Which Embroidery Machine is the Best? Our Reviews!

Which Embroidery Machine is the Best?

Thanks for stopping by our post on which embroidery machine is the best. Embroidery machines are becoming more and more popular. Sewing machines can do a lot, but they cannot create the intricate patterns which embroidery machines are capable of. Sewing machines may be able to combine two fabrics or hem the edge of one, but an embroidery machine can create patterns, monograms, and pictures on your clothing (or any other fabric). An embroidery machine really takes your creativity to another level.

Why Should You Buy an Embroidery Machine?

If you have ever tried to stitch a pattern by hand or tried to use a sewing machine to apply a pattern to some fabric, then you know how hard it is. For an intricate pattern, it can be almost impossible. An embroidery machine will allow you to create unique stitches and patterns on any fabric you desire. You can add embroidery to clothes, fabric, napkins, handkerchiefs towels, etc.

An embroidery machine takes the time out of your embroidery. What can take hours by hand can take seconds with an embroidery machine. They are also extremely simple to use. All you need to do is place the fabric in the frame, and the embroidery machine will take care of the rest (with a little guidance from you). Modern machines also allow for downloading of new patterns so you will never run out of potential projects.

Best Embroidery Machine Comparison Chart

Here is a great comparison chart of the best embroidery machines on the market today. It is totally sortable.

Types of Embroidery Machines

There are numerous embroidery machines on the market. The best place to start is by deciding which type of machine you need. The key thing to think about is if you need a combination machine and also how you are going to load the patterns.

Combo Machines

A combination machine is an embroidery and a sewing machine. If you already have a sewing machine, then you do not need to look for a combo machine. As with any appliance, the more features it combines, the less it is able to do well. A combination machine will not sew as well as a dedicated sewing machine, and a combo machine will not embroider as well as a dedicated embroidery machine. If you have a sewing machine, then we would recommend not getting a combo machine.

If you do not have a sewing machine and are looking for both an embroidery machine and a sewing machine, then a combo machine is going to be perfect for you. It may not do the job as well as dedicated machines, but it will save you some money versus purchasing each individually.

Patterns

You also need to think about how you are going to upload new patterns into your machine. There are three main ways of doing this.

• No-download machines come loaded with built-in patterns
• Some machines will have a number of pre-set patterns which will allow you to add embroidery to a host of fabrics, but there will be no option to download more patterns. Once you buy the machine, there is no option to add more patterns. These machines are great if you only want to add simple designs, logos, or names to your fabrics, and they usually cost less than other machines. Internet machines will allow you to connect them directly to the internet. Once you have grown bored of the built-in patterns, you can connect your embroidery machine to the internet and have access to thousands of designs which can be directly downloaded
• USB machines are similar to internet machines, but they download patterns from a USB stick rather than directly from the internet. All you need to do is download the pattern to a USB compatible device, transfer the pattern to the USB, and then download the pattern onto your embroidery machine

Single-needle Machines

Single-needle embroidery machines are the most basic type of embroidery machines. As the name would suggest, there is only a single needle. Even though this type of embroidery machine only uses a single needle, it is still capable of creating intricate designs. The benefit of using a single-needle machine is that they are easy to use. If you are just starting out, then they are recommended. They can be used for general stitching, intricate stitching, and computerized designs.

A single-needle machine only has one hoop attachment, so they have less capability than multi-needle machines. They can create between 300-1,000 stitches per minute.

Multi-needle Machines

These machines step it up a notch. Each machine has between 4-10 needles. Each needle can hold its own thread, and that thread can be any color. The benefit of this is that you can switch colors without having to remove the thread from a single needle and replace it with the color you need. This saves you a lot of time and is beneficial for anyone who is serious about embroidery. With large projects, it can save a lot of time.

Multi-needle machines run at speeds of 400-1,000 stitches per minute. They can also hold up to two hoop attachments. This allows you to work on multiple projects at the same time as well as being able to work on those projects at a greater speed.

What to Look for in an Embroidery Machine

If you are in the market for an embroidery machine, there are certain things to look for when purchasing. Here are some of the most important things to look for in an embroidery machine.

Number of Designs

An embroidery machine is only as good as its patterns. With most modern machines, you can download new patterns as soon as you have the machine out of the box, but it is still handy to have lots of patterns built into the machine when it comes to you. It does not matter if you can load more patterns or not, having a large selection of pre-loaded patterns is a big bonus.

