What Embroidery Machine Should You Buy? 2021 VLOG2

[@GreenCatQueen]

*So* helpful to find an unbiased review from someone who doesn't have a vested interest in selling one machine over another. Thank you. This video was excellent.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheNerdArmory]

Good to see someone on the train saying ricoma is bad. I see too many people say "they're going to buy it" and have seen too many people complain about it. So many are being sold used.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Not only are there a lot of used ones out there, but the prices on the used ones indicate they don't hold their value compared to the better machines.

[@jasn98]

I know I am late to the party.. but just started looking into sewing & embroidery machines. I had my eyes on a Brother online wasn't sure if it would be right for me so decided to look for videos. I have to say this is one of the BEST reviews and information videos I have seen! Thank you so much.

[@楊錦嫦]

I bought a Brother SE 400 two years ago and I love it to pieces. I've made even money's to cover the cost of it and wasted to upgrade to a new one, so am really grateful for this vlog.

[@natalierowin3165]

thank you so much for your opinion-so spot on. I’m not new to embroidery- so nice to hear honest information. Newbies listen to her! You can always upgrade your machines!

[@SB-zp5dc]

Ah brill. Just what I was looking for. Subscribed. Going to check out your videos now for 2022 updates ? Looking to upgrade from Janome 350e had for years. To bigger hoop for dolls and bag type projects. Great advice

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'll be creating a new video for 2023 Embroidery machine buying because I've learned a LOT in the past 2 years. Have you purchased a new machine yet or have you honed in on a favorite?

[@jbmdesignco.693]

You said exactly what I needed to hear when it came to Ricoma. I have been going between a Ricome 1501 and a Melco EMT16X, but I always felt there was something about Ricoma that kept me on the fence.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Always best to follow your gut on big decisions. 😊

[@peachstatecustoms]

Great Information, thanks for sharing! One more thing about the Ricoma, if you try to upgrade, many dealers DON"T / WILL NOT take a Ricoma Machine as a trade in. That says a lot to me about the quality of their machine.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Great tip!

[@HandmadeByLinanne]

I’ve done some research & found this about this company. They don’t tell viewers they get their machines free if they’re able to sell enough machines. In other words they use buyers as salespeople. That’s why you find nearly new used models selling for half their purchase price, because buyers can’t meet the sales quota.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I heard that too but never saw a contract and what the quotas are. That would be interesting.

[@smartalix5295]

Thanks for being an ethical human! I had to go through a lot of bad reviews on my own to decide against the Ricoma and Redline. It is so challenging to make the right decision and I love in a rural area, so servicing is also a major factor for me. That, and community support.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm glad the video helped you. And getting service to a rural area is a huge deal! Especially when those multi-needles heavy and bulky.

[@unbeso8858]

@@BallyhooCreations hey I really enjoy the video! I was looking into getting one of these Pfaff Creative Vision 5, Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby Royale What do you think of these?? Also if u know any better machines than the ones listed above pls let me know

[@BallyhooCreations]

Those are good machines. Viking Singer and Pfaff are all owned by the same company. You might want to comparison shop Babylock/Brother and maybe Janome to see their prices too.

[@unbeso8858]

@@BallyhooCreations what about the husqvarna viking topaz 30?? Also what is the best brand u recommend??

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@unbeso8858 The Viking Topaz line is nice. One of my design testers uses a Topaz and her stitch quality is lovely. I prefer the Brother/Babylock brand for its user friendly interface. I also like Janome for its low price points. I worry about the longevity of the Viking/Singer/Pfaff machines because they change their engineering frequently and then retire parts for discontinued machines so it's hard to repair them, which shortens the life of the machine.

[@JANJOHNSON59]

I’m brand new this past year to machine embroidery. I just retired and jumped in with a Brother PR1055x. I love it!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Wow Jan, you don't mess around! Nice machine choice on the Brother 10 needle. :-)

[@Pixiedust-nf6yp]

I want to thank you for taking the time to do this very informative vlog. I’ve been browsing the market and felt very overwhelmed with all the different models available. I felt much better informed with your video and I’m very thankful I found you and have subscribed to your channel. Thank you so much. 😊

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pearllucas452]

Just ran across your video and so glad that I did. I am in the process to upgrade and your video is the most helpful one that I have listen too. Thank you for your honesty.

[@JtreeProductions]

Thank you soooo much for the Rikoma info because they were on my feed a lot and i always thought to myself... "Why does this seem like an online marketing push." It just didn't seem organic. Thank you so much

[@kittys.2870]

I'm looking at embroidering large chest size pieces of multi colored Celtic crests with griffins, dragons, unicorns for aprons, overdresses, cloaks etc. for the renfaire type functions. Have to drive 50 miles to the nearest Brother dealer or the JoAnn fabrics stores.

[@BallyhooCreations]

For large designs on cloaks or aprons, you'll want a good sized hoop which means a more expensive machine - like a 6x10" or 8x8" hoop should work. It might be worth the drive to a dealer if you're going to spend a lot of money. Or consider the Janome 400e which can be found at JoAnns online. You may also need to purchase digitizing software if the Celtic designs are not already created and for sale by another digitizer, so consider software in your budget unless you have already found designs that work for you. If you need software, consider Embird or Embrilliance on a budget, or Hatch if you have tons of money to spend. :-) Hope that helps!

[@robinstpierre864]

So nice of you to reach out to help, thanks ♥️Yeah, I don't like the 4x4, too small.

[@-an0nim0-]

Great video. It all boils down to your budget. I have been in the Embroidery business for fifteen years. In my experience, best home Embroidery machine is Bernina. And would like to add ZSK to the list of commercial machines. I have worked with Melco and SWF machines and would not recommend them to anyone. I own a fifteen needle single head Tajima machine. I am very happy with it. I currently work with Barudan machines. Both Japanese made. However, I would love to own one day a ZSK machine. Nothing beats German Engineering. And like my grandfather used to say, 'always work with the best'. Greetings!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks for adding all your excellent advice!

[@JosefaSaldana]

Wow..... thank you for this. I didn’t end up buying a Ricoma and went with a dealer supported used machine. SOOOO glad I did!

