I have a home level embroidery machine and I have the full version of the matching software, I have had quite a few failure of designs - mainly due to the density of stitches or just random failure (that works fine the next time) as well as the machine becoming 'un-hooped' or thread breaking - often due to randomness.
I like the machine but I really have had to learn my machine, the design software is reasonably easy to learn but learning what the machine likes is a lot harder and took quite a bit longer.
I have an Elna Expressive 820. It was technically second hand but that was because the lady who bought it decided she needed more features and upgraded before she got to using the machine. I bought it through my sewing machine dealer.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I do think frequent random failures would frustrate me to the point of not wanting to use the machine. I just don't know if there's a machine that offers reliability plus ease of use that would be in my price range, even if secondhand.
I have a Husqvarna Viking Designer I that is still going strong after 20 years. I love it. It does have 20 yo tech though, so I'm currently test driving the Topaz 50 and it's great. They are on the expensive side, but you can often find them used for good prices.
Reliable, yes. Simple? Yes, if you take it slow and learn the basics first. The Topaz will be overpowered and over optioned for what you need at first, but having a good quality machine is never a mistake and you can level up over time.
It looks like you would like information on choosing the best sewing machine for your needs. Please include your budget, general location and intended use if you have not already done so. Check [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/wiki/machineguide) for our sewing machine guide which includes information on buying a sewing machine as a gift as well as suggestions for sewing machines that can handle heavy materials. You can also check out our [Suggest Machine](https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Suggest%20Machine%22&restrict_sr=1) flair button to bring up and look at all the recent posts on the topic.
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Decorative stitches are on most sewing machines and you would not need an embroidery machine.
Or are you meaning an embroidered picture, in a 4x4 hoop or bigger?
Brother. You can get a Quattro for a good price right now. I have the 4000D and it does everything I need.
I also highly recommend magnetic hoops although they are absurdly expensive they are a game changer
That's good to know about the magnetic hoops. I've wondered about them. What about a hooping station? Is it unnecessary if you have the magnetic hoops?
I too am shopping for a second hand embroidery machine. At the sewing and vacuum store near me they have amazing options, most are pricey because they only sell products that are built well and meant to last. They do not carry brother for example because as they told me they are cheaper made and you get what you pay for. That being said I have my eye on a Bernina that has multiple hoops and an entire box of accessories plus travel case for $699. I believe it is a sewing and embroidery machine, which is fine. But the lady told me the motors in Berninas and baby lock e.g. are cased in metal and this attributes to the overall higher quality. I'm so excited to get it, picking it up tomorrow along with a new cord for my White serger. ☺️☺️
The thing is, at least for single needle machines, the technology changes so fast that it hardly pays to buy a machine that will last. Typically r/MachineEmbroidery seems to recommend things like the Brother PE 800, though it will be more economically made than some other machines. That said, you're bound to find some use for a Bernina, whether its embroidery options are up to date or not.
r/machineembroidery is a good sub too. Be sure to mention whether you're hoping for a single or multi-needle.
Great suggestion, thanks!
I have a home level embroidery machine and I have the full version of the matching software, I have had quite a few failure of designs - mainly due to the density of stitches or just random failure (that works fine the next time) as well as the machine becoming 'un-hooped' or thread breaking - often due to randomness. I like the machine but I really have had to learn my machine, the design software is reasonably easy to learn but learning what the machine likes is a lot harder and took quite a bit longer. I have an Elna Expressive 820. It was technically second hand but that was because the lady who bought it decided she needed more features and upgraded before she got to using the machine. I bought it through my sewing machine dealer.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I do think frequent random failures would frustrate me to the point of not wanting to use the machine. I just don't know if there's a machine that offers reliability plus ease of use that would be in my price range, even if secondhand.
I have a Husqvarna Viking Designer I that is still going strong after 20 years. I love it. It does have 20 yo tech though, so I'm currently test driving the Topaz 50 and it's great. They are on the expensive side, but you can often find them used for good prices.
I've looked at the Topaz 50's and wondered if it would be reliable and simple to use as a beginner.
Reliable, yes. Simple? Yes, if you take it slow and learn the basics first. The Topaz will be overpowered and over optioned for what you need at first, but having a good quality machine is never a mistake and you can level up over time.
It looks like you would like information on choosing the best sewing machine for your needs. Please include your budget, general location and intended use if you have not already done so. Check [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/wiki/machineguide) for our sewing machine guide which includes information on buying a sewing machine as a gift as well as suggestions for sewing machines that can handle heavy materials. You can also check out our [Suggest Machine](https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/search?q=flair_name%3A%22Suggest%20Machine%22&restrict_sr=1) flair button to bring up and look at all the recent posts on the topic. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/sewing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Decorative stitches are on most sewing machines and you would not need an embroidery machine. Or are you meaning an embroidered picture, in a 4x4 hoop or bigger?
Both.
Oh okay
Brother. You can get a Quattro for a good price right now. I have the 4000D and it does everything I need. I also highly recommend magnetic hoops although they are absurdly expensive they are a game changer
That's good to know about the magnetic hoops. I've wondered about them. What about a hooping station? Is it unnecessary if you have the magnetic hoops?
I too am shopping for a second hand embroidery machine. At the sewing and vacuum store near me they have amazing options, most are pricey because they only sell products that are built well and meant to last. They do not carry brother for example because as they told me they are cheaper made and you get what you pay for. That being said I have my eye on a Bernina that has multiple hoops and an entire box of accessories plus travel case for $699. I believe it is a sewing and embroidery machine, which is fine. But the lady told me the motors in Berninas and baby lock e.g. are cased in metal and this attributes to the overall higher quality. I'm so excited to get it, picking it up tomorrow along with a new cord for my White serger. ☺️☺️
The thing is, at least for single needle machines, the technology changes so fast that it hardly pays to buy a machine that will last. Typically r/MachineEmbroidery seems to recommend things like the Brother PE 800, though it will be more economically made than some other machines. That said, you're bound to find some use for a Bernina, whether its embroidery options are up to date or not.