What Embroidery Machine Should You Buy? 2021 VLOG2
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- čas přidán 14. 01. 2021
- If I were shopping for a machine in 2021, what would I buy? I'll go over different price points and pitfalls to be aware of.
The video I referred to about Ricoma was taken down by the CZcamsr who posted it. It's a rather ugly situation. He explains it here: • Sued For Exposing The ...
If you like my machine embroidery VLOG, check out my shop www.BallyhooCreations.com
or join my fansite to get exclusive designs and classes: fans.creativefabrica.com/crea...
I also teach at Skillshare: skl.sh/3t1gQSr (affiliate link to my classes) - Jak na to + styl
*So* helpful to find an unbiased review from someone who doesn't have a vested interest in selling one machine over another. Thank you. This video was excellent.
Thanks for watching!
I bought a Brother SE 400 two years ago and I love it to pieces. I've made even money's to cover the cost of it and wasted to upgrade to a new one, so am really grateful for this vlog.
Just ran across your video and so glad that I did. I am in the process to upgrade and your video is the most helpful one that I have listen too. Thank you for your honesty.
Wow..... thank you for this. I didn’t end up buying a Ricoma and went with a dealer supported used machine. SOOOO glad I did!
thank you so much for your opinion-so spot on. I’m not new to embroidery- so nice to hear honest information. Newbies listen to her! You can always upgrade your machines!
I know I am late to the party.. but just started looking into sewing & embroidery machines. I had my eyes on a Brother online wasn't sure if it would be right for me so decided to look for videos. I have to say this is one of the BEST reviews and information videos I have seen! Thank you so much.
So nice of you to reach out to help, thanks ♥️Yeah, I don't like the 4x4, too small.
This is an absolutely fantastic video! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom! So helpful!
This is a great video, full of so much good information! Thank you so much for taking the time to make and post this!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for all of the information. I have a Brother SB7900E but I’ve been thinking about an update or maybe stepping up a level. There is so much to consider when making this purchase and your video is very helpful!
Appreciate your honesty and knowledge.
I’m brand new this past year to machine embroidery. I just retired and jumped in with a Brother PR1055x. I love it!
Wow Jan, you don't mess around! Nice machine choice on the Brother 10 needle. :-)
Thank you so much!! This video helped me so much! I’m a beginner & your knowledge was great & informative!
I want to thank you for taking the time to do this very informative vlog. I’ve been browsing the market and felt very overwhelmed with all the different models available. I felt much better informed with your video and I’m very thankful I found you and have subscribed to your channel. Thank you so much. 😊
Glad it was helpful!
You said exactly what I needed to hear when it came to Ricoma. I have been going between a Ricome 1501 and a Melco EMT16X, but I always felt there was something about Ricoma that kept me on the fence.
Always best to follow your gut on big decisions. 😊
Thank you for this video. I have been looking for my first machine for a while and have settled on either a Baby Lock or Brother, so it was good to hear you recommend them. I knew I wanted a bigger hoop size so knowing how big I can get for my budget helps.
So which one did you end up buying? Was it worth it?
Any updates?
Thank you for this video I’ve been looking at buying a new machine and your advice really helped I have a Sofia 2 talk about a older machine but is a work horse
The best advice I found was to make sure whatever brand you buy, be sure you but it from a dealer who has amazing after sales service and repair technicians that are certified and experienced.
Ah brill. Just what I was looking for. Subscribed. Going to check out your videos now for 2022 updates ?
Looking to upgrade from Janome 350e had for years. To bigger hoop for dolls and bag type projects. Great advice
I'll be creating a new video for 2023 Embroidery machine buying because I've learned a LOT in the past 2 years. Have you purchased a new machine yet or have you honed in on a favorite?
Great video, you covered a lot of ground. I'm just beginning to look at maybe doing some embroidery projects. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Oh my I love this video love your honesty and as someone new to embroidery this made my decision for my multi needle easy I have the pe800 just add to my business thanks again
Love love love your honest opinion.
Thank you for giving all the information I need to hear! And I just subscribed to your channel.
