Shopping for a Single-Needle Embroidery Machine Embroidery Project

First Things First

	One of the first questions to ask yourself when shopping for a single-needle home embroidery machine is: What do I want to do with it? Will you want to make quilts, decorative home items, heirloom pieces, or decorate apparel? Photo courtesy of Husquarna Viking.

Before you begin looking for a machine, figure out what you really want to get from it. In other words, set some parameters for your search. Key questions to ask yourself include:

• Will you do embroidery strictly as a hobby or will you occasionally sell some items?
• Do you want a high-end machine, are you looking to spend a minimum of money, or do you want a middle-of-the-road balance between features and price?
• Do you already have a computer you can use with the embroidery machine, will you need to purchase one separately, or do you prefer a machine that comes with its own computer?
• Is it important that the embroidery machine offer additional stitching capabilities, such as sewing or heirloom?

The Deal with Dealers

Although you can buy a few models from retailers such as Wal-Mart, virtually all single-needle home embroidery machines are sold through a nationwide network of dealers. (Dealers are separate entities from manufacturers, which generally don’t sell machines directly. Some dealers are exclusive to a particular brand, while others offer multiple machine brands.) That means when you’re shopping for a machine, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment; you’re buying a relationship with a dealer.

For example, Simplicity Sewing/Elna USA offers the entry-level Simplicity machine and the intermediate-to-advanced Elna, a more expensive machine with computerized functions. The Simplicity model is available through independent retailers, as well as Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, and Wal-Mart.com. Meanwhile, the Elna is available strictly though independent dealers that meet certain requirements.

"They must have a storefront and be a sewing conveyor," says Pamela Raymond, marketing manager, Simplicity Sewing/Elna USA. "They have to be able to support the machine through classes and offer the accessories."

Most manufacturers stress the benefits of purchasing through a dealership rather than through a mass-market retailer. "Stores like Sears sell home embroidery machines, but a place like that doesn’t have anybody to tell you what thread works best or what backing to use," says Mary Mikrut, public relations manager, Bernina of America Inc., which has roughly 600 dealers nationwide. "And that makes a huge difference in how much you’re going to enjoy the machine."

When you think about it, picking the right dealer is actually more important than picking the right machine, manufacturers say. That’s because it’s the dealer, not the manufacturer, who typically offers sales support, training, and technical support. "Your dealer is your best resource," Mikrut says. "You want to find someone you can talk to, who will help you develop and grow your skills. That relationship is as important as anything else."

Also, a good dealer will help guide you toward the right machine by assessing your needs. "They’ll ask what you’re doing now, what you’re sewing, whether you want to create garments or just do embroidery," Mikrut says.

Adds Nancy Jewel, publicity director, Husqvarna-Viking, "You want a dealer who stands behind the product, services it, and offers classes to help you grow into your machine."

Note: Major retailer Joann’s Fabrics offers Viking machines, while Hancock Fabrics offers Bernina machines. In both instances, you’re buying the machine from a dealer; the difference is that the dealer has leased spaced within the retailer’s store. Also, Singer machines are available at the Web site for Joann’s Fabrics and in the physical Hancock Fabrics stores and Web site. We used to call them dealers, but now we call them Singer sewing specialty retailers, says Becky Hanson, education manager, Singer. "We changed the name because we didn’t want to exclude any size retailer or outlet."

Educational Opportunities

Machine manufacturers and dealers offer a variety of educational opportunities that can help you pick the right equipment and make the most of your machine after the purchase.

Trade shows: Many dealers exhibit at home/quilt shows and sewing/crafting shows, giving you a chance to check out the machines in person. Also, manufacturers such as Bernina present live demos and educational opportunities at consumer trade shows, directing prospective purchasers to dealers.

Classes: Dealers offer a variety of educational events, such as when a machine manufacturer’s own educator visits the location. “The educator might work with a consumer class, with a particular machine, or showing different techniques,” Raymond says.

Some manufacturers even have online classes, such as Bernina’s free classes on embroidered appliqué. "In all, we have about 15 classes," Mikrut says. Find dates and times for local events by checking the Web sites of the manufacturer and your local dealer.

Web sites: Some companies do a big part of their equipment education through a Web site. "We have a complete overview of each machine and its functions," Raymond says. "We also show where you can purchase the machine."

Bernina, like many manufacturers, also relies on its Web site for customer education, while Baby Lock’s Web site offers FAQ tips, projects, and a feature called "Baby Lock’s Matchmaker," which helps customers pick a machine for their needs. Also, most manufacturers’ Web sites offer a handy locator function that lets you type in your zip code to find a dealer near you. Chat rooms. It’s easy to find chat rooms for practically every machine brand available, where you can talk candidly with other machine owners and find out their equipment likes and dislikes. After making a purchase, these rooms also are great places to get tips and helpful advice. For example, the Pfaff Web site has a "Pfaff Club," a chat room and an open forum where Pfaff educators talk with users once a month.

