Stitches

What is the best sewing+embroidery machine?

I need a sewing machine that does embroidery, not just decorative stitches. It also has to do simple sewing. I have price range of $500-$700. Any ideas? Have you ever had a good machine like that? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I am on my fourth generation of Bernina sewing and embroidery systems. They are wonderful machines, extremely reliable and the embroidery they do is beyond belief. Your price range will probably limit you to a used embroidery only machine with a fairly small embroidery field. I suggest you shop around for machines that have been traded in. Most of them still have a lot of miles of sewing left. Be sure to insist on a 90 day parts and labor warranty. Then take the machine home and sew the stuffings out of it. That way, any marginal parts will shake out during the warranty period. You should also be prepared for the expense of embroidery threads, embroidery designs and embroidery stabilizers. These are essential for good results.
2. For the price range I would go with a nicer used machine that has been serviced by a good store. I have a Brother Pacesetter PC-8500. I bought it “previously loved” from one of the best sewing machine stores in my town. I could never afford the machine that they sell new, but they have the used machines that they have checked out really well and done service on. I love my machine. I can do everything from sew diapers to monogram towels. It has not failed me yet. It seems that any machine made by Babylock, Brother, or Bernina hold up well. (There is one exception of an inexpensive Brother machine that advertises as an embroidery machine, but only does Disney characters.) I would ask a person that works at your local fabric store where the best used machines are sold.
3. Hi, There are several excellent embroidery machines on the market. I own a Viking Husqvarna Diamond sewing/embroidery machine and a couple of Brother sewing/embroidery machines too. The best machines I've ever had have been Viking Husqvarna and Pfaff ones. My next machine is going to be the Bernina 830. Buy the best machine you can afford to buy. Stick with the Viking, Bernina or Pfaff machines if you can afford to. They hold their trade-in value the best for future upgrades in machines. Once you start with a fantastic machine you'll never step down again. They all sew beautifully and do gorgeous embroidery too. Try to stay with a local machine dealer for free classes and instructions as needed. I've bought several machines from AllBrands.com and been very pleased. I also bought my Pfaff online on Ebay and love it! My Diamond came from my local dealer and all of my machines make my heart go pitter-patter. I make quilts and free-motion quilt more than anything else. I have the electronic stitch regulated free-motion table on my Diamond and love it!! Start with the best you can afford to start with. Test drive all of the machines that you possibly can. Sometimes the most minor differences between them may not seem like much but it can make the difference between loving to sew on them and wanting to toss it into the lake. Some have knee lifts for hands free operation, some start with buttons and some start either way. I'd stay away from Singer brands though, they seem to be the least recommended machines. Good luck and happy sewing!!
4. i bought a brother 700 for$ 699. it has a 5x7 stitch field.i love it .it is a good starter machine and worth the money .look at all brands .com
5. I agree brother 700 or the 8500 series... they are in price range and I have seen pretty good deals on them on ebay lately... I started w/ 400d and nice little machine.