Thanks for all the info it's nice to get different perspectives
I wish I had seen this video before Christmas 🤗I have 2 machines pe625 and pe800 bcuz as you said the 4x4 wasn’t what I wanted but without experience I bought it then shortly after I bought the 800 I’m actually in LOVE with embroidering so I’ve decided to keep both and I DO wish I could take a class...thank you ...I’m looking forward to your videos
Quite a few people upgrade machines but keep the old one. Use it as a backup (when your "main" goes in the shop) or use it to stitch 2 projects at once. Sometimes that 4x4 machine is very useful. :-)
Thank you for this! I've had a Brother PE770 for over 8 years now and have been really wanting something with a bigger hoop!! I just can't afford a multi needle yet. I make in the hoop plushies and dolls and now have a goal to save up for a babylock! Thank you so very much!!
For in-the-hoop dolls and plushies - bigger really is better. Wishing you a quick savings towards your goal!
Good to see someone on the train saying ricoma is bad. I see too many people say "they're going to buy it" and have seen too many people complain about it.
So many are being sold used.
Not only are there a lot of used ones out there, but the prices on the used ones indicate they don't hold their value compared to the better machines.
Thank you soooo much for the Rikoma info because they were on my feed a lot and i always thought to myself... "Why does this seem like an online marketing push." It just didn't seem organic. Thank you so much
Thank you for your excellent videos, ideas, and candor. I appreciate you...
This is super helpful! Thank you!!
such an insightful video!! thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with the world
happy to help!
Very helpful information and I am only in the first 4 minutes of the video. Thank you!!
Just an FYI, Brother no longer manufactures their Dream Machine models. This also applies to the Baby Lock version.
The new model for Brother is the XE-1 (not sure of the Baby Lock version). This one maxes out at a 9x14 embroidery field. It also has an 11 in throat for those quilters out there.
The top of the line Brother combo machine is now the Luminaire. This machine maxes out at a 10.5x 16 in embroidery field. It has a 13 in throat for quilters. I think the Baby Lock version is the Solaris.
I would add to your great video to buy the best machine you can afford. I agree if you want to embroider to go 4x4 and 5x7 for your hoops.
The sewing shops in my neck of the country are open, and you can set up an appointment to shop for a machine. Look for one that offers classes, although many of the manufacturers now offer remote classes. Plus, it never hurts to ask if you can make a deal on a demo machine. I did that on my last two machines and got a basically brand new machine for a nice price. Not all dealers do that.
Also check into their service department. Taking care of your machine with regular service will keep it going for years.
Thanks for adding that extra info!
This was so helpful ! Thankyou so so much for this video!
Just got the flourished 2 ! So excited
Yay! I really think that machine has the most features for the money. Enjoy it!
Great Information, thanks for sharing! One more thing about the Ricoma, if you try to upgrade, many dealers DON"T / WILL NOT take a Ricoma Machine as a trade in. That says a lot to me about the quality of their machine.
Great tip!
I’ve done some research & found this about this company. They don’t tell viewers they get their machines free if they’re able to sell enough machines. In other words they use buyers as salespeople. That’s why you find nearly new used models selling for half their purchase price, because buyers can’t meet the sales quota.
I heard that too but never saw a contract and what the quotas are. That would be interesting.
Thank you!! I appreciate your embroidery machine review!!❣️. I agree.
Thanks for the sweet comment Donna!
Viking Epic II, $17,000 plus for larger hoops. My wife and I own 2. Very happy with the machines
Excellent review. Very honest.
Great video.
It all boils down to your budget. I have been in the Embroidery business for fifteen years. In my experience, best home Embroidery machine is Bernina. And would like to add ZSK to the list of commercial machines. I have worked with Melco and SWF machines and would not recommend them to anyone. I own a fifteen needle single head Tajima machine. I am very happy with it. I currently work with Barudan machines. Both Japanese made. However, I would love to own one day a ZSK machine. Nothing beats German Engineering. And like my grandfather used to say, 'always work with the best'.
Greetings!
Thanks for adding all your excellent advice!
Thanks for the info! This really helped!!
Thank you this helped out a lot
Thanks for that information really learned a lot
Awesome! Great information! Thank You
This was great information! I'm one of those who made the mistake of buying a Redline. There's just not a lot of good information out there to help people choose wisely. Since I no longer embroider for a living, I'm looking for a hobby machine. I have the Brother SE 625 which is a 4x4 hoop, but I"d like a bigger hoop again. It works really well, though.... better than the Redline ever did!
I remember your video about that Redline! So glad you shared it.
Great info!! Thank you!!
Thanks for your honesty!
My pleasure!
