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!

[@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. :-)

[@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.

[@-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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@robinstpierre864]

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

[@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?

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@garycrumrine9538]

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

[@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!

[@lotlotdg4300]

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

[@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. 😀

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@lafrileuse4459]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@whatstheteemorebyrocexpres3047]

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.

[@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

[@elizabethhoffmann7162]

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

[@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. :-)

[@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.

[@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

[@gainzwillbemade9890]

I'm getting the HappyJapan 12 needle.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Congrats! Nice machine 😁

[@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!

[@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 😁

[@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.

[@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

[@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. 😉

[@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?

[@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.

[@crcr2896]

Appreciate your honesty and knowledge.

[@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.

[@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.

[@allisterstewart3209]

This video is so real to me I wish I seen it before so I could make better decisions

[@BallyhooCreations]

You're not alone. Lots of people buy first and then learn later. (I did) Care to share why your machine wasn't right for you? Maybe others can learn from your experience?

[@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

[@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.

[@terrifisher683]

Can you do a tour of your sewing room please?

[@BallyhooCreations]

A studio tour is in the works! As soon as I can finish patching and painting a chunk plaster that came off when I removed some mounted storage, I will do a video tour. Thanks for the request!

[@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!

[@farkalnine9398]

Love love love your honest opinion.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jelenablocker918]

This is super helpful! Thank you!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@aprilgarcia449]

any info on the bernina 500?

[@BallyhooCreations]

If you already love the Bernina brand, then by all means - stick with it! There's nothing wrong with the Bernina 500 series. But you can get the same features for less with other brands, which is why I don't typically recommend Bernina for those getting started. (But if you already quilt or sew with Bernina and love them - that can justify the extra expense that goes with the Bernina brand name)

[@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.

[@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. :-)

[@sonnybonez1767]

How do you feel about purchasing discontinued embroidery machines?

[@BallyhooCreations]

That depends on the age and the brand. Basically, if parts are still available then an older machine could be a good deal. But if it can't be repaired when it breaks, it's wasted money. Call your local repair shop and ask if they can still service the model you're considering.

[@sonnybonez1767]

@@BallyhooCreations you are awesome. Thank you.

[@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

[@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

[@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...

[@deveeda56]

I do think brother is the better machine for beginner embroidery but expensive for a 6 x10 on up Singer gives you a bigger hoop for a frugal price Legacy Singer 300 is temperamental embroidery machine but u get your money worth u have to change tension for lettering etc. The legacy does have a good following on facebook. Little Alessia Co on you tube does a excellent job with the cheaper Singer 200. I agree with Ballyhoo creations when the sewing expo comes back go take a class usually with brother machine and now the machines are consider used at a used price

[@BallyhooCreations]

I agree with you on everything! My only issue with singer is their "larger" hoops are oddly sized and digitizers like me don't design to singer hoop sizes, so often that extra hoop space is wasted. Singer embroidery machines can be finicky which is frustrating for beginners. But paying $200 to $300 for a used one would be worth it. 😁

[@jemusmuhire5127]

I need one head 8 nedle how munch brother and all fram

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@jemusmuhire5127 I am not a dealer. I can only share what prices I've seen on the internet for used machines. If you are patient, you can find an older used Brother 6 needle for $2k. The more modern ones are more like $5-7K these days and new machine closer to $10K I think? Depends where you buy it. Usually frames come with the machine, and sometimes the stand is included as well.

[@jerzmom3]

No one seems to mention Bernina. I have one for sewing and embroidery but the computer industry grew so fast my Bernina could not keep up. I also went from pc to Mac and at the time the digital format was only pc. I am now looking at the Bernette deco b70. I want to be able to still use my .art designs I have. I am also looking at the brother innov-nq1600e. It is not Mac based so I would need to buy a program to translate. I also comes without hoops so I’d have to buy them. I go back and forth. Please help me.

[@BallyhooCreations]

There is nothing wrong with Bernina, they are good embroidery machines. They just don't dominate the home market for embroidery like they do for quilting. Since both the machines you're looking at are the same price and features - I would suggest staying with Bernina. You can keep all your .art designs with no need to convert anything. And you'll learn the new machine much faster because the menus and buttons will be similar. The only reason you might want to switch to Brother is if you had quality issues with the Bernina brand. I think that's unlikely, so stick with the brand you already know since it's a good one.

[@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.

[@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.

[@joimh941234]

I have been trying so hard to get the pe800

[@BallyhooCreations]

I see he Brother PE800 is sold out again! They came back in the fall and sold for around $850 but supply was wiped out again. Seems like some people are opting to buy more expensive machines rather than wait for the PE800, so the suppliers may not be losing money on this shortage. ;-(

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.)

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@janiefuller5069]

I'm trying to decide between an 8 year old, private sale, 7 million stitch count, Babylock Ellisimo Gold ($2800) because the local dealer has no product, or wait for the dealer to get a new Brother Essence ($4000) The dealer has no idea when they will get more product. They are expecting a Stellaire ($6000) within about a month. Any thoughts?

[@BallyhooCreations]

I've answered Janie in email, but for others who are curious - here's my summary: NEW machines are suffering from supply chain issues and I've heard complaints of quality issues as well. So it's my opinion that the new machine is not worth waiting for if you have a good deal on a used machine in front of you. Ask the dealer for an extended warranty or return period on the new machine just to be sure you're not buying someone else's lemon. :-)

[@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

[@avamitchell31]

Thank you for your honest opinion! I just spoke with Ricoma today. They seemed to be pushy and very fast talkers!

[@BallyhooCreations]

In all fairness, many embroidery machine dealers are fast talkers! They are all on commission or bonus structures. But you should definitely buy from a brand that you feel comfortable with because THEY will be the ones servicing your machine and answering your questions for years to come. 😀

[@avamitchell31]

@@BallyhooCreations That’s so true. Thank you for replying!

[@juanadavilabrown5674]

I've heard the same negative reviews about the Ricoma and all of a sudden a lot of embroidery KZbin channels have one 🤔

[@robf2403]

Join their FB support group, but pay attention because they do A LOT of damage control. I'm banned from commenting on posts and creating posts. As a hobbyist technician, a mid 90s tajima and some floppy disks will run circles around the best Ricoma has to offer. A few hundred bucks will net you a USB conversion, and you'll have a bulletproof machine that parts are still made for, all for under $5k.

[@BallyhooCreations]

That is excellent information! Thanks for sharing!

[@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.

[@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.

[@QuiriaMonroe]

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

[@sandraayotte1431]

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

[@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.

[@aphil527]

Do u have any opinion on the Avance 1501c

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'll copy/paste the answer I gave to others with this same question... I don't know much about Avance sold by Coldesi other than they have good videos on KZbin, and also what the internet says. Go to the better business bureau - www.bbb.com and search for coldesi, or go to t-shirtforums.com and search for avance. You will find some interesting stuff there so you can decide for yourself. Hope that helps!

[@aphil527]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you

[@mskat2648]

my husband owns a plumbing company and the prices for a multi needles machines were shocking to him since thats a price of one plumbing van, one plumbing van generates around 30k a week so to us buying me an used one makes more sense even if we have the money. we like to make smart investment .

[@BallyhooCreations]

You are smart. I've yet to hear of any single head embroidery machine that generates $30k per week! That would be an interesting accounting sheet to review 😁

[@nadinesingleton3821]

Thank you so much.