When considering which embroidery machine to purchase, there is no such thing as the “best” embroidery machine. The best embroidery machine for you is the one that fits your needs. There are several factors to consider when making an embroidery machine purchase.
What is your budget? Do you want monthly payments (from $100 to $230, depending on the machine and length of financing) or do you want to pay it up front? Financing is usually offered for embroidery machines that cost over $5,000. Dealers may be connected with one of the major finance companies to offer zero percent financing If your credit is good (a 750 or higher FICO score). Don’t be afraid to look at machines slightly above your budget, as embroidery machines are like cars– the sticker price is not the actual selling price. If you are serious about embroidery and know that this is a passion you want to pursue, then waiting for a sale on the better embroidery machine will be more budget friendly in the long run than buying a smaller hoop, lower priced machine that you plan on upgrading in a year or two. Check prices with multiple embroidery machine dealers, as prices can vary widely. You can save thousands on a more expensive machine just by buying from a different dealer. No matter how much or how little you are willing to spend on a new machine, budget will determine what machines you will consider.
What do you make? If you want to sell hats, then you really should get a commercial multi-needle, as you need a cap driver/hoop set up, which you can’t get with a flat bed home machine. If you will do long straps, then you might want a machine that has a strap hoop (usually multi-needles). You can do a lot with a home machine; however, if you need to embroider things quickly or if you need to embroider larger designs, then you need a commercial multi-needle. If you will only make one of each item, then you might be able to use a flat-bed home machine.
What hoop size do you need? You need to know the size of the area you want to embroider. If you want to do jacket backs or larger designs, then a smaller hoop machine is not going to work for you.
How much support do you need? If you need lessons, then you will likely need to purchase from a nearby dealer. If you have embroidered before, then you may find better prices by shopping around, including online and dealers located further away. Not all dealers will offer lessons to people who did not purchase their machine from them. Dealer support is one area that you don’t want to skimp on when buying your first machine. The dealer should be willing to answer the most basic questions. If you are uncomfortable with the dealer, then you should keep looking for a dealer that makes you feel like a valued customer.
Where will you get your machine serviced? Not all dealers repair or service machines in house. Some brands are sent off to national service centers for repair and annual service cleanings. When machines are sent to a national or regional repair shop, there is often a long wait before the machine is returned. It is a good idea to check to see if the embroidery machine will be serviced locally or be sent off for repairs. You will need to find out if there a dealership or a service tech nearby that will service your machine? Also ask if the dealer services machines not purchased at that shop. Then ask if the dealer teaches embroidery classes for those who purchased machines elsewhere. People move to new cities and states, so having a dealer willing to answer questions over the phone and to service machines purchased elsewhere is important. Having a good support system is critical to enjoying your first embroidery machine.
Test drive a machine at the dealership. What is intuitive for one person may not work for you. Go to several nearby embroidery machine dealerships and have them demonstrate several machines. Try out the machines which you find most interesting. Take photos of the machines, and make notes on the features that you liked and didn’t like. List the price of each machine and what comes with the machine. Immediately after leaving the dealership, make notes on how friendly the store’s staff was and about any other pertinent information about the dealer. Then, go home and look at your notes and photos.
Lastly, look at warranty length. The warranty is listed as both years and stitch count. Ask where warranty repairs are made, and which repairs are covered. Also ask which repairs are not covered during the warranty period, as not all repairs are manufacturer’s defects. For example, the automatic needle threader is one part of the embroidery machine that often is damaged due to user error. If some repairs are not covered, then find out how much it will cost to bring the machine into the shop.
Don’t feel rushed into buying a machine. Research this investment carefully, just as you would any other large purchase, like a house or a car. By considering budget, hoop size, service location, and dealership support, you can find a embroidery machine that works the best for you.
If you need help deciding whether or not a combination sewing/embroidery machine or an embroidery-only machine is the best choice for you, read our article on the pros and cons of combo and embroidery only embroidery machines.