I just wanna ask your struggles in embroidery world or some tips for teens who wants to have this business in the future. appreciated your very detailed explanation about machines... I've learned a lot
The struggles are the same for every small business - find your niche or specialty, then figure out who loves what you make. There is always more to learn and you're already doing that by watching CZcams videos. Are you struggling with anything in particular?
Your video came at the perfect time! I've been looking for used and new multi needles machine recently. You are so right about Ricoma and about their influencers. What are your thoughts on Janome MB-7...prices seems really good for a new machine right now. I'm also considering a Babylock Valiant used for $8500.
I don't see raving fans for the Janome multineedles so I avoided them too. Babylock valiant is great if you're not running it full time every day. That price is good if it's newer and comes with stand, hat hoop and maybe extra frames, but call a dealer and see what lowest price they can give you. haggle! I f
ound that patience was key when shopping for used machines. Your machine Is out there 🙂
Thank you very much for all of that information! You just saved me from buying a Ricoma!
Thank for the tips.😃
Thank you for this! I have a small brother 4x4 and I’m looking to upgrade because my business really out grew it and I’m looking for a multi needle and I almost applied for the ricoma!
Any advice on growing? I got a small following right now, looking to blow up
When you are mentioning about the prices I realized I would only do hand or manual embroidery...
Great video! Thanks! Very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Your room looks very organized, can you do a room tour or some things to buy to organize embroidery room. I'm not good at that stuff
I would love to make a video of a studio tour and organizing tips! It's been on my to-do list for about a year now and I haven't had the time to make it. I'll bump up the priority since you're asking. 😀
Great video. Very informative. I have wanted an embroidery machine since 2018ish. I wish I would have purchased before the high demand and increase cost.
Demand is still high but prices and availability are closer to normal levels so it's a pretty good time to jump in. I need to make an updated video since things have changed a LOT in 1 year.
Thank you for this information!
Glad it was helpful!
After having my machine for years, I just embroidered my first design, which was my son's logo.
I have the Singer Futura seqs-6000. At the time I purchased it, it came with all the software and a 4x5 and a 6x10 hoop (which actually measured larger, I think I measured the useable area at 7.5 x 11). The machine was $899 and the software was just as much.
I was blessed because I happened to get it for $275 TOTAL, the machine and software. It was too good to pass up😁. Brother machines seem to be the standard, but honestly since I don't know what I'm doing this one will do just fine for now🤣.
I appreciate your commentary on the machines.
Wow! you got a GREAT deal on that Singer! I hope you have fun with it.
@@BallyhooCreations Thanks! Even though I've only embroidered 1 thing the learning process is fun. Also having people like yourself helps with that.
Thank you for making this video! It’s helpful! What do you think is the best bang for your buck multi needle embroidery machine? I want to get into doing big designs on sweaters.
Thanks for the question! This depends on how long you will run the machine each day. If under 6 hours, I would buy a used brother or babylock. (in fact, I bought the babylock endurance 2.) But if you're going to do this for longer shifts, be patient and try to find a used Tajima or Barudan. At least that's what I would look for. Your mileage may vary. :-)
Very informative video. I can attest to the workhorse Brother PE800. Mine has been great but am thinking of upgrading to a multi needle. May I ask which model of Babylock is your 6 needle you bought, and where did you get it? Thanks!
Glad you love your PE800! They are sturdy little guys, aren't they? I found my used Babylock Endurance 2 on Facebook marketplace. It's the same as the Brother PR655.
Thank you! This is an excellent video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing your insight
really great video, thanks!
My pleasure!
Very informative video, thank you!
You're very welcome!
Thanks for being an ethical human! I had to go through a lot of bad reviews on my own to decide against the Ricoma and Redline. It is so challenging to make the right decision and I love in a rural area, so servicing is also a major factor for me. That, and community support.
I'm glad the video helped you. And getting service to a rural area is a huge deal! Especially when those multi-needles heavy and bulky.
@@BallyhooCreations hey I really enjoy the video! I was looking into getting one of these Pfaff Creative Vision 5, Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby Royale
What do you think of these?? Also if u know any better machines than the ones listed above pls let me know
Those are good machines. Viking Singer and Pfaff are all owned by the same company. You might want to comparison shop Babylock/Brother and maybe Janome to see their prices too.
@@BallyhooCreations what about the husqvarna viking topaz 30?? Also what is the best brand u recommend??
