Why a Consumer Embroidery Machine Is Not Cut Out for Commercial Work

When starting an embroidery business, one of the first steps is choosing your machine. Make sure you know what to expect before deciding between a consumer-grade or commercial embroidery machine.
Aug 18, 2008

By Steven Batts

Recently, I received a phone call from a woman who is considering opening an embroidery business and wanted some advice. One of the questions I asked regarded the type of machine she wanted to purchase. She told me that it was a sewing machine with an embroidery attachment and that she could get the whole package for about $600.

Now, I’m not one to discourage anyone from going into business for himself, but I did feel obligated to let this woman know that this type of machine is not a reliable machine for an embroidery business. For me, this is not an uncommon conversation. I have spoken with many people at seminars, trade shows and other events who are trying to figure out how to make a profit running a consumer-grade home machine without realizing the restrictions it imposes.

Sure, consumer-grade machines are generally cheaper, though some of the higher-end machines can cost as much or more than a low-end commercial machine. But the old adage still holds true: “You get what you pay for.” When you consider the differences between a consumer-grade machine and a commercial machine, they can be summed up by durability and productivity.

Durability
I am not the only one who discourages people from using a consumer-grade machine for commercial purposes. Consumer-grade machine manufacturers do it, too. They warn you up front that if the machines are used for commercial purposes, they reserve the right to void the warranty.

There is a good reason. I have known a few decorators who started off with consumer-grade equipment, and not the cheap stuff but $4,000 to $5,000 machines. After a year of running them full time, the machines died. Either the motor would burn up or the machine would lock up. After you buy a couple of machines at that price, a commercial machine looks like a bargain.

Productivity
When running an embroidery business, productivity is the name of the game. The more I produce, the more I earn. The faster I produce, the more time it leaves me to produce or sell even more.

When you compare the two classes of machines, the most obvious differences are machine speed and number of needles, both of which are directly related to productivity. The machine speed is obvious; the faster the machine runs, the quicker a job will finish. Most consumer-grade machines sew between 400 and 500 stitches per minute (spm), with some high-end models sewing as much as 700 spm. Most commercial machines will run 1,000 spm, and there are machines that claim speeds of up to 1,500 spm.

Multiple needles have a bearing on productivity because you don’t have to tie the thread on and pull it through every time you have a color change in the design. This reduces the time for each color from about a minute to around seven seconds.

Although these are the most obvious differences, there are several more subtle ones. The basic premise is this: Commercial machines are designed to get work on and off the machine in the most efficient manner. From snap-in tubular frames to cap frame drive systems, these machines are built for producing work quickly.

If you’re considering entering the embroidery industry but have a tight budget, you should consider a used commercial machine as opposed to a new home machine. You may not get all the perks of a new machine, but at least you will have equipment that will get the job done for the long haul.

I will continue this vein of productivity next time. We will explore the productive mindset of the commercial embroiderer and look at some specific practices that vary between the average hobby embroiderer and the commercial embroiderer.

Steven Batts, a 14-year veteran of the embroidery industry, is a regular speaker at the Imprinted Sportswear Shows. He owns Righteous Threads Embroidery, Greensboro, N.C., which offers digitizing, embroidery, machine maintenance and repair, and consulting. Call him at (336) 379-9380, e-mail righteousthreads@gmail.com.

For Further Reading:

How to Make the Leap from Hobbyist to Commercial Embroiderer