Best Embroidery Machine Reviews for 2020
The art of embroidery used to be a painstaking, yet highly creative skill which involved a great amount of effort and time to perfect. Hand embroidered tapestries, elegant monograms and intricate designs – old and new – are still considered works of art. Thanks to the huge advances in sewing equipment and technologies, the ability to create beautiful embroidered pieces is open to anyone willing to invest some time and money in an embroidery machine. Like any type of sewing machine, there is a wide range of models on the market designed to fit any skill level and wallet.
After analyzing the features, functions, pros and cons, reviews and costs of the most popular embroidery machines available, we compiled a list and short description of our top 10 picks. Some are designed for beginners, others for experts, but all are worth further investigation. Unless otherwise noted, all machines on this list are sewing/embroidery combo machines. Enjoy!
Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine
With 136 built-in embroidery designs and 6 lettering fonts, this embroidery-only Brother model gives anyone new to machine embroidery a head start. Higher priced than other models, it includes the ability to edit fonts and designs and to import your own designs or those purchased from Brother’s iBroidery.com website via a USB drive. This model also includes the option of accessing thousands of separately purchased Brother embroidery designs and uploading them via a special card slot. The built-in memory makes saving your favorite designs a breeze.
The PE770 offers you an expansive 5-inch by 7-inch embroidery field and hoop for making designs in several sizes. The machine is easy to thread and operate, and includes a drop-in bobbin feature. The LCD touchscreen gives you fast access to embroidery designs and editing features. This model will best suit beginners and intermediate users.
The Brother PE770 5×7 inch Embroidery-only machine with built-in memory, USB port, 6 lettering fonts and 136 built-in designs is one of the best embroidery machines on the market. If you like to embroider and want a great value for your money the Brother PE770 is a great deal for the money!
Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine
While the cost of this embroidery machine is not for the faint of heart, it’s an excellent investment if you plan to start up a home embroidery business or wish to learn on one of the best. In addition to a large 7-inch by 9-inch square embroidery field and an extra-wide work area, this Janome model includes 160 built-in stitches and an adjustable stitching speed of between 400 and 800 stitches per minute. In addition to 6 built-in lettering options, this machine includes a 2- and 3-letter monogram function. The 400E also includes the ability to adjust the sizes of upper-case letters and choose from a selection of border patterns.
The large, color LCD screen allows you to choose borders and designs and make edits with ease, and the 13 function keys allow you to choose, duplicate or edit each selected pattern or design and adjust the hoop position. In addition to built-in memory and the option to upload designs using a USB flash drive, this model includes a drop-in bobbin with automatic winder and automatic needle threader.
Singer Superb EM200 Embroidery Machine
This reasonably priced embroidery-only machine from Singer offers a whopping 200 embroidery design options, a good-sized embroidery field and two hoops: a large embroidery hoop (10 1/4 inches by 6 inches) and a smaller one (4 inches by 4 inches). The design settings and 6 lettering options can be chosen, edited or adjusted for size via the large LCD touchscreen. The automatic thread tension feature and automatic needle threader save both time and frustration. You can even rewind the bobbin while operating the machine!
The generous accessory package includes an illustrated book featuring every built-in design and alphabet option, a pack of needles, 5 clear plastic bobbins and a USB embroidery stick. Also included is a DVD which includes more specific information on each design and computer software that will allow you to import additional designs from CDs or the internet. This machine is a great choice for anyone interested in or accomplished at machine embroidery.
Brother PE550D 4×4 Embroidery Machine
If you’re looking for an embroidery only machine at a ridiculously low price but with a wealth of features and stitch options, this might be the model for you. Whether you just starting out or want a dependable, user friendly machine for you kids, the PE550D includes an impressive 125 built-in embroidery stitch options, which includes 45 Disney designs, a large color LCD display screen and automatic needle threader. Those are only a few reasons why this versatile machine earned the 2018 Women’s Choice Award for Embroidery Machines.
While embroidery design size is limited to 4 inches by 4 inches, this model includes built-in memory and a USB port for importing additional designs, 5 built-in lettering fonts and the ability to angle, curve and insert multiple lines of text. You can increase or decrease the spacing between each letter. You also have the option of creating your own freestanding embroidery designs.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
This top-of-the-line combo machine by Janome is designed with the expert or professional in mind. Along with the staggering price tag comes a huge assortment of functions and features. In addition to featuring 5 bright LED lights in three different locations on the machine, the 9900 includes an adjustable sewing speed rate of between 400 to 800 stitches per minute and a memory storage capacity of 3MB. It also includes an LCD touchscreen with on-screen assistance and a built-in timer that tells you how long it takes to complete each embroidery project.
