10Best.Guide

Embroidery Machine

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Great value for the price
  • Excellent customer service and support
  • Helpful instructional videos available online
  • Custom crate for easy shipping and reuse
Cons
  • Learning curve for embroidering different fabrics
  • Heavy machine
Bottom Line
The BAI Embroidery machine is a great value for the price and offers excellent customer service and support. While there is a learning curve for embroidering different fabrics and the machine is heavy, it is easy to set up and use with helpful instructional videos available online. The custom crate also makes shipping and reuse easy.
Pros
  • Good quality and thickness
  • Easy to tear away
  • Holds stitches well
  • Affordable
  • See-through for easy positioning
Cons
  • Inconsistent thickness
  • Difficult to remove on certain stitches
Bottom Line
This stabilizer is a good quality, affordable option for embroidery projects that need a lightweight stabilizer. However, it may not be suitable for heavy stitch count embroidery and may leave a white ring on the fabric.
Pros
  • Nice machine for sewing and embroidery
  • Auto threader works well
  • Good for downloading embroidery patterns
  • Impressive machine for embroidery
  • Easy to switch from sewing to embroidery
Cons
  • Threading issue can be a pain
  • Multi-color changes can be difficult
Bottom Line
The Brother SE1900 is a good machine for sewing and embroidery, with an intuitive layout and good performance. However, it has some issues with threading and multi-color changes, and some parts can break easily. Overall, it is a solid choice for those looking for a machine that can handle both sewing and embroidery.
Pros
  • Has many added features.
  • Comes with an easy to understand Instruction Booklet AND a 20-30 minute CD.
  • Has an auto cutter.
  • Sewing machine is smooth.
  • Ability to adjust tension.
Cons
  • Has no power.
  • Bobbin winding is difficult.
Bottom Line
The Janome Sewing Machine has many added features, an easy to understand Instruction Booklet AND a 20-30 minute CD, and an auto cutter. However, it has no power, bobbin winding is difficult, and the extension table is cheap.
Pros
  • Glow in the dark effect is impressive
  • Variety of colors to choose from
  • Sturdy and doesn't break easily
  • Good customer service
  • Adds a fun touch to projects
Cons
  • Some spools don't glow in the dark
  • Thread breaks easily for some users
Bottom Line
Brothread Glow in the Dark thread is a fun addition to any project, with impressive glow in the dark effect and a variety of colors to choose from. However, some spools may not glow and the thread may break easily for some users. The customer service is good and the thread adds a fun touch to projects.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Embroidery Machines

Overview

Embroidery machines are a great investment for anyone who loves sewing and embroidery. With the right machine, you can create beautiful designs on clothing, home decor, and more. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This guide will help you understand the different types of embroidery machines, key considerations to keep in mind, features to look for, prices, and tips to make the most of your machine.

Types

1. Computerized Embroidery Machines: These machines use software to create designs and patterns, which are then transferred to the machine to be stitched onto fabric.

2. Home Embroidery Machines: These machines are designed for personal use and are typically smaller and less expensive than commercial machines.

3. Commercial Embroidery Machines: These machines are designed for high-volume production and are typically larger and more expensive than home machines.

