[jessjess]

Hi all,

I've never embroidered anything before and have no clue at all about the best machine.

What I'm looking for is the best (and of course least expensive) machine that could comfortably embroider stockings. I know you can do it with the regular 300/400 dollar machine, but I would like one of those that you feed the item to embroider in the middle (the ones used for hat embroidering?).

On the other hand, I'm probably only going to embroider single names, all one color, so I don't need any type of fancy features.

Is there a machine that sounds like the one above for around 3000?

Thanks so much!

 

[LTPEMB]

Those are generally considered industrial or compact commercial machines... Only thing you are going to find is a lower quality used brand of single head machine or a machine built in the 90s for that price.

The lowest priced NEW machine that is built with a lower arm like that are usually about 6000-10000 for the Consumer/compact commercial. There may be a few out there that are less but generally anything good is more.

But it all depends if you are doing it for fun/hobby/genuine business...

My expertise is in the Genuine business setups.

 

[SunEmbroidery]

Just Christmas stockings? The issue with Christmas stocking is that you can't make much money so you should purchase an inexpensive machine. But, if you want a business instead of a hobby then spend more time thinking about what you can do to generate money. Then you can consider purchasing a commercial machine.

 

[LTPEMB]

It is not impossible to do a Christmas stocking business but you have to optimize everything and SELL the stockings (As in No one can bring you the stocking) as well. You also have to have the correct market to maximize sales and have a limitation of options. Then streamline your setup for maximum throughput... Used machines are best since most used machines can handle simple letters But generally it costs more than 3000 due to software and CLAMP investment. Even if you are doing it in a sewing room or basement and have a webstore... Its doable and can be profitable but its not stable enough for a full year round business very seasonal.

 

[jessjess]

Hi!
Thank you so much for the responses.
You guys basically got it.

I run a web store and the stuff I make has its peak season in the summer but kinda dies in the winter and December is my lowest month. I thought this would be a good idea to compensate.

I was looking in Ebay and that's how I got the 3000 number. I was looking at brother machines (that's a good brand, right?).

I was just hoping that in my limited research I had missed an obvious solution, because I know that those 6000-10000 machine can do so much more that I just will never need.


Nonetheless, do you guys know of any reputable website that sells used machines?
I could always go with Ebay, but they can be terrible sometimes.


Thanks!

 

[tfalk]

Keep an eye on digitsmith.com, sometimes the Brother 6 or 10 needle machines pop up fairly reasonable. They have a larger sewing field than the small single needle machines, they are easy to learn and they are far more 'industrial' than a lot of people give them credit for...

 

[SpiritGirl]

Do your research. Embroidery isn''t something you can just step into. There is a big learning curve.

Good luck!

 

[jessjess]

Gotcha!
I know I will have tons of questions, but I'm gonna keep it pretty simple and just stick to whatever fonts come in the machine and not really planning on making my own designs or anything like that. Hopefully won't be pulling my hair later.

I was hoping with a machine with a lower arm like that I could expect it to be super straightforward like in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6HRMeAoKkc

Like I'm sure the one in that video is way better and faster, but would this one work for me, for what I want (in your opinion):


https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-head-emb...m=273175594117&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

 

[White Dog]

Hi all,

I've never embroidered anything before and have no clue at all about the best machine.

What I'm looking for is the best (and of course least expensive) machine that could comfortably embroider stockings. I know you can do it with the regular 300/400 dollar machine, but I would like one of those that you feed the item to embroider in the middle (the ones used for hat embroidering?).

On the other hand, I'm probably only going to embroider single names, all one color, so I don't need any type of fancy features.

Is there a machine that sounds like the one above for around 3000?

Thanks so much!

I purchased a Barudan Elite Pro in 2009, and it has been a workhorse. It's not the cheapest machine, but it is built to last. If you consider purchasing a used machine, a Barudan that has been well-maintained would be a great choice. Good luck!

 

[LTPEMB]

Gotcha!
I know I will have tons of questions, but I'm gonna keep it pretty simple and just stick to whatever fonts come in the machine and not really planning on making my own designs or anything like that. Hopefully won't be pulling my hair later.

I was hoping with a machine with a lower arm like that I could expect it to be super straightforward like in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6HRMeAoKkc

Like I'm sure the one in that video is way better and faster, but would this one work for me, for what I want (in your opinion):


https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-head-emb...m=273175594117&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

That machine would work however if you notice in the video the yellow clamping tool... that is what I was talking about... that is a non standard part and not in the kit listing. You would have to find a matching one.

 

[jessjess]

Yeah I see what you mean!
I was planning on getting one or two mighty hoops anyway because I'm all about convenience tbh.

So I should maybe budget about 500 more for accessories.

 

[SunEmbroidery]

I would consider doing more than just names. I haven't seen the stockings but you can really increase your pricing if you embroider more than just names. A lot of people think of names as a cheap add-on but they'll pay more for a design. Also some customers may ask if you can do other things so I wouldn't want to limit myself too much.

 

[tfalk]

If you end up purchasing a machine like the PR650 in the ebay link you posted, they make a clamp system for it...

Brother PR & Babylock | HoopTech Products

Alternatively, you can use either the mighty hoop magnetic frames or even something as simple as the fast frames. Once we started using the mighty hoops, we rarely use the conventional hoops anymore.

 

[SunEmbroidery]

If you plan to embroider a lot of stockings I recommend getting a clamp rather than using Fast Frames. I love Fast Frames but some stockings have a lining so that makes it harder to stabilize both layers of fabric. You might be able to use binder clips to clip everything together but those require extra working space which may not be available if the design is large.

 

[djque]

That machine would work however if you notice in the video the yellow clamping tool... that is what I was talking about... that is a non standard part and not in the kit listing. You would have to find a matching one.

its in the link on the video they posted. so is the adaptor for it.im sure its hooptec

https://www.wholesaleboutique.com/5-5-round-window-set-slimline-1.html

https://www.wholesaleboutique.com/slimline-1-chassis.html