Machines for Embroidery

Understanding The Differences

Getting to grips with the differences between nearly 40 embroidery machines, is a tough ask! What to look out for? Which one to buy? What are the stand-out features? 

Standout features to look out for include, hoop size, number of built-in designs, display and user interface type, editing features, embroidery area and weight can also come into play while deciding. Your decision involves balancing your budget with the features you need for your projects. But, hey! You can always call back and visit us when you are ready to upgrade. 

Unique features of higher end models.

Multi-Needle Capability: Some professional-grade models have multiple needles, allowing for multiple thread colours to be used without manual changes.
Built-in Camera: A built-in camera can help precisely position your design on the fabric.
Scanning: Allows creating designs from images. Scan to digitizing and choose your own custom colours and stitch borders.
Projector: View the design on the fabric, just as if it had been stitched out into the hoop. Position it where you want and visualise it before even sewing a stitch.
Large Embroidery Area: More advanced machines offer larger embroidery fields, making it easier to work on bigger projects without re-hooping.
Stitch Regulation: Ensures consistent stitch length and quality, especially useful for free-motion quilting.
Smartphone connectivity: Follow how your machine is progressing with a design, and get informed when it is finished on your smartphone. Store designs, or build custom embroideries.

Essential features.

User Interface connectivity: Some machines come with USB ports to import designs. Advanced higher-end models may offer Wi-Fi, allowing for easier transfer of designs and updates.
Hoop size: Additional frame sizes offer extra flexibility allows you to work on different projects, from small monograms to larger designs on quilts, jackets, or wall hangings. 
Display screen: A clear, bright display screen is important for previewing designs. Touchscreen displays with colour can make editing and positioning designs easier.
Editing: Basic editing features such as resizing, rotating, and mirroring designs are essential. More advanced editing options can be a bonus if you plan to customise designs frequently. 
Advanced thread handling: Automatic needle threading and thread cutting can save a lot of time and frustration, especially when working with intricate designs that require frequent thread changes.

Nice to have features.

Opt for an embroidery sewing machine that offers multiple hoop sizes, or at least a medium to large hoop size. These machines provide additional versatility, allowing you to tackle increasingly larger and more intricate projects as your skills develop.
Full HD colour touchscreen, the larger ones give more space and editing features, some use drag-and-drop or pinch gestures just like a smartphone.
Useability: Being able to sew regular mending stitches, hems or buttonholes, as well as embroidery can be useful. No need for two separate machines, when a combination model can do both tasks.