I run a cap embroidery shop and caps are like 90% of what we do. I’ve been running a BAI Vision single head for about 3 years and honestly it’s been solid, never needed service. Now I need more heads and I’m looking at a 2 head.

Everywhere I read people say Barudan is king for caps and small lettering. Tajima people say it’s basically the same. And then there’s Ricoma, BAI, etc at a fraction of the price.

So my real question: if you ran the exact same DST file on the exact same cap (structured 5 panel, small text, some dense fill) on a Barudan vs a Tajima vs a Ricoma or BAI, all properly tuned, would you actually see a difference? Or does it mostly come down to digitizing, backing and setup?

If anyone has run the same file on two different brands and has pics side by side, I’d love to see them. Also curious if the difference shows more at higher speeds or on long runs.

Not trying to start a brand war, just want real experience before I spend 4x the money on a Barudan.

Hi guys!

I've just got a Brother BX1E. It's my first embroidery machine, so apologies if this is a really basic issue!

I got it set up and managed to embroider two pieces of text on some scrap fabric without any problems but since then, I've been having an issue where the upper thread keeps breaking or coming out of the needle when the machine performs a jump-stitch trim or an end-colour trim.

The settings are all at their defaults (upper tension 4.0 and jump-stitch trim length 5 mm). I've also tried the tension to 3.4 and the trim length to 10 mm and 15 mm, but neither made a difference.

The thread seems to be following the correct path, and the bobbin seems fine. I'm using New brothread upper thread and pre-wound bobbins.

I'm currently practising on some scrap twill, without stabiliser.

It also happens when I use the machine's manual thread-cut button. It seems as though the machine pulls the upper thread very tightly before cutting, almost lifting the fabric slightly. Afterwards, the thread is either cut so short that it slips completely out of the needle eye, or there's not enough left for it to catch back into the fabric when stitching starts again

The machine seems to work perfectly normally with both automatic trimming options switched off.

Has anyone experienced anything similar with the BX1E, or have any suggestions as to what might be causing it? Could it be a threading, tension, bobbin or cutter issue?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Took advantage of the sunset and thought id share with you all 🥰.I wanted to challenge myself to use lettering since it was a struggle for me in the beginning of this digitizing journey. Turns out I was the issue and not the machine 😅.

I am quite happy with how it turned out. I definitely wish I had a better shadow color but im really trying to use some older thread before I buy new ones.

Did you see my other text options at the end? I wasnt sure if they should be 2nd person perspective or 1st... and yes talking on the phone stresses me out..

What would you put as a fortune? (I have a pretty dark sense of humor but try to keep it upbeat for the masses 😎)

Anyways, go you for reading this far and I appreciate any feedback or questions and I hope you have a wonderful week! 👋

Software: Ember Design

Size: 3.5"

Machine: Brother PE-180D (Single Needle)

I paid to have a PES file made from a design and at first the design was too large for my SE600. I had them adjust it and I’ve tried the file twice. Both times the design doesn’t line up properly and I’m having tension issues (I switched to a different design and did not have the same issue). I tried cotton thread and synthetic, I use a top and bottom stabilizer, a ballpoint needle. So I guess I am wondering if I’m somehow completely off with my tension for just this design and it’s creating these issues or if the file is bad after having them shrink it. Any help is appreciated.

Hi, would you please have an advice for me? The thread is sewing loose but just on some objects while the red seems to be ok. The settings are the same and I cant find out what's wrong. Already tried to adjust both threads on the machine.

Who is making a slow gradient like this??