I'm playing around with the idea of getting an embroidery machine. Right now, money is no object because I don't have any! LOL Really, it's something I want to save up for, and I'm talking a year or more down the line...

I've read through old posts, and EP, Brother, Embird, Babylock all came up. Help me figure this all out, if you have a few minutes. Pleeeease :D

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have?
* did you buy brand new or used?
* where did you get it?
* roughly how much did it cost?
* how often do you use it?
* does it do everything you need it to do?
* what features would you recommend it to have?
* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one?
* anything else I should know?

Thanks so much!!!
Ana

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have? Brother 150 PE?? Can't remember model #, but it's the cheapest one for personal use
* did you buy brand new or used? Brand new
* where did you get it? Why Ebay of course!
* roughly how much did it cost? About $250 I think + $200 for Amazing Box (this is absolutely necessary IMO + $1000++ on various embroidery designs
* how often do you use it?Hmmm...depends...I didn't even touch it for almost a year, then I started using it more and more...probably use it at least twice a month, sometimes more.
* does it do everything you need it to do? Pretty much.
* what features would you recommend it to have? I would love to do the bigger designs, have a memory of where I position the starting point, and an extra loop to thread the thread on top - mine gets tangled often. So sometimes I have to put my hand there to keep it straight while it sitches.
* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one? Not sure...
* anything else I should know? You will spend a lot more money than you think...thread alone (if you want all the colors & variegated ones & metallics, etc) will cost about $500. Stabilizers, sticky spray will cost another $50.

HTH!

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have?
Pfaff Creative 7560
* did you buy brand new or used? Used
* where did you get it? My close friend sold it to me because she wanted to upgrade
* roughly how much did it cost? 1200.00
* how often do you use it? once so far, and I have had it for 16 months now
* does it do everything you need it to do? gee, I guess so, but since I have never really used it, I can's say for sure!

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have? Babylock Ellure

* did you buy brand new or used? New

* where did you get it?Local Sewing Machine Store

* roughly how much did it cost? $999.00

* how often do you use it? Almost never :(

* does it do everything you need it to do? Yes

* what features would you recommend it to have? a 5X7 embroidery area is nice. I would like a machine that had a bigger display so see the design easier

* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one?Honestly I don't know

* anything else I should know? The accessories cost alot to get started.

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have? babylock esante
* did you buy brand new or used? used
* where did you get it? freesewing.com
* roughly how much did it cost? 1000
* how often do you use it? I use it as my main sewing machine all the time but as a embroidery machine - not too often - a few projects per month
* does it do everything you need it to do? I think so!
* what features would you recommend it to have? don't know - large hoop is better
* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one? don't know
* anything else I should know? I agree - accessories reallllllly add up. First you need alot of colors of thread - my kit from chrismas was $150. Then you need a card reader/writer so you can download designs (unless you just want to use a few built-ins or spend 60-100 per design card). That costs at least $150. You mentioned embird - this software is something I'd like to have some day - it allows you to edit (like resize) your designs. But you have to spend even more $$$ to get a digitizer package that you can add on to embird. And then there's the bobbin thread, stabilizers, embroidery scissors, etc. etc. It REALLY adds up!

There was a really good thread that Allison started that had alot of embroidery information in it. I can't seem to find it in the FAQ's but I found it fairly recently so I think it is somewhere...lloks like it's gone:(

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have?
Bernina 165E

* did you buy brand new or used?
New

* where did you get it?
Dealer/quilt shop

* roughly how much did it cost?
$3000

* how often do you use it?
All the time, it's sewing/embroidery, so I sew on it too. I do embroidery about once a month, I still am a beginner at it, lol.

* does it do everything you need it to do?
I wish I could afford all of the software to create my own stuff, but I have to buy it slowly in pieces.

* what features would you recommend it to have?
I like having different hoop sizes, only one hoop size is too limiting. I also have an optional thread stand that holds about 12 threads, so they are ready to change fast when I'm doing embroidery.

* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one?
I don't know, maybe the quailty of the machine brand?

* anything else I should know?
Remember you'll need TONS of thread colors because embroideries take a lot of t hread.
I got a gift certificate from the dealer I purchased it at for 10% of the price, so I got a $300 gc to spend in their store, so I was able to buy lots of special feet, tons of thread, stabilizer and my special thread stand.

Originally posted by Blueberry-Farm
[* how often do you use it? Almost never :(
[/B]

you should sell this to me on a monthly payment plan ;) $100 for the next 10 months;) I mean, you NEVER use it, I use mine almost daily.. surely I need an upgrade from the $300 PE -150, eh?

ROFL!!