DVDs and videos: Some machines, such as the Simplicity, come with training videos. With every Futura and Quantum Futura machine, Singer offers a DVD with information on thread, needles, and stabilizer choices.

Features

	Many machine manufacturers have unique features that are not offered on other models so it pays to get a live demo so you can see and understand the differences. One feature on Brother’s PR600 is an extra large, easy-to-use color LCD screen that allows you to manage all functions with a simple touch.

Which features should you look for in a machine? That depends mostly on what you want to do with it, but keep the following points in mind while shopping.

Combination capabilities. Some machines offer strictly embroidery capabilities, while other "combination units" have additional functions such as sewing and heirloom stitching (making old-fashioned, detailed lace, like you might find on infant christening gowns). Some manufacturers, like Pfaff, don’t offer embroidery-only machines. (Pfaff has two combination models: the 2124 and top-of-the-line 2144.)

Husqvarna-Viking offers numerous combination models such as the Platinum 950E and the Quilt Designer 2. Singer’s Futura, Quantum Futura, and Quantum XL-6000 machines also offer sewing and embroidery. "For sewing, Quantum XL-6000 is self contained," Hanson says. "For embroidery, the Futura and Quantum Futura are powered by your PC."

Whether you buy a single-function machine or a combination unit is a matter of personal preference, manufacturers say. "It really depends on what you’re doing, and the affordability you need," Mikrut says.

Onboard computers. Some higher-end machines have built-in computers. For instance, the Bernina Artista 200E, powered by Microsoft Windows, hooks up to the Internet. "The machine has its own dedicated portal [a dedicated Web site] where users can get together and learn about their machine," Mikrut says.

Computer connections. Many machines that don’t have onboard computers have connectors such as USB ports for interfacing with a separate computer. These machines, including Bernina’s Aurora, usually cost less. "You hook up the Aurora with a cable to your personal computer," Mikrut says.

Some machines that don’t hook up to a computer at all, such as the Simplicity SE3, instead use a hardware box to accept digitized designs on special memory cards. Also, Husqvarna’s Designer SE has a USB port that accepts a "memory stick" that holds 12 million stitches.

Sensor foot. Machines like Bernina’s Aurora 440QE have a special foot that "reads" fabric so that when you’re doing freehand work, you still get uniform stitches. "It works similar to a computer mouse," Mikrut explains. Husqvarna-Viking’s Quilt Designer unit also features a sensor system that detects the fabric’s thickness and adjusts the presser foot accordingly.

Software. Some machines, especially the lower-cost models, don’t come with software, while higher-end equipment often does. For instance, Pfaff’s 2124 doesn’t come with any programs, but the higher-end 2144 comes with Creative 3-D File Assistant, which helps the machine communicate with your computer; Singer’s Quantum comes with auto-digitizing software; and the Bernina machines come with software for embroidery, while digitizing software is sold separately.

Manufacturers offer a wide range of optional software, including multilevel digitizing programs, editing programs, and font programs for making monograms easily.

For instance, Baby Lock offers Palette 6.0, Designer’s Gallery Studio, Designer’s Gallery SizeWorks, Designer’s Gallery ColorWorks, and much more, says Kelly Laws, marketing projects manager, Baby Lock.

"More people are getting into digitizing their own designs," says Jill Hanigosky, dealer event assistant, Pfaff. They see how easy it is.

More for Your Money

	This machine, the Babylok BL60E, is an example of an embroidery only machine. This type of machine is generally lower priced than the combination machines, which allows someone who already has a sewing machine to buy only the additional capabilities that she needs.

Prices for single-need embroidery machines range from about $500 for a barebones model to $7,500 for a top-end version. For example, the Bernina machines range from $1,499 to $7,199, and Singer’s entry-level Futura has a minimum advertised price of $599.

As you move up in price, you’ll get additional features like more memory, which translates into more processing power. Higher-end machines offer features such as thread sensors, larger (and/or more) hoops, built-in needle threaders, automatic bobbin thread pickup, larger touch screens, and faster stitching.

However, depending on your needs, entry-level machines still offer lots of features and may fit the bill perfectly for you. For example, Husqvarna-Viking’s entry-level model, the Scandinavian 300, has 20 stitches, design enlargement or reduction and an information display window. "It’s what we call an ‘activity machine,’ " Jewel says. "it’s for people getting started who want an introductory machine."

Words of Advice

Buying a new single-needle home embroidery machine can be a thrilling experience, but keep in mind these additional words of advice from machine manufacturers.

Try it out:

"Sew on it," Mikrut says. "You must sit down at the machine because there’s such a big difference between how a machine sounds and how it handles."

Jewel adds, "Maybe you’re not sure if you want to make the jump to a different model. Go to a dealer store, sit down in front of those machines and try them out."

Find the right dealer:

It bears repeating: Just as important as finding the right machine is finding the right dealer. "Beginners need to feel really comfortable with their dealer," Raymond says. "Ask yourself how you feel about their service, and find out what they offer after the sale. What kind of staff do they have, and what kind of classes do they offer? Dealers vary in what they offer so shop around."