If you’re thinking of dabbling in embroidery, either for fun or to start your own home embroidery business, then you need the best embroidery machines on your side. But with so many options on the market, how can you find the right one?
Whether you’re a hobbyist or want to take your love of all things sewing and embroidering to the next level, I’m here to help you out. I’ve looked high and low to find the absolute best embroidery machines on the market. There’s something for everyone on this list, whether you’re a brand new beginner or have been a lifelong embroiderer.
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- What Should I Look For When Buying the Best Embroidery Machine?
- Here's How We've Determined the Best Embroidery Machine
- #1: Best Value – Brother Embroidery Machine PE770
- #2: Best Embroidery Machine – Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 Embroidery and Sewing Machine
- #3: Best for a Home Business – Janome MB-4S Commercial 4 Needle Embroidery Machine
- #4: Best Low Cost – Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- #5: Best for Patches – Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict: Your Best Embroidery Machine
What Should I Look For When Buying the Best Embroidery Machine?
Considering the price of an embroidery machine or an embroidery sewing machine combo, you’re going to want to be picky about which machine you choose. But don’t worry – whether you’re new or want to start a home business, I am sharing all of the must-know things to consider before buying the best embroidery sewing machine for you and your needs.
Criteria #1: Skill Level
Someone who has been in the business of embroidering for years will want to focus on finding a machine with all the bells and whistles. However, someone who has little to no experience using a needle threader or even a sewing machine will want to start with something simple.
Criteria #2: Features
I love features. Don’t you? And some of these models are riddled with features you won’t want to miss. Look for things that are going to make your job easier. For example, speed control and an automatic needle theater might be something you look into. Aside from speed control and an automatic needle threader, a handy USB port, plenty of throat width, and state-of-the-art presser feet are things to look out for.
Criteria #3: Included Designs
When you’re just starting out, having pre-made designs is going to be a big help. So, try to find a model that has plenty of pre-made designs available. You will also find things like fonts, and it’s great to have a mass collection of fonts to enhance your designs. Think, “The more, the merrier,” when it comes to finding a model with a lot of designs.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Embroidery Machine
Are you ready to dive into the best embroidery machines? To make my best list, I considered a few things. First and foremost, I looked at the benefits each embroidery machine had to offer. I compared these features to the price tag to make sure everything aligned. From there, I looked at the embroidery machine reviews to make sure it wasn’t all hearsay. I wanted to hear from real people why they loved these embroidery machines.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive into the very best embroidery machines on the market. You’re bound to find an embroidery machine that matches your specific goals and needs.
#1: Best Value – Brother Embroidery Machine PE770
Get the Brother Embroidery Machine PE770 at Amazon
I’ll level with you here. Embroidery machines are not exactly cheap. Most come with a fairly high price tag. That said, I wanted to find a machine embroidery product that would give you the biggest bang for your buck. I decided on the Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine. Not only is this embroidery machine the best value, but it’s great for all levels of embroiders, even if you’re a beginner or hobbyist.
But what’s to love about this embroidery machine? Well, for starters, this machine comes with an expansive 5″ x 7″ field. This offers far more space than some other models, which results in bigger and better designs. If you’re looking to create projects that wow with their size, consider this model.
These machines come complete with 136 built-in embroidery designs, too. Here, you will find everything from interesting frame shapes and fonts to impressive border styles that are nothing short of elegant. So, if you’re looking for an embroidery machine that gives you that extra kick into high gear, consider this machine.
Not only does this embroidery machine have built-in designs, but it also comes with built-in memory that allows you to import your favorite design using a USB memory stick.
Some other exciting features of these machines include a maximum embroidery speed of 650 spm, unique design editing features like mirror-image, rotate, and size edits, and an easy-to-use threading system that makes trimming easier than ever before.
Final Thoughts: All in all, this beginner and budget-friendly embroidery machine comes with all the features you’d want without the hefty price tag. While this might not be the desired choice for someone trying to run a business, it’s a great choice for those seeking home embroidery machines they can easily enjoy and play around with.
What Reviewers Had to Say: People love this embroidery machine. In fact, one customer literally said, “I am in love with my Brother embroidery machine!!” The only real downside people stated had to do with the included hoops. You may need to buy separate ones for better embroidering.
