Have you ever caught yourself wondering how a favourite plush artist of yours creates their plushies? Ever been curious over what sewing accessories they use almost everyday? You're not alone!
Looking at possibly purchasing an embroidery machine in the future is something many crafters consider at some point in their crafting life. It isn't unusual for a crafter to begin looking at embroidery machines via YouTube or Google and suddenly get an overwhelming sense of "where do I start?"
To help with this decision I believe it is important to look at buying an embroidery machine much like a car. Either way an embroidery machine IS an investment - sometimes a smaller investment and other times larger (if it isn't your first machine). So keeping this in mind let's look at why you even want an embroidery machine? I think it is important to understand your "why" so that you can best determine the right direction for a machine. For example, if you have 5 children you are less likely to buy a Honda Civic because it will not meet your family needs. Instead you might actually need a Van or an expansive vehicle to hold more that will come with more "bells and whistles". Embroidery machines are the exact same way!
Now, let us look at a few things embroidery machines are capable of.
 | Basic Embroidery - All embroidery machines have the ability to read embroidery designs including ones that you create via am embroidery program. This gives you a lot of options on what you can embroider including towels, baby/plush fabric (minky), cotton woven, spandex, vinyl, ect. |
 | Expanding from the Basic embroidery a popular craft I often see is baby gifts. Some small shops will purchase stuffies in order to apply custom names to the ears via embroidery. This takes little effort and is very easy once you learn to line up your projects to get straight embroidery. Baby blankets are also a popular item shops embroider. I consider basic embroidery anything that is flat and single sided. |
 | Heading towards more 2D objects you can create some pretty amazing things all with an embroidery machine only. A popular item that you can make via many pattern makers on etsy is mini hand sanitizer keychain holders made entirely from vinyl. Your machine will stitch all the work for you creating something physical you can use. Image Source: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/620339127/applique-sanitizer-holder-read?click_key=e4fc9a3e84ac1777eb2823a0796dd305e6644f46%3A620339127&click_sum=8716adf5&ga_search_query=hand&ref=shop_items_search_1 |
 | Vinyl houses great opportunities for various projects including badge holders, book marks, flat vinyl keychains, bows, wallets. It is incredibly versatile and some shops specialize in just vinyl ITH projects. Image Source: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/672702507/badge-id-holder-applique-set-snap-tab?click_key=46e106e9057e88e1bafc1ac87c7158f5a770f051%3A672702507&click_sum=3dd61e89&ref=shop_home_active_36 |
 | Embroidery Machines can also create bags from start to finish in an embroidery hoop. These bags can range from being made from vinyl to cotton woven. They usually have zippers incorporated into the pattern and attach easily with the embroidery machine! Image Source: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1177389267/applique-bag-2-sizes-digital-embroidery?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ITH+bag&ref=sr_gallery-1-45&organic_search_click=1 |
 | Finally we can discuss projects made entirely with an embroidery machine that are stuffed plushies or keychains. These style of patterns can range from very basic to complex depending on the pattern/designer. However, most patterns should come with a tutorial to make assembly a breeze! There are many many pattern designers out there much like myself who create patterns; I do enjoy TeaCupLion on etsy for great beginner friendly patterns aside from my own patterns Image Source: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/460985546/ith-in-the-hoop-plush-patterns-cat?click_key=42a75e5636998a8581a62b651ea9dab5348d4bca%3A460985546&click_sum=81066edb&ref=shop_home_active_11&pro=1 |
After having seen just a few of the possibilities of owning an embroidery machine you can now ask yourself - "do any of these projects interest me?" If you answer yes, then thankfully MOST embroidery machines can make these projects! That still leads us to wondering how you begin to choose an embroidery machine to begin with. Like a care, we need to decide on a "model".
This is where I am bias and prefer Brother machines or Babylock (made in same factory as brother. They are the machines I have always used and prefer because of my experience with them, however; that isn't to discredit other machines! I see many crafters using the following brands often: Janome, Husqvarna, Viking, Paff, Berenia. The only brand I will not recommend is Singer - their machines are just not up to par with the competition and they definitely are not made high quality like they used to be. So buyer be warned for Singer machines, especially for embroidery with their lower price point - tempting but don't do it.
