What do I need to know before buying an embroidery machine?
By Julie on January 20th, 2021 This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
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So you are interested in an embroidery machine? Do you really know what you are getting into? While an embroidery machine can offer a lot of fun and creativity, it can also be a money pit if you don’t put it to good use. So, before you whip out your credit card to buy an embroidery machine, there are a few questions you should have answers to before taking a leap.
An embroidery machine is not a sewing machine. Embroidery machines and sewing machines may look a bit alike, they actually function very differently. An embroidery machine “reads” designs off of a computer or flash drive and stitches them out onto fabric (or other material). A sewing machine allows you to connect pieces of fabric together. Another way to think about it: a sewing machine allows you to build a garment, but an embroidery machine allows you to add decorative details.
And to confuse you a bit more, there are actually sewing / embroidery combo machines. Sounds like the best of both worlds, right? If you want to be able to sew and embroider, but have limited space, a combo machine is the way to go. The downside is that you have to change the set up of the machine when you transition from sewing to embroidery and vice versa. Another downside is that you can’t sew while your embroidery machine is stitching out a design. Plus, the combo machines tend to be a bit more expensive than the stand alone embroidery machines.
An embroidery machine is a great tool for personalizing clothing and accessories. Even the most basic embroidery machine will allow you to stitch out a name or a monogram. With most retailers charging $10-$15 or more for a monogram, an embroidery machine can be a real money saver, especially if you like to monogram everything.
Embroidery machines also allow you to add some flair to your clothing and accessories. I’ve livened up everything from bathing suits to sweaters using my machine. You can really create some unique clothing by adding a bit of embroidery.
Embroidery machines can also enable you to make small items completely in the embroidery hoop. This type of item is called an in-the-hoop project. You literally make the entire object in your embroidery hoop as the embroidery machine not only provides decoration, it also stitches the item together. Learn more about in-the-hoop projects.
Is an embroidery machine the same as a Cricut?
Embroidery machines and Cricuts are kind of similar in away in that they both read and interpret digital files. But while embroidery machines stitch designs based on the file information, Cricuts make cuts (and draw with pens) based on the digital information.
You can spend a little or a lot of money on an embroidery machine. The least expensive embroidery machines start in the hundreds of dollars. But, the commercial grade multi-needle embroidery machines can be $10,000 or more.
If you are just getting started, your first embroidery machine doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Simple single needle machines with a 4″x 4″ hoop start at around $500. While some people say that you will quickly outgrow an embroidery machine with a 4″ x 4″ hoop, they do offer an opportunity to get your feet wet, and you can upgrade from there.
Embroidery machines with larger hoops will be at least a bit more expensive ($500+), and ones that trim jump stitches will be even more. Once you start looking at multi-needle machines, the cost will be in the thousands.
You can also check sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to score a good deal on a used one. In fact, I scored a great deal on a Brother PE535 by shopping on Facebook Marketplace. PE535s are typically $500+, but I was able to get mine for $300 and it had been barely used. The woman I bought it from got frustrated learning how to use it and just wanted it out of her house. She had bought it 5 months prior and only tried it out a few times. SCORE!
Accessories like these little nippers will make your embroidery so much easier.
Consider looking on Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Craigslist for these items. You may be able to find a collection of embroidery thread or some other useful supplies from someone selling off items from an estate. Also, some people just lose interest and want to get rid of all their embroidery stuff. Keep an eye open for these types of deals and scoop them up when you have the chance!
How can I justify the cost of an embroidery machine?
Yes! You can make your own embroidery designs. You will just need embroidery digitizing software in order to do so. Digitizing software ranges in price and capability quite a bit. But, if you want to start experimenting, I would suggest checking out Inkstitch (which is free) or download SewArt, as these are some of the most beginner-friendly programs.
How difficult is it to use an embroidery machine?
There’s a bit of a learning curve when learning how to use an embroidery machine. So you will need to spend some time reading the manual and figuring it out.
Getting your embroidery machine out of the box and starting to use it can be daunting. But once you have a bit of success, you will likely have confidence to try other things. The challenge with machine embroidery is knowing when to use what type of stabilizer, thread and whether to hoop or float. It’s a little bit like learning a foreign language. Start by mastering one skill, like embroidering on towels, and then keep trying new projects and eventually you broaden skill set.
What is the best embroidery machine to buy for a beginner?
I often get asked what embroidery machine to buy from beginners which is a really hard question to answer. Some people will only buy machines from a local dealer, so they can visit the shop and ask questions. Others just look at what types of machines can get serviced in their area, and buy the brand accordingly.
But, another important factor to keep in mind is the popularity of the machine. The more common the machine you buy, the more readily you will find answers to your question about it. For example, the Brother PE800 is super pervasive. And, it’s actually just a new and improved version of the Brother PE770. So if you have questions about either of these machines, you will find loads of help online – from Youtube videos to Facebook groups specifically dedicated to these machines.
Will I outgrow my embroidery machine?
And that’s ok. In fact, a lot of people start on a 4″ x 4″ hoop machine and then want to upgrade. So, just like when purchasing a car, you may want to see how the embroidery machine you want to buy holds its resale value. Some machines can be sold used for just about what you paid for them. In fact, if you bought Brother PE800 last year, you could probably sell it used this year for about twice it’s value. So, do your homework before you invest in an embroidery machine to see what you could sell it for in case you absolutely hate it, or you think you might want to eventually upgrade.
Instead of selling the machine you outgrow, you may decide to keep it as a backup, assuming you have the space for a small fleet of embroidery machines.
So, do I still want to buy an embroidery machine?
If the answer is “yes,” then go for it! It’s a fabulous tool to add a lot of fun and creativity to your life. If you take the time to figure out how to use it, you will be amazed by all the things you can make. Plus – I’ll be right there with you to help and inspire you on your way!
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“I recently took one of Julie Griffey’s, The Machine Embroidery Geek, machine embroidery classes. Instructions were clear with good examples of the step-by-step progress to complete the project. The tips she provided kept me from making some frustrating errors. I enjoyed the class and came away with an awesome and fun handmade craft.”