#2: Best Embroidery Machine – Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 Embroidery and Sewing Machine
Get the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 at Amazon
Well, I’m just going to say it: This is the best sewing embroidery machine you will likely ever see in your lifetime. Okay, I might be going a little bit overboard. But honestly, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft sewing embroidery machine comes with so many fantastic benefits that you might not know what to do with them. Let’s not wait another second. If you have the money, but this machine. Here’s why.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Ultimate Editing Capabilities
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft is the best machine if you’re looking to edit any design with ease using a real-time PC connection with Horizon Link. Here, you can create and edit designs on the touch screen or computer. With a larger screen, you can get more detailed designs unlike ever before.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product: AcuFeed System and Free Arm
For all of the quilters out there that want more ability to craft quilted designs, you will love the fact that this embroidery sewing machine comes with AcuFeed Flex. Now, you have two widths to choose from, and the feed will work automatically and effortlessly.
Did I mention that the unique Linear Motion Embroidery System is also built for your benefit? Here, you have a larger area to embroider, and it works using free arm embroidery.
Reason #3 to Choose This Product: Create Your Own Stitches
Yes, you read that right. The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 is unbelievably awesome when it comes to customization. Not only can you edit and create using the touchscreen or your computer, but you can even create your own stitches – or use the provided stitches. When you’re ready to roll, enjoy a 9mm wide area to work on.
Reason #4 to Choose This Product: Four Embroidery Hoops
“The more, the merrier” – that’s what I always say. And the Janome 12000 Embroidery and Sewing Machine allows for it. With four different hoops, you can create to your heart’s content. Here are the hoops you get.
- GR Hoop (9.1 x 11.8 embroidery area)
- SQ Hoop (9.1 x 9.1 embroidery area)
- Square Hoop (5.5 x 5.5 embroidery area)
- Free Arm Hoop FA10 for harder to reach areas
Reason #5 to Choose This Product: Ease of Use
Want optimum control? Of course you do! Optimum control is important when embroidering. And that’s why you will love the automatic auto presser foot lift. Now you can have ultimate precision throughout all of your projects.
Not only that, but this machine comes with a 1-step needle plate conversion. You can easily switch it up with a single lever so you don’t have to quit working. This is great for those that need an embroidery unit that can stand up to all of their business needs.
Did I mention you can also change the width of your zigzag while sewing? Needless to say, no design is too much for the Janome 12000 Embroidery and Sewing machine!
Reason #6 to Choose This Product: 1,000 SPM
Forget about those machines that run like a turtle. Thanks to 1,000 stitches per minute, you can stitch quickly without compromising quality on your embroidery designs.
Reason #7 to Choose This Product: Plenty of Lights and Magnifier
Focusing on your designs is crucial, whether you’re running a business or just using your embroidery sewing machine as a hobby. Either way, you can rest assured you’re in complete control of your embroidery and sewing machine thanks to the inclusion of 10 built-in LED light bulbs. There is even a magnifier that can zoom in 1.5x to make it easy to find the tiniest details.
Final Thoughts: What more can I say other than this machine is amazing. It has everything you could ever want from an embroidery sewing machine. Of course, it comes with a hefty price tag, but sometimes you have to spend more to get all of the features you crave. So, if you don’t mind spending a little extra, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 Embroidery Sewing Machine might be right for you.
What Reviewers Had to Say: When it came to these embroidery machine reviews, everyone was pleased. In fact, someone claimed, “It sews perfectly and all the bells and whistles makes sewing a dream.” Well worth the price? The five stars and immensely high reviews would say, “Absolutely!”
#3: Best for a Home Business – Janome MB-4S Commercial 4 Needle Embroidery Machine
Get the Janome MB-4S at Amazon
One look at this embroidery machine, and you can tell it’s designed for professional use. So, let me go ahead and share this warning now: This embroidery machine is not designed for newbies. It’s not that you won’t reach this level eventually, but this embroidery machine is definitely designed for home businesses not as a hobby home machine. That said, let’s check out this awesome embroidery machine.
