My daughter’s new side-hustle - BAi the Mirror

Quick Overview

The presenter and her daughter successfully set up and began using the BAI The Mirror commercial embroidery machine to create custom plush toy accessories, finding the machine user-friendly despite a steep learning curve for pricing and digitizing, and noting that the machine cost $5,399.99, saving them $800 by picking it up locally.

Key Points: The BAI The Mirror commercial embroidery machine cost $5,399.99, which saved the presenter $800 in shipping since they picked it up locally. The machine is a multi-needle, entry-level commercial model with a large 20 x 14 inch embroidery area, capable of handling various fabrics, including hats. Included accessories upon purchase were a full toolkit, pre-wound white bobbins, stabilizer, oil, thread (four colors: blue, red, black, white), and the necessary hoop sets for hats (like the C12, 4.72" x 4.72"). The setup process involved assembling the tripod stand (using included screws/washers) and installing the hand rails and wheels, which was described as simple. The presenter highlights that programming color changes (up to 15 colors) and performing tension tests are necessary steps, especially when switching fabric types. The associated online software (BAI Institch Cloud) allows users to upload patterns, though it is currently basic and in beta, requiring users to purchase embroidery files separately (costing $3-$15 for a small logo).

Context: The video features a mother and daughter team who are starting a custom plush toy creation side hustle. To scale up their production beyond simple sewing, they invested in a professional, multi-needle embroidery machine, the BAI The Mirror, and are documenting the unboxing, setup, and initial operation of the equipment.

Detailed Analysis

The video details the unboxing and initial setup of a BAI The Mirror commercial embroidery machine by a mother and daughter team launching a side hustle creating custom plush toys. The machine cost $5,399.99, saving them $800 by avoiding shipping costs through local pickup. The machine is a single-head, 15-needle commercial unit with a large 20" x 14" embroidery area. The setup involved assembling the tripod stand using provided hardware, installing hand rails, and adding wheels for mobility. The machine came with numerous accessories, including a toolkit, pre-wound white bobbins, stabilizer (tear-away and cut-away types), oil for maintenance, and specific hat hoops like the C12 (4.72" x 4.72"). The presenters demonstrate essential setup steps: oiling the rotary hook mechanism (3-5 drops of oil), setting up the 15 thread colors based on the numbered slots, and using the touchscreen interface to select and configure the embroidery pattern (a cat face design). They emphasize the importance of running a tension test, especially when changing fabric types (like switching from green velvet to orange/pink fabric), to ensure clean stitching. They also discuss the associated online software, Institch Cloud, which allows uploading designs, noting that while the software is currently basic (in beta), it works well for their needs. Pricing for embroidery is typically $1 to $3 per 1,000 stitches, with a small logo costing $6 to $15 for setup and embroidery. The mother notes that while there is a steep learning curve, especially concerning pricing and digitizing their own files, the machine itself operates smoothly, even flagging errors like a tension break. They conclude by showing off a completed plush accessory (a small orange cat) as evidence of their progress.