Having an embroidery sewing machine is a fun way to add personalized designs to your projects. If you are new to embroidery, choosing a machine can be difficult. What exactly do you need? And what should you look for?
With all the embroidery sewing machines on the market, the decision can be hard. To make the decision easier for you we have reviewed several embroidery sewing machines. We have also provided you with a list of things to consider before making your purchase.
Our 2024 Best Embroidery Sewing Machine Picks
Best Overall
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE1900 Sewing Machine is a fantastic all-purpose machine that can embroider, sew and quilt. And it has 138 built-in embroidery designs.
Premium Choice
Janome MB-4S Commercial 4 Needle Embroidery Machine
If you are serious about embroidery, this machine is at the top of the list. It has 4 needles and produces professional results.
Great Value
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 embroidery sewing machine has a lot of features and can handle sewing projects as well as small embroidery projects.
What to Look for in an Embroidery Sewing Machine
When you own an embroidery sewing machine you can personalize all types of fabrics. But not all machines are created equal. When you purchase an embroidery sewing machine, take into consideration:
- Will it Embroider Heavy Fabrics?
If you are looking to embroider denim or other thick materials make sure the machine can handle heavy duty fabrics. - Does it Have to Be Hooked to a Computer
Some embroidery machines must be hooked to a computer to work. For some people, this is not a problem. But for others, it can be an aggravation. - Can it be Used for Sewing?
Having the ability to embroider and sew with the same machine can save you money. You will not have to purchase a separate machine for each function. - Free Built-in Designs and Alphabets
Having more built-in designs and alphabets will make embroidery faster and easier. - Interactive Touchscreen
Some touch screens give you the ability to move designs around and customize your designs on the screen. - Colour Touchscreen
A colour touch screen is a nice feature. This type of screen shows you what your finished design will look like. No more guessing how the colors will look together. - Size of Embroidery Field
You will want to consider the sizes of your embroidery projects. If you are only going to embroider small projects, a 4” x 4” field may be fine for you. If you are creating larger embroidery patterns, you will need a larger embroidery field.
- Can it Combine Designs?
You can be more creative when you can combine designs. - How Do You Add New Designs?
Some machines must be hooked up to a computer to add your own designs. While other machines use Wi-Fi or USB. - Accessories
Check to see what accessories come with the machine. You do not want to get home and find out that all the accessories you need were not included with the embroidery sewing machine. - Structure of the Frame
A heavy duty machine that will last will have a metal frame. Machines made from plastic parts are easier to break. - Weight
Embroidery requires a lot of stitches. You want a machine that is heavy so it will stay in place. Lightweight machines can bounce which will lead to missed stitches. - Extra Features
Extra features are always a plus. Look for a machine that has everything needed to make your sewing experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. - Price
Embroidery sewing machines can be expensive. Know your budget before you start looking for an embroidery sewing machine.
10 Best Embroidery Sewing Machines for 2024
1. Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
The Brother PE535 offers you 80 built-in designs that include everything from fun kid designs to holiday patterns. It also includes 10 frame patterns and 9 unique font styles.
Why We Like the Brother PE535
If you are new to embroidery and are looking for an affordable machine that can create small embroidery patterns, this is a nice user-friendly machine.
- Built-in Memory
You can store your own designs on the machine. - Editable Embroidery Lettering
The Brother PE535 gives you the ability to edit the embroidery lettering. - Automatic Needle Threader
This embroidery sewing machine is easy to thread thanks to the automatic needle threader.
Pros and Cons of the Brother PE535
Pros:
- 80 Built-in designs
- 9 Built-in fonts
- USB port
- Built-in memory
- 3.2” LCD colour touchscreen
- 32 built-in stitches
- Heavy
- Automatic needle threader
Cons:
- 4” x 4” Embroidery field
- Embroidery machine only
2. Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
This sewing machine has a lot of built-in fonts and designs that allows you to start embroidering right away. You can combine patterns and fonts to create your own unique designs.
Why We Like the Brother PE800
The Brother PE800 has built-in memory and a USB port. This gives you the ability to upload and save your designs for future use.
- USB Importing
The Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine default file format is .pes. But it will also work with .pen, .dst and .phs. - Touchscreen Functions
The touchscreen gives you the ability to edit and combine patterns. You can also add monograms at the same time. - 138 Built-in Designs
There are 138 built-in designs to choose from. There is everything from holiday themes, floral designs to novelties.
Pros and Cons of the Brother PE800
Pros:
- 138 Built-in designs
- 11 Built-in fonts
- USB port
- Large colour touchscreen
- 5” x 7” Embroidery field
- LED lighting
- Automatic needle threader
- Quick-set top-drop bobbin
- Automatic thread tension
- Requires certain thread
Cons:
- Embroidery-only machine
- Does not come with digitizing software
3. SINGER | Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine
The Singer SE300 Embroidery Machine is the perfect machine for everyday sewing and embroidery.
