shopper and go with some pricing in mind, ask lots of questions and no spur of the moment decisions. You will be happier in the long run.

Those two machines you are considering are top of the line. It makes sense to bite the bullet and visit the dealers for test drives even if of a couple of hours away drive. They are worth too much $$ to NOT invest the time to check them out for a test drive. Would you purchase a car sight and test drive unseen??

Sandy

This makes sense. Unfortunately the north east of Scotland appears to be quite poorly served in terms of dealers. There are plenty outlets selling fairly basic models but a shortage of specialist outlets for specific brands though I've maybe just missed them!

Don't discount the bad reviews just because you haven't had problems with your machine of the same brand. The thing is, the embroidery machines are pretty sophisticated pieces of equipment, and there is more that can go wrong with a combo machine than a straight sewing machine. During my own process to buy a new combo machine, I became really enamored with both the Viking Diamond Deluxe and the Pfaff Creative Performance. While at a dealer one day checking out the CP, I saw a lady who was dropping off her CP for service. She also saw me looking at the CP and she sat in the parking lot and waited for me to come out. She approached when I left the store and told me that she would recommend against buying the CP, as hers had been in the shop three times in six months and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. She also advised against buying a Viking and suggested I do a blog search for those machines to find out what others were saying. Long story a little shorter, I marked both brands off my list, as neither of them are what they were 10 years ago.

My mom has had many Viking machines and has loved them all, but the dealer where she bought them no longer will sell them or Pfaff because of the many problems they've had with the machines.

Definitely test out whatever you are interested in before you purchase, but do your homework too. I have read horror stories of waiting for MONTHS for a new motor for a new Viking machine because the old motor was bad when the machine was purchased, as well as many other stories. Yes, there are always a few lemons out there, but when you keep hearing the same problems over and over you should take note.

For the record, I wouldn't buy a current 7 or 8 series Bernina either based on what I've heard about them. If I were looking at machines in the price range you're considering, I'd be looking at either Janome or Brother. I have both brands, and while Brother is my all time favorite (four machines and counting from them), I wouldn't completely ignore Janome.

I have the janome 11000 se but when the 12000 came out I wanted it but the dealer would not give me a good trade so I kept it. Still love it but drool over the 12000. The lighting on it is so great.
think you will be happy with either.
Good luck
Gale

I have a Janome 11000 and love it. Have done lots of sewing and embroidery and no problems.

Thank you all. This is most helpful. Is it correct that the Viking is now made in Asia? I read this somewhere but not sure how accurate it is.

Most all of the machines are made in SE Asia now. Viking, Pfaff and Singer are all made by the same company in the same factory. Brother makes many but not all of the Babylock machines. Janome makes Elna and Necchi now. It's a real tangle ...

I have had Bernina, Viking and baby lock embroidery machines. Of the three baby lock is by far the less complicated to learn..for me. I have a Viking SE and hate every thing about it, some people love it. I sewed with the Bernina more than embroidery, just because it was a great sewing machine. They all have a plus and minus.

I agree with this, have seen so many people complain about these high end machines being in the shop especially the 830, really do your homework, don't buy just a name really read the reviews especially the bad one and you will see what are the common problems youll be facing with these machines

I am very fortunate to own the husqvarna designer Royal. So far I am very happy with it. I traded my designer deluxe in. I was not happy with the designer deluxe, personally I think it was a lemon for viking. The engineering was awful. I also have the previous model designer SE and love it, it is my work horse. I have owned many husqvarnas very happy with them...thus the reason I stay with them.

I agree with others, it's a big investment, test drive, test drive and when you are done test drive again. Each person has their preferences. Before you purchase any machine, make sure you understand how you will use your machine. Whatever machine you purchase..ENJOY!

I have a Brother combo machine, but if I was able to do it over, I'd buy the Janome.