If your embroidery machine does not come with internet or USB capabilities, then you should make sure that it has enough built-in patterns to give you enough options for your embroidery. If you do buy a machine which can download patterns, then it may come with no patterns pre-loaded. Having at least one pattern is nice to get you started.

Number of Stitches

You may not think that the number of stitches is important, the machine does all the work for you, right? But, the number of stitches can affect your pattern making. If you do not have the type of stitch needed for a pattern, then you are going to be unable to use the pattern.

Most embroidery machines will have between 24 and 250 stitches. The variety of stitches you need will depend on the number of patterns and the variety of patterns which you need to use. You will also find that there are some stitches which are better suited to free-hand embroidery so, if you are thinking about attempting free-hand embroidery, then you should find a machine with a wide range of stitches.

Hoop Capacity

If you need to create a large design, then you need a large hoop capacity. With most machines, the larger the hoop capacity, the more you will pay for the machine, but if you need to create a large design, then it is the only way to go. Another way to think about a large hoop capacity is that a large hoop can be used to create a small design, but a small hoop cannot be used to create a large design.

A large hoop may also mean a larger machine so pay attention to the amount of space you have for the machine. You can also find embroidery machines which have the option to expand the capabilities of the hoop. This allows you to start with a smaller machine but still have the option of expending.

Connection

We have already talked a little about the need for some way to download patterns if you want to have more than the built-in ones, and this is something which you should think about before you make your purchase. If the machine does not allow for more patterns, then you should be prepared to work with the included patterns. If there is the slightest chance that you will use more patterns, even if it will not be until way into the future, then you should invest in a machine which can accept more patterns.

You should also think about how you are going to download the patterns. If you do not have an internet connection, then there is no point in buying a machine which relies on a direct internet connection. If you have a friend who has lots of downloaded designs, then a USB stick may be beneficial. You can give them your USB and have them load to with patterns for you.

Memory

If you do buy a machine which can download patterns, then you need to think about the memory. There needs to be a place to store the patterns, and that place is the internal memory. Embroidery patterns do not take up a lot of memory, and many high-end models now have enough memory to store all of the patterns you need, but you should still be looking at the amount of memory you need.

If your machine can only store a certain number of patterns, then you will have to delete patterns before you can load more. This is not ideal. You might find that you want a pattern which was deleted. You may also not want to delete a pattern after paying money for it. If you are worried about the number of patterns you can store, then look for a machine with a large amount of memory or one which can have memory added to it at a later date.

Editing

Once you have your machine working, with the built-in patterns and all of the cool patterns you have downloaded, you will be in heaven. But, then you find that one of the patterns is not exactly how you expected. What do you do now? Some machines have the capability for you to edit a design.

If you run into any design problems, such as an image being too big or too small, a monogram with the wrong colors, a border which you do not want, or you want words to be added, then a machine which allows for editing will allow you to do some (or all) of those things and more. If you are working in any sort of professional or commercial environment, making small changes and tweaks to a design can be invaluable.

Multi-hoop

A large hoop capacity will allow you to make large designs. Multiple hoops will allow you to make multiple designs at the same time. The problem with single hoops is that you can only work on one design at any one time. If you are in a commercial or professional environment, this can lead to all sorts of headaches. Having multiple orders will require you to have different hoops or you won't get your orders done on time!! That could lead to very unhappy customers.

The multi-hoop capability will solve these problems. Having the ability to use multiple hoops will mean that you never disappoint customers. It will also mean that you will not become frustrated yourself. Working on an embroidery project is a lot of fun, but working on multiple projects at the same time will make embroidery more fun and stop you from getting bored with a single project.

Auto-pilot

It is hard to embroider without the help of an embroidery machine. If you are particularly skilled at free-hand embroidery, then any embroidery machine will work for you, but frequent breaks will still be needed. An auto-pilot function will help you to create more intricate patterns with more accuracy and speed. Automatic thread tension is also something to think about if you want to make the whole process easier.

The Best 5 Embroidery Machines on the Market Today!

After doing our research, we have come up with a list and reviews of the 5 best embroidery machines on the market today. Which embroidery machine is the best? Check out our reviews and decide for yourself. One of these embroidery machines will probably fit your needs!!!

