If you're in the market for a new embroidery machine, do you stay with the brand you have or go with another?
We’ve talked about what to look for when you are buying a new machine. If you already have a machine, the task is a bit more complicated.
I have two embroidery machines and a serger from the same manufacturer. I have been tremendously happy with them over the last 25 years. I purchased top-of-the-line machines in my brand at the time. That’s probably why I have been able to keep using them for so long. I also had wonderful dealers both times, which is a must when purchasing technical equipment for machine embroidery.
Want or Need?
Do I need a new machine? No. Would I like to have one? Yes!
The main reason I want to buy a new machine right now is because I’d love to have one with a camera for positioning. I’ve purchased a design that was digitized to intricately quilt sections of a specific pre-printed panel. I could position each of the 52 hoopings by hand, but it would be so much easier to be able to do that on screen.
Pros and Cons of Keeping or Changing Machine Brands
The biggest advantage of staying with one brand of embroidery machine is that, for the most part, the hoops and accessories work across the board. For me, to change machine brands would mean buying all new hoops.
A change in file formats wouldn’t be a problem, since I have editing software that I can use to convert if necessary. Also, Bonnie includes all formats with her designs as most digitizers do.
As far as a dealer, my original two dealers have retired and the closest dealer that repairs/cleans machines on site is four hours away. There are some that are closer, but they ship the machine off to have it serviced. If I change machine brands, the distance may be slightly less.
Getting a new brand of machine would give me the camera I envy. Upgrading from my existing brand would project the design on the hoop for perfect placement.
What do you recommend? Keeping your existing brand or have you changed brands without too much regret?
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
Debbie Henry - February 13, 2024
They are expensive, Barb! You are so smart to have a local dealer. My original machines were made in Sweden but now are probably made in China. It’s disappointing.
Debbie Henry - February 13, 2024
Nicki, it’s amazing how much things improve in just a few years!
Debbie Henry - February 13, 2024
Janice, that’s my dilemma. I have HV and are happy with them but the newest model doesn’t have a camera. It does project the design onto the fabric, though, which would work for me.
Debbie Henry - February 13, 2024
Debbie, you are right about the learning curve. There are always new functions to learn but when you buy the same brand, they are pretty much the same to operate.
Debbie Henry - February 13, 2024
Smart, Brenda!
Debbie Henry - February 13, 2024
Clare, I purchased my last machine at 60 months, no interest. As my husband said, “It was a no-brainer,” for me!
Debbie Henry - February 13, 2024
Cindy, I have Vikings also and am looking at a Babylock!
Cindie Porter - February 13, 2024
I loved my viking for years then I tried babylock and am sold onthem!!!!
Clare Bjorkman - February 13, 2024
I did 60 months interest-free on a 10-needle. I love it. My single needle was top of the line in 2008 and still works beautifully. It is totally obsolete. I don’t know what I’ll do when it needs repair.
Brenda Haas - February 12, 2024
I have the same problem. Upgrading is expensive. Luckily I have Vikings and the Pfaff I want uses the same hoops. My personal opinion is upgrade to what you want.
Debbie - February 12, 2024
I would buy the same brand for all the reasons you listed plus the advantage of less of a learning curve. If you stay with the same brand I would think it would be easier to learn and get used to.
Janice Finney - February 12, 2024
I loved singer and Brother because it worked and was familiar! But I changed to Husqvarna Viking and I am so glad I did! What a difference in quality!!!
Nicki Lundeen - February 12, 2024
I am wanting/needing a new embroidery machine. I only have a one-needle Brother, but was top of the line at the time. However, the graphics are terrible and it is hard to know what the design is when selected. The newer ones are so clear to see and much faster. So, within the year, I plan to sell my machine and upgrade to a newer one. One day I’ll own a 10-needle machine…just not in my price range at the time, plus I want an industrial Juki….ONE DAY. If I get a 10 needle it won’t be a Brother, too expensive.
Barb Dunham - February 12, 2024
I changed brands on 12/15/23. I have had 4 Pfaffs and my local dealer for Pfaffs closed her shop and sadly she has passed away now. So was going out of town. They tried to get me to buy top of line. That price was like new car cost. In November went to visit our kids and daughter took us to her repair man. He sells Janome’s. And after talking to us x1.30 hrs told me not to buy from him but to buy locally. We came home and 12/15/23. I got Janome Skyline S9. I have a lace angel I wanted to do for several for Christmas. One is done. 6 files And frustration with 4 broken needles and many trips back to dealer. It is sitting on the table and still just sewing quilt tops and small projects on Pfaff. I plan to work on angel again as soon as I get this current quilt top finished. I’m not giving up on the Janome but if I had agreed to purchase the Pfaff icon 2 might have been easier. But now it is made in China. The cost is too much. A retired person can’t afford those kind of purchases. Just not right.
Thanks.
Barb
Susan - February 12, 2024
I’m looking for an older pfaff with walking foot. Have any.