I am just getting started in embroidering and looking for a machine that I will be using just for personal things and maybe do some things for friends and family. I cannot decide what is a better machine that I will not outgrow to soon. I am looking at a baby lock Ellure Plus, Ellegeo Plus, Brother NQ1400 E, Jonome 5700, Jonome 500 E. I know that this list is quite long and I am trying very hard to narrow it down. Can anyone tell me the good points of these or if I should look at other models trying to stay under $2,000. Are there better models to look at in this price range that I am unaware of? The one dealer can order in anything I want but I have to let her know what I want and not having any experience am not sure what I am looking for, that is why I am turning to you for all of your help. I will continue reading as much as I can on this site but will be going to different places this week to actually see if I can find a dealer that I can try some of these out at. Thank you

You Have been offered much advise. I have been a Bernina girl since 1979. I am not saying to buy a Bernina, but to to buy local which offers lessons and service. This is more valuable than the machine. Do buy a hoop larger than 5x7 or you will not be happy.

when I started out to learn to embroidery on a machine I bought a janome 9000 and was very pleased with it but then I wanted to make bigger designs so i bought a janome 300e that made both small designs but bigger ones too.I am very happy with the janome because I have had very,very little problems with it. it even caused my daughter-in-law to by a janome.i know there are some real good machines but i liked the price of the janome.

I want to thank everyone for your advice. I did go to four different places and tried out several machine and even I have narrowed it down to two machines the Janome 500 E and the Elna Expression 920. The place I am getting it from is only a half hour drive and the salesman was very helpful. They offer free classes and have embroidery, quilting and sewing clubs all free for as long as I own the machine. I know they were over my original price point but the size of the hoops and quality of the embroidery. Can anyone tell me anything about the Elna 920 what you like dislike thanks

Well, I see you have been given some great advice...and I agree with all my Cuties...take your time...glad you have found our worldwide community...you will love it here if you choose to participate with us. Looking forward to seeing your creations in Projects when you make your decision...big WELCOME to Cute!

Well, it looks like my friends have given you so much helpful advice. I think you are doing the best thing by going to different dealers to test the machines. A good dealer will love having you come test, explaining any questions you have, describing their service department and giving you lessons or at least some and then have more technical lessons available to you. Oh, and you are doing a smart thing coming here for help. You've opened a treasure chest of information and my sweet friends here will love helping you.
Welcome to Cute Embroidery. I'm glad you're here.

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by jrob 28 Feb 2017

Oh, be sure to ask questions about the software required to use your machine, including how often are there upgrades and how much is charged for them. Also, how the one you look at works on Windows 10 as support for the previous versions will eventually be as rare as hens teeth (I'm from the southern US if you couldn't tell by my accent) :)

My advice to you would be to get a machine with a largest hoop you can afford. Also to buy one from a dealer that is close to your home. My first machine (about 8 years ago) was a second hand Bernina. It was an amazing little machine but unfortunately came to the end of its life. I now have a bigger Bernina which I love. I have never had a lesson, I have learnt so much from the wonderful people here on this site.
Welcome to Cute.

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No idea at all where you are BUT my advice is for the aftercare service. I live in a rural part of the UK and have almost a 3 hour journey each way to have my machines serviced. I have total faith in the shop and can telephone for advice, help, supplies a general chat etc. The times a piece of machine has been replaced I am given the damaged item. Most dealers have a selection of machines that they have taken in as part exchange.

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by asterixsew 28 Feb 2017

Ah forgot to say welcome and hope all our snippets of advice are useful to you. Go on asking questions and never think that your asking a daft question. Machine embroidery is great fun and there is lots to learn

You really need to sit down and "test drive" any machine you are thinking about buying. All have different features and you may find you prefer one over the other. Also, buy the machine with the largest hoop size you can afford because more often than not, as soon as you start embroidering you find you want bigger! I personally prefer HusqvarnaViking machines. Find a dealer you like and talk to them about your needs. Perhaps a trade machine would be a good way to go to get what you want. Just make sure you get some type of warranty. Good Luck and Happy Sewing. Hugs. Nan W

My advice would be to make sure that your computer and the sewing machine match each other, and that the technology on both are the latest. This way, you'll be sewing for a long time. Some of us have older sewing machines, and then purchased new computers.Sadly, very often the two are not compatible.

Some good avid below, and I would just like to add. Don't, jump in too quick, lots and lots of information around, first go and use some of these machines in the shop ask for as many demos as you can have. Shop service, help free lessons and reapirs is most important. Where do you live, is there anyone close by who you could ask for information and help. My opinion is also a usb is important from computer to machine , makes life easier as a usb won't change. First you need to decide exactly what you want to do and sizes of frames, and how much you will use the machine, embroidery and sewing or just embroidery facilities. Come back to us if you have any more question after visiting a shop and using the machines. I have an Elna explore 8600 and a Janome 500e both of these are great machines and have heavy hours of use, and have never let me down, no problems at all. Good Luck. Sandra.

I have the Janome 500e. I love it It has big hoops and also connects to your computer and also you can use a usb. It is very easy to learn and the quality of stitching is much better than my old janome 350e.

One thing I would recommend is to see what your local dealers are offering as some refuse to help with problems or even service machines bought elsewhere. Many give free lessons when you buy the machine from them.

I have a brother 800e 6x10 frame had no trouble with it, I would recomend it, in Aus, was $2500...wendy

I think crafter2243 gave you a good piece of advice - yes look for one that uses a sub or if you can find one that has a cable that goes from your computer to your machine.
Good idea to try to try some out and see what you like and get as much information about each as you can - write down some of the features of each for comparison later..
Good luck!

I would look also for a USB drive, because having to deal with the cards can be tricky if you do not have the right equipment. If I recall correctly the Ellegeo from Baby Lock used diskettes to transfer files other then the cards. You would need a external A drive and you might want to check into the availability of diskettes.

Have owned Janomes and Brothers, though not the models you mention. I think both are excellent, with Brother being a bit better perhaps. Decide which features are most important, such as largest hoop size, or self-threading, etc. This might help you decide. Can you find someone who will let you stitch on these? Ask if your dealer services these machines and which one they see the fewest problems with!