Embroidery is always one of the best ways to express one’s artistic mindset. This approach can be used to soothe somebody’s mind with some beautiful carvings of stitches on a piece of fabric. Therefore, embroidery has become a very popular hobby and business venture today. 

Many people are investing in buying the best embroidery machines to create stunning designs on fabric. However, choosing the right embroidery machine can be challenging. Whether you are a beginner or a professional designer, it can be overwhelming due to the abundance of variety of options available in the market. This embroidery machine buying guide will work as a comprehensive roadmap for choosing the right embroidery machine. We will try to help you make an informed decision by comparing the popular models, features, and price points. So to know the details, stick to this content up to the end. 

At First, Understand Your Needs

Before purchasing anything, you must be clear about your goal. Embroidery machine reviews might be helpful for you to select the right choice for you. But if you are not clear about what you are going to do with the machine, then there is a huge chance that you will make a mistake. 

Therefore, before buying an embroidery machine, consider the specific requirements with utmost priority. Understanding the key features might be helpful for you to make an informed decision. Let’s break it down further for more clarification.

Personal Use vs Business Use

The type of embroidery machine that you need largely depends on whether you are using it for personal purposes or for running a business. If you are planning to buy an embroidery machine to fulfill your hobby, then you might be considering a basic machine. For personal use, the basic category will be a perfect fit for you. The basic machines come with built-in designs and are very user-friendly as well. These are always perfect for creating personalized monograms, gifts, or any decorative designs on home decor items. On the other hand, if you are planning to start a business, then a commercial-grade machine would be a better fit for you. These business-purpose embroidery machines are built for long hours of operation. 

Therefore, these machines offer a higher rate of stitching and are capable of handling complex designs more efficiently. They also support a variety of fabrics and thicker materials like leather or denim. The price range is also comparatively higher than the machines used for personal use. 

Embroidery Size and Hoops

The embroidery machines come with different hoop sizes and shapes. This variation of sizes determines the maximum embroidery area that you can work with. The small hoops of 4”x4” or 5”x5” are ideal for beginners and used for personal use. 

These hoops are great for creating monograms or small design works of patches. The medium hoops of 6” x 10” or 8” x 12” are suitable for comparatively larger project designs and home decoration materials. The large hoops, which are bigger than 8”x12”, are perfect for business use. These hoops are needed to create bigger embroidery patterns, and this can also significantly reduce the necessity of rehooping frequently. In this case, you also need to make sure that the machine that you are going to buy supports the larger hoops. The larger hoops are mainly used in projects like jackets, tablecloths, or quilts. 

Single-Needle vs. Multi-Needle Machines

If you want to create outstanding designs using your creativity and artistic mind, you must understand the basic difference between these two types. There are multiple uses and variations for single-needle and multi-needle machines. So, make sure which machine you are going to have before making any purchase. The single-needle embroidery machines are just like regular sewing machines. These machines require manual thread changing if you want to switch colors. These machines are best for beginners and home users who want to work on small-scale projects. Besides, these machines are affordable and comparatively easier to handle and operate. 

On the other hand, the multi-needle embroidery machines are typically used for business purposes. These machines feature multiple needles that allow users to make automatic color changes. But you need to expert to handle these machines. These machines are very fast and efficient for professional use. You can easily use these multi-needle machines if you want to have interruption-free complex designs. Remember that these embroidery machines are very expensive but ideal for professional work. If you want to purchase the best embroidery machines, as per the embroidery machine buying guide, we would suggest that for creating intricate and multi-colored designs, you should look for a multi-colored machine that will save you a lot of effort and time.

Key Features to Look for in an Embroidery Machine

Now, let’s look into the key features that you should focus on while choosing the best embroidery machines for your personal or business use. 

Embroidery area size

The very first thing that you need to look for is the embroidery area size of the particular machines. The embroidery machines have different hoop sizes, and based on the sizes of the hoop, the machines provide shorter and larger embroidery areas. They typically range from 4” x 4” to 14” x 14”. If you want to create large designs, you surely have to select machines with larger embroidery area sizes. 

