I have been using the Smartstitch S-1201 embroidery machine for a couple months now - mostly for hobby projects but have easily seen the utility for professional/business interests. I will try to focus on the machine and experience with it for this review. Shipping - I won't speak to speed, as I used a third party financier which slowed down the processing a bit. But the machine itself came packaged extremely well. It's always a little intimidating getting a huge wooden crate delivered, but everything inside looked as if it hadn't moved at all. The machine is bolted down to the crate itself which had to be unscrewed/removed, and the unboxing experience was probably about as easy as it could be. The machine was entirely assembled, and only a couple of the threat guide tubes had disconnected which were easily plugged back in. Contained everything listed in the description, including starter kit. You truly don't need ANYTHING else to start with, except material to embroider on. You'll want to keep everyyyything including the wooden crate just in case there are any issue with your machine. If it needs to be shipped back, it has to be shipped out like it was shipped in. For me, living in an apartment, I kept the crate until I had the machine up and running and had done several projects and was comfortable it was operating well. But it's still a risk, so recommend keeping the crate for as long as you reasonably can. Assembly - as mentioned, the machine itself is entirely assembled. You will however have to put together the stand. This was a little challenging, but smartstitch has video's on their youtube channel to walk you through the steps. The stand itself is very heavy duty to support the weight of the machine (which is about 80lbs) and is great. Also comes with a tabletop surface to help support heavier weight items while being embroidered, but honestly I haven't even installed or used it - its been unnecessary for everything I've done (hats, tshirts, polos, fleece/sweaters, jackets). It comes with a wheel/caster combo so that it stays steady, but it can also be carted across a hard flooring if needed. The machine had a big red "DO NOT USE UNTIL TRAINING" sign on it - and I would definitely recommend following that. The last thing you want to do is mess something up because you don't know what you're doing, then trying to explain to your trainer initially that you've already created on issue. Getting started - this is where the smartstitch excels in a lot of areas. For one, they have a ton of training and how-to videos that are really helpful. They walk through all the basic setup, maintenance, and other important information you'll need to know for normal use. I watched all of these before I even got my machine, and then again after getting it setup on the stand. Once on the stand I saw they had left the machine entirely "threaded" on all of the needles and tied off the ends on the back of the machine. That is awesome, because then you can just take a spool, tie one end to the end of the string from the machine, and then pull it through so it correctly threads through all of the tubes, holes, springs, and wheels on the machine. Cut the string that was on the machine off at the end, thread the needle, and you're ready to go. Did that for all 12 needles and it was great - a lot of issues first time users have, is due to incorrect threading. This helps resolve this, at least initially (until you have an issue)... but they have good videos for that too. The one thing that wasn't made clear in the videos or included instruction, was getting an embroidery hoop set up onto the machine. My machine was delivered with the hat-hoop (and a hat they did a test embroider on prior to shipping) installed. So when I began my "training" with a smartstitch trainer, I wasn't ready. But once I changed out the hat hoop with the normal hooping gear, I was all set. Training - Once you buy your machine, you can get added to the facebook support group for smartstitch. They will confirm your purhase (you have to provide them some of your order details) and set you up with a personalized customer support chat (via FB messenger). Your initial training is done through a video call through this chat. They basically ask how your setup went, having followed the videos, and will walk you through an initial "tension test" to see if the bobbin and thread is all at the appropriate levels. If you don't know what a bobbin is, or how tension relates to embroidery, do some googling... its very important. And definitely important to get that test pretty solid before starting projects (the support team will stress this too). The second most common issue I have seen from new users, is not having a favorable tension test across all their needles prior to starting projects. After doing probably 8 to 10 of them, I had my tension good and consistent across all needles and doing projects. Support staff contacted me fairly regularly (still do) to see how things are going and if i need any support. I will mention most of them are in China, so you always have to take the time zone and days off (like holidays) into consideration when trying to contact them. They're people too. Running the machine - the machine runs really great. I've seen people who have issues, but I have yet to see something that wasn't, or wasn't most likely, a user error. These are machines, and machines only operate as good as the instructions they are given.... so making sure you are working from a quality embroidery file can be a night and day difference when doing projects. And that's the largest part of the learning curve with embroidery. Some people spend years becoming masters at digitizing embroidery files. I came from a pretty solid background of working with cutting machines and lasers, and this is a different game entirely. That said, I have started to learn some basics. But the machine does also have some fonts and lettering built in - but still best to practice on some spare cloth while messing around with the settings. Using the lettering function and default settings, i wasn't happy with the results. After messing with the stitch spacing and other options, they turned out excellent. So getting quality embroidery files for your designs is really important. Until I become more proficient, I found a digitizer on the facebook group who makes my deisgns for me, or I will buy them off of a site. I won't recommend a site, but just realize some sites where you buy peer to peer designs may not be digitized well. Some people use "auto" functions on digitizing software that usually turns out bad, then sells them. Just be aware. I have had no issues with the machines normal functions... running, cutting thread, movement of tracks, etc. Be careful of getting your garment onto the machine if you're not familiar with embroidery... don't want your garment hindering the movement of the hoop or your design will get messed up (or you'll embroider the garment to itself.) Watch some videos, lots of them with good tips out there. Mighty hoops - one of the first things i saw and heard about in the FB group is mighty hoops. They are a complete game changer by making hooper easier, require far less time, and typically a more solid hoop on your material. I was hesitant, because it's extra cost. But I know have the full starter kit and 2 hoops and will definitely be buying more soon. The machine does come with 5 normal hoops you can use and tighten by hand. But the mighty hoops are designed with magnets and snap together very quickly and security and have all kinds of alignment accessories. I can setup, hoop, embroider, and finish anything necessary for doing a polo in like 8 minutes or less (will depend on your design, but mines fairly simple). That's where I can really start to see the utility of this machine for business purposes. I've made a bunch of gear for my co-workers with our company logo on them, as "swag" is scarce at the moment. They all turned out great, and significantly more cost effective than whatever service my company has been using. Attaching a few pics of projects I've done. Highly recommend this machine as it's a bit cheaper than competitors, offers very responsive and great customer support, and has a pretty solid community willing to help. If you're wanting to get into embroider and have the time and patience, this machine (or it's beefier 1501 cousin) is the right pick.