[@martinmlaka]

Hi there, just wanted to check for my mom, because she doesn't speak English and cannot watch these videos. I have watched quite a lot of them now, and like your views on it so wondered if you had any comments on Brother NV2700 vs maybe Janome MC 500 E? From what you said and what I am reading, Brother would be a better option, but wanted to check. My mom is new to embroidery, but has been a seamstress for ages and also had a wedding salon. Thank you very much and thank you for a clear and honest comments in your video. Best, Martin

[@martinmlaka]

just so I cannot find Flourish 2 in our area. sadly

[@BallyhooCreations]

The Flourish 2 was discontinued last year and replaced by the Babylock Flare. When you add the sewing machine combo to that same machine they call it the Vesta. Brother makes the same machine as the Vesta and calls it...the NV2700. The on-screen menu is where most of the embroidery functions are found, so you might check with dealers to see if either machine supports your mothers language to make it easier for her to navigate. (They also use icons so she could learn it that way with assistance) Both machines you mentioned are good. Brother is a little easier to navigate but it's negligible. The Janome has bigger hoops (8x8 and 8x11) which would make it ideal for both clothing and quilting. So it really depends on what she wants to stitch with her new machine.

[@martinmlaka]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you so much for taking time and explaining everything :) much much appreciated. Brother looks like a good option. We found also innov-IsV3 which seems slightly larger. Good point about the language, will try and see it in person. Thank you very much again. Wishing all the best

[@thejollyowl7977]

Thank you for this! I've had a Brother PE770 for over 8 years now and have been really wanting something with a bigger hoop!! I just can't afford a multi needle yet. I make in the hoop plushies and dolls and now have a goal to save up for a babylock! Thank you so very much!!

[@BallyhooCreations]

For in-the-hoop dolls and plushies - bigger really is better. Wishing you a quick savings towards your goal!

[@maddy6246]

Thank you for this video. I have been looking for my first machine for a while and have settled on either a Baby Lock or Brother, so it was good to hear you recommend them. I knew I wanted a bigger hoop size so knowing how big I can get for my budget helps.

[@Amaze.]

So which one did you end up buying? Was it worth it?

[@angelg4829]

Any updates?

[@melissasteiner9039]

Great video. Very informative. I have wanted an embroidery machine since 2018ish. I wish I would have purchased before the high demand and increase cost.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Demand is still high but prices and availability are closer to normal levels so it's a pretty good time to jump in. I need to make an updated video since things have changed a LOT in 1 year.

[@Alishaspieces]

Your room looks very organized, can you do a room tour or some things to buy to organize embroidery room. I'm not good at that stuff

[@BallyhooCreations]

I would love to make a video of a studio tour and organizing tips! It's been on my to-do list for about a year now and I haven't had the time to make it. I'll bump up the priority since you're asking. 😀

[@1packatak]

Just an FYI, Brother no longer manufactures their Dream Machine models. This also applies to the Baby Lock version. The new model for Brother is the XE-1 (not sure of the Baby Lock version). This one maxes out at a 9x14 embroidery field. It also has an 11 in throat for those quilters out there. The top of the line Brother combo machine is now the Luminaire. This machine maxes out at a 10.5x 16 in embroidery field. It has a 13 in throat for quilters. I think the Baby Lock version is the Solaris. I would add to your great video to buy the best machine you can afford. I agree if you want to embroider to go 4x4 and 5x7 for your hoops. The sewing shops in my neck of the country are open, and you can set up an appointment to shop for a machine. Look for one that offers classes, although many of the manufacturers now offer remote classes. Plus, it never hurts to ask if you can make a deal on a demo machine. I did that on my last two machines and got a basically brand new machine for a nice price. Not all dealers do that. Also check into their service department. Taking care of your machine with regular service will keep it going for years.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks for adding that extra info!

[@classycaffeinated4846]

Oh my I love this video love your honesty and as someone new to embroidery this made my decision for my multi needle easy I have the pe800 just add to my business thanks again

[@LC.101]

I have been looking for my first Embroidery machine for months. Not too sure if I should get a combination machine or a multi needle Embroidery machine and a sewing/quilting machine separately. I am not planning to go into any business in the near future, so this is for my hobby. I have narrowed down to Tajima Bai, Babylock Altair 2 and Bernina 790 Pro E. Any thoughts are much appreciated.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm going to assume you're looking at the Tajima Sai which is available at Juki dealers, and NOT the Bai machine from Richword which you can buy on Amazon or other online marketplaces? Since all the machines you mentioned are sold by dealers - have you done a test drive on them at the dealership? They should be more than happy to let you stitch on them considering your budget. That is the best way to decide which machine fits you best. But be careful about all the bells and whistles that are cool, buy you may never need or use. If you're more of a quilter, a combo machine might suit you better but if you want to put designs onto finished garments the multi-needle is a much easier machine for that. Also, consider the Babylock multi-needles, which I feel are more user-friendly than the Tajima Sai. (maybe it's just me, but I NEED an automatic needle threader on any machine that costs over $5k.) I offer inexpensive consults if you want more of a personalized recommendation for your situation. superpeer.com/ballyhoocreations/-/embroidery-machine-buyers-consult

[@lotlotdg4300]

When you are mentioning about the prices I realized I would only do hand or manual embroidery...

[@whatstheteemorebyROC]

Great information. What are you using to hold your stabilizer and other rolls.

[@BallyhooCreations]

That's an IKEA pegboard with their paper towel/roll holders. They'll hold rolls up to 12" in length. Very convenient.

[@sandihenning9466]

Great video, you covered a lot of ground. I'm just beginning to look at maybe doing some embroidery projects. Thanks!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lafrileuse4459]

I would also ask myself if I want a sewing and embroidery machine, or if I want an embroidery only machine.

[@garycrumrine9538]

Viking Epic II, $17,000 plus for larger hoops. My wife and I own 2. Very happy with the machines

[@CherryBlossomHill]

The best advice I found was to make sure whatever brand you buy, be sure you but it from a dealer who has amazing after sales service and repair technicians that are certified and experienced.

[@bethserran]

OMG, I LOVE your honest opinions. I am new to embroidery but been sewing for 51 years. I recently bought a Brother Luminaire XP2 in November, 2020. After less than 3 months, the machine is back in shop for alignment issues. I have a Bernina & Viking Rose that are over 20 years old. I love them and goes back to shop only for yearly cleaning and maintenance. I am very disappointed purchasing the Brother brand. I thank you for sharing your knowledge and honesty. Please post more video tutorials.

[@BallyhooCreations]

You had me at "Viking Rose!" That was my first embroidery machine and it was amazing! I'm sorry you're having issues with your Luminaire. Brother is generally good, but it seems like every factory had issues in 2020. Hopefully they can fix it under warranty and it will come back to you in fantastic shape.