Key Considerations

1. Purpose: Determine what you will be using the machine for and how often you plan to use it.

2. Size: Consider the size of the machine and the space you have available for it.

3. Hoop Size: The size of the embroidery hoop determines the maximum size of the design you can create.

4. Stitch Count: The number of stitches per minute determines how quickly you can complete a design.

5. Thread Colors: Consider how many thread colors the machine can handle and whether it meets your needs.

6. Embroidery Designs: Look for a machine with a wide range of built-in designs or the ability to import designs.

7. Monogramming: Consider whether you want a machine with monogramming capabilities.

8. Digitizing Software: Look for a machine that comes with digitizing software or can be used with third-party software.

9. USB Connectivity: Look for a machine that can be connected to a computer or USB drive to import designs.

10. LCD Display: Consider the size and quality of the LCD display.

11. Automatic Thread Cutter: Look for a machine with an automatic thread cutter to save time and effort.

12. Needle Threader: Look for a machine with a needle threader to make threading the needle easier.

13. Bobbin Winding: Consider how easy it is to wind the bobbin.

14. Embroidery Foot: Look for a machine with an embroidery foot to make stitching easier.

15. Embroidery Stabilizer: Consider the type of stabilizer you will need for your projects.

16. Embroidery Thread: Look for a machine that can handle a variety of embroidery threads.

17. Embroidery Floss: Consider the type of floss you will need for your projects.

18. Embroidery Needles: Look for a machine that can handle a variety of embroidery needles.

19. Embroidery Projects: Consider the types of projects you want to create with the machine.

20. Embroidery Patterns: Look for a machine with a wide range of built-in patterns or the ability to import patterns.

Features

1. Built-in Designs: Look for a machine with a wide range of built-in designs.

2. Import Capability: Look for a machine that can import designs from a computer or USB drive.

3. Editing Tools: Look for a machine with editing tools to customize designs.

4. Monogramming: Look for a machine with monogramming capabilities.

5. Digitizing Software: Look for a machine that comes with digitizing software or can be used with third-party software.

6. LCD Display: Consider the size and quality of the LCD display.

7. Automatic Thread Cutter: Look for a machine with an automatic thread cutter to save time and effort.

8. Needle Threader: Look for a machine with a needle threader to make threading the needle easier.

9. Bobbin Winding: Consider how easy it is to wind the bobbin.

10. Embroidery Foot: Look for a machine with an embroidery foot to make stitching easier.

11. Embroidery Stabilizer: Consider the type of stabilizer you will need for your projects.

12. Embroidery Thread: Look for a machine that can handle a variety of embroidery threads.

13. Embroidery Floss: Consider the type of floss you will need for your projects.

14. Embroidery Needles: Look for a machine that can handle a variety of embroidery needles.

Prices

Embroidery machines can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Home machines typically cost between $300 and $1,000, while commercial machines can cost $5,000 or more.

Tips

1. Practice with scrap fabric before starting a project.

2. Use high-quality thread and stabilizer for best results.

3. Clean and maintain your machine regularly.

4. Take classes or watch tutorials to improve your skills.

5. Use embroidery software to create custom designs.

6. Experiment with different fabrics and thread colors.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a home embroidery machine and a commercial embroidery machine?

A: Home machines are designed for personal use and are typically smaller and less expensive than commercial machines. Commercial machines are designed for high-volume production and are typically larger and more expensive than home machines.

Q: Can I use regular sewing thread for embroidery?

A: While regular sewing thread can be used for embroidery, it is not recommended. Embroidery thread is specifically designed for the unique demands of embroidery.

Q: How do I choose the right embroidery machine for my needs?

A: Consider your budget, the types of projects you want to create, and the features you need in a machine.

Q: Can I create my own embroidery designs?

A: Yes, you can create your own embroidery designs using digitizing software.

Q: Can I use an embroidery machine for quilting?

A: While embroidery machines can be used for quilting, they are not specifically designed for this purpose. Quilting machines have additional features that make quilting easier and more efficient.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Runs smoothly and quietly
  • Easy to thread and adjust tension
  • Comes with colored thread for practice
  • Sturdy and well-made
  • Good value for the price
Cons
  • Blades may dull quickly
  • Plastic parts may break easily
Bottom Line
The Brother Serger is a good value for the price and is easy to use for beginners. However, it may not last as long as other machines and has some touchy parts that require careful use.
Pros
  • Good for beginners
  • Self-threading is easy to use
  • Stitches are nice and embroidery is wonderful
  • Great for embroidery
  • Saves money on embroidery services
Cons
  • Limited to 4x4 embroidery size
  • Learning curve
Bottom Line
The Brother SE600 is a great embroidery machine for beginners, but has a learning curve and limited embroidery size. It has nice stitches and embroidery, but limited font choices and graphics. It is a good investment for those who want to save money on embroidery services.
Pros
  • Easy to use right out of the box
  • Can make beautiful embroidery
  • Has a 5x7 embroidery field
  • Makes great looking projects
  • Has new features that simplify operation
Cons
  • Shipping issues
  • Missing parts
Bottom Line
The Brother PE800 embroidery machine is a great option for those looking for a machine with a 5x7 embroidery field and new features that simplify operation. However, buyers should be aware of potential shipping and missing parts issues, as well as some reported difficulties with the needle threader and tension/thread breakage.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Color display
  • Comes with accessories
  • User-friendly
  • Disney designs
Cons
  • Quality issues
  • Missing parts
Bottom Line
The Brother PE550D is a user-friendly machine with a color display and Disney designs, but has quality issues and missing parts. It also has a limited hoop size and requires expensive bobbin thread.
Pros
  • Large 6x10 hoop
  • Color screen
  • Needle threader
  • Easy to learn and use
  • Free upgrade to NQ1700E
Cons
  • Machine malfunctioned for one customer
  • Defective machine received by one customer
Bottom Line
The Brother NQ1600E/NQ1700E is a great embroidery machine with a large hoop, color screen, and needle threader. It is easy to use and comes with bonus software worth over $400. However, some customers have experienced issues with the machine malfunctioning or being defective upon arrival, and some have received fewer hoops than expected. It is recommended to purchase from a local dealer for warranty work and after-sales service.
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