@@unbeso8858 The Viking Topaz line is nice. One of my design testers uses a Topaz and her stitch quality is lovely. I prefer the Brother/Babylock brand for its user friendly interface. I also like Janome for its low price points. I worry about the longevity of the Viking/Singer/Pfaff machines because they change their engineering frequently and then retire parts for discontinued machines so it's hard to repair them, which shortens the life of the machine.
I got a SE Brother 1900 for about 1k from Amazon and love it. I'm a newbie at embroidery.
Great choice! Enjoy your new machine!
Thank you for the information! really love your content. I have a question, what do you think about the SWF Mas 12 embroidery machine? is it better to use than a smaller machine like Brother SE400? am planning on making plushies with the SWF and I have not found any more videos who uses one.
I'm no expert on SWF, but I heard great things about them, then they went through bankruptcy a few years ago and I don't know how they rate anymore. But for plushies I would recommend a multineedle machine. The bigger hoop sizes and stronger motor to punch through thick layers are a huge asset.
@@BallyhooCreations Thank you for this!! gladly appreciated 💖
I'm looking at embroidering large chest size pieces of multi colored Celtic crests with griffins, dragons, unicorns for aprons, overdresses, cloaks etc. for the renfaire type functions. Have to drive 50 miles to the nearest Brother dealer or the JoAnn fabrics stores.
For large designs on cloaks or aprons, you'll want a good sized hoop which means a more expensive machine - like a 6x10" or 8x8" hoop should work. It might be worth the drive to a dealer if you're going to spend a lot of money. Or consider the Janome 400e which can be found at JoAnns online. You may also need to purchase digitizing software if the Celtic designs are not already created and for sale by another digitizer, so consider software in your budget unless you have already found designs that work for you. If you need software, consider Embird or Embrilliance on a budget, or Hatch if you have tons of money to spend. :-) Hope that helps!
Thank you for great information!!!!
Glad it was helpful!
This was an incredibly helpful video. Thank you for making it! The large user base topic was something that hadn't even occurred to me, but it's important. I've also been getting targeted ads for Ricoma lately and I was considering it, so thanks for helping me dodge that bullet.
Same here! I was thinking about it until now!
Great information. What are you using to hold your stabilizer and other rolls.
That's an IKEA pegboard with their paper towel/roll holders. They'll hold rolls up to 12" in length. Very convenient.
This video was very helpful! Thank you for posting :)
Glad it was helpful!
This was a great video - full of common sense. I started with a Brother PE800, and that was a great machine but I quickly got hoop lust and moved to a Janome 550E. It is ok, I really don't line having to oil it every month. When she is happy she is great but she in unhappy frequently. So now I am in the market for a multi-needle. I am primarily after big hoops. I live in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. I have available the Fortever line and the Tajima line. Both are sold in local shops that have service departments. I would be interested in any comments that you might have one either machine. Thanks.
I've never heard of the Fortever, but the Tajima is highly regarded all over the world. Hopefully that helps!?! Multineedles also require that you oil the bobbin case daily but it's an easy task.
Hi, how is your Janome 550E, because I would like to buy one, easy and not expensive.
Thanks a lot.
@@marietheresebegue7291 I have owned the Janome 550 for a year and have really put it through it's paces. It has been a very reliable machine. I embroidered on a Bernina 180 for MANY years before getting this machine and I would be hard pressed to pick one over the other. - my Bernina is just old and I didn't want to spend $$$$ on a new one. I have two other Janome machines and have always felt that, for the money, you cannot beat a Janome. Beautiful machines. The 550 has a very good selection of hoops. If you don't have software for editing designs, i would recommend Embird. It will resize and you can add wonderful lettering. You buy the add-ons as you need them. I have used it for many years and love it. The basic software that comes with the machine doesn't do much of anything and I have since removed it from my computer. One of the main things I don't care for, with the 550, is the threader. My two other Janomes thread simply and beautifully. Frankly, it's easier to thread the needle by hand than use their system, but I use Organ large eye embroidery needles and it's a snap. Hope the comments help you in your search . . gl!
I have a husqvarna topaz 40 I’m new to embroidery
Thank you so much for your tutorials. I purchased a Viking #1+ many years ago and never used the embroidery feature. I have recently begun to use it and have completed a few pretty successful coaster and t-shirt projects.
I struggled with a number of things like breaking threads and bird nesting until I watched some of your tutorials and applied your advice to my own embroidery. I slow down my speeds quite a lot on this old machine which is very time consuming since it is a manual process with the pedal. I'd like to at least be able to use a 5x7 hoop and an 8x10 would be even better! Since it appears you too use a Viking, can you give some advice on things to watch out for on the #1+ & what Viking you would recommend, even if used. My budget is about $3k.