[@debbiharrelson9961]

Thanks for all of the information. I have a Brother SB7900E but I’ve been thinking about an update or maybe stepping up a level. There is so much to consider when making this purchase and your video is very helpful!

[@sunshinemarie3550]

I wish I had seen this video before Christmas 🤗I have 2 machines pe625 and pe800 bcuz as you said the 4x4 wasn’t what I wanted but without experience I bought it then shortly after I bought the 800 I’m actually in LOVE with embroidering so I’ve decided to keep both and I DO wish I could take a class...thank you ...I’m looking forward to your videos

[@BallyhooCreations]

Quite a few people upgrade machines but keep the old one. Use it as a backup (when your "main" goes in the shop) or use it to stitch 2 projects at once. Sometimes that 4x4 machine is very useful. :-)

[@lisacowan5060]

Have you ever seen an Irish dance competition dress? What kind of embroidery machine do you think could do that?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Any machine could do surface embroidery, but those large designs need the largest sized hoops, or special hoops that are good for repeating border designs. These are the high priced machines. And many of those Irish dresses use couching in celtic patterns, which top-of-the-line Vikings can do, but it's faster on regular sewing machines. Or they are not done on embroidery machines but the appliques with embroidery & rhinestones are purchased and then added to the outfits. (I come from figure skating and belly dancing myself :-) The appliques ARE expensive, but cheaper than a $10K embroidery machine.

[@NikkiVelazquez]

This was great information! I'm one of those who made the mistake of buying a Redline. There's just not a lot of good information out there to help people choose wisely. Since I no longer embroider for a living, I'm looking for a hobby machine. I have the Brother SE 625 which is a 4x4 hoop, but I"d like a bigger hoop again. It works really well, though.... better than the Redline ever did!

[@BallyhooCreations]

I remember your video about that Redline! So glad you shared it.

[@carlostercero4182]

Thanks for such great information. What do you think about the ZSK?

[@BallyhooCreations]

I like the ZSK and have included it on my list of multi needle machines in the updated video coming out next week 😁

[@noranevers]

This was a great video - full of common sense. I started with a Brother PE800, and that was a great machine but I quickly got hoop lust and moved to a Janome 550E. It is ok, I really don't line having to oil it every month. When she is happy she is great but she in unhappy frequently. So now I am in the market for a multi-needle. I am primarily after big hoops. I live in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. I have available the Fortever line and the Tajima line. Both are sold in local shops that have service departments. I would be interested in any comments that you might have one either machine. Thanks.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I've never heard of the Fortever, but the Tajima is highly regarded all over the world. Hopefully that helps!?! Multineedles also require that you oil the bobbin case daily but it's an easy task.

[@marietheresebegue7291]

Hi, how is your Janome 550E, because I would like to buy one, easy and not expensive. Thanks a lot.

[@mbrech1088]

@@marietheresebegue7291 I have owned the Janome 550 for a year and have really put it through it's paces. It has been a very reliable machine. I embroidered on a Bernina 180 for MANY years before getting this machine and I would be hard pressed to pick one over the other. - my Bernina is just old and I didn't want to spend $$$$ on a new one. I have two other Janome machines and have always felt that, for the money, you cannot beat a Janome. Beautiful machines. The 550 has a very good selection of hoops. If you don't have software for editing designs, i would recommend Embird. It will resize and you can add wonderful lettering. You buy the add-ons as you need them. I have used it for many years and love it. The basic software that comes with the machine doesn't do much of anything and I have since removed it from my computer. One of the main things I don't care for, with the 550, is the threader. My two other Janomes thread simply and beautifully. Frankly, it's easier to thread the needle by hand than use their system, but I use Organ large eye embroidery needles and it's a snap. Hope the comments help you in your search . . gl!

[@jillananickel7586]

Thank you for a thorough review! Can you maybe explain machine stitch limits? Is it just referring to a pattern that it's reading off of a USB, or would it also limit a pattern sent to the machine via WiFi or cable?

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm curious where you heard about stitch limits because that doesn't come up very often anymore? Embroidery Library has a nice comparison chart. www.emblibrary.com/EL/help.aspx?page=help2choosesize Those limits are either built into the file format or the machine itself so it doesn't matter if you're using USB, cable or WIFI transfer. A professionally digitized design should not hit those limits on newer machines. But you might run into problems on older machines that use older file formats and Embird has a great table that outlines that: www.embird.net/manual/0300formats.htm

[@elizabethhoffmann7162]

Thank you for your excellent videos, ideas, and candor. I appreciate you...

[@juanadavilabrown5674]

I got a SE Brother 1900 for about 1k from Amazon and love it. I'm a newbie at embroidery.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Great choice! Enjoy your new machine!

[@colsparksss5738]

I just wanna ask your struggles in embroidery world or some tips for teens who wants to have this business in the future. appreciated your very detailed explanation about machines... I've learned a lot

[@BallyhooCreations]

The struggles are the same for every small business - find your niche or specialty, then figure out who loves what you make. There is always more to learn and you're already doing that by watching KZbin videos. Are you struggling with anything in particular?

[@lifewithhaiz]

Thank you for this! I have a small brother 4x4 and I’m looking to upgrade because my business really out grew it and I’m looking for a multi needle and I almost applied for the ricoma!

[@Simplestockapparel]

Any advice on growing? I got a small following right now, looking to blow up

[@coacoa43]

Thanks for sharing all this fabulous information. Which multi needle (3) Would you recommend?

[@BallyhooCreations]

What I stated in the video is that I would buy a Brother or Babylock for light usage (less than 5 hours per day) but a Tajima would be my pick if needing something for heavier usage.

[@paulahinkle7224]

Can you tell me if embroidery machines are put on sale for Black Friday? Wondering if I should buy now or wait? Thanks

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm not an expert on sales. But from what I recall seeing, they don't deeply discount prices for black Friday or other holiday sales. What they do instead is offer special financing and freebies when you buy a machine. (thread, stabilizer, software or extra hoops) They always make you feel like you're getting a great deal. I watched Amazon last black Friday as well as Prime days and didn't see any machines come up. The best Machine Embroidery savings for black Friday are designs - they are usually deeply discounted and a great time to build your design collection.

[@smkeddy55]

What about Janome machines? Like the 550e?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Janome makes good machines. They are a tad less user friendly for beginners but they stitch beautifully. The 550e is actually the one I have my eye on when I purchase again. That 8" by 14" hoop is huge for a machine that costs under $4000.

