How to Choose an Embroidery Sewing Machine

You are finally ready to step up to an embroidery sewing machine. This is a major purchase with many decisions involved, so you have to research. Here's how to choose the machine that is right for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide the type of machine suited for your needs. If you are customizing logos for businesses, you need a machine with easy program capabilities. If you simply want to embellish pillowcases with a preset design, then almost any machine will do.

2. Choose where you want to do the programming. With some machines, you use your own home computer to do the designing and then transfer it to the machine via a disc or cable. With others, the machine has an onboard computer.

3. Find a machine with a large embroidery field. Each machine has an embroidery area that it can stitch in, and a hoop to match the area. Making embellishments on sheets and pillowcase will go much faster if you have a larger field to stitch in.

4. Compare brands and features. You are investing in this machine so you'll want it to last. Major brands are White, Singer and Brother. Some machines are both embroidery and sewing machines, which makes the investment a more economical choice.

5. Check prices. Shopping online can have some financial benefit, but be wary of places where you can't get service on your machine or if the machine doesn't come with a warranty.

6. Get to know your machine. Once you have made the purchase, know what maintenance tasks, such as when and where to oil it, are required and how to receive updates for the machine's software.

Tips & Warnings

• Since this is a technical piece of equipment, take a class on your machine if one is offered by the retailer or manufacturer.