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Recommendations for sewing machine Monograms and basic sewing
mmburnham Member since 10/17/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: I would like recommendations for a sewing machine Date: 10/17/12 3:59 PM I am looking for a new or used machine that will do basic sewing and easy monograms. I only want to do basic monograms or lettering on projects. I generally just do sewing for my home i.e. tablecloths, pillows, duvet covers, etc. I also do some mending or hemming on bluejeans. What machine do you recommend for this limited sewing. I am looking at Brothers, but there are so many to choose from. I do want a machine that has a USB port for down loading fonts. I also want a machine that is heavy enough to sew over blue jean seams when hemming. Do I need a embroidery-sewing machine for monograms? Thanks for any advice on this subject. -- Edited on 10/18/12 8:45 AM --
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5000	Login to reply to this post In reply to mmburnham << Like this post Date: 10/17/12 5:02 PM I believe you are referring to a combo (sewing and embroidery) machine. Brother has super great machines and BabyLock has fantastic machines. You can do the monograms as appliques with a sewing machine, but definitely need an embroidery machine if you want the letters to consist of thread only. The built in letters on a sewing machine are small and thin. It does appear you have begun a "wish list". Add to that basic software for actually seeing the design (aka, design file), printing out a template when needed and do a bit of editing, also as needed. Embird is very popular, is not as expensive as other brands and you download it from the Internet and not purchase it from a dealer. No need to mention software to the dealer unless it is included with the deal. Embird Basic is around $130. Add to that machine embroidery stabilizer, machine embroidery thread and machine embroidery bobbin thread and you are adding around $300 to the craft of machine embroidery. Buy the thread colors only as needed and this will save some money; polyester holds up better than rayon. Visit the dealers with your wish list and ask for a demo to see which model will suit your needs. I do a bit of jeans shortening and the new machines have a release button on the presser foot that when activated will allow the foot to "float" over the thick seams and not hang up and require a jean-a-ma-gig or hump jumper for assistance.
mmburnham Member since 10/17/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post In reply to PattiAnnJ << Like this post Date: 10/17/12 6:52 PM So what embroidery machine would you start with that would accept the embird software? I have visited Brother, but don't feel like I need a duetta 4500D for 4000.00 or Quattro 2 for 8600.00 machine for my needs. Are you familiar with the lower end of the heavy duty machines? I have not looked at BabyLock. Thanks for your information.
SandiMacD   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/8/09 Posts: 1055	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/19/12 5:35 AM The monogram aspect is what drives up the price. That requires a true embroidery machine. Then you get into the quality of the letters and compatibility of formats. I got a Janome 350 as a stand alone. The Bernina Deco is another stand alone. I am sure there are others. Look for a good used entry level embroidery machine that accepts up to a 5x7 hoop. Check the quality. I also had a 430 Bernina that made a perfect stitch on every fabric from sheers to denim to canvas. I got the stand alone embroidery instead of adding the Bernina embroidery unit because it was cheaper, worked better and I could continue sewing while the other embroidered. I downsized and gave them both to my daughter and now have a combo Babylock Ellisimo. The embroidery quality is 300% better, it's easier to do and it's faster. It sews all fabric but it's cumbersome and I don't enjoy it as much as I did on my snappy Bernina. I think I am still bonding with it. HTH you decide. ------ re-living my youth through sewing...
mmburnham Member since 10/17/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post In reply to SandiMacD << Like this post Date: 10/19/12 4:11 PM Thanks for your help and advice.

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