Appreciate your input,
Thanks
Mary
The Viking #1+ predates my experience and that's saying something! But all the info in this video czcams.com/video/nSGVF4HHtNg/video.html would apply to that machine as well.
I'm not the biggest fan of Viking anymore, but for your budget you can get their 6x10" machine like the Topaz which people seem to like. Most of the other brands also average $3k for their 6x10 machine, except Janome. That budget would get an 8x11" embroidery field on the Janome 550E.
I love how you share
This video is so real to me I wish I seen it before so I could make better decisions
You're not alone. Lots of people buy first and then learn later. (I did) Care to share why your machine wasn't right for you? Maybe others can learn from your experience?
Hi. Thank you for your video. I am just looking at purchasing my first Embroidery machine... I understand the reasoning behind not going all in on the first machine... but for me... I learn quickly and get bored fast... I dont want to out grow and have to purchase another machine in a few months time LOL so... say I start with the multi needle you have behind you in this video... my question is this (as I LOVE to make my own designs) are you able to make and upload your own designs or upload designs from other places on the net?
thank you :)
Oh yes, absolutely. Almost every embroidery machine will let you stitch designs your purchase or create yourself. To create your own, you'll need to buy digitizing software (video on that czcams.com/video/-v6lymD0TpA/video.html ) When you're shopping - look for the design transfer method. Most use a USB stick.
There is NOTHING wrong with a beginner jumping in with a fancy machine like a multi-needle if you can afford it and you're a self starter. Lots of people have done that with great success.
Thank you so much!
OMG, I LOVE your honest opinions. I am new to embroidery but been sewing for 51 years. I recently bought a Brother Luminaire XP2 in November, 2020. After less than 3 months, the machine is back in shop for alignment issues. I have a Bernina & Viking Rose that are over 20 years old. I love them and goes back to shop only for yearly cleaning and maintenance. I am very disappointed purchasing the Brother brand. I thank you for sharing your knowledge and honesty. Please post more video tutorials.
You had me at "Viking Rose!" That was my first embroidery machine and it was amazing! I'm sorry you're having issues with your Luminaire. Brother is generally good, but it seems like every factory had issues in 2020. Hopefully they can fix it under warranty and it will come back to you in fantastic shape.
Thanks for such great information. What do you think about the ZSK?
I like the ZSK and have included it on my list of multi needle machines in the updated video coming out next week 😁
Thank you so much.
Thanks for your video it’s giving me something to think about. So only the commercial machines have the large 8x8 and up hoops. And does the needle size matter? I keep hearing 6,8,15, needles. I’m looking to buy one soon. Thanks for your help.
No, you don't need a commercial machine for an 8x8 or 8x12 hoop, there are plenty of single needle machines with large hoops like that but I think they're in the $3K and up range? (hard to know since they won't publish prices on the expensive machines!!) Most people start with a single needle machine. One needle, one thread color. You re-thread the machine for each new thread color. Multi-needle machines don't require as many thread changes so you can do other things while the machine stitches out for you. The more needles - the more thread colors you can stitch before requiring a manual thread change. Lots of people don't understand those things until they buy a machine. You've given me an idea for another video! thanks!
You're so awesome for putting this out there! My boyfriend and I are looking to potentially invest and start up a small clothing business and want to research in depth before spending so watching this video really helped! Many thanks and have subscribed!
You're smart to research before spending. Too many people make the mistake of buying first and researching later. Best of luck to you!
That machine has very small hoops. I just bought a Janome 550e. This is my first machine and it is easy to use. The largest hoop is 8x14. You would love it. I paid $2300 for it. You can do big sizes.
@@cassandrahickson3725 congrats on your new machine! How did you get it for that price? The MSRP is $3999 for the 550e. Did you buy it used or do you have a secret shopping place you can share?
@@cassandrahickson3725 thank you for your sharing, the price is very good, I don't know if you can share where you got it for that price. Thank you
@@BallyhooCreations HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT JANOME?? OR BRAVO?
This is very interesting video!
Thank you for a thorough review! Can you maybe explain machine stitch limits? Is it just referring to a pattern that it's reading off of a USB, or would it also limit a pattern sent to the machine via WiFi or cable?
