Selecting which embroidery sewing machine to use for a beginner can be overwhelming. Since these machines come loaded with different features, you can use it to fit any embroidery design you want to create. Some beginners may not know which features are important, or how to work computerized embroidery. Also, if you are investing in an expensive machine for your embroidery work, you want to ensure that it will last for years to come.

When you are considering buying an embroidery machine, you want to make sure that it is not a low quality one. Most of them look great with all their features, and with what they can do for your customized sewing project. However, if you don’t do your research, you may end up with an inferior product. This machine works significantly differently than a regular sewing machine, and if you’re doing computerized machine embroidery, it takes some setup and learning to get the hang of.

Things to Consider

Embroidery can be fun and offers a great way to be creative with your projects. If this is your first purchase, deciding may be a daunting task. With so many features available, it is difficult to know exactly which is the best one for you.

Many individuals think that a cheap embroidery machine without the features would be best for a beginner. This way, they aren’t overwhelmed with learning all the sewing machine’s intricacies. However, users may find that they outgrow the machine too quickly and may need to purchase another one.

Top quality machines will help your embroidery project advance quicker, be more enjoyable, and turn into a professional hobby.

Features

The types of machines available are just the embroidery machine, and a combination embroidery/sewing machine. The kind you should invest in may be dependent on what you need it to do.

Embroidery sewing machines come equipped with several built-in designs that vary among models. Machines come with over one hundred different designs along with numerous fonts used for monograms. Combination machines have various designs and stitches for different projects.

Some embroidery machines have a small embroidery area. This means that you can only do small designs. This may be perfect for beginners, however, as you grow, you may find this too tiny of a space. It will hamper your creativity.

Good embroidery machines are wi-fi enabled or have a USB port. This will allow you to download designs from the internet. Users will be able to import them back to the machine via a thumb drive.

This feature is great for those interested in custom designs and want more versatility. It should be noted that different machines have different types of files. You may need to consider this if you have a previous collection that you want to use.

Weight and dimension are important if you have limited space. Customers should make sure the machine isn’t too large or bulky. It should be able to fit on the surface you are using. Before making a purchase, measure the dimension of the space you are using and make your choice accordingly.

If you are taking beginner embroidery classes or may need to move, you might also want to consider a lightweight, portable machine.

High quality machines have a larger selection of accessories. They usually include more foot accessories (zigzag, blind hem, concealed zipper foot, etc.) and more needles. Users should consider the embroidery work they are interested in and ensure the model you purchase is able to accomplish this.

If you are looking for a computerized embroidery machine that uses a variety of stitches, consider a model that is computerized. This will take the guessing out of tension, width, and stitch selections.

Most machines have at least a three-year warranty. However, if you want a model with a longer warranty, consider a Brother embroidery machine.

When purchasing an embroidery machine, think about the type of thread you want to use. Many machines are well-suited for a variety of threads.

OUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Brother PE800

brother pe800 embroidery machine isolated on white background

  • Easy to use
  • Professional results
  • 25-year warranty

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2. Brother SE1900

brother se1900 sewing and embroidery machine isolated on white background

  • Variety of accessories
  • Larger embroidery area
  • Eight sewing feet

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3. Janome Memory Craft 14000

janome horizon memory craft 14000 sewing embroidery machine

  • 4 embroidery hoops
  • Touchscreen
  • Well-lit

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Best Embroidery Machine for Beginners

PRODUCT MODEL RATING BUY NOW
brother pe800 embroidery machine isolated on white background Brother PE800 4.7 Check Deals on Amazon
brother se1900 sewing and embroidery machine isolated on white background Brother SE1900 4.7 Check Deals on Amazon
janome horizon memory craft 14000 sewing embroidery machine Janome Memory Craft 14000 Check Deals on Amazon
janome horizon memory craft 9850 embroidery and sewing machine Janome Horizon Memory Craft 4.7 Check Deals on Amazon

The Brother PE800 does embroidery only. With some machines, you can do both embroidery and sewing. This one is not one of them.

brother pe800 embroidery machine isolated on white background

This embroidery machine has a large embroidery field so beginners can experiment with various designs on a larger platform. The embroidery area measures 5×7 inches. It comes equipped with 138 different designs and has 11 fonts. Users can do quilt patterns, scrollwork, and florals.

Whether you are a beginner or expert, before making a purchase make sure the machine is either Wi-Fi compatible or USB. This will allow you to expand on what designs are available through the internet.

The Brother PE800 has an expandable memory (USB connectivity), so users can store as many designs as they wish. Designs can be imported directly from your computer. The big LCD screen makes it easy for users to review and select designs to ensure it contains everything they need before embroidery begins.

This machine is also perfect for home businesses, or an expert embroiderer. This is because the machine sews at a speed of 650 stitches per minute. It handles high volume projects with ease.

Users appreciated the machines’ ability to reflect the design or rotate. People found it convenient in obtaining a mirrored effect.

Whether you are a novice or expert, most users find this machine has a very quick learning curve.

PROS CONS
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Professional results no matter what your skill level
  • Larger than average LCD screen
  • Able to review project before embroidering it onto fabric
  • Comes with embroidery hoop
  • Able to edit design
  • Automatic needle threader
  • 25-year warranty
  • No sewing option available

Best Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Brother sewing machines are known for their computerized technology. This is what makes most people covet them moreover Singers in this category. For this reason, the Brother SE1900 ranks better over a Singer when it comes to the best combination sewing and embroidery machine.

brother se1900 sewing and embroidery machine isolated on white background

Customers like this machine because it is versatile. It is great for those who wish to improve on their existing skills and attempt to become a professional. This machine is computerized and allows you to create an array of embroidery designs. Furthermore, it was designed with both the beginner and expert in mind.

