How to: pick the right embroidery machine for you
Choosing a new embroidery machine can feel overwhelming.
With so many options to choose from, each with a whole host of different patterns, functions, and features to look at, where do you even start?
The good news is that Brother’s range of hobby and semi-professional embroidery machines offers something for everyone. So, before you take the plunge and purchase your new model, read this guide to help you find your perfect match.
What’s your budget?
First things first – what’s your budget? The price of an embroidery machine can vary, from as little as £500, to well over £10K!
Logically, the more expensive a machine is, the more features and functions you’d expect it to deliver. However, that isn’t to say that a lower-cost model doesn’t still have huge amounts to offer. Especially when it’s a Brother!
Look at how much you can afford to invest in your machine and buy the best you can. You can also compare the features and pick a machine that has the right ones for you. Sometimes you don’t need very complicated features, or you may need a specific feature that’s only on a certain machine.
It’s better to purchase a machine that’s slightly above your skill-level and grow into it, rather than stick to a safer, lower-priced model and outgrow it after a few months.
Up your skill level
Mastering machine embroidery is not a difficult learning curve at all. When you know the basic principles, you will find that you quickly skill up. Therefore, choosing a machine that exceeds your own skill level is key to a long-lasting match.
If you’re just starting out in embroidery, machines with thousands of different patterns and design capabilities might seem scary. However, with some expert advice from your local Brother dealer you’ll soon understand what it all means.
Think about how you’ll be using your machine. Do you want to use your machine for small logos or patches? Will you want to stitch out larger, more intricate patterns? Or, do you want the ability to design your own embroidery patterns on the machine, or with additional software? Would you like a machine with wireless connection so you can take advantage of exciting apps and other features?
If you’re brand new to machine embroidery, have a look at our Embroidery 101 blog post as this will help you determine the type of machine you want to invest in.
Size matters
When it comes down to it, the bigger the size of the embroidery frame, the more options you have in terms of what you can embroider.
Embroidery frames come in many sizes, so the larger the embroidery area of the machine, the more versatility you will have.
Larger frames also allow you to embroider thicker and trickier fabrics or garments. Many of these frames are available as magnet frames, which makes hooping easy, even for beginners.
Clever features
Consider features like needle threaders, automatic thread trimmers and automatic thread tension very seriously. These will make a big difference to your embroidery enjoyment, especially if you have designs with many thread colours or many jump stitches.
Have a look at the screen size and operation. Is it a nice large intuitive touchscreen, or a smaller screen which is operated by a keypad?
It is true that the lower-end of the range tends to have less of these time-saving and user-friendly features, and will have a slower embroidery speed, so be sure to consider this when deciding which machine to choose.
What combination do you require?
Are you only interested in embroidery, or do you want to be able to make garments and quilts as well? Do you have the budget and space to own several different machines, or would one machine that can do it all be the best option?Brother’s range of combination sewing, quilting, and embroidery machines are the ideal match for those who want to dabble in lots of different projects – whether that be for yourself, your home, or for a budding business.
They take the best aspects of all three types of stitching and bring them together in one easy-to-handle package. Even though the machines themselves can be more expensive, buying one machine instead of two can save you money, space, and make sure that you’ll always have exactly the functions you need, whatever you’re creating.
Business or pleasure?
Another question to ask yourself when considering the purchase of a brand-new embroidery machine is, will you be using it for business, or just for pleasure? Makers who sell their wares tend to spend much more time at the machine.
If buying an embroidery machine for business use, you may want a machine that can embroider a wider range of articles and increase your productivity.
As the saying goes, time is money. The quicker an embroidery machine can produce a design, the quicker you can move onto completing your next order.
Semi-professional machines are specifically built to take on more complex projects, with up to ten needles which saves you having to rethread with each colour change. Brother’s semi-professional machines bring together the latest in business innovations such as extra-large embroidery areas, placement support like built-in cameras and precision positioning LED pointers, built-in design capabilities.
The biggest difference in these machines are that they feature a free arm system which allows you to also embroider on shoes, caps, bags, baby clothes, sports kit and much more.
With their wireless LAN connectivity it also means you can connect up to 10 machines and truly grow your small business into a full-fledged stitching empire.
There you have it – a concise overview of embroidery machines and what to look for when you start your search. Visit an Authorised Brother dealer in your area. They will be more than happy to give you a demonstration and to let you test drive a machine.
Do you use a Brother hobby or semi-professional embroidery machine?