[@AnthonyBatistanator]

Thank you for making this video! It’s helpful! What do you think is the best bang for your buck multi needle embroidery machine? I want to get into doing big designs on sweaters.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks for the question! This depends on how long you will run the machine each day. If under 6 hours, I would buy a used brother or babylock. (in fact, I bought the babylock endurance 2.) But if you're going to do this for longer shifts, be patient and try to find a used Tajima or Barudan. At least that's what I would look for. Your mileage may vary. :-)

[@GreenCatQueen]

8:00 Regarding the commercial machines you mention, I know how to spell Happy and Melco, but what are the others, please? One starts with a T and the other starts with a B. I have no idea how to spell those to look them up. Thanks.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Tajima and Barudan 😃

[@GreenCatQueen]

@@BallyhooCreations Thank you.

[@crcr2896]

Appreciate your honesty and knowledge.

[@NA-qs7bg]

My bf has a business. In the past he got an embroidery business to put his logo on shirts but we have moved far away and its not practical anymore. What machine would be a good option to get his business logo embroidered on to golf shirts/hoodies etc? His logo is 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Any machine can embroider at least 4x4" so that logo would fit any of them, even the inexpensive Brother machines sold at Walmart. The bigger issue would be the digitized logo. If he already has a PES file of the logo that is under 100 mm wide then you're good to go. But if you need the logo turned into an embroidery file (because the previous shop owns the file) then you can find online digitizers to do that for $20-$70 to create the PES file. Otherwise you would need digitizing software that starts at $300 and has a steep learning curve.

[@jacquelinerojas1722]

I found a ps 600 for a very good price. I found out that Brother doesn’t make them anymore. Do you think it will be wise to get it?

[@BallyhooCreations]

I have an updated version of this video for 2024 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmKkoqmQZsx-eZY I'm not familiar with the Brother PS 600. Brands phase out models every few years but the models can easily last 10-20 years. So buying an older model is a great way to save money. If it reads USB sticks then it's worth getting. But if it's older than that I would avoid it.

[@gainzwillbemade9890]

I'm getting the HappyJapan 12 needle.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Congrats! Nice machine 😁

[@joycelindsey1]

Please advise What sewing embroidery/machines work best when embroidering towels - on regular basis! I spent over $2,000 dollars for one and only after 2 1/2 years the boards had to be replaced!!😮

[@BallyhooCreations]

Any machine can do towels, but if you're constantly embroidering heavy fabric like towels, the industrial machines might be better suited for you. Sewing and embroidery machines for home use may not stand up to the extra wear and tear of repeatedly stitching heavy stuff like toweling, denim or leather.

[@joycelindsey1]

Thanks for your answer for embroidering towels. The Topaz 50 within 3 years did not hold up. So an industrial machine is the solution for being more durable than a Viking Epic or some other top of the line embroidery/sewing machine?What is price range for the industrial please? I guess the are very high priced- what do you think about a used one and it’s durability? Thank you. JL

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@joycelindsey1 I know it's crazy, but the top of line home machines cost MORE than the industrial machines. For the price of a new Topaz, you could find a used Tajima or Barudan, SWF, or ZSK that should breeze through toweling all day, every day with minimal servicing. Call dealers and get quotes, or stalk the facebook marketplace groups for used embroidery equipment.

[@joycelindsey1]

@@BallyhooCreations Hi thanks so much for your previous information. I am leaning toward the commercial machines- but how good is the online teaching for those machines. I believe the so- called one to one hand holding would be better for me. Is there any 1:1 teaching out there for the commercial machines? But learning on line how to thread these 16 needles, to do logos, maintaining the machine with tools, oil- can that be found on line? I really want to do the towels and hats- so to get the commercial tutoring- I suppose you tube is the best source of obtaining information right? - thanks Joyce

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@joycelindsey1 youtube is definitely a great place to learn! Call around to inquire about machine prices and how they handle training so you can compare brands. Don't be shy to talk with a few sales reps. I'm afraid I'm no expert on who does in-person training, especially during this pandemic that changed everything.

[@luvcabin]

Very informative video. I can attest to the workhorse Brother PE800. Mine has been great but am thinking of upgrading to a multi needle. May I ask which model of Babylock is your 6 needle you bought, and where did you get it? Thanks!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad you love your PE800! They are sturdy little guys, aren't they? I found my used Babylock Endurance 2 on Facebook marketplace. It's the same as the Brother PR655.

[@lindapuente8629]

Thank you ! I have never owned an embroidery machine and I'm looking to buy one to make children's clothing. So I'm thinking about a brother pe800

[@robinstpierre864]

don't buy the Disney 540d

[@robinstpierre864]

There are combo sewing and embroidery machines

[@joycelindsey1]

Is it absolutely necessary to have a surge protector rather than the narrow pose strip for an embroidery machine? Would that keep from causing the board/s to become damaged and needed replacement?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Hmmm. I typically plug all my machines into inexpensive surge protectors, it's cheap insurance for an expensive machine.

[@maryostrovskis4301]

Thank you so much for your tutorials. I purchased a Viking #1+ many years ago and never used the embroidery feature. I have recently begun to use it and have completed a few pretty successful coaster and t-shirt projects. I struggled with a number of things like breaking threads and bird nesting until I watched some of your tutorials and applied your advice to my own embroidery. I slow down my speeds quite a lot on this old machine which is very time consuming since it is a manual process with the pedal. I'd like to at least be able to use a 5x7 hoop and an 8x10 would be even better! Since it appears you too use a Viking, can you give some advice on things to watch out for on the #1+ & what Viking you would recommend, even if used. My budget is about $3k. Appreciate your input, Thanks Mary

[@BallyhooCreations]

The Viking #1+ predates my experience and that's saying something! But all the info in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pISqh3lqfa2nhMk would apply to that machine as well. I'm not the biggest fan of Viking anymore, but for your budget you can get their 6x10" machine like the Topaz which people seem to like. Most of the other brands also average $3k for their 6x10 machine, except Janome. That budget would get an 8x11" embroidery field on the Janome 550E.

[@Angela-uq1cs]

This is a great video, full of so much good information! Thank you so much for taking the time to make and post this!

[@BallyhooCreations]

You are so welcome!

[@lindapuente8629]

What do you think about the baby lock verve sewing and embroidery machine. I do have experience sewing but not with embroidery. It says it has a 4x4 embroidery field. I want to focus only on children's clothing for now. I was planning on buying a new sewing machine so I thought I could get a 2 in 1.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Brother & Babylock are similar build quality, and the Verve is a nice little combo machine. The 4x4 field is small, but for children's clothes and gifts you can get a lot done in that small area. It's a great machine to learn on. If you decide to upgrade later, you can keep the Verve as your sewing machine.

