As you grow older, you realize that embroidery machines are not only for grandmas. There is so much that you can do with an embroidery machine, from sewing up any tears in your clothes to actually making new clothes. The possibilities are endless.
There are different models of embroidery machines, and the features differ in each one. These features include different stitch type, machine power, and a lot more.
If you are looking for the best embroidery machine, this guide will help you find the best embroidery machine of 2020.
In this table, you can see the comparison between the three best companies making embroidery machine.
While Singer is popular for its larger work area and Janome is known for stellar stitching, Brother is popular for versatility of features. In their own way, all of these companies are unique and their products are updated with modern needs.
Comparison Table for Different Companies
1. Brother SE400 Best Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Brother is one of the top companies making embroidery machines. This is probably the best embroidery machine from the company in terms of computerized embroidery. With this machine, you can quilt, embroider, and sew.
The company says that if you can imagine something, you can make it with this machine. It has many sewing functions that are easy to understand. The embroidery function is 4 inch by 4 inches.
There is a touch screen display which is easy to view due to back-lit lighting. You have access to 67 kinds of stitches. As far as embroidery is concerned, 70 designs are built-in in this machine. There are also five lettering fonts.
You may connect the machine to a computer for importing embroidery designs that you want to make. Simply buy the designs online or take them from different sites and update them on your machine.
The one-touch thread cutting mechanism lets you cut the top thread and bobbin threat easily. Moreover, there is a bilingual user manual. The company offers a 25-year warranty.
There are 7 point feed dogs that allow you to advance the fabric easily. Also, the workplace is very nicely lit, so you do not have to invest in task lights. This machine comes with a bobbin winding system so that bobbin can be prepared easily.
When you order the machine, you will get an embroidery hoop, the machine, embroidery arm, and free arm, an accessory bag filled with different accessories, warranty card, USB cable, and a power cord. The instruction manual is in English and Spanish.
2. Singer Futura XL 400 Portable Embroidery Machine
This is the best embroidery machine for expert users. It comes with 30 built-in stitches and has a feature for making buttonholes in just one step. There are also 125 embroidery designs in this machine with five fonts.
Keeping up with the modern times, the machine comes with computerized embroidery system. You can connect the Singer machine to your computer and then customize embroidery design on the screen. Also, you may combine different designs into one and make a masterpiece.
This machine comes with a warranty of 25 years. Since there is multi hoop capability on this machine, you can make larger designs. So, you may embroider up to 18 inches by 11 inches on the machine.
You can also check our guide on 10 Best Sewing Machine
To customize or edit your designs on a computer screen, simply connect the machine. There are six day-lit bright lights so that you can see your work properly without straining your eyes.
You do not have to pull the bobbin thread on your own as the machine does it for you. There is a large sewing and embroidering area so you can work comfortably. The design file types supported by this machine are PCS, EXP, XXX, JEF, CHE, HUS, PES, SEW, PSW, and some others.
3. Janome 350e Memory Best Craft Embroidery Machine
Even though Singer and Brother are the most popular embroidery machines, Janome also makes some impressive products. This machine from Janome has 100 in-built embroidery designs up to the size of 7.9 inches. The embroidery format used in the machine is JEF.
For creating monograms, there are three fonts in the machine. You can edit and customize on-screen. There are options to enlarge the design, reduce its size, rotate it, turn it over, zoom into it, or drag it.
To manage your thread, there is an in-build needle threader and needle cutter. So, you do not have to do all of those things manually. Deigns can be transferred to the machine via an ATA PC card or USB.
So, if you want to embroider things for your craft store, you can use this machine. From embellishing décor things to garments, there is so much that you can do with this embroidery machine. This is the best embroidery machine for hats, baseball caps and sashes.
4. Brother SE600 Embroidery Machine with Touchscreen
This Brother Embroidery machine is the best embroidery machine for people who want a large surface area for working. It has a colored touchscreen. The display is 37 inches, which is huge enough for everyone.
The embroidery field is 4 inches by 4 inches. Since there is an alignment feature in the machine, you can align the design during re-hooping. This helps in keeping multiple designs on one project.
The machine has a computerized system so you can work easily by connecting your computer. It comes with a hoop, a foot, and embroidery arm so you will not need to buy these accessories.
This is the latest machine by the company and has updated features such as the ability to move the designs on the touch screen. You can also place letters on the arc and preview the color of threads on screen.
If you want to customize designs, you can import them from your computer in PES design files via the USB port. For sewing, there are 103 stitching styles and many different options for buttonhole sizing.
