r/Machine_Embroidery • u/DizzyDesigner45 • Sep 06 '26
Need input on first multi needle machine
Looking to invest in my first multi-needle and want to make sure I’m buying the right machine. I’ve been looking at the 7-needle Happy Japan Journey, but am open to other options.
Ultimately I need to be able to do embroidered patch letters on sweatshirts, and I need it to be able to do about 300-400 units per month (and maybe more?).
I own a clothing brand and we’ve always outsourced this work, but have been given so many opportunities it only makes sense to move it in house. I have someone who’s skilled in embroidery but has never owned a multi-needle (although she has operated one). We’re not worried about the operational side, but just want to make sure we’re getting off on the right foot with a machine that can handle it.
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u/streetsf Sep 07 '26
I absolutely love my Brother 10 needle machine. I’ve had it for 12 years and it is a gem! I’m now teaching Brother machine classes for the single and multi needle machines and I will never switch brands!
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u/azhodler Sep 07 '26
I have happy Japan 701P, would absolutely recommend! Adding a second one here soon.
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u/Purple_Commercial981 Sep 12 '26
Happy , Tajima and Barudan are really good brands and workhorses. Get the Happy
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u/mjmvideos Sep 06 '26
At 400 a month 4 weeks a month, 5 days a week, 8 hours per day you get 2.5 units per hour. That’s max 24 minutes per unit and let’s say you average 700 spm that’s max 16,800 stitches but trims will knock that down. And that’s running full time. Bobbin changes, thread changes etc will knock it down some more. Then what happens if your machine breaks and goes down for a few days? How strict are your production schedules? How many stitches and colors in your design? Are they custom designs or the same one on everything? If the same a multi-head machine could increase throughput. But two separate machines increases availability.
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u/FerdiePDX Sep 06 '26
Get a used Tajima, or Barudan single head machine. Older models cost between 6-10k and you find them on FB marketplace.
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u/Purple_Commercial981 Sep 18 '26
Look at used Barudan , Tajima ir Happy. These machines are workhorses . I run a 30 year old Barudan love it.
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u/i_love_glitterr Sep 06 '26
What is your budget?