Built-in Designs and Fonts

The second thing that you need to focus on is the built-in designs and the available fonts. Many of the embroidery machines come with pre-loaded designs and fonts. These machines are ideal for intricate designs and complex artwork. You can use these pre-loaded designs to make many variations of stunning designs. In this case, you should look for a model that supports USB connectivity through which you can even import some custom designs from other artists. 

Stitching Speed

Speed in work is a crucial aspect of any kind of job. If you want to make things more productive, you must look for an embroidery machine with better stitching speed. The home embroidery machines usually contain a speed range from 400-800 stitches per minute. This is measured as SPM. This number is written on the body of the embroidery machines. The commercial embroidery machines can even exceed 1000 SPM. 

The Connectivity Options

After that, you choose to have more automation, you can choose a machine that offers USB ports, Wi-Fi, or direct PC connectivity. These connections can be used to import many template designs or fonts available. You can also use someone’s pre-designed embroidery work. This is best for easy design transfer. 

Touchscreen and User Interface

The large LCD touchscreen will allow you to select the best design for you, and you can also edit the designs with more flexibility. Therefore, to have a better touchscreen and another user interface, you must look into this section carefully. The editing capability will allow you to resize, rotate, and modify particular designs based on your preference before stitching. 

Best Embroidery Machine Reviews

If you look into the market, you will see a variety of embroidery machines available. The most popular brands like Barudan EFP PR, Baby Lock, Janome, Brother, Tajima, Toyota, Chinese embroidery machine brands, and so on. These brands are popular among many countries around the globe, like Thailand, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, India, Iran, Iraq, Russia, the Netherlands, etc. 

Now, let’s look into some popular embroidery machine reviews. I hope this embroidery machine buying guide will help you select the best embroidery machines. We will focus on the main features, price, and user-friendliness with pros and cons. 

Brother SE600 Embroidery Machine

This machine is ideal for beginner workers. It is a versatile machine that combines both sewing and embroidery capabilities. Brother SE600 Embroidery Machine features a 3.7-inch LCD touch screen as well, which allows users to preview the designs and edit them based on unique preferences. The embroidery area is comparatively small. The 4” x 4” is perfect for beginners and small projects. There are 80 built-in designs and a sewing speed of 100 SPM. 

Pros:

• Dual-function (sewing + embroidery)
• Color LCD touchscreen for easy design customization
• USB port for importing custom designs
• Affordable and beginner-friendly
• Automatic needle threader

Cons:

• Limited to a 4” x 4” embroidery area
• Not ideal for large or commercial embroidery projects

Price Range: ~$400 – $500

Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine

This is another good choice for beginner-level workers. The Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine is a dedicated embroidery machine that can offer at least 160+ designs and 6 different fonts for monogramming and other common design works. The USB connectivity allows users to import custom designs as necessary. This small stitching machine is capable of stitching at a speed of 860 SPM. This is remarkably faster for any entry-level embroidery machine model. 

Pros:

• 7.9” x 7.9” embroidery area (larger than Brother SE600)
• High stitching speed (860 SPM) for quick embroidery
• Programmable jump thread trimming for precise designs
• Automatic needle threader and thread cutter for ease of use
• Adjustable hoop positioning

Cons:

• More expensive than entry-level models
• Does not support regular sewing (embroidery-only machine)

Price Range: ~$1,100 – $1,500

Singer Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine

This is a two-in-one sewing and embroidery machine with a large embroidery area. The Singer Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine also offers USB connectivity. You can easily share your design with others and also import any customized designs into your work areas. 

This machine has 200 built-in embroidery designs, and there is an automatic needle threader as well. The automatic thread tension adjustment will allow you to achieve better stitch quality. This machine is surely one of the best choices for those looking for a moderate-level embroidery machine with sound quality and faster stitching speed. 