I have the Husqvarna Designer Topaz 20 - I have had it for 2 years and love it. Since I have the Janome 6600 MP I didn't want an extremely expensive embroidery machine. It works as a good back up machine for sewing if I need it - but I keep it set up for embroidery. The largest hoop is 200 x 260, I did get the 5D program and it made everything else make sense. I needed the classes - and I would suggest once you figure out what you want, to take a day and go test them out and stay there and learn. Even though my machine came with some software and thread and stablizer you will need more to practice with.

Luckily I have the dealer within 1.5 miles from my home, and was willing to give me a full up-grade if I would trade up within one year of purchase. I like the machine I have, there were a few times I wanted to knock it on the floor and kick it to pieces, but figured I would hurt my foot and still not get it to do what I wanted it to do. Then figured out it was operator error too boot. Also, it wasn't until after I bought the machine and was beginning to branch out that I realized only Brother has Disney - so then I wanted a Brother machine, but certainly didn't want to pay that much for a machine. My machine doesn't scan and I am till learning all the stuff it can and cannot do - but it keeps me busy. A friend of mine comes over, between the two of us we figure out how to get it done - but the classes were a mega help.

So I hope whatever you decide that you enjoy the machine you get.

I have no idea where you live according to your screen info. Buy the janome...my fav!
sandy

I have the Janome 12000 and love the features and the multi size hoops. It comes with various feet, I think I have 20 more than I will use. The decorative stitches, the quilting stitches,and the embroidery function is awesome. I have now used the quilting function on a quilt by placing the fabric on top of the hoop secured by bull dog clips normally found in office supply stores.
My Viking Emerald 118 , I love equally as it's a work horse for sewing and piecing but when it comes to embroidery and quilting, then it's the 12000.
I was lucky enough to try out various models and the Janome won out. Good luck on your adventure.

One strong consideration, for me at least, is dealer support and lessons on the use of the machine. When I bought the Pfaff 7570 (back when it was just released), I chose a dealer who offered several weeks of classes for free to anyone who bought their machine from her. (She had done the same thing when I previously bought the then newly released Pfaff 7550.)

No way would I have learned to use all features of these machines without the training. She is an excellent teacher.

A couple of times she brought in well-known Pfaff trainers from other parts of the country. That was when I met dear Phillip Pepper.

Thank you all so much for the advice. My heads whirring from all the Internet searching and review reading I've done. It's great to hear from people who work with the machines.

I just purchased the 12,000 janome and love love love it. But I did go in and do a test drive. For these high dollar machines I highly recommend you find a way to test drive. Have fun!

If you were buying a car you would go to a dealer and test drive I am certain --- you need to do the same when you are investing in this level of a machine. Try them all out and talk to the tech support people (the guys and gals who fix our pilot errors and the mechanical snafoos) You might also consider the Bernina 880. I am told it is a dream machine --me, I can't afford to buy the "car" at the moment. I do know I would not spend that much money without trying the machine on everything I can think of first. How far is your Aberdeen from the nearest UK Distributers of the various machines??

Tomorrow I'm picking up a Janome 1200, that is of course if I like it or more accurately, if it likes me! The machine is being sold by a sewing centre in Morayshire. It was owned by a lady in her 70s who had upgraded from the 1100(?) but felt overwhelmed by the technology in the 1200 ie searching back and fore through folders for different designs - she had done one pattern on it and returned it to the shop to buy another of the 1100. The upshot is I've reserved the 1200. Soo excited at not only getting a fabulous machine, but for a thousand pounds less than other outlets. The chap who own the centre is also doing me a deal on the software. I won't be able to sleep tonight for the excitement!

I owned Pfaffs exclusively for over 40 years; they were wonderful machines. I still have a Pfaff, but purchased the Babylock Ellisimo when I was ready for a new machine. IMHO, the Babylock is so much more user friendly, the feature are outstanding, and the dealer is great.

