I have a Bernina Artista 170 with embroidery module and Artista Version 2 software. I love my Bernina, but dislike the proprietary .art format. I'm not really interested in spending $2000 for updated Artista software, and would like to get something that is more universal like a .pes format embroidery machine, so any of the off the shelf software programs would work with it. I would like to be able to do larger designs, currently the largest hoop I have is 5 X 7. Any advice Cuties?
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I've got the Husqvarna Designer 1 and my new motto is if anybody wanted to take it from me is "You'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands!" I love my machine and it does up to a 360x150 mm design. It has always done what I've asked of it with little or no problems at all. No matter which machine you get make sure it's the one YOU want and not what somebody else talks you into. Be sure to check on the ease of use depending on your own personal ability to hoop, center, stitch etc. Good luck and keep us posted......
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17161Good luck, hope you find one that will work for you. You have gotten so much good advise.
Hugs Yvonne
132773The dealer makes all the difference. I previously had a viking, which I loved, but I went to a Bernia, because the viking dealer had moved from the area. Mike at Bernina is the best.
10494I just got my Brother Innovis 1500D for Christmas, but my daughter has the Innovis 4000 D and uses it for Irish dance dresses, so it does large areas. I'm not sure how large.
36693All good answers, wonderful advice for you to choose from.
Helen
39739My vote goes for Brother or Babylock. I just bought a floor model Brother Ult 2002 for $1500 it has a emb field of 6" x 10" I love it.
I also read the comments about a good dealer, that is a must! I also have a pfaff and the dealer was so bad and rude that is what made me shop around and get the Ult.
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6491Hi there
I have asked myself this same question many a time.
I have 2 brothers now and must admit they work very hard.
so I would not hesitate to get another brother
so shall I go for the Pr650 or the 1500 the price differnece is huge.
I must admit i do all my work on the computer so I am really not interested in any thing preloaded on the machines just want the bigger hoop function.
I am shocked that the Pr650 with its 6 needle funcion.. has no bobbin wind facility and still only take normal sized bobbins.
when I watched the demo recently at my dealers there big sell was that you can walk away from you machine and let it stitch.I do like to stay near to mine anyway just in case lol.. but the bobbin run out twice on a design he was doing.. that kind of through me a little
big hugs from london
Mooie xxx
20276Check out the statistics on the webs for the machines that use the pes format. I have Babylock machines and find they are workhouses. A million stitches and the machines keep on stitching like new with few problems. But through research you will find what fits you best. Also be sure to check out the dealers. Are the customers happy with the dealer or wishing they went elsewhere. best of luck with finding your new baby.
169064I love my Brother Innovis 2800. The big hoop is 6x10 and don't think I would want to fight with using any bigger hoop. It is easy to use and stitches beautifully.
2294Go the the Brother web site. There is a special going on right now, but it is only until 4/19.
They're offering a free netbook and some very good rebates.
177Beware! The (Husqvarner) Viking Designer Diamond may have a large 360 x 350 Magestic hoop, but you still have to stitch the designs in two halves.
You have to stitch the first side, remove the hoop from the machine, rotate the hoop and then stitch the second side.
I have not used my Magestic hoop yet because I was told that it doesn't marry up the design very well and I do not want to waste all the time and thread it would take only to find the design doesn't join properly right down the middle.
Another thing to remember is that you will need to buy Stabiliser in bulk to get a size large enough for the hoop ...
AND you need more room on and around your sewing table to allow for the movement of such a large hoop, it makes it REALLY easy to knock these larger hoops and put your embroidery carriage out of alignment because the movement is so great. (I have used my 360 x 200 hoop)
Just points to ponder when deciding whether it is worth paying so much for a new machine just to use larger hoops that come with their own problems.
OH, and they don't stitch designs to the size of the hoops either, they leave a huge space at the top of the hoop where they don't sew and to me it is false advertising.
Also, it is very, very difficult hooping your projects in these large hoops, I usually have to get another person to help and then it never ends up being straight and I have to fiddle with centering and rotating the design to compensate.
Just some of my thoughts on the matter.
Otherwise, I am loving my Diamond, especially since I had it serviced and they fixed the shoddy stitchouts, turns out it was out of balance.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
2 comments
by asterixsew
17 Apr 2010
Meganne thanks for this information, it is most useful and I will remember it
by joann13100
18 Apr 2010
Thanks so much for the advice. I probably don't need a hoop that large, but very worthwhile to know.
122864the brother innovis 4000D's largest hope is 40x20 cm.largest embroidery is 12x7 and uses Pes format.
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by joann13100
17 Apr 2010
Thanks, I'll check out Brother also. I've been researching them on line for features.
743283Sweetie, what one might say - another might say not - so you have to really try them out - some - at the dealers and always find a dealer that is close by - for when you need repairs done - one that will work with you - giving you a loaner at times - if you machine is going to be in the shop long, too. I love Babylock, myself.
2 comments
by joann13100
17 Apr 2010
Yup--I know this, ALWAYS find a good dealer. Just wanted input before I shop, as there is so much experience here on Cute. Y'all have seen it all already.
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