WANTED: Embroidery machine

[HERBS]

Does anyone have an embroidery machine they are looking to sell inexpensive? I have limited knowledge on what is what but I know I would like something simple to personalize items with names. If you do not have one for sell, maybe you could give me some ideas on what to be looking for. TIA!

[chattiesmom]

I don't have one to sell, but I have absolutely worn out two and am happily stitching away on my third My best advice would be decide on how much $$ you have to spend and make a written list of what you will require the machine to do....

I don't think there is any one home embroidery machine that is "best". It is mostly personal preference and what will meet your needs. Go to sewing machine stores within a reasonable driving distance of your home -- talk to the sales people and get a feel of how helpful they will be AFTER the sale. I say this because you will probably need some help and you want to be sure that you have good after sales customer service.

Start looking at as many machines that will meet your needs as possible. When the computerized machines came out I bought a Husqvarna #1+ (top of the line at the time). I never used the embroidery function much because the software was krappy, BUT I loved the way the machine sewed, so I bought a top of the line Singer (at the time it was the Singer XL1000). I loved the Singer and the software and after that machine finally died I bought another Singer - this time the XL6000.

I would definately recommend buying an upgradeable machine - one that has computer software that allows you to edit and create your own designs.

Good luck and happy embroidering!

[HERBS]

Thank you so much for your wonderful advice! I seen a Brother Disney machine on Ebay for like $299.00. I am not into disney characters but it has letters which is my main objectve. I need to do a little more research on them because I would like to be able to embroider different fonts and I am not sure I can do that. I may just go to an actual store (per your advice) and see what I can find. I guess my fear is/was that I would get there and look like a fool when they were all wayyyyyyyyyy out of my price range. I am an impulse shopper and that has gotten me into a lot of trouble at times LOL. I do want something that will bring me the pleasure I seek and not the headaches that normally come with buying electronics on line.

[Erin]

I have a Brother Innovis 900D... it's eh, OK. Not worth what I paid for it. I keep spending $89 to get it serviced because it's kind of, well, junk! Next time it's Bernina or equivalent for me. It only does a 4x4 hoop which is very small. I couldn't even do my cousin's 4 letter name in the big letters, it wouldn't fit. The medium letters that are built in are small and there are only like 4 fonts.

The software is that part that is expensive. If you want to create your own designs (even names with different fonts) you need special software that starts in the thousands of dollars. The cheaper programs don't let you change stitch lengths or manually digitize and what happens is you end up creating a design (like a logo) with either too few or too many stitches in one spot, ruining your shirt. The one nice thing is that you can BUY fonts or designs and transfer them onto the machine with the USB cable. That's what I have done. It works OK. It's still a very small image and hooping it isn't easy. Embroidery thread is $$$$ (like $5/spool) and stabilizer and all that extra stuff adds up. I spent another $200 just on all that other stuff.

With sewing machines, it's very much "get what you pay for" The best ways to save are to get a floor model from a dealer or a vintage model that was made before they went plastic. But even a used (good) computerized embroidery machine is going to be thousands of dollars. They have a good resale market, and since they sell for $1000-8000, resale at even 50% off is pricey. Try Craigslist though, you never know what you will find!

[JPop & Taz 2]

I have a Baby Lock Emore.....its the bottom of the line, but I love it. My daughter got it for me last year ( surprised the heck out of me!). It's fairly simple, does just basic stuff. I would not recommend buying a used one from an individual in case you have problems. Go to the store, get one that you know you can get help when you need it and get it serviced as well. Good luck with your search.

[Robin Lodal]

I have been looking at embroidery machines as well. Just about every weekend now, I am going to a baby shower or some other function where an embroidered blanket or some other item would be a wonderful gift. I would love to get one but the ones I saw were several hundreds of dollars and well up into the thousands... I just can't justify spending that kind of money when I can take it to a small business and get it done for a few dollars (true, this will add up BUT it will most likely not equal the cost of a machine!)...

[emilyann]

I want an embroidery machine too but I want one that isn't bought second hand, I'd rather have some type of warranty to back me up.

Try checking out Overstock.com too, that's where I bought my sewing machine.

[chattiesmom]

First of all, I am NOT an expert on different types of embroidery machines, but I have had three top of the line machines -- two different makes.

If you are going to invest in an embroidery machine, first of all take a hard look at what you plan to do with it. I can tell you from experience that as soon as you start embroidering, either you will fall in love or you simply won't use it at all. There isn't much of an inbetween. To those who find that they love to embroider, you will find that there is never the EXACT design, that you want, you will always want to change things. So be sure that your machine allows you to edit designs.

My last investment -- the Singer XL-6000 was a pricey investment -- over $5,000 for the sewing machine, and software. However, the machine/software is incredibly powerful -- I wish I had time to learn all of the feature/functions, but as it is I can only create lettering and combine and edit multiple designs to create original embroidery. The software will allow me to scan images, photographs, etc., and digitize them so that they can be sewn, but that takes a higher level skill set that I presently have.

