The Brother PRS100 is often compared to commercial embroidery machines like the Avancé 1201C. While the PRS100 offers some “professional” features not typically found in home machines, it falls short in key areas required for commercial use. Here’s a closer look at the differences between Brother’s PRS100 and the Avancé 1201C.
Where the Brother Persona PRS100 Falls Short
Limited Embroidery Field
The Brother PRS100 has an embroidery field of 8” x 8”. This is larger than most home embroidery machines but smaller than commercial machines. The Avancé 1201C has an embroidery field of 8” x 14”, and the 15-needle Avancé 1501C provides an impressive 21” x 14” workspace.
Missed opportunities
The limited field size of the PRS100 means you cannot accommodate larger projects like jacket backs, blankets, or table runners. A small 8” x 8” design on a jacket back measuring 26” x 32” will appear undersized and unprofessional.
Reduced profitability
A smaller field limits the size and stitch count of your designs, directly affecting pricing. For instance, the PRS100 can handle designs up to 64 square inches, while the Avancé 1201C’s 112-square-inch capability nearly doubles your profit potential, allowing you to charge more for larger, high-stitch-count designs.
Fewer patches at once
A larger embroidery area allows you to create multiple patches, name badges, or military insignias simultaneously, saving time and increasing productivity.
Single Needle vs. Multi-Needle Machines
Efficiency
Multi-needle machines allow you to preload different thread colors, eliminating the need for manual color changes between designs. For a 6-color logo, the Avancé 1201C can complete a design in just 12 minutes compared to the 25 minutes or more needed with the PRS100 due to frequent thread changes.
Time savings
Multi-needle machines maximize your operational efficiency, enabling faster turnaround times for larger projects.
Consistency
Multi-needle machines are better suited for specialty threads like metallic or polyester, as they eliminate the need for frequent tension adjustments.
“High-Volume Embroidery: Benefits of Multi-Needle Machines” highlights their efficiency, versatility, and professional quality. Multi-needle machines save time with automatic thread changes, handle diverse designs, and ensure consistent, high-quality results—making them ideal for scaling embroidery businesses.
Built for Professional Use
Brother has a strong reputation for home sewing machines. The PRS100 is not designed for the demands of a professional embroidery business. Commercial machines like the Avancé 1201C are built to handle extended daily use, with robust components that ensure long-term reliability.
Durability
The Avancé 1201C is engineered to operate continuously for hours, day after day. In contrast, the PRS100 is designed for hobbyists and occasional use, making it less reliable for high-volume production.
Performance
Commercial machines maintain consistent stitching quality over prolonged use, while home-grade machines often struggle with larger, more complex designs.
Accessories and Features
Commercial embroidery machines come equipped with the tools you need for production. The Avancé 1201C includes multiple hoops in assorted sizes, with at least two of each size to ensure seamless production during large orders. The PRS100 typically comes with only four hoops, and its standard accessories are limited to a USB cable and a 1-year warranty.
The Avancé offers:
- A 5-year warranty for added peace of mind.
- Comprehensive online training courses designed for professional embroidery businesses.
Training and Support
Local sewing centers, where many Brother machines are sold, cater primarily to hobbyists. They may offer basic monogramming tutorials but often lack the expertise to train you in essential business tasks, such as digitizing designs, managing bulk orders, or optimizing production workflows.
- Professional training: Tailored courses to help you master embroidery techniques and business operations.
- Expert support: Experienced technicians provide video support and fast troubleshooting, ensuring minimal downtime for your business.
“Choosing the Right Embroidery Machine for Your Business” explores how to select the ideal machine based on production needs, design complexity, and budget. It compares single-head machines, perfect for small businesses and custom orders, with multi-head machines designed for high-volume production. It also highlights modular systems for scalable growth.
“What Is the Right Commercial Embroidery Machine for Home Business” guides home businesses in selecting the best embroidery machine. It recommends multi-needle machines for speed and versatility over flatbed machines, emphasizing essential features like appropriate attachments and hoop sizes. Choosing a reliable commercial brand ensures quality, support, and training. The Avancé line stands out for its precision and dependability, making it ideal for home-based embroidery businesses.
Choose the Right Machine for Your Business
“Know Before You Buy: Most Important Commercial Embroidery Machine Features” highlights key factors for selecting an embroidery machine. Consider production needs, workspace, budget, and support availability. Essential features include a large embroidery area, multi-needle capability, user-friendly controls, and durable construction for long-term performance.
Explore how Avancé Commercial Embroidery Machines can fulfill your embroidery needs.
Ready to Expand Your Embroidery Business?
Visit our website, live chat with a Pro, or call 877-793-3278 and let us help you grow your business.
