Best Embroidery Machine: Prices, Features, And Recommendations For Beginners
Embroidery machines have revolutionized fabric decoration. It is now easier than ever to add intricate designs at home for businesses. Whether you’re exploring embroidery as a hobby or for business purposes, choosing the right machine is important.
In this guide, we help you compare embroidery machines, understand their cost, and determine which embroidery machine will best meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for an embroidery sewing machine for home or business use, read on for valuable insights.

Key Takeaways
- The best embroidery machine depends on individual needs, and embroidery machines vary widely with options for all budgets.
- Some embroidery machines are built exclusively for embroidery, while others also incorporate sewing functions.
- Embroidery machines from Brother, Janome, Bernina, and Singer can all be excellent, but you need to evaluate factors like hoop size, stitch speed, and ease of use.
- We supply high-quality custom patches in various styles and materials if you want to bypass the need for your own machine and work with a professional manufacturer.
Table of contents
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Best Embroidery Machine
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How Much Should You Spend On An Embroidery Machine?
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Best Embroidery Machine Brands
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Best Embroidery Machine For Small Businesses
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How Do You Choose The Right Embroidery Machine?
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Best Embroidery Machines For Hats And Caps
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Can You Sew With An Embroidery Machine?
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What Is The Easiest Embroidery Machine To Use?
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Best Embroidery Machines For Leather And Thick Fabrics
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Best Embroidery Machines For Custom Logos And Branding
Best Embroidery Machine
The best embroidery machine offers the right balance of affordability, ease of use, and advanced features. There are options for beginners and professionals with different features, so let’s take a brief look:
- Beginners: Easy embroidery machines with automatic threading and built-in designs are popular.
- Professionals: Things like software integration and multi-needle functionality are helpful for small business applications.
When you compare embroidery machines, consider your intended use. Are you seeking the best embroidery machines for shirts, the best computerized embroidery machine for beginners, or the best multi-needle embroidery machine for a small business?
The best embroidery machine models include user-friendly touchscreens, wireless connectivity, and high-speed stitching. Alternatively, you can work with us to order high-quality custom iron-on patches and get professional production to avoid choosing your own embroidery machine.

How Much Should You Spend On An Embroidery Machine?
The cost of an embroidery machine really depends on its features, capabilities, and the brand that makes it. There are different types of machines for beginners, home businesses, small businesses, and big commercial operations, so let’s look at the price differences:
- Home use: Expect to pay between $300 and $800 for basic functions.
- Home business: Expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,500 to enjoy a larger embroidery area.
- Small business: A multi-needle embroidery machine can range from $3,500 to $10,000 for faster production.
- Large commercial operations: High-end commercial embroidery machines cost between $10,000 and $50,000 for industrial-grade components and functionality.
When comparing embroidery machines, factor in additional costs like digitizing software, maintenance, and accessories. It is possible to make custom embroidered patches by hand as well, or you could partner with a service like ours and take advantage of generous wholesale discounts.
Create professional embroidered patches with your own designs
If you want to take out the DIY work, use our online service to order custom embroidered patches based on your unique designs and enjoy professional craftsmanship.
Best Embroidery Machine Brands
When exploring which embroidery machine is best, brand reputation is a key consideration. Some of the top embroidery machines come from well-established manufacturers, such as:
- Brother: A popular embroidery machine brand known for user-friendliness. Best for beginners and small businesses.
- Janome: High-quality home embroidery sewing machines with precision stitching, ideal for enthusiasts and professionals.
- Bernina: A premium brand that specialized in computerized embroidery machines that deliver durability and accuracy.
- Singer: A trusted name in sewing and embroidery, offering some of the best combo machines for home use.
- Melco & Ricoma: Top embroidery machines for small businesses in search of commercial-grade performance.
When comparing embroidery machine brands, consider factors like hoop size, stitch speed, and ease of use. Embroidery uplifts and brings elegance and richness to fabrics, so make sure you find the right machine for your needs.
