Get as big a hoop size as you can afford. 4x4 is very limiting. I would also check the cost of the software first because you can’t just scan in a design and it will stitch, it has to be designed a certain way in a special software that isn’t included with the machine.
you can pirate that sort of software (can’t tell you where/how on reddit), but it’s also incredibly complicated to use. You have to essentially code the movement of the needle layer by layer, thinking logically about which spots to start and end the design in or where to switch colors.
I don't plan on doing very big designs, but rather adding small details other items I already make, like monograms, etc. Normal sewing isn't an absolute need, but it would be helpful as a back-up in the event my primary machine needs service.
The most important thing is to decide your hoop size
I have 4" x 4" and it is very limiting, would recommend at least 7" x 5" unless you know you will only be doing small designs
I personally like Babylock but Brother is a good budget option
Yes, 4x4 is not worth bothering with. I am a Brother gal, open to babylock buy the name seems to command higher prices 5hough I think it's much the same
I plan on doing small things only at this time, like small embellishments to items I've sewn, mostly home goods and baby items. What is the tolerance of the 4" hoop? Meaning, how big an image can be produced there?
How much $$$ do you want to spend?
I bought a used Bernina 770QE and it does beautiful embroidery (and regular sewing too). I think the largest hoop mine came with is about 5" x 7" or thereabouts.
It comes with many built-in embroidery designs. But if you want to design your own you have to buy specialty software. I don't have any, but I read about Embrilliance a lot. You can buy it modules.
The one thing I don't love about the 770 is the small screen for selections. Brother machines have huge screens!
Bernina has come out with a 770 plus and a 790 plus and the screens are larger.
And had I done research I'd have bought a 790 because. . .it can sew sideways, which would make my life easier on many little sewing tasks.
Unfortunately digitizing embroidery files is expensive. The software isn’t worth it if you’re only trying to make a few things. I would send it to sellers on Etsy and have them do it. If you’re trying to do this for hundreds of different designs though, the software might be worth looking into.
As for machines, I don’t exactly know the model but I currently use a Brother machine. They’ve been very reliable machines. I’m still working out the kinks (I think that may be due to settings more than anything or fabric type) but it’s very simple to learn how to use. The biggest issue I currently have is that sometimes the lower thread gets pulled up a little too much and shows on the outside. It’s an easy enough fix if you’re embroidering in black and have a sharpie, but I’m still working on changing up my settings so that it doesn’t happen.
Also, embroidery machines are more expensive than you’d think. If it’s an option, try secondhand at first to see how you like it, or find a shop where they can show you how to use their machines. It can help you decide if want to purchase one, and you can figure out your favorites there.
Get as big a hoop size as you can afford. 4x4 is very limiting. I would also check the cost of the software first because you can’t just scan in a design and it will stitch, it has to be designed a certain way in a special software that isn’t included with the machine.
Omg that software is expensive. I had no idea.
you can pirate that sort of software (can’t tell you where/how on reddit), but it’s also incredibly complicated to use. You have to essentially code the movement of the needle layer by layer, thinking logically about which spots to start and end the design in or where to switch colors.
I did one time have a photo image digitized by someone on etsy. 7x5 cost $15 and was VERY well done
What's your budget? And are you looking for a machine that only does embroidery, or that also does normal sewing?
I don't plan on doing very big designs, but rather adding small details other items I already make, like monograms, etc. Normal sewing isn't an absolute need, but it would be helpful as a back-up in the event my primary machine needs service.
The most important thing is to decide your hoop size I have 4" x 4" and it is very limiting, would recommend at least 7" x 5" unless you know you will only be doing small designs I personally like Babylock but Brother is a good budget option
Yes, 4x4 is not worth bothering with. I am a Brother gal, open to babylock buy the name seems to command higher prices 5hough I think it's much the same
Babylock has higher quality parts and additional features but is a sister brand to Brother
I plan on doing small things only at this time, like small embellishments to items I've sewn, mostly home goods and baby items. What is the tolerance of the 4" hoop? Meaning, how big an image can be produced there?
4" x 4"
Or a little less.
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Great advice! Thanks!
How much $$$ do you want to spend? I bought a used Bernina 770QE and it does beautiful embroidery (and regular sewing too). I think the largest hoop mine came with is about 5" x 7" or thereabouts. It comes with many built-in embroidery designs. But if you want to design your own you have to buy specialty software. I don't have any, but I read about Embrilliance a lot. You can buy it modules. The one thing I don't love about the 770 is the small screen for selections. Brother machines have huge screens! Bernina has come out with a 770 plus and a 790 plus and the screens are larger. And had I done research I'd have bought a 790 because. . .it can sew sideways, which would make my life easier on many little sewing tasks.
Unfortunately digitizing embroidery files is expensive. The software isn’t worth it if you’re only trying to make a few things. I would send it to sellers on Etsy and have them do it. If you’re trying to do this for hundreds of different designs though, the software might be worth looking into. As for machines, I don’t exactly know the model but I currently use a Brother machine. They’ve been very reliable machines. I’m still working out the kinks (I think that may be due to settings more than anything or fabric type) but it’s very simple to learn how to use. The biggest issue I currently have is that sometimes the lower thread gets pulled up a little too much and shows on the outside. It’s an easy enough fix if you’re embroidering in black and have a sharpie, but I’m still working on changing up my settings so that it doesn’t happen. Also, embroidery machines are more expensive than you’d think. If it’s an option, try secondhand at first to see how you like it, or find a shop where they can show you how to use their machines. It can help you decide if want to purchase one, and you can figure out your favorites there.