OUR TOP PICK: Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing 4x4 Embroidery Machine

This embroidery machine has a lot going for it. It is one of the most affordable embroidery machines on our list, but that does not mean that it has limited functionality. One look at the machine and you will notice how well-built it looks, and the exterior gives hints at the number of stitches (and designs) possible. This is a computerized sewing machine. Not only are you able to do embroidery with it, but you can also do basic sewing. This opens you up to a world of possibilities.

We like how easy this machine is to use, even though there is so much which you can do with it. There is a back-lit LCD screen where you can select each pattern. The screen makes it easy to see what you are choosing, and saves you valuable time in getting the pattern you want. When it comes to using the pattern, you have a 4-inch by 4-inch frame to embroider within. This does mean that you cannot use larger patterns than this, but for regular embroidery, it will give you plenty of space.

When it comes to embroidery, a machine is only as good as its patterns. With this machine, you can connect directly to your computer and use the power of the internet to find almost any pattern which you can imagine. You can also use this connection to download updates for your embroidery machine, helping to keep your focus on your creativity and not whether the machine is compatible with a pattern or not.

We like the addition of a jam-resistant bobbin. There is nothing worse than trying to untangle your thread when it does get tangled. This keeps your thread moving; making your embroidery fast and reliable. The automatically needle threader also takes some of the headaches out of the setup. How many times does it take to get a thread on the needle? Well, once with the auto-threader. Another feature to enhance the use is the 7-point feed dogs. The fabric is fed through smoothly and will not bunch up and stick.

The machine already comes with multiple patterns, but the ability to download more makes this a machine worth having. Combine that with the ability to also use this machine as a sewing machine, and you have a valuable piece of equipment. It is easy to use and incredibly affordable.

Here is a great video on the Brother SE400 Sewing and Embroidery Machine!!

EDITORS CHOICE: Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine

This is a great little embroidery machine. You have a little more room than some cheaper machines with a generous 5-inch by 7-inch area to work on. This gives you a lot of room for small projects as well as larger ones. One of the things which we love about this machine is the ability to do lettering. You can do lettering on most embroidery machines, but the frame on this machine gives you a great amount of space for adding letters to your shirts and more.

There is an LCD screen on this embroidery machine, as there is on many modern machines, and this helps you easily select your design. It also gives you a great way to navigate through all of your designs. When you come to select the type of stitch you are going to use, you also see that on the screen. It is handy to have all the information in the one place.

We love being able to see your design on the screen, and we also love how easy it is to see the design as it is being stitched. The work area of the embroidery machine is brightly lit. When it comes to free-hand embroidery, this is a great advantage.

This embroidery machine uses a USB port to download designs. To download a design, all you need to do is download it to your computer, and then transfer it over with your USB stick. You can also upload designs to your embroidery machine though embroidery cards which slot into the card slot. These can be purchased separately.

This is a great embroidery machine for any level. It comes with 11 sewing feet which make the device easy to use and versatile. You can also perform some basic sewing functions such as buttonholing and zippering. The machine also comes with all you need to get you started.

Here is a great video on the Brother PE770!!

BEST VALUE: Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine

This is another 2-in-1 sewing/embroidery machine so be prepared to have a variety of functions at your disposal. It is also from Brother which has been a trusted name in the world of sewing and embroidery for years. We always recommend buying from a trusted brand to guarantee the longevity and quality of your machine, and also to know that there are spare parts readily available should you need to replace a part.

This embroidery machine features a 4”x 4” embroidery area. With this size of frame, we would recommend this machine to beginner and intermediate users. If you are looking for larger designs, then your money would be better spent on other machines on our list. So, what do we like about this machine?

This Brother embroidery machine connects directly to your computer to harness the power of the internet and download an almost limitless amount of patterns. When you have your pattern and your thread, you will find that that the bobbin system is extremely easy to use. The mechanism is jam-resistant. All you have to do is move the bobbin into the right place and hit the start button. There is no automatic needle threader on this machine, but that does not mean that the needle is not easy to thread. The advanced needle threader system allows you to easily thread the needle with only one hand.