[@brandyjackson1086]

What about Janome memory 550 E what are your thoughts on that machine

[@BallyhooCreations]

I haven't used the 550 but I would buy it. It has the biggest hoop and best features for the price and I'll be mentioning it when I update this video for 2023.

[@monikakrafcikova2602]

Hi, thank you for the video... :) ...however can JANOME MC 550E do free motion quilt? Thanks

[@BallyhooCreations]

The Janome 550e is an embroidery machine only, not a combination sewing machine. So you can NOT do FREE motion quilting, but it's very good at quilting in the hoop using computerized designs. Basically the machine moves the hoop (computerized) instead of you doing it with your hands (free motion.) If you want to move the fabric with your hands for free motion quilting, you'll need to look at a combo machine that does both embroidery and sewing.

[@monikakrafcikova2602]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you for your answer... in a meantime I find out that there is a software acu fil and I could quilt, but it is veeeery expensive, in my opinion... cca 500 bucks... so it is not worth it...

[@Diabeticlady]

Hi, I’m so happy I came across your channel. The shop I recently found is offering me a nq1700e with 100k Stiches for 1,299 but no warranty with warranty it’s another $399. I could buy brand new for 1,999 which comes with brothers warranty. Which one do you think is best for me please. I can afford both. Just wondering if the used is a better option. I hope you see this ❤

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'd lean towards the used one - it's practically brand new. The very best deal would be to negotiate the price down on the used machine to get the warranty included for $1500 because Ken's sewing center is already selling a refurbished machine with warranty for that price. tinyurl.com/3w7j39zp Either negotiate with the dealer, or just buy it from Ken's if they won't come down. (if you can pay by check instead of credit card - it saves the store money so use that if possible) But get the warranty on the used machine - it might be a lemon, or the previous owner may have upgraded soon after buying. Those machines have not even been around more than a year.

[@vickiprice1092]

Thank you for the video. I'm shopping for an embroidery machine and I have a Pfaff sewing machine right now. I looked at a Babylock Unity (used) and I'm looking at a Viking Designer Ruby and a Viking Diamond royal. All used, the Babylock and diamond are about the same price, the Ruby is quite a bit less (about $1,000). I also looked at the Janome 550E which is on sale new for about the same price as the used Babylock and HV Diamond. This would be my first embroidery machine. Your thoughts? Feeling a little overwhelmed and I'm looking for a retirement hobby.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Those are all good machines with very large hoops so you'll be able to stitch most designs. Buying new, used or refurbished is a personal choice - do you want a warranty? Do free classes come with these machines? Do you like one dealers customer service over another? You could also look up KZbin videos for each machine to see if one has features you love. (Example -the diamond has ribbon and yarn couching capability). Ultimately you'll need to decide to choose which machine is best suited for what you want to make. They are all good machines that will ease you into your new hobby. 😁

[@vickiprice1092]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you for your thoughts

[@foodbaby5497]

Your video came at the perfect time! I've been looking for used and new multi needles machine recently. You are so right about Ricoma and about their influencers. What are your thoughts on Janome MB-7...prices seems really good for a new machine right now. I'm also considering a Babylock Valiant used for $8500.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I don't see raving fans for the Janome multineedles so I avoided them too. Babylock valiant is great if you're not running it full time every day. That price is good if it's newer and comes with stand, hat hoop and maybe extra frames, but call a dealer and see what lowest price they can give you. haggle! I f ound that patience was key when shopping for used machines. Your machine Is out there 🙂

[@bethdavis4673]

How do you feel about the Juki Tajima Sai 8 Needle Embroidery Machine?

[@BallyhooCreations]

@pinkbirdembroidery did a review on that machine -it's worth watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boaUiKmVjM2dgs0

[@beautiful_9ightmare704]

Who do you recommend buying from?

[@BallyhooCreations]

I have no opinion on who to buy from. If you want free classes & support - buy from a local dealer. If you're a self-learner with tech skills you can teach yourself and buy online. The machine brands hold their dealers to contract standards so pricing is pretty much the same wherever you buy. (dealers compete by throwing in extras like thread or an extra hoop) If you want to save some money you can buy a used machine, but that's a bit more risky. If you're brand new to this, I'd suggest visiting a few different dealers of different brands so you can compare the models yourself.

[@michellemiles5158]

Thank you for this amazing upload! Thinking of purchasing a Janome Memory Craft 400e for $1500. Is this expensive for this machine? I also thought about the bother innovis Nq1600. Which is a better value?

[@BallyhooCreations]

$1500 seems high for the Janome 400e, you can find them closer to $1200 at most online retailers right now. If you're buying from a shop, use that info as leverage to get the price lower. If you are a quilter, the 8x8 hoop on the Janome is great. But if you're not going to use it for quilting, you will probably find the 6x10 hoop size on the Brother 1600 is more versatile and has more designs from 3rd party digitizers. They are both good machines. More people tend to prefer Brother for ease of use. Hope that helps!

[@thegirlsmom511]

What’s your thoughts on the Janome 400

[@BallyhooCreations]

Janome 400e with the 8x8 hoop is a good deal. They're not as user friendly as the Brother/Babylock but Janome makes a solid embroidery machine at a better price point. If you're a quilter, the 8x8 hoop is perfect. But if you're looking for more traditional embroidery you may be disappointed that it won't stitch 6x10 designs and you'll be forced to use the 5x7 sized designs when purchasing from many designers.

[@violettak2246]

What about EverSewn Sparrow X2.My son wants to buy.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I haven't seen it - but it looks like a decent machine and a good substitute for the Brother PE800.

[@jacquelinemartin9793]

Hi. Thank you for your video. I am just looking at purchasing my first Embroidery machine... I understand the reasoning behind not going all in on the first machine... but for me... I learn quickly and get bored fast... I dont want to out grow and have to purchase another machine in a few months time LOL so... say I start with the multi needle you have behind you in this video... my question is this (as I LOVE to make my own designs) are you able to make and upload your own designs or upload designs from other places on the net? thank you :)

[@BallyhooCreations]

Oh yes, absolutely. Almost every embroidery machine will let you stitch designs your purchase or create yourself. To create your own, you'll need to buy digitizing software (video on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6eZnayjeZWHpqM ) When you're shopping - look for the design transfer method. Most use a USB stick. There is NOTHING wrong with a beginner jumping in with a fancy machine like a multi-needle if you can afford it and you're a self starter. Lots of people have done that with great success.

