What to Look for: Buying an Embroidery Machine

What to look for

BUYING AN EMBROIDERY MACHINE

By Leanne Church

Checklist

✔ Do I want an embroidery only or a combination machine? ✔ Am I going to use this for business purposes?✔ Is the screen easy enough to read?✔ Is it easy to navigate around the screens to edit, move, rotate, size and create the embroidery?✔ How heavy is it? Can I lift it if I need to?✔ What hoops do I get, and do I need a large hoop? Are there other hoops available?✔ What is my budget?✔ What accessories are available that can upgrade me in the future? ✔ What designs are on the machine?✔ Do I need software? ✔ Do I love my sewing-machine dealer?✔ Do I have a sewing-machine mechanic that knows their stuff?

In my 25 years in the sewing machine industry, I have learnt so much about embroidery machines and software. I receive numerous messages from people with whom I have associated, and then their friends, regarding what brand of machine I recommend. What I have and what you need are two different things. You may have been convinced by your sewing friends that their embroidery machine is the machine you need because everyone else has that one. However, that may not be the case. When I advise people on what machine they need for themselves, there are many factors they may not have considered, so I have created a list of things to look at when purchasing a new embroidery machine.

Sewing-machine dealers

The machine itself is important, but having a sewing-machine dealer who you can talk to on the phone or in person is vital. Find a dealer who has lots of knowledge about their products and who also keeps up to date with training on new machines. Yes, there are many YouTube and Facebook articles on all machines, but there is nothing better than having personal service with a smile. Ask the sewing-machine dealer questions as well as your sewing buddies, and if you are on a group on social media, ask if anyone has had a good experience.

Janome Memory Craft 400E, 500E and 550E The 550E is the latest addition to Janome’s embroidery-only range. The 200mm x 360mm embroidery fi eld is the largest yet. It comes with four hoops, 180 built-in embroidery designs and six fonts for monogramming. The MC550E has an extra-wide table to support large embroidery projects. Designs are easily imported via a USB key and edited through the machine’s advanced on-screen editing functions.

Sewing and embroidery machine combination

If you have a great general sewing machine, you may want to purchase an embroidery-only machine, or a machine that has the capacity to add an embroidery unit later. I personally like a separate machine because I can multi-task. It is also handy to have one in use when the other is in for a service. But if you do buy a combination, then you have all the bells and whistles in the one unit.

Sewing-machine mechanic

Do you have a good sewing-machine mechanic? In my opinion, they are far and few between now, but if you fi nd a good one, share with all your friends. I know of people who travel interstate to have their machines serviced by a reputable mechanic. They are valuable not only for service, but can advise on what brands and models could be suitable for you. They can also get you out of a bind when your machine has a hissy fi t.

Try before you buy

Not all sewing-machine stores carry all brands, so you may need to do some research online. Check each model and get an idea of what you are looking for in a machine, and visit your local sewing-machine dealer for a test drive. Sewing and craft shows are also good spots to fi nd out about different models. Go in with your list of questions and test drive as many as you want, but you don’t need to buy there and then. Think about your purchase because it is a new family member you are buying. You may laugh but it’s true. My machine is high up on the list: kids, machine, then husband!

Which brand

There are many machine brands on the market — which is the best? Well I am not going to tell you that. This is something you will have to investigate yourself. You are investing in a great piece of technology that will make your life happier and bring lots of joy when you get the hang of it. It’s like buying a car; you must test drive before you fi nd the right one. Some are like luxury sports cars, some are your medium range for every day and some are compact to get you from A to B. If you look at it logically, embroidery machines are just printers with thread, but some are better than others.

Before you toddle off to your sewing-machine dealer or sewing and craft show, here are some points to consider before making your fi nal decision

Bernina 880 PLUS The 880 PLUS is a sewing, quilting and embroidery machine that offers pinpoint placement, enhanced editing functions and total embroidery stitch control. The extended free-arm gives 12in of space to the right of the needle. The machine comes with three hoops, up to 255mm x 145mm embroidery fi eld. The optional Jumbo Hoop, with a maximum embroidery area of 400mm x 260mm, will fi t this machine. Design editing allows you to easily position, mirror, rotate, combine and resize motifs. You can create curved lettering effects, alter stitch density, and combine alphabets with embroidery.