Best Embroidery Machine For Small Businesses
The best small business embroidery machines should offer speed, precision, and durability. A single-needle embroidery machine should be sufficient for a startup, but multi-needle embroidery machines for small businesses can significantly improve output and efficiency.
Key features to look for include automatic thread cutting, touchscreen controls, and a wide embroidery field. Expert recommendations highlight the following models as recommendations:
- Brother PR1055X: A high-end, multi-needle embroidery machine ideal for home businesses.
- Janome MB-7: A professional-grade embroidery machine with sophisticated features for producing in bulk.
- Ricoma EM-1010: One of the top commercial embroidery machines for home businesses.
If you opt for a service like ours to produce embroidered patches you add to apparel and accessories, make sure you know how to attach patches properly for long-lasting results.
Want to add elegant patches to your jeans?
If you aren’t confident in your own embroidery skills, we can bring your designs for custom patches to jeans to life in embroidered and various other patch styles.
Start creatingHow Do You Choose The Right Embroidery Machine?
Choosing the best embroidery machine depends on your specific needs, which will be different for personal use, small businesses, or commercial production. So the first step is to establish what type of embroidery projects you will be undertaking.
If you need the best home embroidery machine for personal use, look at options with built-in designs, USB connectivity, and a reasonable hoop size. If you are a business owner, seek out embroidery machines for small business with high stitch speeds, multi-needle capabilities, and compatibility with digitizing software. The best multi-needle embroidery machine for small business owners enables faster production by handling multiple thread colors at once.
For your embroidery machine comparison, look at the following factors:
- Hoop size
- Stitch speed
- Software compatibility
- Automatic features
A good starter embroidery machine should deliver ease of use. High-end options, meanwhile, should deliver customization and precision at speed.

Best Embroidery Machines For Hats And Caps
If you are in search of the best embroidery machine for shirts, hats, and caps, you need a machine that can support hat hoops, adjustable tension, and rotating features. Many of the top embroidery sewing machines are equipped with specialized hat frames that can hold the cap securely as you embroider.
Top-rated embroidery machines for hats include:
- Brother PR670E: A 6-needle machine with an optional hat hoop attachment for professional work.
- Janome MB-4S: This 4-needle embroidery machine can handle hats, shirts, and other apparel.
- Ricoma RCM-1501TC: A commercial-grade machine with hat embroidery functions.
When exploring the best embroidery machines for custom hats, prioritize strong thread tension control to handle curved surfaces. If you want to embellish hats and caps without all the hassle of doing it yourself, work with us to create custom iron-on patches for hats for a durable result that is easy to apply.
How To Embroider Hats With A Home Or Business Machine
Embroidering hats requires specialist techniques to ensure clean, precise stitching. Whether using the best home embroidery machine or a commercial model, prioritize proper setup.
Here is some guidance:
- Hoop selection: Choose a cap hoop or hat frame to hold the cap in place firmly.
- Stabilize the fabric: A tear-away stabilizer works best for structured caps. A cut-away stabilizer offers support for unstructured hats.
- Alignment: Adjust design placement to fit the curved surface of the hat. Most embroidery software allows previewing and adjusting the positioning.
- Tension and speed: Lower your stitch speed and adjust the thread tension to avoid puckering.
- Begin: You are now ready to embroider, but make sure the hat remains secure in the hoop.
It is simpler to put a patch on a hat than to embroider directly onto the hat. If you want to embroider, beginners should use a simple machine with automatic thread trimming and tension adjustment.
Looking to upgrade your beanie or bucket hat?
With our online service, you can create custom patches for hats in a range of styles with unlimited color and graphic options to get the aesthetic you want.
Can You Sew With An Embroidery Machine?
Embroidery machines and sewing machines are not the same thing. However, there are models that combine both functions. If you’re wondering “Can an embroidery machine also sew?”, the answer depends on the model.
