I need a sewing machine that can be used for freehand embroidery?

Question

is there a specific type i should buy, or special needles. Any further info greatly aprecited, thanks.

Answer 1

I think most standard machines can be used for freehand embroidery.  You just have to make sure you have the can drop the feeddogs (the little feet on the machine that pushes that fabric through)

Answer 2

Embroidery needles are often useful.  All you need to do free motion embroidery is have a machine that allows you to drop or cover the feed dogs -- the rest is up to you.  Having a machine that allows you to do a stitch at a time and stop with needle up or needle down can also be useful, so you may wish to pay special attention to electronic machines (as opposed to mechanical):

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

Best book on FME that I know of is Robbie and Tony Fanning's Complete Book of Machine Embroidery, now out of print (but commonly available at libraries).  While you're at it, see if they can get you a copy of "Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery" -- reprints are fine -- the originals were done on treadle sewing machines.