Why We Like the SINGER Legacy SE300
The sewing machine has 200 built-in embroidery designs and 250 built-in stitches. You can plug this thing in and get to work right away.
- 200 Embroidery Designs
This machine has an impressive 200 built-in embroidery designs. - Bobbin Winding While Embroidering
You can wind bobbins while the sewing machine is embroidering. This can save you a lot of time. - It is Fast
The machine can sew 800 stitches per minute and embroider 700 stitches per minute.
Pros and Cons of the SINGER Legacy SE300
Pros:
- 250 Built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Snap-on embroidery hoops
- USB stick embroidery design transfer
- Bobbin winding while embroidering
- Upper thread sensor
- 10 Snap-on presser feet
- 200 Embroidery designs
- 6 Alphabet options
- 800 Stitches per minute sewing speed
- 700 Stitches per minute embroidery speed
- Extra large embroidery area
- Table extension
- Free arm
- Speed control
Cons:
- Small throat
- Using the screen can be confusing
4. Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine
The Janome Memory Craft 500E produces high-quality precision embroidery patterns.
Why We Like the Janome Memory Craft 500E
If your thread breaks, you do not have to worry about starting over. This machine will let you start exactly where you stopped.
- Large Embroidery Field
The Janome Memory Craft Embroidery Machine has a large 7.9” x 11” embroidery field. - On-screen Editing
The on-screen editing makes this embroidery machine easy to use. - Extra Wide Extension Table
The large table gives you a lot of room to work and move your fabric around freely.
Pros and Cons of the Janome Memory Craft 500E
Pros:
- Full colour touchscreen
- Automatic thread cutter
- Advanced needle threader
- 7.9” x 11” embroidery field
- 160 Built-in stitches
- 6 Fonts
- 2 and 3 Letter Monogramming
- On-screen editing
- USB port
- Advanced bobbin threader
- 2 Position presser foot lift
- Auto return post thread break
- Extra wide extension table
Cons:
- Expensive
- Does not come with software
5. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine is a reasonably priced machine that gives you the ability to sew and embroider.
Why We Like the Brother SE600
This sewing machine has 103 built-in stitches. It was designed for the sewer that also dabbles in small embroidery designs.
- Jam-resistant Drop-in Bobbin
This sewing machine makes it easy to load the bobbin. Simply drop it in, and you are ready to sew. - 10 Styles of Buttonhole Styles
You have a wide variety of auto-size buttonholes to choose from. - Affordable
The Brother SE600 sewing machine is an affordable option for those interested in sewing and embroidering with the same machine.
Pros and Cons of the Brother SE600
Pros:
- 80 Built-in designs
- 6 Embroidery lettering fonts
- Automatic needle threader
- Jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
- 103 Built-in stitches
- 10 Styles of auto-size buttonholes
- ·3.2” LCD Touchscreen Display
- USB Port
Cons:
- Requires special software
- Small 4” x 4” embroidery field
6. Janome MB-4S 4 Needle Commercial Embroidery Machine
The Janome MB-4S sewing machine is a commercial grade machine that was designed for home use.
Why We Like the Janome MB-4S
This machine produces professional results quickly. You will save so much time by not having to change the thread constantly.
- 4 Thread Function
You can use 4 different colours of thread at once. You do not have to change the thread every time there is a colour change. - Fast
Since this machine can handle 4 threads at once, it is faster than a single thread machine. - Bobbin Winding
Bobbin winding is easy and it can even be done while the machine is stitching.
Pros and Cons of the Janome MB-4S
Pros:
- 5.7” Remote computer screen
- Extra large bobbin
- 4 Needles
- White LED Lights
- Auto thread cutter
- 3 MB of memory
- 10 Built-in fonts
- 50 Built-in designs
- 800 Stitches per minute
- Programmable jump thread trimming
- Upper thread and presser foot sensors
- Adjustable hoop positioning
- Commercial grade
- Can handle heavy fabrics
Cons:
- Weighs 64 pounds
- Expensive
- Learning curve
7. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
Singer is known for making some of the best sewing machines on the market. And the Singer Quantum Stylist is no exception. The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 sewing machine has a lot of features and can handle small embroidery projects.
Why We Like the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
This sewing machine is a good machine for experienced sewers who are planning on doing the occasional embroidery project.
- Programmable Patterns
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 has programmable patterns. - High-speed Sewing Machine
The sewing machine is fast. It has a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute. - 600 Built-in Stitches
This self-threading sewing machine has all the stitch options you will need. There are 600 built-in stitches, 5 alphanumeric fonts and 13 one-step buttonholes.