There is an automatic needle threader which does the job for you. You just have to touch the lever, and the needle will be a threader. This works as a blessing for your eyes, preventing any strain on them.
Also, there are 6 lettering fonts so you can select lower case, upper case or symbols from this selection. The fonts are available in small, medium and large so that you can choose what works best for your project.
5. Brother Embroidery Machine PE770 With Built-In Memory
This is the best embroidery machine if you want to focus on lettering fonts as it has many options. It has an expansive field of 5 inches by 7 inches, so there is ample space to keep larger designs. The large space is also suitable for your lettering projects.
The company also sells embroider cards so you can purchase them. Insert them in the embroidery card slot to import those designs to your machine.
Moreover, there is a quick-set bobbin system. You just have to drop your bobbin in and simply pull the thread to start work. The backlit display makes editing and customizing much easier.
Also, there are ten frame shapes to choose from and 12 border styles that you can add to make your work more beautiful. Bordering makes the quilting much more refined and elegant.
For lettering, there are six in-built fonts that can be used. If you are not satisfied with the in-built designs, you can edit everything. There are flexible editing options such as size editing, mirror image, and rotating the designs.
To make the stitching process easier and less hectic, there is a thread trimming and bobbin preparing mechanism in the machine.
6. EverSewn Hero 400 Compact Embroidery Machine
If you are looking for a compact option that is lightweight, then this is the best embroidery machine for your needs. It is made with all the modern features allowing ease of sewing and embroidering.
There are more than 400 stitching patterns in this machine with 40 embroidery designs to choose from. The size of embroidery designs is from 110 mm to 170 mm. Like most modern machines, this machine also comes with an automatic needle threader.
It has eight different presser feet, and the workspace is 6.5 inches. So, you can make your craft items or household décor items on the machine. This machine is also computerized and has an LCD.
With a variety of in-built designs and a large working area, this machine is easy to use. It has a 7 mm stitch width. There is an included USB port so you may import designs into the machine for customized work.
The monitoring feature in the machine will stop the machine if there is less thread in the bobbin. Also, it will stop if the upper thread is empty or breaks during stitching. This helps in ensuring that your work does not get ruined with poor quality stitches.
7. Brother Embroidery Machine PE800 Best Embroidery Machine for Lettering Fonts
For those of you who are looking for the best embroidery machine for lettering, this is the one. Brother has been in the business of making embroidery machines for a while, and the company knows what it takes to make an impeccable machine.
This machine also has all the amazing features that you would want in your embroidery machine. With this machine, you can have unlimited design option with the build-in memory system and the USB connection.
You may purchase designs online or import them from your own collection. So, you can virtually have unlimited designs. Many people face discomfort with smaller working areas. This Brother machine solves the issue with its 5 inches by 7 inches field or work.
On this surface, you can do lettering projects, embroider stuff, or combine multiple designs. The color touch screen is large to allow easy editing of designs. You can see your design on the screen in color and change thread colors or other features such as size.
You can tell that this machine is really made for embroidery because it has 138 built-in design and 14 border styles. Along with that, there are seven lettering fonts. Seven of these are English, three are Japanese, and 1 is Cyrillic. There are also ten frame shapes to frame your embroidery.
One of the best features of this machine is the super bright working area. There is a lot of light around the needle so you can work on dark fabrics easily. Also, you can position multiple designs in one project.
There are 11 embroidery fonts that you can choose from. These are outline, serif, and sans serif and built-in-script fonts. You can combine these designs or purchase more from the Internet for customization.
8. Brother Embroidery Machine PE535 Touch Screen Display
This is the best embroidery Machine from Brother for versatile designs. If you are looking for an affordable option from the leading company in the market, go for this one. It is rich with features to help you in intricate embroidery.
There are 80 built-in designs that you can select from. It is an exceptional machine that has many fonts, borders, frames and designs. Furthermore, there is also built-in memory so you can feed designs from your computer to the machine.
Insert a USB into the USB port on the machine and you can transfer all the designs you like. It has a large display of 3.2 inches where you can touch to edit the design. The modern feature allows you to view the whole design in color before you start working on it.
It comes with a 25 year warranty. There is free phone support for Brother’s customers. So, if you have any query about the machine, you can just call customer support for solutions.
Also, the machine has a 4 inches by 4 inches embroidery filed which is the most popular field for embroidering. When you buy the machine, it comes with a grid sheet that helps you in aligning your design. You can align the placement of fabric and embroider comfortably.
When you are a Brother customer, you get access to Ibroidery.com which is a website with thousands of designs. You can select from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and all other popular animated designs. Also, there are other high-quality designs for your liking.
