Once you’ve thoroughly researched your embroidery options, it’s time to make a decision on which software to purchase. It may be that a single software package stood out as your best choice during your research. Or, several brands of software appeared to fit your needs, and you’re having a hard time deciding which one to pick. In either case, take a more in-depth look at the available choices before you make a final decision.

First of all, develop a clear understanding of why you want embroidery software and what you want it to do for you.

Make a list of projects that you would like to do, but cannot with what your current setup. Include examples of embroidered items, even if they’re mass produced and links to designs you like. (This would be a great use of a Pinterest board.) Note the functions these projects need and compare them to the features of the software you’re considering. Eliminate the software that doesn’t allow you to create similar projects, or makes it too difficult.

If you find that complex projects most appeal to you, but have little experience in embroidery, focus on finding simpler projects. From your list of software choices, choose the options that allow you to add components as your knowledge increases, and eliminate the rest.

Do some embroidery while you are doing your research.

You will start to understand how everything works together and which features are most useful for the kind of embroidery that most interests you. You will also become familiar with the limitations of your current setup. Luckily, some packages are modular, so you can start inexpensively and add components as your skill increases.

Figure out your budget for software and any instruction you think you might need.

Your research will give you insight into how much embroidery software actually costs, and having a budget will help you to avoid making a purchase you will regret later. It’s easy to get swayed by a demonstration into believing that you need top-of-the line software, but it can be expensive, rivaling the cost of a  good embroidery machine. Especially if you’re new to embroidery, less expensive, well-functioning software with good support is probably a better choice. You can always choose more expensive software later on.

When pricing modular software, make sure that you’re doing a fair comparison. Calculate the total cost of all the components needed to match the functionality of a more comprehensive package. Focus on the features you need for the projects you want to do, although you may not be able to compare features exactly. Buying all the pieces of modular package could end up costing more than buying a package that is more expensive up front. The only way to know for sure is to compare all the costs and features.

Estimating instruction costs can be challenging. One option is to total the costs of all the classes you think you’d need to feel comfortable with the software from all sources. Or choose a single instructor, and total the costs of all the classes of theirs that you think you’d need. Include estimated travel costs if working with an instructor in person is important to you. Add the instruction costs to the cost of the software. You may find that a more expensive embroidery software package with instruction included is a better value. On the other hand, even with the additional training costs, less expensive software may still be more affordable. The only way to know for sure is to do the calculations.

Once you’ve worked through the steps above, you should be able to narrow your choices down to about three different software packages. The exact number isn’t important, what matters is limiting your choices so that you can investigate a few embroidery software packages more thoroughly.

If there is a free trial of the embroidery software you’re considering, download and install it, if you haven’t already.

Since most software trials are limited in time, make sure to download it during a time when you have time to focus on it. Work with one package at at time and play with it. Figure out how it does the things you want to do, making sure to keep good notes on your observations.

Does the program look attractive when you open it?

Functionality is more important than appearance, but if the software is unattractive or uncomfortable to work with you may avoid using it. On the other hand, “pretty” software may cost you more, and may hide limited functionality. The designers of “ugly” software may have focused more on useful tools. The only way to get a feel for this is to use the software.