Here are ten of the most recommended embroidery machines, covering a range of options for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals. These machines are known for their ease of use, quality, features, and versatility in both personal and commercial embroidery projects.
1. Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Beginners and hobbyists
- Key Features:
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery field for larger designs
- 138 built-in embroidery designs and 11 fonts
- USB port for importing additional designs
- Why It’s Recommended: Known for user-friendliness and versatility, this machine is ideal for beginners who want an intuitive machine with high-quality output. It’s also reasonably priced for its features.
2. Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Intermediate to advanced users
- Key Features:
- Large 7.9″ x 11″ embroidery area
- 160 built-in designs with USB port for design imports
- Advanced editing functions, including resizing and rotating
- Why It’s Recommended: The Janome 500E offers a large embroidery area and excellent customization options, making it a favorite among more experienced hobbyists and small business owners.
3. Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Versatile users who want both sewing and embroidery functions
- Key Features:
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery field with 138 built-in designs
- 240 built-in stitches for sewing and quilting
- LCD touchscreen for design editing
- Why It’s Recommended: This combo machine is great for those who want a machine that can handle both sewing and embroidery, offering solid functionality and good design options.
4. Bernina Bernette B79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Serious hobbyists and semi-professionals
- Key Features:
- 6″ x 10″ embroidery area with 208 built-in designs
- Dual feed for precise fabric feeding
- Easy-to-use color touchscreen with editing options
- Why It’s Recommended: Bernina is known for quality, and the B79 combines solid embroidery and sewing capabilities. The dual feed system makes it ideal for handling various fabric types and layers.
5. Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Advanced users wanting a multipurpose machine
- Key Features:
- 6.7″ x 7.9″ embroidery area with 175 built-in designs
- Adjustable sewing speed and advanced design editing
- Compatibility with Janome’s software for custom designs
- Why It’s Recommended: With precision stitching and high-quality components, the 9850 is ideal for users who want a reliable, feature-rich machine that can handle detailed projects.
6. Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Beginners on a budget
- Key Features:
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery field, suitable for smaller projects
- 80 built-in designs and 9 fonts
- USB connectivity for adding custom designs
- Why It’s Recommended: The PE535 is a simple, affordable embroidery-only machine, perfect for beginners who want a quality machine to learn the basics without a large investment.
7. Singer Legacy SE300 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Budget-friendly option for combined sewing and embroidery
- Key Features:
- 10.25″ x 6″ embroidery area with 200 built-in embroidery designs
- 250 built-in stitches for sewing
- Two embroidery hoops included
- Why It’s Recommended: Singer’s SE300 offers a large embroidery area at a lower price point, along with ample built-in designs and stitches for versatile crafting.
8. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Beginners looking for a versatile machine
- Key Features:
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery area with 80 designs and 6 fonts
- 103 sewing stitches for regular sewing needs
- LCD touchscreen for design preview
- Why It’s Recommended: This machine combines embroidery and sewing functions, making it a good starter machine for people who want to explore both areas without a large financial commitment.
9. Janome MB-7 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine
- Best For: Small business owners and professionals
- Key Features:
- 7-needle machine for efficient color changes
- 9.4″ x 7.9″ embroidery area with 50 built-in designs
- USB and PC connection for importing and editing designs
- Why It’s Recommended: The MB-7 is a powerful, multi-needle machine designed for commercial use. It saves time on color changes and is ideal for producing multiple items quickly and efficiently.
10. Baby Lock Solaris 2 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Best For: High-end users and professionals
- Key Features:
- 10.5″ x 16″ largest embroidery area among home machines
- 865 built-in embroidery designs with IQ Visionary technology for customizations
- Camera and projector for precise placement of designs
- Why It’s Recommended: The Solaris 2 is one of the most advanced machines available, with cutting-edge features for perfect design placement and customization, making it a top choice for professionals or enthusiasts with a high budget.
Choosing the Right Embroidery Machine
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Embroidery Area | Larger areas allow bigger or more complex designs without re-hooping, which is ideal for larger projects. |
| Built-in Designs | Machines with ample built-in designs give beginners quick options, while USB ports allow custom designs for advanced users. |
| Multi-Needle Capability | Multi-needle machines are time-saving for professionals who frequently change thread colors. |
| Editing Features | Advanced editing allows resizing, rotating, and customizing designs directly on the machine. |
| Versatility (Sewing + Embroidery) | Combination machines provide value for users who need both functions, especially beginners. |
Final Recommendations
- Best Overall for Beginners: Brother PE800 – Easy to use with ample designs, great for starting out.
- Best for Multi-Purpose (Sewing + Embroidery): Brother SE1900 – Perfect for hobbyists who want both functionalities.
- Best High-End Professional Option: Baby Lock Solaris 2 – Top-tier features for intricate designs and high production quality.
These machines cover a range of uses, from simple projects to professional-level embroidery. Each offers unique features, so you can choose one that fits your needs and skill level.