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From: Pudge99
Date: 09-29-2004, 10:49 AM (1 of 7)
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I am thinking about buying an embroidery machine. I want to start some kind of home business and I know of several people who are in need of embroidery. So I have been thinking maybe this is for me. I have never done machine embroidery so I don't even know where to start. I would like a machine that will create a design from a picture or something like that. Could you all give me suggestions as to what features to get and possibly the better brands? I don't want to break the bank but I also don't want one that is so cheap that I am constantly frustrated with it. Thanks!!! Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-29-2004, 05:13 PM (2 of 7)
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First off you have to have a budget....machines can run from $1000 to $10,000...usually 'good' home machines run about $3000-$5000. You also need to realize that if you want to make your own embroidery patterns you need software...depending on the machine and want you want, it's another $500-$2500...sometimes hoops are extra, you need stabilizer, GOOD thread($3-$5 a spool) a spool stand that holds more than one spool is best. GOOD needles. (you usually change after 4 designs or less depending on the design) You need GOOD embroidery scissors. (ones that are small/sharp and curved on the end) You need bobbins by the dozen. (pre-wound are wonderful) I own a Janome 10000(upgraded to a 10001). I have about $15,000 invested in all the 'stuff' I own and thats NOT including all the embroidery patterns I buy from my dealer and off the web....and for me this is 'just' a hobby.... You need to test machines and see what features you want and can afford. (I will say though I belong to several embroidery sites and the one machine they complain about most and has the most problems is Viking D1...this is NOT MY opinion, but the opinion of others who own them) There are machines that embroider ONLY and machines that sew/embroider. YOU need to find one to suit YOU..... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: paroper
Date: 09-29-2004, 06:21 PM (3 of 7)
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Chrysantha brings up a very good point. If you plan to only embroidery you may find that you will do better with an embroidery only machine. They can start at less than $500 and go up depending on the size of the area they embroider. Brother has one that sells for a pretty good chunck of change but holds several spools of thread. (I haven't actually seen it demonstrated although I have seen the machine set up.) There are several models between 1000-1500. I understand that they generally sell for quite a bit less than the expensive combo sewing machines because there is a lot of money invested in the sewing side of the machines. As she said if you want to digitize or scan images into your machine and embroider, that is in the software, not the machine. My software does that and runs $2000. As she says, there is a lot to tie up in theads and in designs. You need to also understand that many of the designs that you may want to scan may be copywrited and you would not be able to sell these; that copywrite also extends to many of the purchased designs. If this is the type of thing you want to do, you would do well to investigate what the limitations would be on your work. You might want to rethink what you want to embroider for sale and how you will obtain your patterns. There is quite a learning curve to using the software too....but it is a blast....if you plan to make your own designs or use the basic designs that your customers do...you should LOVE it!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 09-29-2004, 06:58 PM (4 of 7)
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Thanks ladies, I guess I am going to head out to the machine shop. I already have a wonderful Pfaff that does everything but embroidery. At least that will limit my choices some and lower the cost. I'll come back after I've looked around some to get some more specific advice. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 09-29-2004, 07:52 PM (5 of 7)
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Hi Gina I went for a brother embroidery only machine, (it embroiders while I'm sewing at my regular machine) the 180D (D=disney) it has a 4x4" area as opposed to some of the larger machine areas but the multihoop helps. It was $800 in 2002 in Ohio. The pe design software to go with was $1200 so this is not a cheap hobby, I have about 60 + spools of thread which are $3-5 a pop and then there is all the stabilizer, extra hoops etc to have. If you are looking at selling your stuff you would likely wish for a multithread machine and digitize your own designs cause the copywrite police take this stuff very seriously. ie Disney would be downright ticked if I started selling little pooh design sweatshirts. but embroidery is soooo much fun!! enjoy Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 09-30-2004, 10:05 AM (6 of 7)
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If I actually go through with this, I plan to only offer embroidery service. Things get too complicated with permits and such when you offer a product. Plus there is sales tax and all that to deal with. I plan to research this fully before I start so that I don't step on any toes or break any laws.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: paroper
Date: 09-30-2004, 10:17 AM (7 of 7)
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I was in an embroidery shop one time when a customer came in to pick up 10 leather jackets that she had brought in to have a pig put on the back. She had designed her own pig. When the jackets were finished and she came in to get them, she said that the shop owner had made the pig too skinny and she was furious. The shop owner had the original picture of the pig in her file and she had only scanned it. The customer was demanding that the owner purchase the jackets from her. It was really nasty. Hopefully those things don't happen often, but be sure that you document and have them sign off on everything you do. Also, check into a limited liability partnership (to protect yourself and your family) and insurances to protect youself. Our state offers free seminars monthly concerning setting up your business and keeping books and protecting yourself. Check with your state officials to see if they have the same type of set-up. I agree that a service is the way to go...at least as you start out. Since you are looking at an embroidery business, in time you may find that you would like to make and sell a few things or that you would like to keep some things on hard to use for embroidery. One thing I would recommend is that you make a scrap book of things that you have done as you go and keep it in a place where the customers can see some of your things. Also, put some of your work around the place where you greet your customers so they can see your work in person. It makes a big difference and also give them ideas about things you can do.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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