[@ellenhofer3343]

Baby Lock and Brother are made in the same factory and are pretty much identical other than the extra $$ you pay for Brother to have Disney designs which can only be stitched on Brother machines. The difference is that Baby Lock is a higher quality machine than the Brother. While they are made in the same factory, the Baby Lock machines are made to a higher quality standard than Brother.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Agree on same factory and same machine lineup. But not sure I agree with the Babylock claim to better quality. Honestly - sounds like something a salesperson would say. :0 (yes, I own a babylock :-)

[@ellenhofer3343]

@@BallyhooCreations my dealer had nothing to lose by telling me this, as the Brother costs more. I did do some research on line brother vs bl and found the same information on several sites. I have sewn on botb machines at events and just like the BL better. Its a forever on-going argument between Brother users & BL users. Each loves & loyal ti the end. Lol lol I think the popularity of Brother machines is partly because so many YT personalities use them (and many get a break on their machines or get them free to use in their tutorials from their local dealers). I can't remember the last time I saw BL Solaris in a YT video. I know of one who has a Luminare and it has been to the shop at least twice for major repairs.

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@ellenhofer3343 you're right Ellen, and I think you just inspired my next video topic so Thank YOU!

[@ellenhofer3343]

@@BallyhooCreations I'll look forward to seeing it!

[@sonjabowling3876]

They are the same, my Dealer carries both, she said brother has one more exclusive thing on theirs. I own both the only thing different is the verbiage. Both are great, one is NOT better than the other, I bought Luminaire this time only for the Disney Designs, when I upgrade to a new machine I will probably get the Baby Lock, don’t be afraid of either machine. My Dealer is the #1 Baby Lock dealer in the nation.

[@codyabel4766]

does the brother have to do one color at a time? how does it work? are there multiple spools ready to go? Does the machine switch between colors automatically? thank you!

[@BallyhooCreations]

It depends on which brother machine. Most are single needle - which means you need to change the thread for each color. The machine will stop so you can re-thread it. Multi-needle machines can load several colors - each with their own spool on a separate needle so it won't pause for thread changes in between and the machine will cut and switch colors automatically. A new multineedle will run $10K and up. So most people don't start there unless you're looking to do commercial production. Some machine have 1 needle but will hold several spools, so they're "ready" but you still must re-thread everything (which goes fast after some practice.)

[@laceyb6330]

Thank you for a great video!! I can’t find much on KZbin about the babylock esante. I was going to buy it used for $800. Low thread count. What do you think about this machine? For adults and children’s appliqué and embroidery.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Babylock makes quality machines, but I think the esante requires a USB connection to your computer rather than a USB stick. (I could be wrong on that). You would need to have a computer nearby in order to transfer designs. I'm not sure I would pay $800 for that - because you can buy newer 6x10 machines in the $1500 range. That price feels high unless it's coming with lots of thread, stabilizer and other extras.

[@AnointedSong]

After having my machine for years, I just embroidered my first design, which was my son's logo. I have the Singer Futura seqs-6000. At the time I purchased it, it came with all the software and a 4x5 and a 6x10 hoop (which actually measured larger, I think I measured the useable area at 7.5 x 11). The machine was $899 and the software was just as much. I was blessed because I happened to get it for $275 TOTAL, the machine and software. It was too good to pass up😁. Brother machines seem to be the standard, but honestly since I don't know what I'm doing this one will do just fine for now🤣. I appreciate your commentary on the machines.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Wow! you got a GREAT deal on that Singer! I hope you have fun with it.

[@AnointedSong]

@@BallyhooCreations Thanks! Even though I've only embroidered 1 thing the learning process is fun. Also having people like yourself helps with that.

[@claudiamcguire5462]

I have a viking combo machine and am purchasing a brother pe 800. When I tried resizing on the viking(scandinavia 300) my designs dont stitch correctly. Ive watched lots of videos on the Brother. Does it resize designs as easilly and accurately as it seems.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I think I answered this on a different video. Let me know if you didn't see that response yet.

[@carlinsoler9474]

Thank you for the great video. I’m looking for a combo machine and have a question. If you have to choose between Jade 35 and SE 1900, which one will you choose ? why? I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you in advance!

[@BallyhooCreations]

That's a tough call. I would lean towards the Jade for the bigger hoop size. I've had 2 Viking combo machines - both were OK at embroidery but excellent for sewing. Never had problems with sewing but embroidery can be finicky with them. You learn to work around it though. Keep me posted on your choice!

[@carlinsoler9474]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you very much, again! I

[@deborahpotter703]

Will the brother pe800 serve as a regular sewing machine as well

[@BallyhooCreations]

No, the pe800 is embroidery only. The brother SE1900 is the 5x7 sewing/embroidery combo and runs about $1000 - not much more than the pe800 these days.

[@deborahpotter703]

Thank you for your response!

[@jablacksheep3351]

What do you think about the Avance 1501C?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Me personally? I feel it's in the same category as Ricoma. Check the Better Business Bureau before you make any purchase. 😁

[@jablacksheep3351]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you

[@lynnsteinbeck4254]

Thank you for this video I’ve been looking at buying a new machine and your advice really helped I have a Sofia 2 talk about a older machine but is a work horse

[@gervialane6056]

Great Video and Great Information. What is the name of the multi-needle machine behind you? Thank you, also is there a video with you using it?

[@BallyhooCreations]

That a Babylock Endurance II, which is about 8 years old. It's the same machine as Brother PR-655. I use it in my ITH video tutorials, but I haven't made any videos showing HOW to use it.

[@sandraayotte1431]

Brother Sewing and Embroidery machine are fabulous machines and run in the range of $500 to $600

[@marciethomas2839]

Where would i look for unbiased comments on the bernette b70 deco? Is there a website that does unbiased reviews?

[@BallyhooCreations]

There are some unfavorable reviews on Amazon. I'd suspect quality control issues? Many brands went downhill in 2020. Normally I would suggest sewing.patternreview.com/ but I don't see the B70 on there. also check out www.sewingmachinesplus.com/b70.php the people there seem mostly thrilled with their deco. Buy it from somewhere with an easy return policy and preferable a warranty. That way, if you get a lemon, you won't lose any money.

[@PattieLookPhoto]

I’m curious have you seen the new multi needle embroidery machine made by Juki in conjunction with Tajima?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Yes, they've been around a few years. Tajima makes the SAI but they are distributed by Juki, who already has an "IN" with long-arm quilters. I have not seen one in action but they seem like a good machine.

