Machine Suggestions
 

Hey all! I'm looking into purchasing an embroidery machine, particularly for quilting (though I will also use it for basic embroidery as well, of course). I have two sewing machines so I'm not sure I want or need a 2 in 1 machine, but I'm still in the research phase. I'm currently considering the Brother PE800 - that's about the top of my price range (currently at least - lol).

Anyway, just thought I'd see what machines you guys use, what you do and don't like about your machine, and just any general advice to help with my purchase decision.

Thanks so much! :)

I have a Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold 2 that sews or embroiders... I purchased it used and it's wonderful and a work horse. Good luck and have fun.

I have the Husqvarna Ruby Royale - I really like it and it has more capability than I use! But I like that as I expand my skill set it can accommodate!

I seriously considered the Brother PE800 myself, but ended up getting the Eversewn Hero instead. I've been using it for both quilting and embroidery, and it is awesome. I was leaning toward the Brother because the hoop is slightly larger, but choose the Eversewn because of the 400 decorative stitches.

It's also less expensive than the brother.

Are you familiar with Amelie Scott Edge to Edge machine embroidery quilting designs? They are very popular and dealers teach classes on them. Make sure that you ask about them. Machine embroidery ...if you are a novice...has a learning curve and supplies are not inexpensive.

my advice would be to go with either a Brother, Babylock or Janome brand.
you are more likely to have certified service/repair providers within a reasonable distance.

look for the biggest maximum hoop size available that fits your budge.

whether or not a PE800 will help with quilting depends a lot on the size quilt you usually make.
it's pretty small so anything larger than a crib quilt is going to give you fits unless you use one of the many quilt-as-you-go methods.

(with QAYG you can do just about any size quilt you want.
just make sure you plan assembly so that all the weight of the growing quilt is to the left of the machine.)

biggest challenge is getting everything to fit inside the harp while also getting the weight of the quilt off the hoop.

only a few years ago, it was difficult to find single-run embroidery patterns good for quilting.
(double and triple run motifs can get seriously out of wack unless the quilt's weight is perfectly distributed and off the hoop.)
pattern creators seem to have finally seen the light, though, because there are an ever-growing number available in a wide range of prices.

the first place i check for single-run motifs is the embroidery library (emblibrary.com).
they have a lot of choices in sizes that will work well for the size hoop you are considering.
they are also remarkably inexpensive.

as mentioned by sandygirl, amelie scott offers several collection of single-run patterns. they are reasonably priced, given the number of patterns and size options in each package.

Thanks for the suggestion - I've looked at that one a little as well but was leaning towards the larger hoop.

Yes! I've been watching a lot of the videos. I'm new to embroidery but not to sewing or quilting. Thanks for the info!

This is also my theory - I only have 2 dealers in a reasonable distance from me (I live in the boonies) and these seem to be the only brands they service. I have a Juki machine and I'm still working out where to take it for service.

Most of my projects are QAYG because I just find them easier to work with and I do a lot of applique quilts as well so I'm not too worried about shoving a large quilt in to embroider, but I have taken that into consideration as well.

Thanks for all the info! I will check out the links and resources you guys mentioned. If you think of anything else please don't hesitate to add in - I'm not taking this purchase lightly and may end up going over budget to make sure I get what I want. :shock:

You can also check for used or consigned machines with the local dealer. You may find the perfect deal. It looks like it is a 5x7 hoop machine. You will also need to know the stitch count limit.

Here is a link where you can search "free motion" and there are designs available. The designs come in different sizes that should work with the 5x7 size.

https://www.anitagoodesign.com/2018/12/product/

Good luck!

Thanks Cari! That's very helpful info. I am sure I want to purchase one, but since it is just for a hobby I don't know that I can make myself spend that much for a 500e, but it's on my list in case I happen across a used one or a good deal. I appreciate your help!

Thank you Rhonda! I'm actually making a visit to the one dealer that is a decent distance from me next week so I'll see what they have. I'll take a look at the link you sent - much appreciated!