Are you passionate about stitching and sewing? Have you been doing hand embroideries till now? Well, it’s time you focus on embroidery-only machines that are solely devoted to machine embroidery works. Isn’t that exciting? Well, you should feel happy about investing in a sewing machine, but first, focus on the must-have tips before buying it.
No matter how experienced and confident you are about stitching, picking the first embroidery sewing machine Canada can be scary. Well, it is your first stint with machine embroidery work and you got to be careful before making the first purchase.
Here are the must-have elements to keep in mind when buying an embroidery sewing machine.
1. Usage of the machine
Are you planning to use the machine for business purposes or your home? The latter is best done on commercial machines, especially if you need it for mass production. Moreover, take care to remember that the machine you buy needs to run for continuous hours.
2. Research the local stores
Before you order online in a jiffy, take time out to research the local options. Try to find out if there are a few stores in your area where embroidery machine for sale is available. It should be your best bet as it is going to be a money-worthy decision. It’s easier to troubleshoot a machine you buy from a local store than to feel clueless when searching for technicians. If you are lucky enough to find it, a few of these shops may also offer classes. So, you might get an opportunity to make a better choice when you hone your skills first.
3. Attend events
Have you ever attended those hands-on embroidery events? They are excellent for learning and testing. Apart from this, it is a great way to talk to people with specialised skills. Learn from the embroiderers about their journey into the world of machine embroideries. That way, you will feel more confident and be able to make the right decision.
4. Measure the throat width
For the latest models, you need to measure the throat width or the space available between the machine body and the needle. These machines offer you the opportunity and the space to move around when sewing. Moreover, you can pick larger hoops based on the throat width and lend a precise touch to all kinds of machine quilting work.
5. Number of hoops
If you are yet to go ahead with it, find out the accessories and the embroidery hoops available with the purchase of the machine. Don’t just pick large hoop sizes and not all of them may be included in the machine. A majority of machines come with different hoop sizes. So, do not be surprised if you come across a range of prices. Compare the rates and buy the hoops that you will require during quilting. If you are searching for long arm quilting machines, be mindful of the hoops and the sizes you need.
6. Design size
Ask the shop owner what design size would go with the machine you are planning to buy. If they show samples, find out the size of the hoop used to embroider the design. Even though the hoop sizes look similar, the embroidered designs cannot be stretched to the edge. Furthermore, you need to explore the inner side of the machine and the throat width. The longer the machine, the better the width of the designs. At Linda’s Quilt Shop, we have a warehouse of sewing machines. You will get embroidery-only machines here at amazingly reasonable rates. They also offer sewing machine repair service to the citizens of Kelowna and the Okanagan area.
7. Built-in or separate embroidery designs?
Some of the embroidery machines come with built-in designs and the rest have separate options. If you want to make the most of the design files and the stitches, make sure the machine you invest in connects to computers and loads the files easily.
8. What is the touch screen like?
When buying machines, you need to find out whether it has a black and white or colour-touch screen. Usually, the colour-touch screens come with different options. Don’t forget to sit in front of the machine and explore if it is easy to navigate.
9. Can the embroidery machine be used for sewing also?
A major chunk of embroidery machines is used for sewing as well. Ask the store owner which brand of sewing machine can be used for embroidery and sewing.
A few embroidery sewing machines are used for embroidery only while others perform the function of regular sewing machines as well. If you know what you are looking for, you can shop around to pick the best sewing machine.
