[fallendesperado]

So I have almost zero knowledge of embroidery but I have been learning as I read the forums and watch youtube and such. I've seen some raggedy stuff made and other stuff that looks amazing in real life.

Here's my simple questions:

Is there an embroidery machine that can produce acceptable results and can allow an import of a custom graphic. simple black thread on white - or white thread on black. The size of small motorcycle patches that one would put on front of a leather vest?

If so what machine?

and what kind of thread doesn't fade and turn brown after a bunch of miles in the sun and rain?

I'm only talking like 10 to 20 patches at a time at most

Thanks in advance

oh i should add I mean a cheap home version machine

 

[madhatress]

No cheap machine will create an embroidery design for you. The only home machine that I know for sure does digitizing from scans is the Babylock Destiny/Brother Dream machine, and they aren't cheap. One Of Janome's iPad apps might do it.

I think your best bet is to pay someone to digitize the graphics for you. Then you could use any machine.


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[tfalk]

Embroidery is NOT like other graphics, you can't simply push a button and transform an image into something that will stitch worth a damn. The only people who will tell you that works well are the people selling the embroidery software programs. Anyone who has used them that is not a salesperson will tell you it simply does not work well.

The more complex the graphic, the more hand-on modifications need to be done. It's called digitizing... and there are a TON of people who tell you they know how to do it and will digitize your logo for $5. And anyone who has actually used these cheap services will tell you the same thing, it doesn't stitch worth a damn. There is a reason the highly recommended digitizing programs are hundreds or thousands of dollars....

If all you are doing is lettering, there are some cheaper programs that will produce acceptable results. Beyond that, you get what you pay for... you pay cheap, you get results that look cheap and no return business.

 

[fallendesperado]

If all you are doing is lettering, there are some cheaper programs that will produce acceptable results. Beyond that, you get what you pay for... you pay cheap, you get results that look cheap and no return business.

Totally makes sense, so let's assume I get the saying and little graphic thing digitized. Is there a home/embroidery machine that can stitch it with out looking super crappy....like one of these sewing machines around that claims it can do embroidery? I only need like 10 to 20 of them and they're actually for a motorcycle club I ride in but where I live the guys that do hat embroidery don't want to bother with something so piddly. can't blame them really

 

[kirkmansigns]

To get a decent single head machine, it needs to be "commercial" and be prepared to spend $ 3000- $ 6000 for a used one. It's the only way I'd go. Tajima, SWF, Happy, Toyota, Brother would all be decent choices. Some new names out there in the same price range for NEW machines, but I'm not familiar with them.

 

[SunEmbroidery]

As for thread you could try Madeira's frosted matt as long as the text its too tiny. If so, you'll want to use polyester 60 wt thread which is thinner. I haven't used frosted Matt but its supposed to be extremely resistant to fading from the sunlight.

 

[AlisonB]

The home embroidery machines CAN do it without looking crappy. (Have a look at some Facebook pages devoted to home embroidery)
The problems are - that you have to stop and change the thread for each color change; they are a lot slower than commercial multi-needle machines; it is sometimes very difficult to hoop an item; the hoop sizes available can be limiting.
For what you are looking for it should be fine. I would recommend getting an "embroidery only" machine (unless you plan to use it for regular sewing as well).
I started with a domestic machine and upgraded to a multi-needle machine a few years back because I now get a lot of work. I STILL have a single needle machine, and STILL use it at times. It is a Bernina Deco 340.
Go to different dealers and let them demonstrate what their machines can do.

 

[digidana]

if you're only needing a few patches here and there, it seems to me like it would make sense to just go to an embroidery shop and have them done. it shouldn't be that expensive to have the patches embroidered somewhere. certainly cheaper than investing in a machine, thread, backing, needles, the twill, etc.

 

[SunEmbroidery]

I would go directly to a company that makes patches Like Stradi Emblems for example. They have a 6 item minimum so they will run a small order.