I'm curious where you heard about stitch limits because that doesn't come up very often anymore? Embroidery Library has a nice comparison chart. www.emblibrary.com/EL/help.aspx?page=help2choosesize Those limits are either built into the file format or the machine itself so it doesn't matter if you're using USB, cable or WIFI transfer. A professionally digitized design should not hit those limits on newer machines. But you might run into problems on older machines that use older file formats and Embird has a great table that outlines that: www.embird.net/manual/0300formats.htm
I purchased a Redline and I love it absolutely no issues with it.
That's great! I know some people love them and others don't, so I tried to recommend brands that were less "controversial" :-)
@@BallyhooCreations I think sometimes it has to do with how much you already know before getting a multi needle.
Excellent video. Thank you
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for a great video!! I can’t find much on CZcams about the babylock esante. I was going to buy it used for $800. Low thread count. What do you think about this machine? For adults and children’s appliqué and embroidery.
Babylock makes quality machines, but I think the esante requires a USB connection to your computer rather than a USB stick. (I could be wrong on that). You would need to have a computer nearby in order to transfer designs. I'm not sure I would pay $800 for that - because you can buy newer 6x10 machines in the $1500 range. That price feels high unless it's coming with lots of thread, stabilizer and other extras.
Thank you for this amazing upload! Thinking of purchasing a Janome Memory Craft 400e for $1500. Is this expensive for this machine? I also thought about the bother innovis Nq1600. Which is a better value?
$1500 seems high for the Janome 400e, you can find them closer to $1200 at most online retailers right now. If you're buying from a shop, use that info as leverage to get the price lower. If you are a quilter, the 8x8 hoop on the Janome is great. But if you're not going to use it for quilting, you will probably find the 6x10 hoop size on the Brother 1600 is more versatile and has more designs from 3rd party digitizers. They are both good machines. More people tend to prefer Brother for ease of use. Hope that helps!
Good information thanks
Thanks for sharing all this fabulous information. Which multi needle (3) Would you recommend?
What I stated in the video is that I would buy a Brother or Babylock for light usage (less than 5 hours per day) but a Tajima would be my pick if needing something for heavier usage.
Thank you great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Good info. Thank you,.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the great video. I’m looking for a combo machine and have a question. If you have to choose between Jade 35 and SE 1900, which one will you choose ? why? I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you in advance!
That's a tough call. I would lean towards the Jade for the bigger hoop size. I've had 2 Viking combo machines - both were OK at embroidery but excellent for sewing. Never had problems with sewing but embroidery can be finicky with them. You learn to work around it though. Keep me posted on your choice!
@@BallyhooCreations thank you very much, again! I
What do you think about the baby lock verve sewing and embroidery machine. I do have experience sewing but not with embroidery. It says it has a 4x4 embroidery field. I want to focus only on children's clothing for now. I was planning on buying a new sewing machine so I thought I could get a 2 in 1.
Brother & Babylock are similar build quality, and the Verve is a nice little combo machine. The 4x4 field is small, but for children's clothes and gifts you can get a lot done in that small area. It's a great machine to learn on. If you decide to upgrade later, you can keep the Verve as your sewing machine.
I would also ask myself if I want a sewing and embroidery machine, or if I want an embroidery only machine.
Thank you for this video! I was thinking of getting the Brother Stellaire xj1 or the Luminaire. I have been sewing for 4 years. Which do you recommend?
If those machines are in your budget, then choose whichever has the features you would use most. Since you've been sewing for several years, you already know your own style. Spend time letting the dealer show you both machines so you can decide what fits your situation the best.
My bf has a business. In the past he got an embroidery business to put his logo on shirts but we have moved far away and its not practical anymore. What machine would be a good option to get his business logo embroidered on to golf shirts/hoodies etc? His logo is 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
Any machine can embroider at least 4x4" so that logo would fit any of them, even the inexpensive Brother machines sold at Walmart. The bigger issue would be the digitized logo. If he already has a PES file of the logo that is under 100 mm wide then you're good to go. But if you need the logo turned into an embroidery file (because the previous shop owns the file) then you can find online digitizers to do that for $20-$70 to create the PES file. Otherwise you would need digitizing software that starts at $300 and has a steep learning curve.
Is it absolutely necessary to have a surge protector rather than the narrow pose strip for an embroidery machine? Would that keep from causing the board/s to become damaged and needed replacement?
Hmmm. I typically plug all my machines into inexpensive surge protectors, it's cheap insurance for an expensive machine.