Embroidery Hoops
To help decrease your anxiety choosing an embroidery machine I feel it's important to understand what people even mean when they talk about "hoops". What even is a hoop? What is its purpose? Why are there like a trillion sizes?
Embroidery hoops are made specifically to hold your fabric and give your machine a base to create stitches onto. The side of the hoop latches into an embroidery arm on your machine. From there the arm will move the hoop around reading the digital stitches from a pattern to create a design. Looking at the image below there is an outer hoop and an inner hoop. The inner hoop will sit inside the outer securing the fabric well. You need a taught work area to produce proper stitches.
So why is there so many different hoop sizes? Well, each machine has a limitation to how large they can embroider. What that means is cheaper machines usually have smaller hoop sizes = smaller design area. A general statement is that usually embroidery machines cannot convert to larger hoop sizes. So whatever you buy is what you get UNLESS you have a higher quality machine that sometimes expansion upgrades can be bought for. These expansion packs are few and far in-between so we will not talk about them here.
How does hoop size really affect what a person can create? Because the size of your hoop directly affects how large of an area you have to embroider this also means it will affect how large you can create items. The photo below shows a side-by-side comparison of the same pattern but one stitched in a 4x4 hoop (smaller) and one stitched in a 7x12 hoop (larger). The size comparison is massively different.
One last thing to remember with hoop sizes is this: not all pattern makers make projects to fit all hoops. Some only specialize in 4x4 hoop sizes and some only specialize in 5x7 sizes for example. This means if you have an embroidery machine that can only do 4x4 inches in size then you are very limited in what patterns you can buy and/or make. On the opposite spectrum if you have a 5x7 size you can not only make 4x4 designs but also 5x7 - thus opening your pattern opportunities even further.
My favourite saying is this: consider an embroidery machine that will fit what you want to create while also purchasing a machine that meets your budget. It's also important to buy the largest hoop you can afford because "hoop envy" is a real thing. Embroidery users outgrow their hoops very quickly especially if you own a 4x4.
Machines
The most daunting topic to try and discuss - machines. For my blog I will exclusively be referring to Brother machines priced off the USA brother website. That being said take my advice with an open mind and apply what I discuss to other brands. This will allow you to "window" shop with maybe some ideas in mind of what you are looking for.
In regards to even buying a machine I do prefer to buy from an actual dealer - either a refurbished machine OR a new machine via payments if needed (again like buying a car). The dealership comes with a wealth of knowledge and they usually offer machine service if needed later down the road. When buying a machine from a dealer you also usually receive a 1hr learning session on how your particular machine works as well as what it can do. This is incredibly helpful if you are new to this crafting machine! Your dealer is meant to be someone you can turn to and assist, so keep that in mind.
I'm not saying buying second hand is bad BUT from my own experience I personally waisted $1200 on a larger embroidery machine in a private sale. It had numerous problems, the timing had to be "corrected" all the time (so the stitches were basically messy and not stitching in union). It had A LOT of stitch hours (basically wear and tear on the machine) and overall was constantly breaking parts (such as a broken bobbin casing). To me I didn't know the machine's history and that is a make or break it for me now. It's basically a game of "heads or tails" with private sales. You will either get a trust worthy machine or a horror machine like I had. So proceed at your own risk.
Basic Starter Machines
Basic embroidery machines always only have a 4x4 hoop size max. The machine in general is smaller, more compact and takes up less room. Generally speaking they are a good entry level machine BUT again with a very limited hoop size. These machines usually have few fancy gadgets on them and some do not have much of a screen to see the embroidery designs onto. They also stitch slower in comparison to larger machines. The quality is usually just "okay" for what you pay. Again great for a temporary starter machine in my opinion with few bells and whistles. They also tend to be mildly more noisy compared to higher priced machines.
