By Michelle of Abigail Michelle
There are many brands and types of embroidery machines available today. All range in sizes, abilities and price. It seems if you ask everyone who has one, you will receive different opinions each time. People have their favorites and not-so-favorites for different reasons.
If you are in the market for a new embroidery machine, ask yourself these questions:
1) What size designs will I want to be able to embroider?
2) What can I afford?
3) Will I need technical support?
4) Will I need software to support my choice of machine?
1) The "standard" size embroidery hoop on most embroidery machines lets you embroider designs that measure up to 4" x 4". Many machines also have the option of having a 5" x 7" and/or 6" x 10" hoop. Some machines even have larger hoop fields.
It really depends on what you plan on doing with your machine. For many, 4" x 4" designs are just fine. For others, they prefer being able to stitch out larger designs for things such as jackets, bags, home decor or any other project that needs a larger design field. Most users who have only a 4" x 4" embroidery field find it constricting and often wish they had purchased one with a larger embroidery hoop.
Also keep in mind that not all brands have the exact same hoop sizes.
For example, the Brother 4" x 4" embroidery hoop actually only measures 3.94" x 3.94". So always know your actual hoop sizes and check the exact design measurements before purchasing them.
Check with each embroidery design brand/style to see which hoops the machine comes with and which sizes you can add on to the machine if you decide you want a larger hoop (at this purchase or in the future). Not all machines will allow for larger hoops to be added so ask your embroidery machine dealer before you buy one.
2) Embroidery machines come in many price ranges. I've seen some sold for as little as $300 and as much as $25,000. Some machines are sold at fabric or department stores. while others are sold strictly through dealers. It is worth looking into all machines in your price range to see which functions and support each has before making a decision.
They are also available online at places such as Amazon.com. Just be aware that if you don't purchase from a machine dealer you will not have machine support, which is very important.
3) Support is very important when it comes to purchasing something that costs a lot and that you may need help with. This is especially important when it comes to choosing an embroidery machine. Usually, when you purchase an embroidery machine from a reputable machine dealer, you are also getting their support and knowledge behind you. They will often teach you how to use the machine and help you to understand more about how machine embroidery works. They can also help fix any issues you may be running into.
If you choose to buy one from a fabric or department store, you may also have support, just in different ways. For example, the embroidery machine company may offer telephone support. There is also an online machine embroidery community where you can get help and support.
However, you have to decide whether this is a good alternative to "in person" support at a registered machine dealer.
4) Some embroidery machines require additional software in order to to do things such as helping your machine read designs that you find on the internet. Checking with your machine dealer or website before purchasing can help you to understand what you will be required to have in order to do the things you want with your machine.
There is also embroidery editing software available for you if you want to do "extra" things, such as add lettering or convert designs to the format you need.
Embird is one example of "extra" software that can come in handy.
Other than these tips, some reputable brands of machines are Janome, Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff, Bernina and Brother. Each has different sizes and styles of machines to fit your needs.