- Embroidery machines: These are designed for decorative stitching and cannot perform standard sewing tasks.
- Combination machines: These allow both sewing and embroidery, so they are very versatile.
The best computerized embroidery machine for beginners on the embroidery machine market often includes basic sewing functions. High-end embroidery machines are more likely to focus solely on embroidery. Top multi-purpose machines include the Brother SE1900 and the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 14000.
What Is The Easiest Embroidery Machine To Use?
For beginners, finding the best embroidery machine for home use means finding something that is easy to operate. The easiest embroidery machine to use should have automatic threading, built-in designs, and other user-friendly functions.
Let’s look at some key features of beginner-friendly embroidery machines:
- Automatic needle threading: This saves time when setting up.
- Built-in designs and fonts: These make embroidery patterns easy to create without software.
- USB connectivity: An easy way to download custom designs.
- Touchscreen interface: Helpful for simple design selection and adjustments.
Some of the best embroidery machines for beginners include the Brother SE600 and the Janome Memory Craft 500E. You could also order cheap custom pullovers and other garments with personalized designs for an efficient production option without the DIY work.
Explore different patch materials and styles
Embroidery is great, but our service enables you to create custom chenille patches and many other patch types for a broad solution to personalize your garments.
Explore options hereBest Embroidery Machines For Leather And Thick Fabrics
If you are working with heavy-duty fabrics like leather, denim, or upholstery, you need a powerful embroidery machine that can accommodate thick materials. If you are seeking the best embroidery machine for leather, look for:
- A strong motor: It needs the strength to push the needle through dense fabric.
- Adjustable pressure foot: Prevents excessive compression of material.
- Specialized needles: Leather embroidery requires heavy-duty needles like 90/14 or 100/16.
Incidentally, you would also need specialized needles to sew patches on leather. The best embroidery machines for thick fabrics include the Brother PR1055X, the Janome HD3000, and the Bernina 700.
Tips For Embroidering Leather Without Damaging It
Though hard-wearing in many ways, leather is a delicate material that requires special handling to prevent tears and distortions when embroidering or sewing. Whether you are using a home embroidery machine or a commercial model, follow these tips:
- Use the right stabilizer: A cut-away stabilizer ensures extra support without shifting.
- Use a leather needle: You need a sharp-pointed needle to minimize the risk of fabric damage.
- Adjust tension: Excessive tension will cause puckering. Test on scrap leather first.
- Lower stitch density: Too many stitches in a small area can weaken the material.
- Avoid hoop marks: Opt for sticky stabilizers over hopping directly to prevent imprints.
Computerized embroidery machines for beginners with customizable settings are best. Many choose a simpler option, like a custom rectangle button, to personalize leather jackets and garments.

Best Embroidery Machines For Custom Logos And Branding
If you’re seeking the best embroidery machine for home business, you will need precision stitching, digitization compatibility, and fast production speeds. Whether for corporate branding, team apparel, or promotional products, top features for your embroidery machine should include:
- Multi-needle capability: This enables fast color changes for complex designs.
- High-resolution stitching: Crucial for crisp, detailed logos.
- Embroidery software compatibility: This allows for custom logo digitization.
- Large hoop size: Apply bigger branding designs.
The best machines for custom logos include the Brother PR670E, the Janome MB-7,a dn the Melco Bravo X. You could also partner with us to create custom brand logo iron-on patches for a scalable and high-quality solution for applying branding to apparel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Embroidery Machine
What Is The Best Embroidery Machine For Home Business?
The best embroidery machine for home business depends on your workload and project types. For beginners, the Brother PE800 offers an affordable yet reliable option. Or you could choose the Janome MB-4S for larger production needs.
What Is The Best Brand For An Embroidery Machine?
Popular embroidery machine brands include Brother, Janome, Bernina, and Singer. Compare embroidery machine features to determine which embroidery machine is best for you.