So why is there two of basically the same machine but 1 is so much more? You will see popular embroidery machines "pair" with popular themes to attempt to sell more easily. For reference I seen a Star Wars themed machine (also a Disney one exists) and compared it to the basic. I can honestly tell you that the ONLY difference in these machines is that you are paying for the built in Star Wars designs that come preloaded on that machine! To me it is a gimmick to sell a machine to certain "fans". Do not be fooled in thinking you are getting anything different than just that. In my opinion you can purchase your own pattern designs off etsy from makers that are 1000x better digitized than the ones pre loaded on machines. Even my own Disney machine I have never used those designs built in. If you budget matters then do not fall for these gimmicks for the same machine. If the stickers are drawing you in - be like me and go to a favourite shop and fill your machine with your own stickers :D !
Recommended Starter Machines
Yes, the price has basically tripled for the next hoop size. Don't be turned away by the price for a moment and hear me out. 5x7 machines usually range from $899-1000. Remember when I talked about investing in a car? This is the same idea where payments through a dealer might be in your best interest and budget.
Now why would I recommend a 5x7 machine for a very beginner? The hoop size of these machines is perfect for the adventurous crafter just starting out. You are not limited to 4x4 and your creations that come from a 5x7 machine are larger, and to me, have much more value. The pattern opportunities are also expanded having this hoop size!
Pro's to a 5x7 machine: they are usually built of better quality, they are still a more compact machine size wise, they are a total work horse (Can you even kill these things?), stitch faster than a 4x4 starter machine (so projects are done quicker), have amazing stitch quality in a sense of threads laid down onto material and to me are overall the best bang for your buck. The price range can expand upwards into the $1000 range if you want nifty features on these machines such as a thread cutter (So your machine will trim threads before jumping from one place to another) as well as various speeds of stitching. Bonus if you work with a dealer these machines are like a gateway into larger embroidery machines. What does this mean? It means many artists will trade these in for a larger machine that leads to dealers having more of these in stock for a refurbished price! So keep that in mind when looking.
Professional Machines
Maybe you already own a smaller embroidery machine and are seeking to upgrade? Did I mention before that the smaller machines are like a gateway towards larger machines? If you haven't guessed it already - embroidery projects are addicting. I mean the ability of your machine to create so many items in front of you makes embroidery very rewarding!
However, when looking around you notice that most professional sites never show the price of the larger machines? Why is this? Is it frustrating? Yes, it most certainly is BUT there is a reason for this. So let us discuss :)
Most larger embroidery machines (from 6x10 hoop size up to 9x14 and beyond) have their prices hidden so that dealers can work with the clientele. This means that prices fluctuate on them constantly. Again let us jump back to buying a car for a second. When you look at a vehicle sometimes you can get zero percent financing as well as "X" amount off the ticket price. Sewing dealerships do this exact same thing. They sometimes will even tell you to check back in a few weeks if they know there will be a better "deal" coming. Does this always work in your favour? No, but again buying one of these bigger machines is exactly like buying a car. You need to do your research before you commit.
Larger machines have SO many more bells and whistles that can come with them based on model. They usually always have the larger LED screens that allow editing on the screen it's self, they are touch screen, assist with placement onto fabric if lasers are present, stitch even faster than 5x7 machines, the stitching in general is still top notch and they always cut jump threads between colors for you. These larger machines generally come equipped with multiple hoop sizes in the package as well (which buying hoops alone by the way are expensive in themselves). SOMETIMES the dealership will also throw in an embroidery digitizing program if there is a promotion making it so you can create your own designs. Now these programs are not cheap (we will discuss those programs another day). So again, like buying a vehicle. When I bought my Jeep Wrangler they threw in 5 larger tires for me because I like the look of a beefy Jeep. So when talking with a dealer you can kinda discuss back and forth. They sometimes will also have alternate options of a different machine that may suit your budget too!
The machine I have pictured above with the price tag shown is from a Canadian Website where I purchased my own machine from. So that price is not in USD. For reference that machine stitches an 8x12 work area. This machine is HUGE. It takes up basically a whole craft table and is beefy. So keep in mind the larger hoop size you seek the larger work area you will need.
Business Grade Machines
Every machine we have talked about thus far have all been "single needle machines". Sometimes if you're new to the embroidery world that statement can confuse you. Have you ever went in to a hat store where they offer embroidery custom on a hat? These big box shops usually have a similar machine as listed in the above photos. Again I pulled these from a Canadian site since this shop usually does not hide their prices.
