Sew What?

[ironrite]

Bit Bigger Machine

Rich, here is a larger version of an embroidery only machine, also by Brother. The link is from HSN, but it can be found at other sources. It runs a 5 x 7 hoop, you can also run smaller hoops as well as a optional multi position hoop for doing longer, split designs. Babylock had a similiar machine, the Emore and you may find some deals locally if you check with a Babylock dealer. Same DNA as the Brother machines. And true, the new machines need little or no oiling.

Once you start the embroidery path, there is still a matter of threads, stablizers and software. For me Embird was the cheapest and you can add the modules you need for the type of work you are doing. Software is used to modify designs, resize them or to digitize and make your own. I use a place called Shoppers Rule for most of my supplies like thread and such. Excellent service and the prices are good. I have had good luck as well with Embroidery Library, another online source for the designs.

Tim, your work is fantastic. I really like those roses on the jacket. I've download a bunch of western designs, but now just need the time to put together the shirts. And that was no easy task spliting that Indian head design. Great job!

http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/brothe...m=ct|ct0052|43&prev=hp!sf!43&ccm=ct|ct0052|43

 

[sudsmaster]

Mike,

Thanks for the info.

Yes, the one you linked is a bit bigger - but also cost twice as much as the LB-6800THD.

I did some further searching and found that prices for dedicated embroidery machines are quite high. It's difficult to find pricing on-line - they want you to visit an authorized dealer - but I gather a six needle semi-pro machine like the Brother PR-650 runs about $10,000. The software isn't cheap, either, although I have seem some "free" digitizing software on the net, which might work (although Brother warns against using non-Brother digitizing software).

It's all intriguing but at $10,000 we're getting into the range of lower end CNC machining tools... although $30,000 is probably more like it. I'd have to decide if I preferred making designs on cloth to designing and making things out of metal, lol. And CNC software is even more expensive than embroidery software.

 

[ironrite]

Pricing

Hi Rich, yes, the big six needle machine retails around 10K, but like most things you can get better pricing on them. With 6 threads you spend less time changing threads, which is important in a production environment. They look complicated, but are actually very easy to run.

Initially for embroiderers what they need is support, a shop where you are comfortable asking questions and that they will assist you and not show you the door. Most of the software for the major machines can run from $2500 to $4000. That is why Embird is reasonable. To get you up and running, for the Basic, Studio (so you can digitize) and Font Engine (for lettering) would be about $439. If you wanted to add the photo stitch or cross stitch, those are additional.

Brother uses .PES for it's designs. Of course they want you to buy their expense software. .PES is just an extension, like .HUS or SHV for Viking, etc. Embird works fine with Brother machines.

If you know programs like Illustrator or Coral Draw, you can digitize. After experimenting you will find how the designs go together and how they stitch out. It is a very addicting hobby. At Viking I would point out that people outgrow the 4x4 hoop quickly and then it's time to upgrade the machine. Though that bigger Brother is twice the price it is a lot stronger machine with more features. By going to a dealer you may find it well under that price. If you go the route of a used embroidery machine, just check the dealer's policy for warranty or returns.

And I'm always happy get emails on this as well. Plus if it is just a couple of designs you need, let me know and I would be happy to digitize them for you.

 

[sudsmaster]

Mike,

What you say makes sense although I don't think I'm really interested in doing large embroidery pieces. I'm thinking more along the lines of little monograms and curious accents here and there. Probably nothing canned - I'm thinking of unusual designs and such. I prefer the understated to the reach out and grab you look, lol.

 

[ironrite]

Rich, then the 4x4 should work out ok for you. You can have a lot of fun with smaller embroideries as well. I had an older French cuff shirt. Needed something for the company Christmas party, so I ordered a stylized, very simple reindeer design from one of the online sites. I used silver metallic thread and did the design on both cuffs. Small touch, but I got a lot of compliments on the shirt. And a note on metallic thread, a real pain in neck to use as it is metal you're trying to get to run through the machine. Other fun threads are solar thread, it changes color in sunlight and glow in the dark thread. I've used these for things I've embroidered for my niece's kids.

Also a lot of the embroidery and sewing machine sites have free designs to download. You can find a lot of accent stuff that way.