I see a lot of you wishing you had embird and wishing you had a digitizing program

Embird has a free trial download of their program-fully functioning for 30 days or 100 times and a digitizing program-studio-fully functioning with a 6000 stich limit and 20 parts... so , if you stick to simple designs, you can actually do a lot with the trial version of studio...

think about it...even for the 30 day trial. Its wonderful. SOmeday I am going to buy the full version of studio... maybe after I get that 5x7 field machine ;)

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have? Janome Memory Craft 10000
* did you buy brand new or used? Brand new
* where did you get it? Janome Dealer machine shop
* roughly how much did it cost? $5000
* how often do you use it? All the time. It is my main sewing machine and I embroider all the time. I have done about 15 things within the last week or so!!
* does it do everything you need it to do? Yep!!
* what features would you recommend it to have? I like the bigger hoops!! I use embird for my deisgns to convert them to my janome format so I don't have the amazing box. No need to have it for me right now. I transfer the designs from my computer right to the machine.
* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one? not sure
* anything else I should know? I agree start up is a ton of money. Threads, stabilizers, ect!!

Have fun shopping!! I love my machine!!

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have?
Brother PE150

* did you buy brand new or used?
Factory serviced (used)

* where did you get it?
eBay

* roughly how much did it cost?
around $200 (i think)

* how often do you use it?
couple times per week

* does it do everything you need it to do?
so far :)

* what features would you recommend it to have?
I'm really happy w/ this one...I don't miss not having a big hoop, because I've never had one. lol

* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one?
?

* anything else I should know?
I agree w/ the rest...stabilizers, thread, bobbins, smart box/amazing box/so-expensive-I'll-be-working-for-it-the-rest-of-my-natural-life box...the "notions" really add up.

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have? PE-150
* did you buy brand new or used? used
* where did you get it? A Momma here
* roughly how much did it cost? $300 w/shipping
* how often do you use it? 1/week (I go in fits and spurts)
* does it do everything you need it to do? Yes
* what features would you recommend it to have? ??
* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one? ??
* anything else I should know? - I disagree that thread and supplies will cost you a fortune, no more then usual IMO. I buy the small Mettler threads which are around $2-$2.50/spool and so far, I have not run out of one color yet. I usually buy them as I need them for projects or when they come on sale. Stabilizer I also by on sale and try to squeeze many projects into each sheet. I also by the bobbin thread in a spool $2 and wind them myself.

Now I *did* buy the PE-Design off eBay for >$280, but it was not a something that you have to have. Orignally, I was going to create some stitching for my MIL and it was just more economical then buying a box, and then embird and THEN a stitch creator program. This was an all in one package. I have yet to use it, so you can see how much I *needed* it.

The machine came with a 5x7 hoop, but I bought a smaller hoop because it was easier to handle and stitch on knits IMO. Allbrands.com is 4 miles from here so it makes it quite nice. :D

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have?
White 3300

* did you buy brand new or used?
New

* where did you get it?
sewingusa.com

* roughly how much did it cost?
$479

* how often do you use it?
once a week

* does it do everything you need it to do?
i want a bigger embroidery field!

* what features would you recommend it to have?
ultimate box and embird

* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one?
being user friendly!

* anything else I should know?
be prepared to be addicted! LOL

* what kind of embroidery machine do you have?
Janome 5700

* did you buy brand new or used?
new

* where did you get it?
ebay of course

* roughly how much did it cost?
$1000

* how often do you use it?
everyday, it is a combo machine. I only embroider, oh, maybe 1x month.

* does it do everything you need it to do?
yes

* what features would you recommend it to have?
hmm, not sure. Mine is pretty basic and it does the job.

* what sets a good machine apart from a not-so-good one?
if you get a combo machine, make sure it is easy to switch between. With mine, you just change the foot.

* anything else I should know?
expect to spend a lot more getting set up to do embroidery - embird, magic box, tons of thread, stabilizer, adhesive spray, bobbin thread, etc.

thank you thank you thank you! Fountain of knowledge here :bow:

you should sell this to me on a monthly payment plan $100 for the next 10 months I mean, you NEVER use it, I use mine almost daily.. surely I need an upgrade from the $300 PE 150, eh? --- Selena

That's a brilliant idea!! Then YOU could sell ME your old one !! LOL.

rofl, you are too funny, Ana... you will have to fight Allison in FL for it.. she is next on the list ;)

rofl, you are too funny, Ana

Darn, I was being serious :wah:

Just kidding!! Allison huh? Hmm, I could take her on... (where's the boxing-gloves smilie?) ;)

Ana

hey, If Allison doesnt want it, and someone takes me up on the offer of selling me their never used machine, I am all for selling mine to you ;) :D

:happy: waiting in line! (for some reason that smilie cracks me up)

I think I need one. I'm looking for the best machine to fit my needs for the cheapest price. I just got a new regular machine, so I just need an embroidery only. Let's discuss the other costs involved as well, so I can get an idea of the whole picture.

Thing is, I don't really know a whole lot about what's involved. My eyes kinda glaze over whenever ya'll talk about embroidery machines. LOL So, you need the thread, that's a big cost, in addition to the machine itself. What about software for the 'puter? Does that usually come with the machine? As far as options for the machine itself, again, I don't really know. Field size? :confused:

Please help a mutha out. :D
Thanks!