A multi needle machine is a machine that is just want it sounds like. They have the ability to run multiple needles (not at the same time but one after another) each threaded with different thread colors. This means you can have up to 12 if not more thread colors all threaded at the same time and ready to go. You can then assign these colors to the steps in your embroidery design and the machine will do the rest. All other previous machines that are Single Thread = 1 needle and 1 thread. So with each color change you must rethread the single needle.
Do you need one of these as an artist? In my opinion no. They are very pricey because they are meant for many many many hours of use. Does this mean they will outlive the other machines? Also not necessarily. Now if you have the financing ability and wish to purchase one of these then I have nothing bad to say about them. These business grade machines usually offer the most range in hoop sizes as well as the ability to stitch ball caps (something standard machines usually cannot do).
Now some plush artists I know do have these Business Grade machines and swear by them. However, these artists use it daily since they plush full time. These machines hold larger spools of embroidery thread compared to the single thread machines and are still quite large in nature. Obviously the more needles the machine has (the more colors it can hold threaded at once) the more expensive the price tag.
I would not recommend these to a beginner until you are confident in your own embroidery. They are great machines but the investment is overwhelming for a beginner.
Multi Functional Machines
As if there isn't enough to think about with an embroidery machine but now I am throwing in another feature to consider. On the market in today's economy there are embroidery machines that also convert to a regular sewing machine. In fact my machine I use does this.
There are pros and cons to machines that switch back and forth so lets discuss them quickly.
PROS:
You get two machines in one. They convert easily by changing the presser foot and removing the embroidery arm usually with a click of a button
This does not affect the machines functionality as they usually work great in either mode
The machine is threaded the same way whether in embroidery or sewing mode
Digitally your machine will recognize when the embroidery arm is off the machine thus disabling that feature automatically until the embroidery arm is re-attached
Only one machine sitting on your table eliminating the need for a separate sewing machine
For me personally I never remove my embroidery arm and just switch the presser foot to sew with my machine. You just need to make sure you are under the right setting so the machine will know you are sewing and not embroidering.
CONS:
Some artists hate switching from sewing to embroidery all the time as I have heard comments that it "gets old"
The price for a multi functional machine will be more than just a regular stand alone embroidery machine but then you will need two machines sitting on your craft table
There are more features than can ultimately break overtime
Having the ability to remove the embroidery arm does lead to potential damage to embroidery arm If not stored properly
I am sure there are other cons but I just cannot think of any at the moment. In the end I personally enjoy my dual machine. I actually gave my sewing machine away just so I could focus on my embroidery/sewing combo machine. It does not bother me switch the presser foot or the settings each time depending on what I want to do. It also keeps my craft table organized with just 1 machine sitting on it whereas before I had 2 machines when I had a smaller embroidery unit. So definitely lots to consider!
Important Points
Discover why you even want an embroidery machine? What projects are you going to want to create
Think about your budget realistically and what you can safely afford. Is this the best for you or should you continue to save for something a little higher quality? (Comparing 4x4 to 5x7 machines)
Before buying a machine think about the cost of set up? So the materials you are going to need and how much it costs all together to get started. I wrote a previous blog about materials that I enjoy using with prices. You can check that out here:
Once you figure out what size machine you are looking at - start researching various brands! Just because I enjoy Brother machines does not mean you have to follow suit. Maybe another type of machine dealer has a stellar deal on a machine that fits into your budget but is larger!
Youtube is your friend for researching reviews! Use it to see what other people have to say about particular machines and how they work before you commit
If you're convinced to go ahead with am embroidery machine in the near future than I totally recommend searching for dealers in your area! Go look at them in person to get an idea of how amazing they truly are. Then when you are ready, head over to etsy and look up patterns for you to start. Try to find patterns with written tutorials to accompany them until you get comfortable for embroidery projects.
I hope this small write up will help you determine the pros and cons a little about the different sizes of machines. No matter how someone puts it - embroidery machine shopping is not easy. Sometimes we are tempted to purchase the cheapest embroidery machine on the market but this is not always the best for you as a buyer. There are many things to consider when shopping around. Take your time and make the best informed decision you can :)
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