DSF

I am looking at expanding the range of services that I offer and am thinking about embroidery and am looking for some advice.
Basically what machine would you recommend to start with and what cost?
What software would I require and at what cost?
Lastly and more importantly, is it profitable and is there work for this out there?
Many Thanks,
James

Hi I've just started to put things together so what machine ect or if it is profitable I cannot answer that. But the start up cost are quite scary, up to now I've brought machine, threads, hoopmaster, and paid someone to ditize, plus t.shirts caps ect I've yet to earn a penny , but I'll say if you don't try they won't buy. I think embroidery is long term project to make money but I sure you'll get some good advice of the rest of the embrodiers on this forum. Good luck if you do decide to go ahead, sorry I can't advice you on any thing as I know as much as you do,

I have Digitiser Pro software which I bought as the better alternative to that which came with my machine. My machine is not a commercial one but a sewing machine/embroiderer. Anyway, the software was £450-00, and will save digitised images in various formats for other machines including husqvana, brother, singer, janome, with file extensions including: jan, .dst, .pec, .hus For me, the software was easier to get to grips with than the embroidering.

If you would like me to leave a more comprehensive list of machines/ file endings, leave a message following on from here.

Mal

Mal,
I would be interested in what type of machine i.e. make and no. of heads, to start with and what would be the cost.
Also what cost would be for a starter pack of consummables.
Many Thanks

Hi joconnell - My machine is not a commercial one, and has only one needle and cost me close to £2000-00. A multi-needle machine is definitely a better idea as it would involve less thread changes. A new 12 needle commercial Butterfly would set you back $7999-00. A popular machine, looking at this forum, is a Brother. One of the embroiderers may better advise you on those.

With my software I digitised a couple of designs for someone in America who had a 6-head Tajima.

Mal

I am just in the process of ordering my first single head machine

The initial spend is going to be around £9000 plus Vat
and that is with basic software

there is lots of good advice on the t-shirtforums.com embroidery forum

Pablo,
What make and what supplier are you looking at.
Thanks,
James

I have just located and downloaded some legitimately free embroidery software. Will be trying it out within next few days & I will post a link.

Mal

Hi joconnell

Here is a link to the embroidery software I mentioned earlier: http://www.freesierrasoftware.com/dealer.asp

When the page has loaded, scroll down, enter the security code shown and click [NEXT]. Follow the instructions and the download may take some time so I would advise commencing download when you are not likely to be using the computer. The software is Stitch ERA Universal (Express Edition) and is around 372MB in size. I have tried it on my laptop (Acer 5720Z running Windows 7) and it is quite impressive.

Have fun.

Mal

After a lot of research/dithering I am settled on a Tajima Neo with the pulse software, cap frame added and a fast frame kit.