So now that you’ve grown your embroidery skills, you think you have it to expand your hobby into a side hustle, and perhaps even a business. And you know this means getting a commercial embroidery machine.
But what makes it different from your standard home embroidery machine?
When considering whether to invest in a commercial embroidery machine, it’s essential to understand how it differs from sewing machines and non-commercial embroidery machines. These differences span areas such as functionality, efficiency, durability, and usability, making commercial embroidery machines a compelling choice for business-focused embroidery tasks.
Specialized Purpose and Design
Commercial embroidery machines are designed specifically for embroidery, and these machines excel in detailed and intricate designs on a variety of materials. They are typically multi-needle machines, allowing for multiple thread colors to be used simultaneously, reducing downtime caused by manual thread changes.
Sewing machines are primarily focused on constructing and altering garments; sewing machines often handle tasks like stitching seams, hemming, and general fabric assembly but lack embroidery-specific features.
If you have a non-commercial embroidery machine, it is capable of embroidery, but these are generally single-needle and better suited for hobbyists or small-scale projects.
Multi-Needle Advantage
Commercial embroidery machines like Brother’s 6 needle and 10 needle machines offer multi-needle functionality. With up to 10 needles in advanced models, these machines enable faster stitching with multiple colors preloaded.
The increased efficiency is made possible by the pre-setup of needle types for different fabric types. In contrast, non-commercial embroidery machines, being single-needle, require manual intervention for thread changes and needle swaps, significantly slowing down production.
Enhanced Stitch Speed and Efficiency
Commercial machines operate at higher stitch speeds, often exceeding 1,000 stitches per minute, making them ideal for bulk orders and tight deadlines. Features like preset needle settings further enhance their efficiency for varied designs and materials.
Non-commercial and sewing machines operate at slower speeds due to their less robust motor capabilities, making them suitable for casual or small-scale projects.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is a key factor distinguishing commercial embroidery machines. These machines are built for frequent, intensive use. Weighing up to 400 pounds, they are less portable but exceptionally sturdy.
There are portable options too, often weighing 200 pounds, and cater to businesses requiring portability for events or fairs. Conversely, sewing machines and non-commercial embroidery machines are built with lightweight materials suitable for home use but may not endure prolonged heavy-duty operation.
Larger Embroidery Areas
Commercial embroidery machines offer expansive embroidery areas to accommodate a wide range of projects. Some models have the largest embroidery areas among single-head commercial machines, suitable for large designs on jackets, banners, and blankets.
Non-commercial embroidery machines are restricted to smaller embroidery fields, limiting their versatility.
Free Arm Space
When it comes to machine embroidery, free arm space is a game-changer, especially for professional and commercial embroidery machines. A free arm space refers to an extended, long and skinny arm that allows embroiderers to work on items that would otherwise be challenging to hoop and stitch.
One of the biggest advantages of having this is its ability to embroider on hats, sleeves, and other tubular items with ease. The design of this extended arm provides better access to tricky areas, eliminating the frustration of fabric bunching or improper alignment.
For businesses or serious hobbyists, investing in a machine with free arm space opens the door to more creative and professional embroidery projects, making it a valuable tool in the industry.
Which One Suits Your Embroidery Plans?
Commercial embroidery machines stand out as the cornerstone of professional embroidery businesses. For anyone considering venturing into the embroidery business or upgrading from a hobbyist setup, investing in a commercial embroidery machine ensures unparalleled efficiency and creativity in producing high-quality embroidered products.
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