Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am absolutely in love with my Brother embroidery machine. It is by far the best embroidery machine at/around this price point. For those who are considering the Brother machine with the 4"x4" embroidery area (as I did), you should really save up for this one instead. Just like any new hobby or skill you are trying to acquire, you will not be an embroidery master on your first try... and the only thing a prior background in sewing helps is for threading, which is easy anyway. For any of those who experience problems with the machine -- it's not the machine's fault but rather user error is more likely. I have thought it was my machine at times, but it was always something I was doing (or not doing). Make sure to test with different stabilizers, fabric types, stitch design densities, toppers, needle types, hooping tensions and techniques, etc. There is also a Facebook group dedicated to this machine that is an excellent resource, as well as many YouTube videos and blogs. I have owned this machine for just over six months and I am so happy with my purchase and embroider everything! I have also used the embroidery thread and pre-wound bobbins by Embroidex (also sold on Amazon) with great results! Edited to add: Even after 6+ months I'm still learning more about the best ways to use this machine! I just learned a new tip that I thought I would pass along. Sometimes the spool holder can be finicky. If your top thread is repetitively breaking (not just once in awhile), and you've already tried replacing the needle and re-threading the machine, put your thread spool in a clean coffee cup behind your machine instead of on the spool holder. This should solve this issue -- at least it has for me!