[@PattieLookPhoto]

I saw one yesterday at my sewing machine dealership. She recommended it over the BL which I was little dubious about

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@PattieLookPhoto If she sells both BL and SAI, then I would take her word for it (unless there is a sales incentive :-) But if she's only pushing the brand she sells, I would be dubious too! Tajima's history of embroidery machines goes back further than BL, they know what they're doing. Since the 8 needle SAI is $10K, in line with the Brother/BL 6 needles, it might be a better buy for those 2 extra needles. I would seriously consider it if I were shopping now.

[@PattieLookPhoto]

@@BallyhooCreations thanks so much for your input. She said the bundle deal is is a much better as it comes with the software and hat hoops and a stand

[@PattieLookPhoto]

She also has the BL 12 needle!

[@sheilamitchell8980]

What is your opinion of the Janome EMB 4 needle ...I see this one on sale , but it don’t hv all the bells and whistles but I hear it’s well made but not as popular as the Brother/ BL...

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm not a fan of the Janome multi needles and steered away from them when I was shopping. (I've been where you are Sheila :-) They have an attractive price, but it seems like people get rid of them rather quickly and that's a red flag for me. I'd rather spend more and get a better machine. Even a twenty-year-old Brother 6-needle (PR600 or PR620) might be a better investment than a new Janome 4 needle.

[@wilsonb6079]

I bought a a Brother Persona PRS100 to start my small business but it was a mistake because now when I get multiple orders I waste time on changing the thread. I need to get at least the baby lock 6 needle. I feel like selling it it's like new only 81 hours of use

[@BallyhooCreations]

Sorry that happened to you. As you saw in the video, I would recommend a multi-needle to anybody going into business, and probably not the Brother/Babylock machines if you're going to run them all day. Maybe you can bargain with your dealer to give you full trade-in value if you upgrade to a more expensive machine? I would try that first.

[@wilsonb6079]

@@BallyhooCreations what would be a good brand? So many competitive brands out there.

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@wilsonb6079 I mentioned several brands in the video. If I were doing commercial embroidery, I would spend my money on Tajima, Happy, ZSK, or Barudan. I looked at other brands and they had too many service complaints for my comfort level. This is definitely a place where the rule "buy nice or buy twice" applies. Find a forum or facebook group for COMMERCIAL embroidery and ask their opinions. I only run my machine to test what I digitize, so the Babylock 6 needle is perfect for me. But I wouldn't run it 8 hours every day. 😉

[@deborahblakeley4116]

I was going to buy the new husqvarna viking designer epic 2. Is it worth it? I already have the husqvarna viking designer 1 and I have had issues with the tension on the embroidery part and issues with the USB key. I have read some blogs on google and people claim that there are still tension issues even with the epic 2. What do you recommend ?

[@BallyhooCreations]

It's only my opinion, and I haven't used the Epic 2, but I wouldn't buy it. I feel that Viking went downhill with the Designer 1 which had a ton of engineering issues (I still fight with mine.) I'm not a fan of the VSP group (Viking, Singer, Pfaff) which are constantly being resold to investment companies. If you love your Viking dealer - then stay with them. But for that kind of money, I'd invest in a multineedle or the newest Babylock/Brother models which have a camera and projector, and their tensioning system is smarter. Hope that helps!

[@deborahblakeley4116]

​@@BallyhooCreations Thank you so much for your help.

[@KaungAungplus]

Thank you very much for the information. Which machine would you recommend for custom designs and creative flexibility like different stitch types, thread colors, types and lace work?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Any embroidery machine can do different stitch types, thread colors and even free standing lace designs. So there's no limitation there and my next video will talk about that. For custom designs - you either need a very high-end domestic machine, or a better solution is to buy embroidery software to either combine designs or create lettering, or do full blown digitizing of your own artwork.

[@KaungAungplus]

@@BallyhooCreations Ohhh ok. I understand. I know illustrator pretty well but I am not sure whether that’s the correct program to learn for embroidery art work. Maybe embroidery softwares are the way to go?! They can be pretty expensive, the software itself.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Illustrator can get you an SVG file - but you'll still need embroidery software to convert SVG to stitch file. There are auto-digitizer programs that can do this, even a few free ones. They usually handle simple SVGs pretty well, but more complicated designs are a disaster to stitch out. In the future I'll make some videos testing this out. But for now, you might want to look at this Wiki comparing all the embroidery softwares: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_embroidery_software

[@joycossin]

would you recommend a single needle Janome memory craft 500E for beginner/home embroidery for $1900? i'm debating between that and a brother innov-is NQ1600E for $1300

[@BallyhooCreations]

Janome has an extra step or two when transferring designs but it's not a game changer for most people. The Brother NQ1600 has a 6x10 hoop while the Janome 500E has a 7.9x11 and 7.9x7.9. Here's what you need to know about those Janome hoops - even though they are bigger than the Brother, most digitizers use the Brother hoop sizes when they create designs. This means designs either won't fit or will need to be downsized to fit the Janome. A lot of people get disappointed when they realize that. If you want to do quilt designs sold by Janome, it will work great! But if you plan on buying designs on the internet, the Janome hoops sizes may force you to end up with 6x10 sized designs and you could have saved money and just bought the Brother. I have a video titled "All About Designs" that goes further into this subject. Hope that help!

[@MaryAnnSolomon]

What single needle machine do you use? I currently have an Elna that is the twin to a Janome 500e. It’s a great machine with large hoops and for most projects has performed flawlessly. But in a recent ith project, my embroidery foot was too close to the fabric and kept catching. I realized then that some machines have the ability to raise the presser foot. I’m wondering if that is a feature that you have or find necessary for your doll work? Thanks for the video!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks for the excellent questions! I was just asking a digitizing group about this same issue last week because my single needle dislodges fabric pieces when doing in the hoop projects as well, and I'm trying to digitize in a way that the needle will NOT do that. But software makes that challenging so other digitizers don't even bother with it. I use a Viking Husqvarna Designer 1 and it has the option to raise the presser foot higher, but that can cause issues with stitching so it's not always ideal. If you can't raise your foot, and the design stitches in an order that pushes pieces around, try covering the pieces with a tear-away stabilizer or topper so the presser foot will glide over it. Also, use embroidery tape to hold pieces down, or use a stylus like a wooden stick to hold pieces in place while stitching. (I use a purple thang for this) Please NEVER use your finger to hold things down while stitching! (it sounds like you already know that, but others will read this comment) Too many KZbinrs do that and TOO many beginners have gone to the emergency room with needles through their fingers as a result. This is a HUGE problem and a topic for a future video.