Multiple design editing options include the ability to resize, flip, duplicate, combine, arc, drag and drop, drag, trace, and zoom. In addition to 175 built-in embroidery designs, this model features 200 decorative and utility stitches, 6 one-step buttonhole stitches and 3 font options. The only drawback is the limited embroidery field of 6.7 inches by 7.9 inches. Additional features and functions are too numerous to include, but this is a serious machine.
Singer Futura XL-420 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
This somewhat expensive Singer model includes several useful and time-saving features and functions. It’s ease of use is an immense plus for beginners, but includes enough technological advances to impress experts. In addition to an impressive 200 built-in embroidery designs in various sizes and 20 endless design choices, it includes 5 lettering fonts and 30 built-in stitch options. Purchase includes three different sizes of embroidery hoops and the spacious, well-lit embroidery field is a rarity in most models.
This Singer model also includes unique capability to use multiple embroidery hoops at the same time and the drop feed function allows you to embroider beautiful free motion designs on a large range of fabrics and projects. Purchase includes software for your computer or laptop, which must be connected to the machine during use.
Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
This embroidery only model by Brother includes a 5-inch by 7-inch embroidery field and a full color LCD touchscreen. The built-in USB port and memory allows you to upload and store both purchased and custom embroidery designs with ease. This machine also includes 138 built-in embroidery designs and 11 lettering fonts, 7 of which are in English, 3 in Japanese and 1 Cyrillic font. The fonts are available in serif, san serif outline and script styles.
The editing function allows you to increase or decrease the size of your designs, rotate them or create a mirror image. You can also try out different color combinations on your designs using the large color LCD touchscreen. The bright LED light perfectly illuminates the work area, a plus when working on dark fabrics. If you’re looking for a sturdy, dependable embroidery only machine, the price and features on this model won’t disappoint beginners or experienced users.
Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine
This lightweight, low-priced portable doesn’t include some of the more advanced features and functions of others on this list, but user friendliness is a guarantee on any Brother machine. The back-lit LCD touchscreen supplies you with all the controls and information you need to access the 70 built-in embroidery design options, 67 stitches and 5 lettering fonts. By connecting the SF400 to your computer or laptop via the included USB cable, you can download and transfer hundreds of additional designs, both free and purchased.
Another useful feature is the one-touch automatic thread cutter, which cuts both the top and bobbin threads simultaneously. The 7-point feed dog system ensures all types of fabric move smoothly beneath the needle, no matter what project you’re working on and the bright LED light keeps the work area well illuminated. In addition to an informative user manual, this Brother model includes built-in tutorials and a quick-start guide you can access via the LCD touchscreen.
EverSewn Hero Sewing and Embroidery Machine
While this combo machine is geared toward intermediate users, it’s so easy to use that it’s also a great choice for those new to machine embroidery. The mid-range price reflects the useful and varied range of features and functions, although the embroidery field is limited at 6.5 inches. However, this model does include 400 built-in utility, decorative, and lettering stitch options and 40 built-in embroidery designs.
The large LCD display screen allows you to interact with the machine in normal, memory, and embroidery modes, which makes navigating to the proper function a breeze. The Hero also monitors both the upper needle thread and the bobbin thread levels. This built-in warning system will alert you if the bobbin thread is running low and will automatically stop the machine if the upper thread spool is empty or the thread breaks. A USB port makes uploading new and custom designs fast and easy.
Janome Memory Craft 230E Embroidery Machine
This Janome model is a moderately priced embroidery-only model. It arrives with 73 pre-programmed embroidery designs and 5 fonts for monogramming: these include Gothic, Script and Cheltenham fonts. It also includes a maximum embroidery size hope of 5.5 inches by 5.5 inches. A smaller 2-inch by 2-inch hoop is also available by separate purchase.
While this machine may seem somewhat expensive for its limited number of built-in designs and small embroidery field, your own or purchased designs can be uploaded via the USB port. Editing features, available through the LCD touchscreen, include the ability to enlarge and decrease design sizes, create mirror images, and rotate designs. The multi-folder memory system keeps your designs organized. the top-loading bobbin saves time, as does the machine’s top speed of 650 stitches per minute.
Like any piece of sewing equipment, choosing the right embroidery machine for your skill level and needs is a matter of preference, features and price. Whether you plan on buying an embroidery-only machine or prefer the convenience of not having to move between machines, thorough research and a few test drives at your nearest dealership can help you make the perfect selection.