I need some advice on embroidery machines. There are so many to choose from and I don't even know where to start. I have a small business I run out of my home making childrens clothing and accessories. I want to add embroidery to my products. I have looked at the Singer Quantum XL 6000. I am looking for a good one that can do larger designs. The singer can do an area up to 10x18. If anyone has any advice or recommendations please let me know.
Thanks to everyone that responded to my request. You have all been a really big help. I never thought it would be so hard to find an embroidery machine. There are just too many choices!! I am going this weekend to look. I think I have narrowed my choices down to a Bernina or Baby Lock. I'm just now sure on which model. If anyone knows of a certain model in either of those brands please let me know. Thanks again everyone!!
I've had a Brother 8500 and now have a Janome 350E.
go to www.sewforum.com for info on what to buy. people write in on all different sewing topics.
H.
Check into the "Babylock" brand- My mom and I bought one about a year ago and we LOVE it. We use it mostly for embroidery on smaller designs like t-shirts, towels, bibs and burpcloths. I'm not sure what area you are in, but we bought ours at the Atlanta Sewing Center. The people there are extremely helpful and offer great service - in person and over the phone.
Sorry I can't help you, but I am very interested in the replys you get, because I have just bought a "Brother". I never owned a sewing machine that did embroidery before, so I am still "playing" with it. So far I really like it, but I have nothing to compare it to. Good luck.
I have a Husquevarna Designer I, but if I had it to do again I would get a Bernina. They seem to have quite a variety of designs and a lot of people who do what you do own one of them. I also know someone who has a Brother and they love their's so that might be good as well. Definately check out the Bernina's.
Good luck!
I like the phaff products.
Look for a dealer and go talk to them about other products.
have you tried epinions.com? That is a pretty good site.
I also have a small sewing business, and have a few different brands over the years. I highly recommend the Janome line of machines. They are true work horses, and really easy to learn. I am currently using a Janome MC 10001, but previously had a MC8000. I can send designs from my laptop to the Janome and have the giga-hoop with an area of 9"x10".
I don't know where you live, but here in Fayetteville, Alfano Sewing machines, on Hope Mills Rd. frequently has used machines available. Also, I take an occasional class through FTCC to learn new stitch and constructions ideas. The ladies there that have Singers don't seem to have the range of options that I do. They are always looking over my shoulder! Pfaff (sp?) are difficult to repair and expensive. Bernina is great for quilting, but again very costly. Brother is a basic machine. Singer has an old name behind it, but that is about it. I did do a good bit of research on-line as well before I decided on which machine to upgrade to.
I bought mine used on e-bay, and haven't been disappointed with it at all. Good luck, and send me a link to your site!
M hayden
http://sewandsews.etsy.com
Hi H.,
You can call the Clarksville Sewing Center for all your sewing and embroidery questions. They have always been a great source of help to me. I don't remember their new address, but I'm sure you can call and ask. They are not pushy salespeople, so don't worry about them trying to sell you a machine right away. Good Luck!
Their number is: ###-###-#### Ask for Debbie or Elysia
H.,
You might want to check oust hsn.com, they now have significantly reduced the cost of these type machines by using your own computer or laptop along with a embroidery machine. HSN is very reputable, great easy to return policies, great customer service. They usually have a video demonstration for their products when you look them up online. Instead of thousands, because they normally have a computer within them, I saw one for approximately $400. HSN also offers great payment plan options, with no intersest. It could do everything from scanning your child's artwork and embroidering it on fabric to programs it included for variety of fonts, images, designs, etc. Very simple and easy to use. I hope this helps! I pray you and your business great success.
Sincerely,
S.