[@MaryAnnSolomon]

@@BallyhooCreations Thanks for your response! On this last difficult project, my machine was tearing the topper. I already had taped as well. I ended up taking it off the embroidery machine and finishing it on my sewing machine. There were several areas that didn't need thread changes, but were moving to another location. I was prepared for those location moves with my fabric placement and stylus, but then my machine makes a wide swing to pull the tail out - I have no clue ahead of time which way it's going. I was so disappointed because I love doing ith projects. I'm considering a new machine: the Brother Stellaire XE or BL Meridian. But now I'm wondering if foot height alone will solve this...

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@MaryAnnSolomon Does your current machine cut jump stitches? It sounds like it doesn't if the tails are being pulled out. My older Viking has that same problem. But the multi-needle cuts every stitch and can travel all over the hoop with no problem and about 1" of clearance. I'm not sure if the Stellaire or Meridian raise the presser foot when they travel after trim, but I suspect they do and would fix the issue you're having on the Elna. Ask the dealer if those machines can handle an In-the-hoop zipper pouch with zipper, fabric and layers of batting. :-) Many machines would snag on that big of a "sandwich." Better yet, facebook has user groups for both those machines. Join them and ask the real users all your pre-sale questions!

[@MaryAnnSolomon]

@@BallyhooCreations Yes, it cuts jumps. But it makes a move before starting with the same color in a new location - kind of like it's pulling the tail out of the fabric. I never paid attention to it until this really thick project I was working on.

[@QuiriaMonroe]

Thank you so much!! This video helped me so much! I’m a beginner & your knowledge was great & informative!

[@JennStarshine]

Thanks for your video it’s giving me something to think about. So only the commercial machines have the large 8x8 and up hoops. And does the needle size matter? I keep hearing 6,8,15, needles. I’m looking to buy one soon. Thanks for your help.

[@BallyhooCreations]

No, you don't need a commercial machine for an 8x8 or 8x12 hoop, there are plenty of single needle machines with large hoops like that but I think they're in the $3K and up range? (hard to know since they won't publish prices on the expensive machines!!) Most people start with a single needle machine. One needle, one thread color. You re-thread the machine for each new thread color. Multi-needle machines don't require as many thread changes so you can do other things while the machine stitches out for you. The more needles - the more thread colors you can stitch before requiring a manual thread change. Lots of people don't understand those things until they buy a machine. You've given me an idea for another video! thanks!

[@dwightyawg7781]

Thank you for this! Is it possible to stitch something across the back of a jacket with a 5x7 hoop size or would I need something bigger?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Assuming your design filled the hoop (many of them don't) your design would be 7" wide and 5" tall. It wouldn't fill the back of the jacket but it might be okay for a logo or name. A machine with 6x10 hoop could fill the jacket back panel better.

[@dwightyawg7781]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you!

[@geritavares6031]

I purchased a Viking on line...eBay the seller ..said it was in perfect working order...not...I had to get it fixed to even sew but it won’t embroider..because the inner arm is broken...and I have tried every place to get another...but no luck...buyer beware...second hand

[@BallyhooCreations]

I am sorry you got a bad deal. Does eBay have a return policy like Facebook marketplace? For others who buy used machines, ask for a video of the machine embroidering if you can't see it in person.

[@geritavares6031]

No...no return as it was after the allotted time frame because I had broken hip and leg due to a fall...also the place handling Viking is jo Ann fabrics and they won’t service u less you purchase from them. The one independent Viking dealer moved to ft pierce...I am in ft laud. So I am out of luck. I am considering your suggestion on a six needle brother...looking at that.

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@geritavares6031 That is a bummer then. But it's good advice for others...make sure the brand you buy has someone in the area that can service it. You might also check if there are travelling sewing machine repair people in your area. Here in the Oklahoma City area, there's a guy that will come to your home and repair any sewing machine. Hopefully, more people will adopt that business model!

[@vnuswine]

Have you ever buy from moore's sewing?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Sorry, I've never ordered from them. They look like a California group of shops that also sells online. Those are usually a good place to buy from for customer service.

[@janegarcia1727]

What are your thoughts about the Highland 15 needle embroidery machine from Mesa?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Sorry I know nothing about that one. Check t-shirt forums - they seem to know every machine over there.

[@Jakedylan15]

I’m looking to purchase a brother innovis nq1600e but not sure how to create my own designs into the machine. Is there a software I’ll need?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Yes, you will need digitizing software to create your own embroidery designs. The three most popular titles are Embird, Hatch, and Embrilliance. I have a video about designs kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmmTdaGbf8-XbJI and another one about shopping for software kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6eZnayjeZWHpqM that might help you understand what software can and can't do.

[@aurell623]

I purchased a Redline and I love it absolutely no issues with it.

[@BallyhooCreations]

That's great! I know some people love them and others don't, so I tried to recommend brands that were less "controversial" :-)

[@aurell623]

@@BallyhooCreations I think sometimes it has to do with how much you already know before getting a multi needle.

[@tawiahboafo1142]

Am new I want buy one but I need an advice. Am tailor and want my work to be unique

[@BallyhooCreations]

The advice in the video should guide you. For custom tailored clothing you will probably want a bigger hoop size to do pant legs, collars, etc. Some Viking machines and some commercial brands can also do sequins and yarn couching techniques which would set your work apart from others.

[@ivelcanintzel2192]

I did tons of research and was going to get the Happy but then went with SWF. Those brands won out over Brother/Babylock mainly due to maintenance and asking random professional multineedle technicians and they chose SWF over those other brands I was thinking about

[@ellenhofer3343]

I've had my Baby Lock Ellissimo Gold II since 2014 and other that a yearly trip to the dealer for cleaning, etc., I have had absolutely no other maintenance issues with it. Not one.

[@KManekia]

I am considering the SWF. Are you happy with it? Do they offer technical support

[@ivelcanintzel2192]

@@KManekia Yes to technical support and have had it less then 1 mo and had to get over my fears of a commercial machine. I was actually most astonished by how quiet it was so that’s a plus because it sits right off the living room. I would definitely recommend SWF. Also a colleague I work with even recognized the quality that Korea produces so feel great about the purchase.

[@theRealzShow]

What do you think about the janome 500 embroidery machine?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Janome makes a good machine for the price. They are not as easy to use as some other brands. But once you learn it and get used to the Janome they do just fine.