I've owned Brothers for about 18 years. Just recently upgraded to a Brothers Quattro. I love live this machine. It's so much easier than the Bernina's. I haven't had any problems with it in three years and I use this machine almost every day. My friend bought a Bernina a few months ago and it's been in the shop more than she's had it. She also finds it more complicated to use. Try each machine out before you buy and see which one is easiest to use and what features you can't live without. For me the scan feature sold me. I use it all the time. Good luck!

Just be sure what ever you choose can do very large projects. You don't want to get stuck with a 5x7" and find out there are so many things that you can't embroider. My sister got the Janome 9900 and wants to do "in the hoop" bags. My Baby Lock Unity can do them no problem!!!

check patternreview.com for reviews on different machines but test drive before making a purchase.

The chap in Keith has a few different models, so you could give him a phone. Also, David Drummond in Edinburgh will collect/deliver machines free of charge for servicing. The only other dealer is Seattle in Berryden - you would only have the choice of the Pfaff Creatives, but you would have dealer backup.

* Just noticed your post above.

I have 3 Janomes and love them. The first one I purchaed new and have never had a problem with it. It is 20 years old. I lucked into 2 others since that one. I have the 10000 and the 11000. If and when we sell our business, I will get in my car, drive 75 miles and but the lastest modle they have. I can't say enough about thses machines. I do lots of piecing, free motion quilting and embroidery, and have never had a problem with any of them.

I have a friend who bought the Bernina 830, and has had trouble with it from day one. I have 2 friends who own Vikings and they have had trouble, lots of trouble, with them. Those are all top of the line machines, and they have problems.

It's a shame you can't go and test them out. You have to be the judge.

Good luck in your search.

I went with the Brother Duetta mostly cuz I wanted to embroider Disney designs, and have been extremely happy with it. I only wish the Brother Quattro was in my budget, with the biggest hoops and more bells & whistles.

Thank you.

Had a cancellation for lunch out today so I went for a 'test drive' of the 12000. I'm very proud of my first embroidered piece! The machine is now safely ensconced in the dining room while I read the manual. I'm so chuffed with it and such a boost finding this little business within a fairly easy drive of Aberdeen. Makes a change from having to use dealers in England. Thank you everyone for the advice and recommendations. Apart from not test driving all favoured models I did take heed of recurring problems owners had identified in their machines in the forums and reviews. Since the Janome didn't seem as complex as I feared I decided it was the right machine for me (hopefully these don't turn out to be famous last words!!)

I have 3 HV machines. Designer I, Designer Diamond & the Sapphire. They are all used for different reasons. The Designer I was my first one & it has become my work horse. I use the Diamond for embroidery only & the Sapphire I take to classes. I have the best dealer in the nation and he keeps my machines in great working order. I have never had any major issue/problems with any of them.

I almost forgot to mention I have an HV long arm quilter. My husband loves it.

Although it is an older one, I love my Janome.

I absolutely love my new 830 Bernina. I absolutely hated my 200e Bernina. The difference - classes and a lot of dealer support and encouragement. I'm a visual learner and needed that personal instruction and not just reading a manual. My Bernina 200 is for sale if you'd like, PM me if your interested.

I too stuck with HV because that's all I know. Dealer support is huge if you're not familiar with embroidery. In that vein I have some regrets. My dealer classes are only Wednesdays and I work every wednesday. Having said that my DD sews like a dream but I've been a little frustrated with the embroidery which I'm new to. HV was bought out by singer and there is definitely a change in quality and support. On the other hand I took the plunge and divorced viking last year and bought a babylock evolution serger which is AWESOME. I would consider babylock as well if you're near a good dealer. They seem to be a little less expensive and the quality is tops. Have fun shopping.

There is a new Janome 15000 now - I use the Janome MBX software that I first got with my Janome 10001. It is great software for editing and digitizing - if you go with the Janome which is a great machine negotiate the MBX software with it.

Do you know anyone who has any of these machines? If so, ask if you can come over and get some info and see a demonstration so you know what your are getting. Call any sewing friends and ask if they know anyone with any of these machines that would be willing to have you come and see them. Maybe that would be helpful.