I am no expert since I just really started using mine. lol I have a brother pe 180 and wish I had spent moe money on one with a bigger embroidery field. Mine can only do 4 x 4. the thread is pricey. I stockedup last time JA hadit 1/2 off.

You need a smart, amazing or magic box so you can put the designs on the memeroy card. Otherwise you are stuck with what is built in to the machine or buying the very expensive cards for the machine. Those are between 150 and 250. Mymafic box just and is out of warranty so I am currently looking for a new one,. thank goodness the car repairs weren't too expensive!

hth! I'm sure the experts can help more,

I have a PE-150 (right now Allbrands has them for $299 including shipping and a warranty) and I have yet to find a need for a bigger field, but that is me and it seems that many others desire bigger fields.

I also have yet to find the supplies pricey. The thread is the same as buying Coats and Clark for the most part. I usually use Mettlers for abround $2 a spool. I have yet to find a need to buy HUGE spools of thread for embroidery. Some people buy prewounds, I wind the bobbins myself. The cards I find on eBay, I hunt them and watch them $20-$40 a card. Did splurge on the PE Design software, that too I bought on eBay and got for a steal, but I bought it MONTHS ago and have yet to use it.

I guess it depends on what you need and how hog wild 'ya go.

HTH's.

Meagan - here's a good thread:
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/showthread.php?threadid=160957&highlight=embroidery

It really does add up. I think 5x7 is plenty big enough embroidery field. That's the hoop size I normally use.

Thread cost me about 150 to get a nice array of colors and 1000m spools (anything less is a waste of $ in my opinion). I think it's going to last me a long tme.

Unless you get the Ellageo which takes floppy disks, you will want to buy the ultimate box or amazing box which are around 170-200 bucks. This will allow you to download files off of the internet onto a card you put in your machine.

Software is additional. my machine didn't come with any, unless you buy a really expensive machine (ellageo, esante by babylock) during a special month, you wont' get anything with your machine.

My machine allows me to put words together and rotate - shrinks and increases between 90-110% only, and arrays words/sayings into an arc.

Still, I need to get embird which is about 85 bucks and allows you to put words together in 1 file, shrink and edit embroidery designs. And then digitizing softward is another 150 once you have basic Embird. Someday maybe.

It really adds up b/c then there's also prewound bobbins and stabilizers. You kinda need to have a few different types.

I have a subscription to this site - the designs stitch out beautifully: costs $5.00 a month to download as many as you want
http://www.embroidery.dk/

Here's another great site if you buy them
http://www.emblibrary.com/Emblibrary/default.asp

And this site has free ones as do alot of other sites
http://www.annthegran.com/free_designs.html

I think if I could do it all over again I may not have started up on embroidery. But once I had the machine (which I saved up for by watching my friends daughter 1 day a week for 9 months last year), I felt like I needed to use its capabilities. I don't enjoy doing embroidery too much b/c I've had some hiccups that didn't work. It seems like I have to sit there and be there in case I get a jam - because if I don't, it can go all out of whack. I think alot of mommas don't sit there with it though. I should post about that some time, because some designs are like 45 minutes!!!! And color changes takes time too - so it's not like it doesn't take your time to do it.

However, for biz purposes it might pay for itself as embroidered covers are pretty popular!

Adding my question:

When looking at ebay for amazing boxes, etc, the cards looked like the same ones used for cameras. Can you use the same card for the embroidery machine, and even the card reader? I know my card reader acts just like another hard drive, and I can put any format of information on it. Anyone know? That would save me quite a bit of money when I get my machine!

Allison I don't think so since each machine type requires a different format of cards y/k? You normally get the blank card with the amazing box and you really only need 1 though because all your designs are saved on your hard drive and you write what you need onto the card.

HTH

Originally posted by Maiden Comfort
Adding my question:

When looking at ebay for amazing boxes, etc, the cards looked like the same ones used for cameras. Can you use the same card for the embroidery machine, and even the card reader? I know my card reader acts just like another hard drive, and I can put any format of information on it. Anyone know? That would save me quite a bit of money when I get my machine!

The technology is similar, but the cards are not the same. Different size, slightly different pin hook-up. And card readers are not really interchangable with embroidery boxes. I heard a *rumor* that the new TOL Babylock/Brother coming out may support a flash card, but again, who knows??? They are being really quiet about the new machine lines.

Heather

Can you upgrade your machine? You could probably trade up your machine for one that does embroidery also, for only a few hundred more, and most do 5x7. I really love my ellure, I haven't found that I need it to do anything that it isn't capable of.

As far as thread, I bought a kit of ARC from melcomart.com for around $75, plus shipping. It had 50 1000m spools, and they last forever!! Marathonthread.com has similar kits for similar pricing. I prefer poly thread, it is colorfast, less threadbreaks, yada yada.

For backing, I bought the precut stuff from marathonthread.com