Re: newbie, looking to buy first embroidery machine
It all depends on what you really need. If you can live with a 4x4 maximum and single color, you could start with one of the home sewing/embroidery machines. If you are going to do multiple color designs or larger than 4x4, then something like the Brother PR600 or similar 6 needle machines would work. Beyond that, the sky is the limit.
Check with your local sewing shop - the one I deal with has an upgrade program. If you buy a machine, they give you 1 year to upgrade it and will credit the full purchase price towards the new machine - essentially you end up with a free loaner for a year. We added a small sewing/embroidery machine as a backup, then traded it in at the end of the year towards a second PR600. Just another option at some places...
Re: newbie, looking to buy first embroidery machine
Tajima is certainly one of the better machines out there. Good performance, proven reliability and strong reputation. In case you don't already know, there is a Tajima group at
Re: newbie, looking to buy first embroidery machine
It's nearly impossible to do caps on a home machine. Yes...I know that some have hoops, but really, it just doesn't work out that well.
You would want a larger sewing area than 4 X 4....most of the home machines will do a larger area...you can check that in the specs.
While it's true that it's much faster and easier to do multi-color designs with a 6 needle machine, I find that most of the over-heart logos I do usually have only 3 or maybe 4 colors.
If you're using a 1 needle machine, it goes much quicker if you change your thread using the pull-through method, rather than re-threading the machine for each color. And yes, this can be done even with machines that use the casette spool holders.
An embroidery machine is a huge investment. Like all other equipment, I don't think there's anything wrong with starting small. This allows you to get a feel for what you want in a machine before making a big investment. It also allows you to test the waters, and see if you can get enough business to justify the high price tag. What's the worst that could happen? You get so much business that you need to buy a commercial machine....so now you've got a back-up machine, and you can be running 2 different jobs at the same time.
I know that starting small is not popular advice on this board, but the salesmen make it sound like all you have to do is spend $20k on a machine and software, and you're in business. It's just not that easy.
Re: newbie, looking to buy first embroidery machine
Woooh Bob,
Thanks for the info. No, I didn't know there was a forum for Tajima. However, I said I wanted a commercial grade machine. But, I checked the prices here and man! I don't think I'll be getting one of those anytime soon. I have a friend that has 2 of 'em. If she ever upgrades...I'll try to get 1 of hers. However, I went to the factory and saw the prices...I gotta sell a LOT of shirts before I can get 1. I am going to try to look into some other machines until then.
Re: newbie, looking to buy first embroidery machine
You'll have a lot of fun with it. I sure do! I like to sit by our fire during the winter and embroider after our kids have gone to bed. It's just like a scene out of a movie. my husband ordered me some different patterns for my birthday a couple months ago. You'll have to post some of your stuff on here so we can see Happy sewing!
newbie, looking to buy first embroidery machine 
