I am new to embroidery, mainly do heat transfers but have opportunity to do sports uniforms with embroidered team logos, name and numbers. Need any advice on inexpensive machine that can do this plus hats. Thanks!
Re: Best inexpensive machine for embroidering jerseys
OK...I'm not saying that jerseys, and caps can't be done on a smaller, inexpensive machine, but in my humble opinion it's going to be harder for an inexperienced embroiderer.
Caps have a learning curve....even on the bigger machines that have more refined cap hoops.
And if the jerseys are split front -- which is to say they button, and you'll be matching the two sides...there's another learning curve.
Additionally, the software you use, and how the designs are digitized are as important as the machine when you're doing split fronts, and appliques.
I'm not trying to discourage you....I'm just saying if you don't have any embroidery experience, it may be very frustrating (and ultimately expensive) for you to start with these items.
You might consider subbing this out to a contract embroiderer. I don't know what area you're in, but I'd be willing to bet that there are independent embroiderers near you who you can develop a relationship with. That will give you time to figure out what you really want in a machine.
Re: Best inexpensive machine for embroidering jerseys
Inexpensive doesn't exist in embroidery. You can get set up with the pr600 series for around 8-10 grand. Most of us invest around 20 grand to get started. You need machine, software, stabilizers, thread, hoopmaster for consistent placement on shirts, etc. And the learning curve isn't overnight.
Re: Best inexpensive machine for embroidering jerseys
I don't mean to sound discouraging but compared to heat transfers, embroidery is very expensive to get into and the learning curve is steep.
You will need a good machine, good software, training and plenty of experience before you will be able to produce quality stitchouts [especially for the kind of items you want to embroider] .... and none of this is cheap.
As someone has already mentioned, you are likely better off lining yourself up with a local contract embroiderer ..... and down the road if you still have an interest in doing your own embroidery, you will then at least have a better idea of what it takes to create quality embroidery and the kind of money it takes.
Re: Best inexpensive machine for embroidering jerseys
If I were you, I'd get a cheap machine like the Brother's PR 620. I'd also get the software that's made by brother and learn all you can about it and the machine. Make sure that the place you get it from can repair it and see if they have training on how the machine and software works. Hats are not that hard to learn. It just takes practice like anything else you have learned and got good at.
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Re: Best inexpensive machine for embroidering jerseys
Even if you plan on getting into embroidery, it would be good to sub it and get a good relation with successfull locals. You can visit, see how it works. You can sell jobs that you would normally sell and see how the pricing and process works. Much better than going cold turkey with no experience.
Ian
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Re: Best inexpensive machine for embroidering jerseys
I use a Babylock EMP6. It was less than 7K and has a hat attachment you can get. I started a hobbyist and it has grown to a small business. You can't do huge runs but for team apparel it might be right for you. Just my two cents.
Best inexpensive machine for embroidering jerseys 