Pros:

• Automatic thread tension adjustment for better stitch quality
• Snap-on embroidery hoops included
• Dual function (sewing + embroidery)
• Large embroidery area for bigger projects
• USB embroidery design transfer

Cons:

• The steeper learning curve for beginners
• Can be noisy during high-speed operation

Price Range: $700 – $900

Janome Jem Gold 660

This is a very compact and lightweight embroidery machine. Therefore, this can be a great option for those who are looking for a portable embroidery machine with quality sewing and stitching. The Janome Jem Gold 660 is perfect for beginners and entry-level embroiderers. 

This machine offers a jam-proof drop-in bobbin and a fully horizontal rotary hook. There is a built-in needle threader as well that allows for automatic needle threading. The free arm with cuffs and collars makes the machine more convenient for stitching panels. If you are a first-time sewist or planning to buy an embroidery machine for taking classes, this can be your best choice within a limited price range. 

Pros:

• See-through bobbin cover for easy thread monitoring
• Free arm for easy sewing of cuffs and collars
• Easy-to-use reverse lever for reinforcing stitches
• Lightweight and portable
• Built-in automatic needle threader

Cons:

• Limited stitch options compared to advanced models
• Not suitable for large embroidery projects

Price Range: $250 – $350

Brother Innovís NV1800

This embroidery machine is categorized under the intermediate section. The Brother Innovís NV1800 is a versatile embroidery and quilting machine that offers a large workspace. This machine has a total of 234 built-in stitches. This is designed with the quilters in mind. 

It has an electronic presser footlift for smooth operation. Besides, there is an up/down button and a lot of free-motion embroidery features. If you are not a quilter, even though you can use this machine as it offers multiple functionalities for both too-big and small workspaces. This small embroidery machine is capable of pivoting around the corners sharply and can also provide a very fast stitching speed. This product will be a very good fit for both personal and professional embroidery works and can give you quality results every time. 

Pros:

• Large embroidery and quilting workspace
• 234 stitch options for customization
• Electronic presser foot lift for convenience
• Feed dog drop for free-motion embroidery
• Custom stitch setting to create personalized embroidery patterns

Cons:

• No built-in embroidery designs (primarily a sewing/quilting machine)
• No USB import option for custom embroidery designs

Price Range: ~$1,300 – $1,800

Janome Continental M7

If you are looking for a perfect fit for your professional purpose, then this product will be one of the best embroidery machines for you. This is because the Janome Continental M7 is a high-performing computerized embroidery and sewing machine. 

This can provide the largest sewing space for any available home embroidery machine, which makes it ideal for any larger projects. The powerful motor and strong needle penetration can be used for thicker fabrics like canvas or any multi-layered materials with ease. If you have high expectations from an embroidery machine, then I would suggest the Janome Continental M7 for you. There is a 7 high-definition color touch screen placed on the machine. You can smoothly use this screen for editing and making a customized design for your embroidery works. Let’s take your sewing to the next level with the Janome Continental M7. 

Pros:

• Massive sewing and embroidery workspace
• Strong needle penetration for heavy fabrics
• High-speed stitching without vibration (full metal frame)
• Multiple presser feet included for enhanced embroidery techniques
• Convenient touchscreen controls

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other intermediate models
• It can be complex for beginners

Price Range: ~$3,500 – $4,500

Baby Lock Lumina XP

This is another best-featured quilting and embroidery machine. Like the Janome Continental M7, this is also a high-performing product. The Baby Lock Lumina XP has 6” x 10” embroidery areas. This is large enough for any home use. 

The Wi-Fi connectivity will ensure you receive regular updates and downloads for any customized and beautiful embroidery works. The custom editing tool is also superb for creating any intricate or complex artwork. There is also a USB port if you want to import any custom embroidery files. This machine provides flexibility for any user who is looking to create a unique design. The price range is quite higher than the other available sewing machines so far discussed. 

Pros:

• Wi-Fi connectivity for automatic updates and design downloads
• 6” x 10” embroidery area for medium-large projects
• Touchscreen display for easy design editing
• USB port for importing custom embroidery files
• Specialized presser feet for embroidery techniques

Cons:

• More expensive than entry-level models
• May require a learning curve for new users

Price Range: ~$3,000 – $4,000

Tajima TMBP-SC Series Embroidery Machine

This machine has been particularly designed for handling tubular embroidery on items like sleeves, pockets, socks, and hats. The Tajima TMBP-SC Series is a high-performing and single-head embroidery machine. 