9. Singer Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine with LED Lights
This machine from Single is the best embroidery machine for professionals who want a portable option. It has 250 stitches such as basic stitch, decorative stitches and stress stitch. Along with that, it also has many buttonhole stitches.
With this machine, you can make variety of projects. Once you understand how to operate it, the possibilities of creating projects is limitless. From making quilts and garments to home décor, there is so much that you can do.
Like most other machines in the market, this one also has an automatic needle threader. So, there is no extra strain on your eyes when you have to thread many times. Also, it saves you all the frustration that manual needle threading causes.
There is an extra-large area for embroidery. You can choose from 6 lettering designs and 200 embroidery designs, which are in-built on the machine. The upper thread sensors and Snap-On embroidery hoop make the job much easier.
With the machine, you get many accessories including two hoops, all-purpose foot, a zipper foot, open toe foot, overcasting foot, a blind hem foot, and buttonhole foot.
There are two Snap-On hoops; smaller and larger one. The smaller is 4 inches by 4 inches while the larger one is 10 inches by 6 inches. One of the things about Singer machines that attract professionals is the larger working area.
10. Janome Memory Craft 200E Embroidery Machine
This is the second-best embroidery machine from Janome on our list. The company has a stellar reputation in sewing machine business. Just like that, their embroidery machines are also pretty great.
There are 5 inches by 5 inches sewing field of this machine if out on a sturdy frame. Along with the working area, there is a carriage arm where you can rest your arm while working. This provides extra stability that comes in handy in long projects.
For customization and design, there are 73 built-in designs and three fonts for lettering. Just like the other newer Janome models, this one also has an on-screen editing feature. You can use this feature to rotate or zoom in on the design.
It has other basic features such as needle threader and hook bobbin feature. With its easy interface, this is the best embroidery machine for beginners.
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing an embroidery machine can be hard because it is a one-time investment, and you have to live with it for many years. You cannot change an embroidery machine every month. So, the choice you make must be according to your needs.
Usage: First of all, you have to look at the kind of usage you want from the machine. If you are going to use it for simpler craft projects, you can get a smaller machine. However, if you want to use the machine for professional use, go for the bigger Singer Model.
Work area: If you are a student and you like to work in different places, you should get a portable machine. If you have a fixed spot for your embroidery machine, then you can get a table model.
Price: Embroidery machines can be very expensive, depending on how many features you have. You can get a cheaper one if you are just a beginner. As you grow better at the task, you can get the more expensive models.
Some machines are more suited for beginners, while others are better for professionals. So, look at the features before you buy a machine. To get the best embroidery machine for your needs, you must look at the price, working surface, kind of usage, design versatility, and portability option.
Benefits of Computerized Embroidery Machines
Back in the day, people used mechanical Embroidery Machines, and they came with their flaws. First of all, these machines require a lot of work. You have to put a lot of manual effort on these machines to get results.
Also, mechanical Embroidery Machines are prone to creating errors since there is no monitoring system. Other than that, users could not transfer designs to the machine, so there were lesser customization options.
Nowadays, computerized machines are present, and they have made the work really easy for embroiders.
Not only are there lesser errors in work, but these machines also get work done in a shorter time. There are many benefits of a computerized embroidery machine.
Product is Flawless
The first benefit of a computerized embroidery machine is that the final product is flawless. When you use a mechanical machine, there is more room for error since these machines do not have a monitoring system.
Most computerized embroidery machines like the Brother models come with a monitoring system. This system stops the machine if the thread is running low or the thread is broken. So, there will be lesser errors.
Variety of Designs
Nowadays, you can see that there are so many intricate designs of embroidery. From garments to products like purses, everything is embroidered. A computerized embroidery machine helps in this process.
With machines of this sort, you can easily combine multiple designs into one. Also, you can transfer new designs to your machine. This further increase the options you have for creating designs.
Not only are the designs unique and diverse, but they are also very complex. Mechanical machines could not produce such complex designs.
Less Hard Work
If you want to make good embroidered work, you have to put in the effort. However, mechanical machines required way too much effort. You had to put a lot of hard labor into your designs, back in the day.
Now, the task has become easier since you can use a computerized embroidery machine. First of all, you can download the design of your choice from the Internet or buy it on any design website. After that, just upload it into your embroidery machine.
Now, you can start working on it and easily just make the design. Computerized embroidery machines have made embroidering much easier than it was with mechanical machines.
Great for Professional Use
If you want to use your embroidery talent or passion for making money, you will need a computerized embroidery machine. With a mechanical machine, you can work, but it will take more time and effort.