The machine comes with 67 pre-programmed stitches, 70 built-in embroidery designs, 120 frame patterns, and 5 built-in fonts. We like the fonts for our lettering. With so many options, it is nice to have an LCD screen for choosing between them all. There are also some nifty features which help this machine to stand apart from others. The needle up/down setting lets you reposition the needle with the touch of a button. The automatic thread cutter works with the bobbin and needle system to make your life easier.

This is a great machine for an intermediate user. There is a lot here to use, and, with the ability to download multiple patterns, you will never run out of things to do. It is also a great machine for free-hand embroidery, especially with the ability to change your stitch speed easily. This is a very easy to use machine which will keep you busy for hours.

Here is a great video on the Brother LB6800PRW!!

RUNNER UP: Brother SE 1900 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine

We love how this machine looks. The look of an embroidery machine has nothing to do with the actual functionality of a machine, but the design will be a welcome addition to any home. Now that we are past that, we can move onto the features and why you should buy this machine.

This machine will set you back a little more than some of the others on our list, but you do get what you pay for. One great advantage of this machine is the 5”x 7” embroidery area combined with the 5”x 12” frame. The frame can be repositioned so that you can combine designs to create larger areas of embroidery. This is especially useful for lettering (you have 6 fonts available for lettering).

You can use this machine as an embroidery machine and a sewing machine. The machine is also shipped with 136 built-in designs. You also have 10 different frame shapes and 12 border styles. The machine also benefits from an editing feature, allowing you to modify existing designs and giving you more control and power. It also benefits from advanced decorative stitching such as smocking and scallop stitches.

We love the protective case which this embroidery machine comes with. Not only will it protect your machine, but it looks stylish too. It adds a practically to your machine, allowing you to travel with it. It will also protect it from day to day dirt, dust, and scratches.

This is a great embroidery machine for people of all skill levels. It performs well under all conditions and, even though it has numerous functions, remains easy to use. The feet are quick-change which will allow you to switch between embroidery and sewing quickly. Almost everything about this machine is easy to use and intuitive.

We would recommend this to someone who wants to start their own home business. The machine gives you enough functionality to create the designs which you want without your wallet taking a massive hit.

RUNNER UP: Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine

This is a dedicated embroidery machine, so you know that it is going to get the job done for you. When you buy this machine, you will notice that you have a wide range of embroidery functions at your disposal. This makes it the perfect machine for anyone who is dedicated to embroidery. It is also a great choice for anyone who wants to start an embroidery business.

This machine has a 4”x 4” niche embroidery area which is not the biggest on our list but will be perfect for adding small embroidery designs, monograms, lettering, and more. There are also 80 built-in designs for you to get started out with and when you are done with them, there are thousands more which you can download from the internet. You can upload designs onto the machine through the USB port.

You have an LCD screen through which you can find the design you need and choose from the options included with the machine. This makes choosing the design easy, but what about actually using the machine? You can get started with the automatic needle threader which makes threading the needle a breeze. We like using this machine for lettering, and the 9 fonts make it fun to try different lettering.

One feature which adds some real power to this embroidery machine is the ability to edit the designs. This means that you can tweak the designs to give you exactly what you need.

This is a great machine for someone who wants to expand on their embroidery skills or someone who is starting an embroidery business. One final selling point is the fact that you can embroider on almost any material, including denim.

Conclusion

Embroidery can be a great way to add some flair to your clothing, or it can be part of your business. Either way, you are going to want to get a high-quality machine. Even beginners should not settle for a substandard machine. You get what you pay for, and we have learned that the hard way. Saving a few bucks at the outset usually means having to spend more on repairs and replacements. Start with quality, and you will find benefits from start to finish.

The best place to start with an embroidery machine is getting to know the features and benefits of embroidery machines in general. Thankfully, you do not have to spend hours scouring the internet for information (or disinformation). We have done the hard work for you, and, not only that, but we have given you five of the best embroidery machines on the market today. Once you know a little more about what to look for, you can begin making informed choices about what you want.

Choosing an embroidery machine is a relatively easy process. Take your time and think about your needs and your wants. Set a budget and stick to it, but also remember that you are not going to get a quality machine for a small amount of money. Once you have all the information at hand, get out there and get yourself an embroidery machine.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our article on which embroidery machine is the best. We hope that we have helped you in your purchasing decision. Please feel free to leave a comment!!!