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
- 2. Singer Futura XL 400 Portable Embroidery Machine Reviews
- 3. Janome 350e Memory Best Craft Embroidery Machine
- 4. Brother SE600 Embroidery Machine with Touchscreen
- 5. Brother Embroidery Machine PE770 With Built-In Memory
- 6. EverSewn Hero 400 Compact Embroidery
- 7. Brother Embroidery PE800 Best for Lettering Fonts
- 8. Brother Embroidery Machine PE535 Touch Screen Display
- 9. Singer Legacy SE300 Embroidery with LED Lights
- 10. Janome Memory Craft 200E Machine
- Buyer’s Guide – Best Embroidery Machines
- Benefits of Computerized Embroidery Machines
- Tips for Beginners
- Why Buy an Embroidery Machine?
- Using an Embroidery Machine
- Troubleshooting Tips for Embroidery Machines
- FAQs
- Conclusion
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.
Pros
- Has a related website for downloading the embroidery design
- Computer connectivity
- Well-lit working area
- Easy bobbin winding
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- Should not be used in 120V ports
2. Singer Futura XL 400 Portable Embroidery Machine Reviews
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.
Pros
- Comes with in-built embroidery designs
- Has a needle threading
- Manual bobbin preparation not needed
- Ample space for working
- Lighting to prevent eye strain
- Best commercial embroidery machine
Cons
- Costs more than Brother machines
- Computer connectivity might give ‘error’ if actions are not machine-related
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.
Pros
- Comes with designs
- Designs can be imported
- Three monogramming fonts
- In-build thread cutter
- Has a needle threader
Cons
- Cannot be used for regular sewing
- Some users had trouble transferring their designs
- The machine might not recognize USB sometimes
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.
Pros
- Has up to 80 embroidery designs
- Comes with six lettering fonts
- Four by 4-inch design field
- Computer-support for importing new designs
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for beginners
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.
Pros
- Has an embroidery card slot
- Is easy to use
- Large surface area for working
- Is suitable for professional use
- Has a quick-set bobbin system
- Many designs that can be edited
Cons
- Too expensive for domestic use
6. EverSewn Hero 400 Compact Embroidery
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.
Pros
- Comes with a needle threader and bobbin monitoring
- Has 40 embroidery designs
- Has a USB port
Cons
- The working area could be larger
- Does not have many lettering fonts
7. Brother Embroidery PE800 Best 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.
Pros
- Many frames and borders
- Design can be previewed before stitching
- Automatic needle threader
- Comes with a needle set, four bobbins, four spool caps, dust cover, and instruction manual
Cons
- Too complicated for beginners
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.
Pros
- Comes with warranty
- Has a large display
- Designs can be imported or purchased
- Is versatile
- Has 20 built-in designs
Cons
- Does not work as sewing machine
- Accessories such as thread and thread stand not included
9. Singer Legacy SE300 Embroidery 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.
Pros
- Has 10 presser feet
- Automatic needle threader
- Different hoop sizes
- Many designs
- USB transfer option
- Has an extra larger area for embroidering
- Can be used for sewing too
- Is great for professional use
Cons
- Is expensive
- Works with 110 V port
10. Janome Memory Craft 200E 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.
Pros
- Is at a reasonable price
- Has designs and editing option
- Comes with a full rotary hook bobbin
Cons
- Not many lettering or frame options
Buyer’s Guide – Best Embroidery Machines
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
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
Which embroidery machine is the best?
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.
Why is my machine skipping stitches during embroidering?
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.
Why is my machine not recognizing the design?
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.
What is Ibroidery.com?
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.
Why does my Needle keep getting unthreaded?
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.
What is a spool cap for?
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.
How much does an embroidery project cost?
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.
Can I earn from embroidery?
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.
Why is the light not working?
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.
What if the machine stops working?
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.
How can I transfer a design to my embroidery machine?
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.
Conclusion
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 2020-02-25 at 00:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hi Kaitlin
I like your article about all the embroidery machines. The pros and cons are very helpful. I was looking at the brother pe770 but heard its discontinued it looks like a nice machine to start out on. I’ve talked to a few people that done embroidery before and suggest that I just go big why get a small machine. Like a Ricoma em-1010 or Janome MB 4s Your thoughts on this.
I’m definitely liking your photo,looks like in you’re in deep thought of when your next vacation is haha
Thanks for leaving us a comment, it sure means a lot to us. I’m happy that you liked my article and I hope that it helped you. Best of luck with your purchase.
P.S: In the pic, I’m just sleepy, that’s all. 😀