Bring Colors to Your Idea

I’m always writing about embroidery and machine embroidery designs, as well as the various embroidery supplies like thread and stabilizer, but I rarely talk about the most important part. The embroidery machine! Let me rectify that with my thoughts on actually choosing a machine that’s right for you. To be fair, I won’t be mentioning brand names.

First, you need to set your budget. Only you can decide how much you can afford. If you decide to finance your machine, do so in a manner so that your purchase will be paid off in one year with payments that you can afford. With my first machine, I financed it and ended up hating it long before the thing was paid off. My second machine was an embroidery-only machine (no sewing capabilities) made by an “off” brand manufacturer better known for sewing patterns. It is my absolute favorite machine and cost about $300.

Once you have an idea of what you can afford, you need to decide what features you absolutely must have in your embroidery machine. The best way to do this is to visit the websites of each manufacturer. If you have a local dealer, do NOT visit them until after you have done your online research. In my experience, the dealer salespeople usually don’t know much about embroidery and even less about the machines. They will also try to sell you on items that aren’t necessary. Be armed with knowledge before visiting.

The biggest feature you will need to decide on is what size embroidery stitching field you want. The most common is the 4”x4” (100mm) hoop. This is also the least expensive option. The bigger the stitch field, the higher the cost of the machine. But, while one brand with a larger hoop may be very expensive, another brand might still be within your price range. It is very important to fully explore what’s out there. Please do not assume that the biggest “name” or highest price will be the best option! I cannot stress that enough!!!

The next thing you’ll need to decide on is how you want to get embroidery designs into your machine. All of mine have used a specialized card which acts like any CD, floppy disc or flash card. My most expensive machine also allows me to connect to my computer via a USB cable. Other machines use floppy drives, memory sticks, and thumb drives. Lots of options! And they all work well.

Finally, what type of machine do you want? Most embroidery machines for home use are a sewing machine with an embroidery attachment. If you don’t want another sewing machine, look into the embroidery-only options. For home use, though, these machines only offer up to a 5”x7” stitch field. If you want a larger field, you either need to buy the sewing/embroidery combination or opt for a multi-needle industrial machine. Some of the sewing/embroidery combo machines are as expensive as the multi-needle machines, so if you are opting for one of those very expensive machines, personally, I’d go with the industrial model.

If you do want the sewing/embroidery combo, once you’ve decided on the embroidery features, you will then look at what the sewing features offer. Look for a needle up/down function and the ability to automatically lock stitches in place (instead of back-tacking). Make sure it offers the number and type of decorative stitches that you would like, and that it has enough advanced features to justify the price.

Once you go to the dealer, they will tell you that you need to take classes on the machine. NONSENSE!!! Many people learn to use their machines quite well on their own. If you feel confident enough to learn on your own, negotiate a lower price on the machine. The dealership offers the classes for “free” to their purchasing customers, but the added cost is tacked onto the price of the machine. You can usually get a couple hundred dollars discount! This is more money that you can spend on all those yummy embroidery supplies!

Do your homework in advance, and you’ll be a happy embroiderer for years to come!