There is so much to love about this professional embroidery machine. So much so that it could easily fill up a table of contents. But I won’t go too far into the details. Let’s check out the highlights.
The Janome MB-4S is a new and improved model of the original model and increases virtually everything overall. The single-thread embroidery sewing machine comes equipped with four needles to get the job done. Not only that, but it works with all embroidery formats, leaving you with limitless options and customization.
What’s more to love about the Janome MB-4S is that it is compatible with six different Tajima hoops, with four provided. With so much versatility, it’s a cinch to get through all of your projects and bring new creations to life.
The big standout feature of the Janome MB-4S is that it comes with an impressive 5.7-inch remote computer screen (RCS). It comes with an attached USB port for importing new designs with a USB cable, too. It is compatible with an ATA PC memory card slot. The best part, with the RCS, you’re in complete control. The RCS doesn’t even have to be attached to the machine for it to function!
With an improved bobbin, you can easily use more thread and keep sewing for a longer period of time. That’s great news since the Janome MB-4S comes with tons of designs. There are fifty integrated designs plus lots of fonts and monogram lettering to up your designs.
Some of the less wowing yet still important features include programmable jump thread trimming, adjustable hoop position, auto-return break, sensors, time indicator, stitching counter, independent bobbin winder, embroidery area trading, four LED lights, and a 1-year warranty. With all of these incredible benefits, all of your sewing and embroidery dreams can come true.
Final Thoughts: There is no doubt about it – these embroidery sewing machines have it all. They come with so many unique features and embroidery designs, making this the go-to for anyone that wants to start their own embroidery business. Although there is a lot to wow you with, it’s still pretty easy to learn this embroidery machine for home, which is great for those just starting in the professional world.
What Reviewers Had to Say: Customers love these embroidery sewing machines. There is so much you can do with them, thanks to the built-in embroidery designs and the option to use all types of hoops. It’s really easy to learn this embroidery machine, too, which is why professionals love it.
#4: Best Low Cost – Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Get the Brother SE600 at Amazon
Okay, okay, I get it. Embroidery machines are not exactly inexpensive. So what do you do if you’re looking for a sewing and embroidery machine for home? Are you completely out of luck? No way. And that’s all thanks to the Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine.
Although this embroidery machine might be a little less pricey than the others, it certainly doesn’t slack on its quality of benefits. There is still a lot to enjoy about this cost-effective sewing and embroidery machine. Let’s get sewing!
This embroidery machine comes with 80 built-in embroidery designs and six embroidery fonts. This wonderful machine is great for beginners or novice embroiderers who want an A-grade machine for less with plenty to choose from.
It also comes with an automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin to make your life easier. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the nuisance of jams, which leads to a stress-free sewing and embroidery session.
Besides these key details, you will also enjoy 103 built-in sewing stitches with a maximum sewing speed of 710 spm. That’s pretty impressive for the price range, and you still have access to 10 styles with auto-size buttonholes. What more could you ask for?
To put the icing on the cake, these sewing machines come complete with a built-in LCD touchscreen. Standing at 3.2″, the touchscreen allows you to easily and quickly preview your designs, so you know exactly what you’re getting when the needle embroidery machine is done doing its magic.
Final Thoughts: I don’t know about you, but saving money when buying big sewing and embroidery machines is always a plus! Although it’s a cheaper choice than the others, it has plenty of features to keep you satisfied. Of course, it’s not going to be jam-packed with features, but it’s a high-quality machine that will get you by.
What Reviewers Had to Say: People love, and I mean love, this Brother machine. In fact, people have literally reviewed, “Love this Machine!” It is easy enough for beginners to use but creates such gorgeous embroidery that it looks like it was put together by a professional. There’s a reason this sewing and embroidery machine continues to get 4 or 5 stars!
#5: Best for Patches – Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
Get the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine at Amazon
The Brother embroidery machines are at it again!
If you are really interested in making patches, you need a machine that can take on that goal. For those that want to design a plethora of patches, the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine is right for you. (Oh, but don’t worry – this needle embroidery machine can do a whole lot of other magical things, too.)
With the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine, you get 138 built-in embroidery designs to play around with, on top of 11 built-in fonts. You also have the option of adding your own designs to the machine thanks to the USB port. Just attach your cable to the USB port and watch your embroidering dreams come to life.