The slim cylinder bed allows the user to reach the difficult part of the fabric and stitch smoothly. This is one of the most preferred choices and the best embroidery machines for business purposes. Besides, the Tajima machines are well-known for their exceptional durability and precision in stitching. It has high network capabilities that ensure seamless integration with multiple machines. If you choose the famous Tajima TMBP-SC series embroidery machine, you can easily enhance the workflow efficiency for your business. You will be able to handle high-order volumes. The maximum stitching speed is 1000 SPM without compromising the quality of the product. 

Pros:

• The slim cylinder design makes it ideal for hard-to-hoop items
• Industrial-grade durability ensures longevity
• Enhanced embroidery stability with reinforced frame construction
• Fast operation (up to 1,000 SPM) for efficient production
• Network connectivity for streamlined multi-machine operations

Cons:

• Not beginner-friendly due to its advanced features
• High cost may not be suitable for small businesses or hobbyists

Price Range: ~$12,000 – $15,000

SWF Embroidery Machines

This embroidery machine has been designed for large-scale production, and it is widely used in industry-level embroidery works. These machines are capable of handling high stitching speeds, ideal for bulk orders. 

Depending on the particular models, the SWF Embroidery Machines come with single-head and multi-head configurations, which makes them suitable for both mass-production factories and custom embroidery businesses. This embroidery machine is also capable of tubular embroidery. Therefore, it is useful for designing sleeves, socks, and other cylindrical objects. Besides, this machine offers automatic thread trimming and tension control with high-speed stitching technology. Another important key advantage of this embroidery machine is its versatility. 

If you are running a small business, you can choose the single-head model. On the other hand, for mass production, you can also choose models with multiple heads. The various models also support a range of fabric types from very thin to heavy textiles. 

Pros:

• High-speed stitching for quick order fulfillment
• Various models are available (from single-head to multi-head industrial options)
• Specialized for tubular embroidery on sleeves, socks, and more
• Advanced automation features reduce manual effort
• Durable industrial-grade construction ensures long-term use

Cons:

• An expensive investment for businesses with low-volume production
• Complex setup and learning curve for beginners
• Not designed for home hobbyists

Price Range: $8,000 – $20,000 (depending on model and configuration)

Melco EMT16X Mechatronics Embroidery Machine

This is a cutting-edge multi-head embroidery machine ideal for commercial production. This machine has been engineered, ed, unlike traditional embroidery machines. This model can offer independent sewing heads, which means you can do multiple projects at once. To maximize efficiency and minimize downtime, the Melco EMT16X Mechatronics Embroidery Machine will be a perfect choice for you. In a word, this embroidery machine has been designed for speed, precision, and flexibility. 

The Melco Fast Clamp Pro is capable of holding complex designs and offers smooth stitching into the hard-to-reach areas. Besides, the customizable stitch settings will be a great opportunity for you to adjust and include different stitching types like satin stitch, fill stitch, and so on. This high-quality embroidery machine is ideal for complex designs and multiple thread colors. 

Pros:

• Narrow lower arm for precision embroidery in tight spaces
• Fast Clamp Pro for quick and secure hooping
• High-speed operation for rapid production
• Advanced thread tension system for perfect stitch quality

• The multi-head configuration enables the simultaneous stitching of different designs

Cons:

• Very expensive, making it unsuitable for small-scale use
• Requires proper training to maximize its potential

Price Range: ~$10,000 – $16,000

So far, we have tried our best to provide a complete embroidery machine buying guide. I think it will work as a comprehensive guide for you on how to choose the right embroidery machine for your personal projects or business purposes. However, selecting the best embroidery machines largely depends on your specific requirements. 

Based on your budget, skill level, and purpose, you can make an informed decision following this embroidery machine review. Research a little bit more by comparing the features that different machines offer, and then make the best investment that suits your long-term goal. Thank you.