Pros and Cons of the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
Pros:
- Good beginner embroidery machine
- 600 Built-in stitches
- Clear bobbin cover
- Stitch elongation
- Mirror imaging
- Programmable patterns
- 5 built-in alphanumeric fonts
- 13 Buttonhole styles
- LCD Screen
- 850 Stitches per minute
- Self-cutting thread feature
- Speed control
- Expandable work surface
Cons:
- Cannot handle heavy layers
- Needle plate markings are hard to read
- No USB Port
- Cannot change size of letters
- Pressure foot is not adjustable
8. Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine
Brother produces some of the best sewing machines on the market. The Brother SE400 is one of the best and most affordable embroidery sewing machines available.
Why We Like the Brother SE400
The Brother SE400 has everything you need to sew and embroider. With 67 built-in stitches and 70 embroidery designs, we are sure you will find the perfect design for your project. And Brother also offers additional designs.
- Fast
This embroidery sewing machine can sew up to 710 stitches per minute when used as a sewing machine, and 400 stitches per minute when embroidering. - Automatic Threading Feature
The automatic threading feature takes the time and hassle out of threading the machine. - Combination Machine
You can sew and embroider with this user-friendly machine. You do not have to go out and buy a separate machine.
Pros and Cons of the Brother SE400
Pros:
- 67 Built-in stitches
- 70 Built-in embroidery designs
- 8 Styles of auto-size buttonholes
- 55 Alphanumeric stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
- LCD screen
- Free arm
- Large work area
- Up to 710 stitches per minute
Cons:
- Small embroidery field
- Black and white screen
- Foot pressure cannot be adjusted
9. Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE1900 Sewing Machine is a fantastic all-purpose machine that can embroider, sew and quilt.
Why We Like the Brother SE1900
There are 138 built-in embroidery designs and 240 built-in sewing stitches. And there is an USB port that gives you the ability to add your own designs.
- 240 Built-in Stitches
This sewing machine has more built-in stitches than you will ever need. - Knee Lifter
With the knee lifter, you can keep both of your hands on the project while lifting the presser foot. - Bobbin Reminder
This machine will let you know when the bobbin thread is running low. You will no longer have to worry about running out of bobbin thread.
Pros and Cons of the Brother SE1900
Pros:
- 138 Built-in Designs
- 11 Embroidery fonts
- Advanced needle threader
- Drop-in top bobbin
- 240 Built-in sewing stitches
- 10 Styles of auto-size buttonholes
- 3.2” LCD touchscreen
- 5” x 7” Embroidery field
- USB port
- 10 Frame shapes
- Sews sideways and backwards
- Knee lifter
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can be hard to use for a beginner
- Only works with .pes format
- Does not come with software
- Not a heavy duty machine
10. Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Sewing Embroidery Machine
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 embroidery sewing machine has computerized features as well as automatic features.
Why We Like the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850
This machine is great for monogramming. But you can also do other embroidery methods and sew.
- 175 Built-in Embroidery Designs
Right out of the box you have 175 built-in embroidery designs to choose from. - Full Colour LCD Touchscreen
The full colour LCD screen gives you the ability to preview and edit your designs on the screen. Since it is full colour, you will be able to see exactly what it will look like. - 3 MB of Storage
This sewing machine gives you the ability to store your favourite designs.
Pros and Cons of the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850
Pros:
- 200 Built-in stitches
- 6 one-step buttonholes
- Automatic thread tension
- Built-in needle threader
- Memorized needle up/down
- One-step needle plate conversion
- 7 Piece feed dog
- Free arm
- Drop feed
- LCD Full colour touchscreen
- 175 Built-in embroidery designs
- 2 Fonts with European characters
- 2 and 3 Letter monogramming functions
- USB design transfer
- Flexible stitch travelling by units of 1,10 and 100
- Editing functions
- 3 MB of storage space
Cons:
- Large learning curve
- Most accessories are sold separately
- Small accessory case
Our 2024 Best Sewing Embroidery Machine Picks
Best Overall
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE1900 Sewing Machine is a fantastic all-purpose machine that can embroider, sew and quilt. And it has 138 built-in embroidery designs.
Premium Choice
Janome MB-4S Commercial 4 Needle Embroidery Machine
If you are serious about embroidery, this machine is at the top of the list. It has 4 needles and produces professional results.
Great Value
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 embroidery sewing machine has a lot of features and can handle sewing projects as well as small embroidery projects.
An embroidery sewing machine is a great way to add fun and decorative designs to your projects. Once you get started, you will find ways to add embroidery to everything.
If you want to add embroidery to your projects, you will want a good embroidery sewing machine. To determine what sewing machine you need, decide on what types of embroidery projects you want to make. You can find interesting embroidery projects on our Facebook Page.
Are you only looking to do monogramming or are you wanting to create large intricate designs? See our review on the Best Monogramming Machines. These factors will determine what type of machine you will need.
Embroidery machines can be expensive. If you are interested in doing embroidery in your business, you will want to invest in a more expensive machine that is easy to use and produces professional results.
If you are only wanting to create small designs, you can purchase a machine that can both sew and embroider. The scope of your projects will determine what type of embroidery sewing machine you will need.