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Embroidery Machines...What to Know Before Purchasing

So I had to take my husband around town yesterday to run some errands. While he was in the hardware store, I decided to take a moment and look for some flannel fabric at one of the local sewing shops, conveniently located in the same shopping center. :o) I didn't find any flannel, but DH finished shopping before I did and came into the sewing store. He was intrigued by the embroidery machines, and asked me if I wanted one. GASP! Are you kidding?!? Um, Yeah. I'd like one.

Never one to make a big purchase without some research first, he inquired about the different machines. This store sells Husqvarna Vikings. They have a Designer SE...last model, and then the newest models. Surprisingly, the SE is more expensive than the new models. So here's my question..What are all the 'extras' I'll need if I'm gifted a machine. Should lessons be included in the purchase price? Anyone have the Designer SE or a newer model Husqvarna? What are your likes and dislikes?

I like the Husqvarna products. I have the Huskylock 905 (which is being discontinued, so if you want one you can get a good deal right now) and love it. It's easy to thread. Adjusting the tension is a breeze. The only trouble I've had is when I used old thread and it kept breaking. Changing to new thread fixed the problem immediately. I like this dealer. The ladies seem very knowledgable and don't try to 'hard' sell me when I come into the store. I'm just curious as to others' thoughts regarding these machines. Any comments would be helpful. Happy Sewing!

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Comment by Linda Lee on December 4, 2009 at 1:25am: Larri, Good for you! What a husband! Have fun deciding.
My husband just paid off my last machine. Say Whew!! He never asked me if I wanted a machine. Probably because I asked first. He upgrades our stereo and TVs and computers. I upgraded sewing equipment. I think our upgrades come out even and I appreciate the quality of TV and computers. I usually did trade-ups for sewing machines. My daughter has my first embroidery/sewing machine. It was special because she sewed her first dress using it. Sometimes I use it when visiting her. Gradually, I continue instructing her. It is an essential skill as far as I am concerned. One son even learned to sew in school.

My husband gives his older model electronics to the grown kids. He even shipped a 48" Flat Screen TV 2/3 of the way across the country. It arrived in perfect condition in the original carton by FedEx ground. This year we are sending a blue tooth DVD player to the same family. He wanted a Sony.

My Embroidery Machine Choice:
I have a H-Viking Designer SE LE from June 08, I believe. There was a promotion before their Diamond model came out. The main difference between mine and Diamond is a larger embroidery hoop and more presser feet included. My SE is a wonderful machine. I've never had one so easy to use and so consistent. I made the Red Christmas dresses and the brown dresses on it. I really love it! I find I sew on it as much as I embroider. It is handy because one can sew without removing the embroidery unit. Price made my decision between the two models.

I've had previous embroidery machines by Janome. I became disappointed by Janome's lack of presence in sewing events and began looking at other brands. I feared they were going to fade out and with that, their customer service. Viking has excellent customer service. When I have a problem they help me fix it until I am satisfied. I had been rather proud that I had not gotten previous models of H-V machines and enjoyed my less expensive choices. One friend told me right after purchasing my last Jame brand embroidery machine that I should return it for a Viking. Too proud. As electronics and interconnection between internet and computer and embroidery machines became more important, useful and more direct I chose Viking. I'm still feeling out using a Windows computer and using CDs and downloaded designs from memory sticks and internet, but it is fun. Viking makes and sells fantastic software, but it is very expensive. I've not gotten any software that didn't come with my machine. That limits my onscreen editing and design combination, but I'm still not ready to fork out the money this close to my husband's approaching retirement in less than 4 years. I may never be.

Features I love:
The presser foot lowers as one starts sewing. It lifts as below or when I push the "cut threads" button.
If I pause by lifting my foot pressure from the pedal the machine automatically raised the presser foot just a fraction so I can turn fabric with the needle in the down position. This is great for applique or tricky turns in any sewing application. I can push a button to raise the foot part way or all the way.

There is a button for needle down position.
The machine adjusts presser foot tension automatically.

The embroidery comes out beautifully. This machine is upgradeable by internet. That means it shouldn't become obsolete.

Yes, free user lessons should be included!

Ask about trade-ins or allowance or the best deal they will make for you. When home shows and major sewing events are going on in an area then sewing machine dealers offer really good deals.

Viking presser feet are expensive, so maybe they will add them in as an incentive. They are great and worth the price. I love their presser feet.

