Hi I am new here and I have a huge dilemma. I have no clue which embroidery/sewing machine to purchase. I want to use it for childrens garments and also with my quilting. I definitely want a larger embroidery area such as 5x7. I don't want to go into the thousands with this machine but want one I will enjoy using. THANKS.

welcome to Cute, I'm sure you will like it here !!!
I have a brother machine myself, but there are many different machines in different prices. The best way to decide is to go to a dealer, tell him how much you want to spend and what you will use it for, I'm sure he can give you a good advice. greetings from the Netherlands

1 images:[1]

Hi from Australia. Good answers to a question often debated. I am interested in the opinions as I too am contemplating a new machine. Please let us know what you decide robinv. Thinking that I shall wait for the Christmas sales, as suggested by Graceandham.

A huge Worldwide Welcome to Cute. I am located in Texas and have actually had great success with buying from eBay. Word of caution make sure your seller has a good reputation.I bought a Babylock Ellegante and was super happy with it.Super easy to operate and had a lot of accessories. I also went on our local Craigslist and found a seller who was only to happy to show me a BERNINA and it has been a workhorse.
The Ellegante I only used as an embroidery machine so I would not be without a machine when ever 1 went in for repairs,The Ellegante was eventually replace by a another embroidery only Babylock .
These machines were within my budget but are super easy to use.
While yes, I would love a brand new machine with a huge embroidery area I cannot justify it. Pes format was another reason I chose Babylock as the designs are easy to find. I do recommend you take any brand for a test drive. Just be aware the salesladies do push to purchase their brand.
I never go inside unless I leave my purse in the car. This way I can't sign any contracts. Remember it will be with you for a long time if you
get the one you like.I always take 24 hrs before I make ANY decision on any large purchase.I know you'll be happy and enjoy this great hobby for many years to come.
Looking forward to seeing any projects soon. You'll never find a nicer more helpful group of people than here on Cute.
Stella

I am sorry. I had totally forgotten my manners and did not welcome you to our community. I hope it is not to late. WELCOME :-)

Hi and welcome. As others have said it would be useful to know what bit of the universe that you live on because Cute members are all over the world and may be able to point you to a excellent dealer. I am in the UK. I would advise against a Singer as we hear too many stories about problems with them. I have two Brother embroidery machines (Galaxie 3,000 and a PR 650) and both are pre loved, used, secondhand what ever you wish to say. Both of these machines were from the dealer I use. A good dealer is worth their weigh in gold. I live a long way from the dealer but they are always available at the end of the phone to give advice. There are many 'embroiders' who buy the latest machine and it gets lightly used but then traded in for the next new machine that comes out. Personally I wouldn't buy from ebay but there are Cuties who have and are happy with their machines. Please do let us know what you decide. Right currently I cannot think of anything else but if I do I will add to this.

Hi Robin, and welcome to Cute! It is a big decision to make...combination machine/embroidery or just embroidery. You did not say if you already had a sewing machine... I would say take your time and do your homework. I would also look at a "gently used" machine as most dealers offer full warranties and training with them. The price between new and gently used can be very significant and worthwhile. Get the LARGEST hoop you can afford...it will be well worth it in the long run. Make sure you actually sit and use the machines. Some are much more user friendly than others! Keep us posted and come back and ask any questions you may have....

Welcome Robin. As others have said, you need to try the machine out yourself. I went to two dealers when I bought mine. I ended up buying it from the dealer that let me play with it and offered free classes on how to use it. You definitely want to have support and warranties for your machine. The brand you choose is pretty much a preference. I like Husqvarna machines, but other brands are just as good. I did keep my old embroidery machine ( at the suggestion of the dealer) and use it almost exclusively for sewing, quilting, mending, etc. I am so glad that I did. The newer machine, I use primarily for embroidery. However, I do occasionally use it for sewing when I want to use some of the decorative stitches. Good luck!

Welcome Robin, some good advise has been given below hope you find something in your price range.

Robin you don't say which country you are in so the prices will differ.
I have a Janome and very happy with it. I wouldn't buy a combined one as you are restricted to only doing one thing at a time. If you are embroidering you can't sew at the same time. Some designs take a while to stitch out. Also as said 5x7 is not that big really. My largest is 7x11 and I wish it was bigger at times.
As everyone will tell you buy from a dealer. If possible go to a Craft Show where all brands and models will be on show for you to ask questions.
Some machines cost as much as a small car but there are affordable ones in every brand just take your time and don't get talked into anything you won't be happy with. Also make sure you actually get to use the machine not have a demonstrator show you how to operate it and go so fast your head spins.

Hi and welcome Robin. First of all, you need to know that 5 x 7 is going the way of the dinosaurs. Hoops are getting bigger and bigger, as are designs. Second, since you want to stitch quilt and clothing, check out the dual machines that offer both in one. However, with the price of them, you may wish to continue wearing out the motor on an inexpensive sewing machine for that part, that is, if you have room for two machines! I have had Janomes and Brothers and can highly recommend both brands. I have read many bad comments on the Singer brand in recent years, as they seem to not stay in good repair, right away. It is not the same old Singer company we used to know. It was sold and has gone overseas. Near Christmas many will be trading in their machines, not necessarily old, for the newest models with the new-fangled technology and the dealers will be selling those used machines at great prices. Can you wait that long? Usually the good dealers will offer some kind of guarantee and cleaning and repair clause.

I think the best thing to do is to visit a dealer. Have them show you what the machine is capable of. You would want to purchase your new machine from a dealer in order to have support for it. I do not know your budget and it is difficult to advise because of the large range of prices. Personally I am happy with Brother and BabyLock brand but there again the choice is large. I do trust those companies. Let us know what you end up purchasing once you have decided to do so. Happy sewing!