The USB drive allows users to import their own designs into the machine from your computer. The automatic needle threader is also easy to use- especially if you are just learning.

The embroidery hoop is 5×7 inches and allows for a wide space regarding the size of your project. It allows for larger sizes to be designed even if you are a beginner. Customers like the ability to transfer designs to the machine without needing software.

The LCD display is easy-to-use. Like the previous model, it comes equipped with 138 designs and 11 embroidery fonts. It also has 240 built-in sewing stitches as well.

PROS CONS
  • Customers can do embroidery and sew
  • Variety of accessories
  • Larger embroidery area
  • Comes with eight sewing feet, and LED light for illumination
  • 25-year warranty
  • Steeper learning curve for novices

Best for a Home Business

The Janome Memory Craft 14000 does it all. It is a combination quilting, embroidery and sewing machine all-in-one. It allows users to take full control over their projects and has many cutting-edge features.

janome horizon memory craft 14000 sewing embroidery machine

The machine comes with 350 designs and 11 monogrammed fonts. The hoop size is 9.1×11.8 inches. It has a speed of 1,000 stitches per minute so larger tasks can be completed in minimal time.

There are 400 built-in stitches available with 12 one-step buttonholes. It has a Stitch Composer program which allows users to edit and create their own stitches via a computer. The AcuFeed Flex Technology provides precision control for detailed, fine work.

PROS CONS
  • 4 embroidery hoops
  • Removable embroidery arm
  • 15” bed for sewing
  • Touchscreen
  • Well-lit
  • Quick buttons
  • Needle plate functions
  • Numerous editing functions
  • Real-time connectivity to PC and USB compatible
  • LCD screen controls are more complex
  • Only a single needle

Most Versatile Embroidery/Sewing Machine for Professionals

The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 will allow professionals to become more creative. This machine was designed for professionals who embroider tasks for decoration, home décor and crafts. It will allow you to quilt, embroider and do general sewing tasks.

janome horizon memory craft 9850 embroidery and sewing machine

This sewing machine is ideal for people who either enjoy being very creative with their embroidery, or who are looking for versatility in their machine. The Janome 9900 allows users to vary their speed between 400-800 stitches per minute depending on the density of the fabric.

It has 200 stitches, 6 one-step buttonholes, and 175 embroidery designs.

PROS CONS
  • Built-in needle threader
  • Memorized needle up and down
  • Full-color LCD touchscreen
  • USB transfer for designs
  • Editing functions
  • 5 White LEDs for improved lighting
  • It only supports 9-millimeter feet

Best for Medium to Large Home Business

embroidery machines setup focus

RiComa EM-1010 is a computerized system with a true-color, high-definition LCD touchscreen. It is a single head machine with 1- needles to meet the requirements of any expert in the field.

It has a user-friendly control panel making it very efficient and easier to operate. It is available in multiple languages and has a maximum speed of 1,000 stitches per minute.

The RiComa comes equipped with pre-set hoops so users will not hit the frame, on-board lettering with 10 fonts, and has a USB port. It has a 20 million stitch memory and lower power consumption over most machines.

If you don’t want to use the USB, individuals can use wireless connectivity or ethernet to manage and transfer designs from your PC to the embroidery machine. This embroidery machine reads several design formats including DST and DSB.

PROS CONS
  • LCD is highly intuitive
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Portable
  • Only an embroidery machine

Most Budget Friendly

The Brother PE535 has a 3.2” LCD touchscreen and a USB port for downloading/creating designs. It has 80 built-in designs including holiday, floral and kids’ designs. This machine comes with 9 fonts and a 4×4” embroidery field.

This machine was designed for both experts and beginners.

PROS CONS
  • Can import their own designs
  • Easy to use
  • Needle threading system
  • Comes with embroidery pattern drag and drop feature
  • Great for family
  • May break easily
  • Difficult to use

What type of embroidery machine you choose depends on your skill level and whether you want to be a professional or not. Those who are just learning to do embroidery will want a machine that they can grow into.

Unlike sewing machines where users may want a less complicated piece of equipment, embroidery machines don’t operate this way. If the individual invests in a cheaper machine, changes are they are buying an inferior product or one they will quickly outgrow.

Therefore, novices may want to begin with a machine that has many features and capabilities but may not want to begin right at the top. However, only the individual really knows how far they want to take this skill. If you want to have it morph into a business, you may want to make a larger investment. The only downfall may be that it can take a while to master.

For home businesses or professionals, you may want to invest in a machine with broader capabilities. They will provide you with the greatest freedom and versatility when it comes to designing a pattern for your project. In this case, the more features, the greater possibilities.

Also, depending on whether you will be using it for sewing, you may want to select an all-in-one. Embroidery machines come in either just embroidery, combination sewing and embroidery, or a few are embroidery/sewing/quilting. It just depends on what you want to use it for.

An all-in-one machine is great, but if you aren’t using it for much, then you may have spent too much. Also, you need to consider where you will be storing this machine. Some embroidery machines are a little bit more involved size-wise and may not be able to fit in the most convenient places.

Furthermore, you also should consider the size of the project you will be doing. Many of these machines have small hoops that are great for small jobs and patching. Others have wider areas for tasks such as embroidering a pillow, quilt, etc. In this case, a small hoop is quite limiting for users.

The most important components to consider are the hoop size, computer technology, USB/Wi-Fi compatibility (also that it works specifically to YOUR computer!), and designs. Make sure that it contains everything you want, and then some (for growth) if you are a beginner. All of these are amazing machines and will do an exceptional job.