Whether you plan to buy on line or from a brick and morter store, be sure to go look at the machines in person and give each a test drive. You will find as you get deeper into the embroidery craze that you will need someone who will be willing tohelp you with your particular machine with little quirks and questions. Make friends at the sewing machine store

[Erin]

I wouldn't suggest Overstock.com. How is that better than buying used? I'd rather have a higher quality used machine than any machine from a discount store. The "Singer" machines at WalMart are not the same quality as "Singer" machines at a dealer. My machine is under warranty but the problems I have are just because it's a lower end machine, like not having enough power to sew through many thick layers, which then messes up the timing. And mine was $600, not cheap but definitely not comparable to a $3000 Bernina. And it replaced my cheap Kenmore, which was only 2 years old. I started with that machine and it frustrated me so much that I hated sewing. Since I want to do think layers, a better option actually might be a vintage Singer since those can be found in the under $200 range. So used machines are a great option as long as you do your research.

Seriously, sewing machines are like cars. Would you rather have an entry level BMW or a top of the line Chevy? Or would you rather have a 3 year old Lexus or a new Kia? It's all personal preference, but it's more than just the features on the outside. The actual hook system and motors in the expensive machines are higher quality.

I got the embroidery machine because my husband wanted me to do his company's logo and thought I could make a business around it. Without the fancy software, we were unable to digitize his logo. (You can send it out to be done, design by design, for like $10-20) If you are planning to use it for high-volume, it's extremely time consuming to hoop it and re-thread it for each color. Commercial machines remain threaded with multiple colors and are meant for high volume. The home machines, even the $8000 ones, are for LOW-volume. It's a huge PIA to change mine over from regular sewing to embroidery. I even have to use a screwdriver to change the foot. It's great for people who want both but don't have the space for 2 machines, but there are drawbacks. I would have rather put my money into a regular sewing machine, that's all.

Honestly, I've found it's faster to applique than to embroider something. And cute too!

[emilyann]

I suggest Overstock.com and I stand behind it 100%. "Discount store" or not. I paid under $200 for my sewing machine and it is pure heaven. I've used it so much already that I'm surprised it hasn't died on me yet. I've sewn through denim, high quality cotton fabrics, low quality cotton fabrics, fleece and flannel and it's never let me down once.

I guess it's just like anything else you go to buy that's an "investment", you just have to look around, compare reveiws on the different brands and go from there.

I don't understand why you think buying used is "better" than buying a "discount store" machine? It wasn't just "any" machine.

I still recommend checking with Overstock.

[Erin]

Originally Posted by emilyann

I suggest Overstock.com and I stand behind it 100%. "Discount store" or not. I paid under $200 for my sewing machine and it is pure heaven. I've used it so much already that I'm surprised it hasn't died on me yet. I've sewn through denim, high quality cotton fabrics, low quality cotton fabrics, fleece and flannel and it's never let me down once.

I guess it's just like anything else you go to buy that's an "investment", you just have to look around, compare reveiws on the different brands and go from there.

I don't understand why you think buying used is "better" than buying a "discount store" machine? It wasn't just "any" machine.

I still recommend checking with Overstock.

When you buy from a dealer, you get dealer support. Many give free lessons and discounted servicing. When you buy online or from a discount store, you don't get that support. When you buy used, you don't either. That was my point. Knowing what I know now, I would rather buy a used Bernina or vintage Singer than a new machine made out of plastic. That's all. And my local dealer even sells refurbed trade-ins and floor models for a discount.

I did research my machine before i bought it. It does have good reviews. But yet it breaks on me all the time. It wasn't until the dealer (different dealer than where I bought it) took it apart next to the Bernina and showed me the difference that I understood why. Then I sat down and sewed on them both side by side - WOW what a difference. I'm just trying to pass along what I learned, that's all. I bought mine for the cool features like the auto thread cutter and the needle threader. A year later I would totally choose based on stitch quality. That's hard to determine when buying online.

[emilyann]

Originally Posted by Erin

When you buy from a dealer, you get dealer support. Many give free lessons and discounted servicing. When you buy online or from a discount store, you don't get that support. When you buy used, you don't either. That was my point. Knowing what I know now, I would rather buy a used Bernina or vintage Singer than a new machine made out of plastic. That's all. And my local dealer even sells refurbed trade-ins and floor models for a discount.

I did research my machine before i bought it. It does have good reviews. But yet it breaks on me all the time. It wasn't until the dealer (different dealer than where I bought it) took it apart next to the Bernina and showed me the difference that I understood why. Then I sat down and sewed on them both side by side - WOW what a difference. I'm just trying to pass along what I learned, that's all. I bought mine for the cool features like the auto thread cutter and the needle threader. A year later I would totally choose based on stitch quality. That's hard to determine when buying online.

Well, I went from sewing on an old Singer that jammed and sounded like it was going to fall apart sewing through plain cotton fabric. It was olddd and I disliked it soooo much. My machine now is pure heaven compared to it. It just purrs while sewing. Mine has the auto thread cutter and the needle threader but I don't even use them. I just do it the way I was taught while growing up.

I pretty much just chanced it when I bought my machine (I did read the reviews though, on other websites too besides just Overstock) and I lucked up. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I would loveee to have a vintage machine though, just because they're gorgeousss!