If you think you want to embroider commercially then the stores now display different brands of stand-alone multi-needle units that work with computerized precision (like Designer SE does). They are really fascinating to watch and do very large areas and do so without having to sit around for thread color changes on Sewing/Embroidery machines. Some people buy them just because they are so versatile.

I was also impressed with the newer BabyLock. I believe it has a direct CD drive. It came with lots of designs.

My other favorite piece of equipment is a steam generator iron system. I collect vintage linens to use and repurpose, so I really enjoy starch and steam. I loved the Laura Star system, but wouldn't commit to the price.
Have fun and be sure to let us know what you choose.

Comment by Val Barron on November 29, 2009 at 11:02pm: The top of the line Brother machine cuts the thread at the thread change and then threads the new one with ease. I was quite impressed. But I have a Vikng #1, which is ancient, also a Babylock Ellageo, which is made by the same people who make Brother. I also have a comercial 12 needle Meistergram. The thing about the commercial machines is that repairs are obscenely expensive. It's not like you can pack it up and take it in when it breaks.

Comment by Triciababe on November 29, 2009 at 11:19am: I drive the Bernina Artista 185 QE - I LOVE it. Sews and embroiders smoooooth as butter! LOVE, I tell ya.
Classes came with it (take them, why not?), I love my dealer(s) shop, wish I could always afford the newest latest and greatest, but my machine is just soooo stable and easy to use.

I bought a new Brother yearrrrrrrs ago from Walmart - that thing stayed jammed so much that I spent more time fixing than sewing. Thought it was me....until I bought my Bernina!!

Comment by Lillian (Texas) on November 26, 2009 at 9:33am: I would check out the other major brands first. When I was in the market for a machine (hadnt bought a new one in over 25 years), I was overwhelmed at what was out there. I suggest taking several types of fabric with you that you might use in your embroidery and sewing. (take terry cloth is you plan to monogram towels, etc.) It took me over a week or so to do my research and make my final decision. I chose the Bernina 440 QE with embroidery module and it has never given me a minute of trouble. Good Luck in your quest.

Comment by Cathy on November 24, 2009 at 9:37am: I have a Viking Designer 2 and have been happy with it. When you have an embroidery machine there is always something new to learn. -Don't be afraid to ask questions and take your classes. I didn't use the embroidery unit on my machine for quite a while untilI had twin granddaughters and now I am quite busy - Hope Santa
is good to you.

Comment by Thea McCurry on November 24, 2009 at 5:32am: I bought a Husqvarna Designer 1 some years back - I've been very happy with it as an all around machine. However, some of the new emb. designs have lots of thread changes, and changing thread isn't my favorite part of sewing, so I've found that I don't do as much embroidery a I had expected to - so IF I were to invest in an embroidery machine now - I'd look into some of the 'professional' embroidery machines, since they require less effort and embroider faster.
Whatever Santa brings you - congratulations!!

Comment by Larri on November 20, 2009 at 8:07pm: Thanks for all the great advice :o) It's a little overwhelming to think about it all. I'll let you know if Santa leaves one under my tree.

Comment by Connie Haack on November 20, 2009 at 6:26pm: I absolutely love my Designer 1 Husqvarna embroidery machine which I purchased in 2004. Lessons were included with the purchase! I am equally happy with the service from my Local dealer. They are just great. When I take my machine in for it's annual check up I usually don't have to wait only a day or two to pick it back up. I don't like being with out it for any longer than that. And because they are so close - I am there in a matter of minutes. If I have questions or problems they are always available to help.
My best quilting buddy bought a Husqvarna sewing machine after all my bragging and she just loves her also.
Both of us use them constantly!
Shop Local .
Enjoy your gift!

Comment by Kelli Prosser on November 20, 2009 at 3:14pm: I have had a Designer 1 Husqvarna since July 2004. It is an embroidery machine as well as a sewing machine. I think the Husqvarna Viking machines are fantastic. Everything runs so smoothly it makes even a beginner look experienced. Within a month of buying mine I was able to make lace for my daughters wedding gown on it. There are so many things you can do with these machines.
Hope this helps.
Kelli

Comment by Maryanne Turner on November 20, 2009 at 10:24am: Tell him to check arounf before making a decision. THere are many different brands and variety of machines. I have Janome machines,( regular sewing and an embroidery machine.) I love them. Good Luck !