There are plenty of unique editing features on these machines, too. From mirror images to rotate to increase and decreasing size, you can edit your designs precisely how you want them before the stitching process begins.
Did I mention how easy it is to use this embroidery machine? It comes complete with a large color touchscreen to easily preview your works of art before you get started. Just keep in mind that this is an embroidery-only machine with a 5×7″ embroidery field and foot.
With an automatic needle threader and step-by-step tutorials, anyone will find this machine to be a breeze. What are you waiting for?
Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a simple yet fun machine that can do patches really well, then you will like this Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine. It is just an embroidery machine – not a combination sewing machine. But with the color LCD touchscreen and plenty of included designs, it’s a cinch to craft some incredible creations using embroidery.
What Reviewers Had to Say: Well, I will be honest with you. It was basically impossible to find anything wrong with these machines. People love them, even in the comments section. That must be why these machines come with four and five stars? I’d say it’s worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about embroidery machines, you’re not alone. The good news is, I have the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
How much does a good embroidery machine cost?
The most common price for a good embroidery machine for the home is $1,000 or less. Those that wish to take their embroidery to the next level or are business owners should expect to spend more than $1,000. A sewing and embroidery machine that costs $500 or less is a great beginner or budget-friendly option for home use, too.
How difficult is embroidery?
Although embroidery might look extremely intricate and challenging, it certainly doesn’t have to be. While it definitely has a learning curve and will require a bit of patience and time, embroidery isn’t overly difficult. The best thing to do is to start with a simple embroidery machine and some basic patterns.
Can you make money with an embroidery machine?
Sure! An embroidering business can certainly be profitable. That’s because plenty of people need things embroidered, and they sometimes lose a homemade embroidered item. Another big reason you can make money is that embroidery equipment is super cheap (minus the initial investment in the sewing and embroidery machine itself). After paying the initial price for the machine, you can utilize pre-made and homemade embroidery designs to make some money in a home business.
Are embroidery machines hard to use?
Not necessarily. While a newbie would not want to dive into a commercial-grade machine, someone brand new to sewing embroidery will do just fine with a beginner-friendly machine. All you need to do is learn the machine and understand all of the basics, from the speed control to the LED light and everything in between. The good news is, a lot of these brands offer tutorials or step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions for newcomers.
What is the difference between an embroidery machine and a monogramming machine?
While there is not a huge difference between these two, monogramming can be looked at as sewing stitches to create initials and logos. Sewing embroidery goes beyond this step with frame patterns, intricate embroidery designs, and so much more. Think of an embroidery machine as an extension of monogramming.
Can sewing machines do embroidery?
Technically, a regular sewing machine can create embroidery by tracing a design onto a stabilizer, then tracing the design with a needle. However, an actual embroidery or sewing embroidery machine will give you far more detailed and fabulous designs.
But if you just need to do something very basic, a regular sewing machine should do the trick, and you don’t need any special presser feet to get you started.
>> Related: Best Coverstitch Sewing Machines
Verdict: Your Best Embroidery Machine
Okay, there was a lot of information on this list. From throat width to USB port, designs to the embroidery foot – it’s plenty to take in. To make your shopping easier, I’ve highlighted the top picks and who might want to buy them.
If you want the best value for your money, pick the Brother Embroidery Machine PE770.
For those who don’t mind spending a little more on the very best machine, consider the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 Embroidery and Sewing Machine.
If you need an embroidery machine for a business, either a home business or a professional business, consider the Janome MB-4S Commercial 4 Needle Embroidery Machine.
If you want to keep the spend under $600, pick the Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine.
For those looking to create incredible patches, the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine is your best option.
Embroidering can create some of the most magnificent designs you have ever seen, so it’s not shocking you want to get your hands on this type of machine. While something like the Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine works well with lower skill levels, the more expensive Memory Craft 12000 Embroidery and Sewing Machine should be reserved for those who are professionals and have a home business or professional business.
Focus on your specific needs compared to your price range. Take a good look at the features each machine has to offer, as well as the embroidery machine reviews, to get an idea of how people really like the machine.
