Sewing Machine Recommendations

So... Heroes and villains need to sew their costumes sometimes. (Is that enough to make this on topic?!?!?)

I want to get my SO a new sewing / embroidery machine. Any recommendations? I want something quality that will allow custom computer generated embroideries.

I appreciate all suggestions.

I think it depends on what kind of hero/villain costumes you want to sew and the types of material, as well as the kind of functions you want.

I personally do not sew, but my best friends mother is a textiles rep, so I can ask her what she thinks, the above info would be helpful.

Have a family member that used to sell Husqvarna machines that did that. Hasn't for years, though, so I couldn't tell you anything about them.

See my Guides and Tutorials

It really depends on what you want to do.

You're looking to do custom computer generated embroideries, which is a start, but what is going to be the primary use of the machine?

Is your SO a quilter, looking to make garments, start a small business doing embroidered shirts/hats?

For basic, non-commercial use, I'd look at something like an Ellageo Plus by Babylock... if that's in your price range.

SVP own both Viking and Pfaff, but the Pfaff machines come with a IDT dual-feed system (really, really helpful), and go to a bigger stitch (9mm vs 7mm). The S in SVP stands for Singer - they also have embroidery machines, but they have smaller hoop areas, and you end up having to connect your computer to the machine to do the embroidery; with the Viking and Pfaff machines, you can bring over the designs on a flash drive or port them over a USB cable, but you don't have to keep the computer attached to do the embroidery.

From Pfaff, you can go with the Creative Vision Line - you can also pick up the 5D Suite to digitize your own designs. The IDT really does make it worth it. On the Viking side, take a look at the Diamond line - the software there is the 5D Suite Pro (it's the same program, just packaged differently for the two lines)

If possible, find a dealer that will let you trade up, so the machine's abilities can keep up with your SO's skills as they grow. Talk to your dealer, get demos on the machines you're interested in, and make sure the dealer will support you (Service, owner's classes, etc.)

Bernina also has embroidery machines, but I'm not very familiar with them.

In the interest of full disclosure, my partner and I run a sewing machine sales & service and are Pfaff dealers.

Awesome thank you. To answer some questions:

Will be used to sew clothing, and costumes (kids halloween mostly).

It will not be used for anything commercial. Right now the old one is being used to embroider names on Christmas gifts (towels I think).

Easiest way to find a dealer? (yellow pages under sewing machine I guess.) So far I've only been to Jo Ann's fabrics. They only had one Singer model for about $800.

I highly recommend Bernina sewing machines. They cost a bit more, but are incredibly durable and powerful.

Note, I do sew semi-professionally. My machine of choice is the Bernina, with Viking my backup.

I found a dealer about 20 minutes away that has different brands. I am going up today to take a look (when they open).

I have my own designer except she wont do capes.

Heh, I love Edna. Too funny.