Price and budget

Embroidery machines range from around AU$1000 to AU$20,000 for a single-needle machine. Your budget may determine your purchase. If you fi nd you want a machine that is above your budget, but you have your heart set on it, save. You could buy one that in six months time you have grown out of and then regret your purchase. I have seen that happen numerous times — and if you can get a trade-in on the one you purchased you may be disappointed by the trade-in value.

Hobby or business

If you are considering purchasing an embroidery machine for a business, consider a multi-needle machine, especially if

Bernina 535 This machine is for sewists, quilters and embroiders: it has 8½in to the right of needle, 1048 stitch package, jumbo bobbin – 70% more thread, 41/3in colour touch screen and is embroidery compatible with the optional 5 Series Embroidery Module. The embroidery module is easy to install, with a practical carrying handle, and it turns the 535 into an embroidery computer that offers an embroidery fi eld of 400mm × 150mm. The module works with all new 5 Series models, but comes standard with B 590 and B 500.

What to look for

you are doing a lot of towels and garments, for example. The free arm will allow you to get articles on so much more easily and the hoops are deeper for thick towels and other items. If you are a beginner, talk to your dealer to see if they have the option to upgrade when you grow out of your single needle. Often when you move to a multi needle you want to keep your single anyway.

How heavy is it?

If you intend to just embroider at home without needing to move the machine, then weight is not an issue. If you would like to take it to workshops and groups, and you can’t get it in or out of the car because it is too heavy, then that’s not an option. Most enthusiasts own more than one machine — one that is the best of the best with everything an embroiderer wants, and a smaller one for travelling to social events.

Janome MB7 The MB7 is a home-use, seven-needle embroidery-only machine. This machine is built to work with embroidery formats used by industry professionals such as .jef+, .jef and .dst. With 50 built-in embroidery designs and 10 fonts for monogramming, a USB port to easily import designs and a maximum speed of 800 stitches per minute, the possibilities are endless. It comes with three hoops 240mm x 200mm, 126mm x 110mm and 50mm x 50mm as well as other accessories. Ricoma Perfect for hobbyists, crafters and home-based entrepreneurs! The EM-1010 is a single-head embroidery machine that comes with all the attachments to embroider on caps, fl ats, fi nished garments and much more. These machines are perfect for start-ups as they come equipped with the necessary attachments to get your business up and running. The EM-1010 bundle includes a portal and mobile workspace stand, four hoops, Wilcom Hatch embroidery software, starter kit and online training videos.

The Melco EMT16 Plus This is a commercial embroidery machine that has unique features that, combined with precise engineering, allow the machine to reach stitch speeds up to a maximum of 1500 stitches per minute with tremendous stitch quality. Melco also operates from a standard PC or laptop, meaning there is no on-board touchscreen, making it very user friendly. The modular Melco EMT16 Plus design means the system is scalable, so it can easily grow with your business with ultimate fl exibility benefi ts.

Brother Stellaire XE1 With the easy-to-use mobile App you can precisely position your designs. This machine offers 56 square inches of workspace – with 11in from needle to arm. The larger 240mm x 355mm embroidery frame is large enough to combine designs so you can stitch them out in one hooping. There are 727 built-in embroidery designs, including more than 100 Disney designs. You can master your embroidery with the expandable library of built-in tutorial videos. The My Design Snap mobile app allows you to perfectly position your design every time and it allows you to convert line art and illustrations into embroidery with the snap and embroider feature. The Stellaire XE1 has embroidery speeds of up to 1050 stitches per minute Husqvarna Designer Brilliance 80 The Designer Brilliance 80 is a sewing and embroidery machine that is able to instantly set the best stitch, stitch width, stitch length, thread tension/portioning and presser-foot pressure for the technique you’ve chosen.