With a computerized embroidery machine, you can do the same work in half the time. This will save you money, time, and labor. There are so many people who sustain themselves with their embroidery projects.
You can make an Etsy shop and earn from there, or you can do commissioned work for different clients. The options are indefinite.
Tips for Beginners
So, you realized that you have a passion for embroidery and you bought the best embroidery machine. Now, it is time to get started. Before you get started on this work, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind.
Messes are Inevitable
The first tip is that you will make messes in the beginning. You might have watched all the tutorials on the Internet or learned from your great aunt. However, all of this will not help when you are actually sitting on the machine.
The more you try, the more you will learn. So, if you want to get better at this skill, you must practice more. Some people give up after a while because they cannot do it ‘perfectly.’ Of course, you will not be able to embroider perfectly in the first month.
Patience
For this skill, you need a lot of patience. Embroidery is an intricate art, and you have to spend time on the minor details. So, you must be patient. Give yourself time to learn and start with projects that are for beginners.
Do not start by embroidering a whole pillow. Start with smaller felt projects first and then proceed to the more complex ones. If you have patience and you pay attention to detail, you will be able to learn pretty fast.
Do not Over-shop
A lot of people get really excited about their new hobby and start to buy a lot of things. The first few things that you need for embroidering are hoop, scissors, fabric, thread, and good design.
Start with the basics first and then start buying things along the way. As you need things, buy them. Do not start by spending hundreds of dollars on supplies.
Why Buy an Embroidery Machine?
There are so many reasons to buy an embroidery machine. Most households do have a sewing machine, but some sewing machines do not support the embroidery feature.
For example, you can buy clothes from the thrift store or just take your old clothes and embroider on them to spice them up. In this way, you can make all your less interesting clothes trendier.
Also, if you are someone who likes to learn new things, embroidery can be your new hobby. There are so many different projects that you can do, so there is no way that you will get bored.
Moreover, you can turn this hobby into a business. Using your embroidery machine, you can earn a good side income. Learn the skill online or from an expert and then do little embroidery projects.
Then, you can sell the things you have made on the Internet. There are so many things you can embroider such as baby blankets, caps, beachwear, placemats, karate belts, shirt sleeves, and dancewear.
Using an Embroidery Machine 101
When you get an embroidery machine, you will get a user manual with it. It is essential to read that manual because it will teach you everything that you need to learn about your machine.
Adjusting the Parts
The first step is to adjust the parts of your machine. Before you start using the machine, you have to look at the parts that need to be secured and the ones that are already attached.
Turn off the machine before you do this. Unplug it. Then, adjust the embroidery hoop on the machine. Some machines come with different hoop sizes so choose the one that you want to work with.
There are some machines that have a Snap-On hoop so you can easily adjust that. You might have to switch out the foot and the arm. Do that according to the instructions in the manual.
For your frame size adjustment, here is a rule of thumb: for longer embroidery designs, you will need larger frames.
Insert the Needle
The next step is to insert the embroidery needle on the machine. You cannot just randomly use any needle. There are different needles for different machines, so you have to buy the needle according to your machine company.
For embroidering, you may use regular thread. However, if you want the final result to look elegant, you can use embroidery thread. This makes the design have a nice sheen and makes it look professional.
Set Up your Fabric
Before you start working, you have to put the fabric into the frame. If your fabric is thinner, use a stabilizer to keep it in place. The frame will have two parts.
In the lower part, put your fabric and then place the second part on top. Push it down, and you will hear a click sound that fits the frame into place. Now, your fabric is secure in its place.
Now, you can use the knob on the side to tighten the frame so that the fabric does not move out of place. Once it is tight and secure, you can make the fabric firmer by pulling on the side to ensure that the fabric is not loose.
Most computerized machines come with the bobbin winding feature. So, match the bobbin thread with your embroidery thread, and you can start working. With most machines, a preview feature is available too so you can choose the colors.
If you are uploading the design from your USB into the machine, you must look at the colors used.
Start Embroidering
Now, you can start to embroider. Check if the needle is in place and the thread is the right color. Press start to make the machine work.
When the color is finished, the machine will stop, then, you can lift the presser foot and change the color of thread for the next sequence. Start again and do all the colors like this.
If there are any loose threads, cut them with scissors. Press the embroidery a little since the frame can be creased.
Troubleshooting Tips for Embroidery Machines
When you start embroidering, you will face many problems with needle, bobbin, and thread. All of these are due to some problem with the machine itself. Here are a few troubleshooting tips for beginners and experts, both.
