What's the best embroidery machine for beginners?

Question

So to give a little background, I sew. A LOT. I've been hand sewing since I was little, and in college bought my first Singer (just a basic 15 stitch one). On a regular basis, I'm making costumes for myself and clients for cosplay, ren faires, pirate things, everything, and been getting much more comfortable doing so. Most recently I was gifted with a Singer Fashionmate 5500 so that I could advance my sewing since it had the most complete stitch set and things for quilting as well. Slowly but surely, that machine and I are becoming friends. Slowly.

Most recently I've been given a list of costumes that would require embroidery. A lot of embroidery. Like the detail work down Rapunzel's dress, and the stuff along the hem of Princess Zelda's dress. Things like that that require custom patterns. Yes, I could do that by hand, but dear gods I really don't want to. So I'm looking at embroidery machines, but they're... a little intimidating.

I don't need a combo million stitch and embroidery since I already have two sewing machines. I really just need the one. But which one? There's a lot to choose from, and not being allowed to sit in the store for a day to sew and test drive them all, I'm left to ask. :3 So please, if anyone has any experience with them, which would you suggest as a good general embroidery machine for a beginner that has the most function for my dollar? I know they're all expensive, so I'm not super worried about that part, I just want quality and useability.

Answer 1

Janome. Hands down. The 350e, yes it's expensive but it's the best for the money in my book. I love, love, love mine. I also have the Janome 200e and love it too but the 350e can stitch larger designs(5x7) than the 200e.

Also look at the Brother PE770 or Designio 820(they're the same machine but different colors). Actually the only thing about the Brother that I like better than the Janome is that they have a choice of 4 sizes of hoops where the the Janome only has 3. Both brands are very easy to use right out of the box.

If you can, buy from a dealer and take advantage of the free classes. But if that's not an option and you buy from a store or from Amazon or Ebay, there are tons of Utube videos on just about every embroidery machine out there.

One more thing to keep in mind. Machine embroidery can be a very addicting, expensive hobby. Ask me how I know, lol. All the right threads, stabilizers, software for digitizing your own designs and other supplies can quickly become a money pit if you aren't serious about it and do your research.

Answer 2

Hi I have no real answer for you but a suggestion, try asking this exact question on facebook "QUILTING" page they are a great group and will give some great guidance and advice. I'd even look into facebook and see if they have a similar group for "MACHINE EMBROIDERY". I personally own 6 domestic sewing machines, 1 long arm quilting machine and 1 Brother SE425 Embroidery machine. I like my embroider machine, HOWEVER it is VERY LIMITED on what it can do. The machine will only accept a hoop up to 4" which really isn't big enough for many things so I'd be hesitant to recommend it. If you can afford to buy it as a starter machine to try out etc. The one I have was purchased at Walmart for approx.$300. Not that I would suggest doing this, however it is worth keeping in mind the stores return policy. Such stores as Walmart make it possible to buy an item such as this and regardless of having used it or still having it in a sealed box never even having opened it the store will give you a full refund in accordance to their policy for the time to return an item and original receipt etc. Therefore it would be a possible, unethical, but possible and entirely legal way to at least test drive one.

Answer 3

Well that's the hard question you have asked. Try to start with SE425 Embroidery machine as mars mentioned.