Through the JOYos Advisor feature you will have access to interactive tutorials, sewing and embroidery techniques, sewing instructions, stabiliser guide, quick help and the complete user’s guide – all presented on a 7in multi-touch capacitive display.

There is a 10in work area and the machine comes with three hoops, with up to 360mm x 200mm embroidery fi eld, and you can create and embroider designs up to 360mm x 350mm with the optional Majestic hoop.

Hoop size

This is one of the most frequently asked questions when buying an embroidery machine. Bigger is better most would say, but not everyone wants or needs bigger embroidery. It will depend on what you are creating on it, but I would look at a machine that has a 200mm-plus hoop.

Quilting blocks are mostly 200mm x 200mm (8in) and a decent-size towel is around this size as well. There are machines that can create designs to around 400mm in length and these can produce the most amazing creations in the one hoop.

Also ask the demonstrator to show you how to hoop. Some hoops are easier than others and if you struggle to hoop fabric, this could be something to consider if you have weakness in your hands and arms.

Performance

When testing a machine, listen to it: does it purr or sound like a chaff cutter? You will be the one at home listening to it stitch, and if it drives you mad, then you won’t love it and you may lose interest. A smooth and quiet machine is lovely. Be aware that multi-needle machines are noisier — you can’t avoid that.

Designs in the machine

Yes, all embroidery machines come with beautiful inbuilt designs, but don’t just buy it for the designs. There are millions of designs in the market and usually you can fi nd something to fi t your needs. Copyright designs are beautiful and if you love them and the machine, then by all means buy that machine, but remember they are for private and personal use and cannot be sold to make profi t in any form.

What to look for

Software

If you just want to embroider, you can use the designs and lettering on the machine. You can buy designs in the machine format and load them to the machine. That’s fairly easy. But if you want to edit a design, take things out, add things in, resize or create your own designs from artwork, then you will need software. Talk to your dealer or contact someone who has used these programs for advice. The software from the same sewing-machine company may not always be right for you and your level of creativity. I would get the machine, use it for a while and then consider software down the track. Learn one thing fi rst.

All this information can be lot to take in, but very important nonetheless. As an embroiderer and having worked in this industry for a number of years, I meet many people who are given the wrong information and end up with a machine that doesn’t suit them.

Janome Skyline S9 The Skyline S9 is the fi rst machine in its series to include both sewing and embroidery and its wifi capability allows you to easily send embroidery designs from an iPad or computer straight to the machine. There are six Janome iOS APPS available for the Skyline S9 – AcuEdit, AcuMonitor, AcuDesign, ScreenSaverTool, AcuSetter and AcuSketch. There are 250 embroidery designs, including 40 exclusive designs by Anna Maria Horner, along with 300 built-in stitches. The maximum embroidery fi eld is 170mm x 200mm, with sewing speeds up to 1000 stitches per minute, and an LCD colour touchscreen. Husqvarna Epic 2 With true Wifi connectivity, you can download machine updates and design transfers from anywhere for free. Browse and search for just the right embroidery design via the screen using the industry-fi rst mySewnet Library. The machine comes with three hoops – up to 360mm x 350mm embroidery fi eld, two USB ports and reads multiple design formats, free-motion sewing with decorative stitches and four hoop positions. It is also capable of stitching ribbon embroidery with an exclusive attachment.

PFAFF Creative 4.5 The Pfaff Creative 4.5 brings a combination of functionality and practicality to Pfaff’s Creative range. Not quite as big as their pinnacle machine, the Creative Icon, the Creative 4.5 still delivers an enormous range of embroidery capacity and sewing comfort. Roomy enough for even your biggest projects, and with the capacity to go even bigger with the optional 360mm x 300mm hoop, the Creative 4.5 has 9mm stitch width and a spacious full-colour screen with lots of onboard creative editing features.