Thread Loops on Underside
If you see loops on the underside of the fabric, this means that upper thread on the machine has not been threaded properly. It means you have not placed the thread in tension mechanism properly.
To solve this issue, you have to rethread the machine. First of all, raise the presser foot. Now, raise the needle to the highest position. This will make the thread sit comfortably in the tension mechanism.
Bobbin Thread is showing
Sometimes, the bobbin thread might show on top of the fabric. This is due to the top thread being too tense. Also, this could be caused if bobbin thread is not in tension.
Shredded Thread
If the thread is shredded during embroidery, this means that the thread is not of good quality. It could also mean that the thread is old. Sometimes, the needle might be worn out, which is causing the issue.
To solve this issue, use a thread with a smoother filament. Also, check if the needle is worn out. If you are using the wrong needle for the machine type, the thread can also shred.
Breaking Needles
Sometimes, when you are embroidering, the needles may break. This could be due to the needles being damaged or dull. To solve this problem, use a new needle and discard the old one.
Sometimes, the needle might be too thin or weak for the fabric you are using. If you are using a thicker fabric, make sure to use a thicker or stronger needle. Thinner needles will keep breaking with this fabric.
When you are embroidering, do not push or pull on the fabric. This can also break the needle. Guide the fabric lightly and do not pull on it.
Skipping Stitches
This is a very common problem in embroidering projects. The stitches may be skipping as you are guiding the fabric. This points towards the possibility that the needle is not inserted correctly.
A needle may be skipping stitches if you are using wrong fabric for it. There are different needles for different fabrics, so use needles accordingly.
If the needles are damaged or worn out, they may skip stitches. So, replace needles when they start appearing worn out.
FAQs
This totally depends on your needs. For beginners, smaller and lighter machines with fewer features are quite good. On the other hand, a computerized machine is the best embroidery machine for home business.
So, you can look at the features of various machines and select the best embroidery machine for your needs. Some good companies are Singer and Brother.
The machine might be skipping stitches because of the needle. You must change your needle. If the problem is solved, then it was due to the needle. However, if it is still there, then it might be because you are tugging too hard on the fabric.
Do not push or pull on the fabric. Let it glide smoothly on the machine surface.
Computerized machines, these days, have a built-in memory. So, you can add designs into the machines using your USB. If the machine is not recognizing the design, then it might be because of incompatible format.
Check on the user manual which formats your machine supports. Then, convert the design into that format and try transferring it to your machine.
It is a website that is associated with Brother. So, if you are a customer of the company and you buy one of their machines, you can download designs from this website.
There are different categories such as cartoons, floral, and just random designs. So, you can choose from thousands of designs, and they are all compatible with Brother Embroidery machines.
During embroidering, your needle might keep getting unthreaded because the upper thereat is not properly threaded. If the spool has not been installed right, then the thread can come out of the needle.
A spool cap is for keeping the thread spool on your machine as you embroider. Sometimes, the thread may get tangled on the spool cap, and this can be frustrating.
To prevent this, you can get the spool cap according to the size of the thread spool. Just match the sizes, and you will not have this problem anymore.
The cost of your project depends on how big the project is. Normally, you just need a thread for the project, if you have everything else at home.
If you are just starting, do not go buying all the things that you could need. Give yourself some time to learn and then buy things as you go along.
Yes, there are so many people earning from this craft. You can make household décor items and sell them online. Or, you can make small garments or embroider on clothes and sell them. There are so many options if you are creative and are ready to learn new things.
The light on your machine’s work area is very important since working is much easier in a bright area. However, sometimes, the light may not work. Check if the power cord is plugged properly.
The light could be fused, and you might have to replace the bulb.
Sometimes, the machine stops working if you have been working for too long. Most modern machines have this feature that they stop working when overworked to prevent the motor from overheating.
This is a method to keep the machine and the user safe. In this case, just shut off the machine for half an hour and then start working again.
First of all, choose a design from the Internet or buy it online. Then, convert it to the format that is supported by your machine. There is free conversion software on the Internet. Then, send this design to your USB.
Insert the USB into the USB port on your machine and choose the design from the options on the touch screen. Preview the design before you stitch. If your machine has a colored screen, you will be able to preview the colors too.
Final Verdict
Embroidery is a great skill to have. For this skill, you need to have intricacy and precision in your work. There is so much that you can do once you learn to operate your embroidery machine.
From our list, you will definitely find the best embroidery machine for your pastime or home business. Just compare the features, working, and benefits of all the machines.
For more reviews about machines and related hobbies, you can look through our other articles.
Last update on 2020-01-20 at 04:28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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