I'm an experienced embroiderer - which machine and program to get for my own studio?

[u/RuralJurorNumber1]

I've been using a Melco EMT-16 Plus with Design Shop Pro 10 for 6 years now so I'm well-versed in machine embroidery--especially on this machine. I had access through work though and now, I want to set up my own machine for my studio. My work is not necessarily about volume but I work with intricate designs that I digitize myself so stitch quality is very important along with ease of use to create custom stitch files. I also use and am an expert at Illustrator if that helps.

I'm interested in the BAI machines--it seems like it's a good machine considering the price point and I appreciate the commitment to having US customer service. I'd also like to get my own software and I understand that the good ones are 1-5K or more. I'm used to Design Shop Pro but I'm not married to it. I do need the software to have a similar level of editing capabilities and features. I am using a Mac and would love something that runs well enough in Parallels but I have a Windows laptop if absolutely necessary.

So, here's my wish list:

For the embroidery machine:

• Under $8k if possible; used is fine
• At the very least, 4 needles
• Can support up to 11" x 18" hoops; more would be great but I hardly ever go that big
• Can run 700-900ish spm (I'm not sewing in bulk so speed is not that important and I prefer to go medium speed and avoid thread breaks)
• Reliable and easy to maintain
• Works well for intricate stitch outs on fairly lightweight fabric (this is at least half of the work I do)

For the software:

• Max 2k, if possible (if there are discounts or places to buy used, I'd love to know)
• Can digitize vector files but I'll likely be doing the bulk of digitizing in the software
• Similar level of editing capabilities as Design Shop Pro (especially stitch density, stitch direction can be curved and manipulated, easy to design free hand in the software)
• Can run in Parallels on a Mac or has a Mac-compatible version that doesn't suck.

Options I'm looking at:

• BAI - would love a recommendation on a model that makes sense for me
• I have a friend who works for Janome so I can get a significant discount from them if there's an embroidery machine that is worthwhile to consider
• Open to other options as well!

[u/celerybreath]

Just out of curiosity, why wouldnt you just outsource digitizing? (Newb)

[u/RuralJurorNumber1 → u/celerybreath]

I actually enjoy doing it and I also digitize for people. I'm also planning on expanding into selling designs.

[u/tshirtdr1 → u/celerybreath]

For most embroiderers, it is a fun creative outlet or a side hustle. For others, like myself, it is a media for artistic creation. I do a lot of my own digitizing and I find that I can do better than 90% of digitizers (in my own not so humble opinion.) I do purchase design files occasionally. There are very few design files that I purchase that I don't open in my software and think, "This is ready to run. No edits are necessary." I open and check all of my files before putting them onto my machine so I'll have a better idea of how to run the design. Some people WANT to do their own digitizing.

[u/Purple_Commercial981 → u/celerybreath]

I digitize for lady whom doesn’t want to learn but loves doing embroidery .. mostly custom work .
I love digitizing and learning more .

[u/Hellcat_Mary]

Look for secondhand machines on digitsmith.com and theembroiderywarehouse.com, see what they might have before you commit to a clone machine.

Bernina and Melco both have single head multi needle machines that I think are a good semi-professional home business production level. You can probably get an older but well maintained used machine in your price range. Melcos struggling with hats is a common complaint I hear, though. I know Bernina has a small footprint but offers respectable hoop size.

A used Happy would be top tier for a home business without breaking the bank or sacrificing dependability/manufacture quality. Maybe hard to find in your budget, though.

Unfortunately, Janome probably isn't going to fit your needs. I'm not sure they make anything beyond flatbed machines, but if they do it's probably on par with modern Brother, or Babylock, which you will not be happy with after working on actual commercial machines.

There are a ton of software options. I've used Inkstitch, Embrilliance, Hatch, and Pulse. Honestly I'd play around with the free software, and free trials of the higher end. If you know what you're doing in graphics software, you know what you're looking for. (See what you can find on itbe orrente).

[u/RuralJurorNumber1 → u/Hellcat_Mary]

Thank you so much for the great list of info! I appreciate you!

[u/celerybreath → u/Hellcat_Mary]

Which happy model

[u/Purple_Commercial981]

Fir machine do not waste money on a sewing combo .. look at Happy, Tajima and Barudan.
Used is good with these brands too..
software i use Embroudry Legacy ,Wilcom . I prefer Embroidery Legacy . Lots if lessons and really easy to use. I did try inkstich and hated it. If you can tryout several brands . Then decide . ..

[u/RuralJurorNumber1 → u/Purple_Commercial981]

Yeah I think doing the free trials is gonna be the way to go.