Recommend a basic embroidery machine for quilt labels and small stuff
 

I am hoping for $300 max on used or new and I only need embroidery. I already have the Janome 3160QDC for my quilting/piecing etc. and it has cute little stitch patterns but doesn't embroider. I am computer savvy and could probably deal with importing patterns I designed on computer to it.

Think the Ford F150 - basic, roll-up windows, no a/c, but pulls its weight.

I have read a lot of Brother reviews here, including Walmart Brothers, pro and con. I would prefer used machine which works to throwing out a machine which was an un-fixable lemon.

Appreciate your recommendations

Go to your nearest dealer to compare machines and ask about used machines.

Today you think you just want to do 'labels and small stuff'. This means a 4x4 hoop machine is all you think you need. I think we can all guarantee that you will get to a point where you feel that you just can't live without a larger hoop. So if you can afford a 5x7 hoop machine, even a used one, that might be the way to go. Otherwise, I love Brother machines and they are so user friendly, that I'm sure you can find one for the amt you want to spend..with a 4x4 hoop. A word of caution tho, if you buy used, be aware it might be a machine that you will need software to transfer designs from your computer. The cards of designs can get awfully expensive. Best bet is a machine that uses a flash drive for transfer. I LOVE my machines--I have 2 Brothers with 4 sizes of hoops, and the little Snoopy machine that uses 4x4 & the repositionable hoop to do 5x7..the 4x4 is a little workhorse. Good luck--hope you find what you're looking for, and show us some of your embroideries when you get it set up.

I have had Brother commercial embroidery machines, they were wonderful. For personal home use, I'm a Viking fan. I had a Designer 1 previously and just 3 weeks ago or so I bought a Designer SE for $700. That machine was probably pushing $7000 new. I also had a Singer XL 5000 that I bought off Craigslist too. I think I paid $500 for that and she gave me $1000's worth of extras to go with it. She was moving to Hawaii and giving up her sewing business and I lucked out. It was a nice machine and embroidered perfectly. I just wanted a Viking again. (I'm a foot addict and have a suitcase full of feet that I missed using.) I always watch Craigslist - probably every day I look at it. And it is true, you have to be careful buying used, these machines require software. The Singer, I got the software with it. The Viking, I had the software but if not, it is pricey. If you just keep looking, you will find something used. Good Luck.