The 7 Best Embroidery Machines
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Find the Best Machine to Embroider Crafts, Quilts, and More
For many crafters, embroidery often brings to mind the calm, traditional process of hand-stitching colorful threads through fabric. While hand embroidery is undeniably beautiful, it can also be slow and physically demanding—especially when working on intricate or repetitive designs. If you’re looking for a way to achieve greater precision, speed up production, or reduce hand strain, investing in an embroidery machine is one of the most effective upgrades you can make.
Unlike traditional methods that require hours of careful manual stitching, modern embroidery machines allow you to recreate detailed patterns with consistent, high-quality results. They excel at tasks like monograms, decorative borders, logos, and digitized designs—making it easier to complete projects that would be time-consuming or difficult to execute by hand.
Even casual hobbyists can benefit from the convenience and accuracy these machines offer. With features such as built-in design libraries, computerized stitching, automatic thread tension, and the ability to import digital files, embroidery machines open the door to more creative and professional-looking projects.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first machine or a seasoned crafter upgrading your toolkit, choosing the right model can transform the way you create. Below are the best embroidery machines for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals, selected for reliability, ease of use, and overall value.
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine at Amazon$1,099
Best Overall
Janome Memory Craft 500E
- Touchscreen makes design editing easy
- Extension table adjusts for project size
- Cannot tackle larger projects
Creating unique pieces has never been easier—or quicker. The Janome Memory Craft’s full-color touchscreen makes it easy for you to import and edit your own designs. And with the ability to add up to six fonts, the possibilities are endless. Of course, if you’re less creative when it comes to designing, the machine’s library includes 180 patterns ranging from classic designs, to floral alphabets, to Sashiko designs.
The machine’s compact size makes it difficult to tackle larger projects like quilts, but that also makes it a breeze to store.
Dimensions: 7.9 x 11 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Included Stitches: 0 | Attachments: Automatic Thread Cutter | Power Source: Electric, USB Cable Power
Best Budget
Uten Portable Sewing Machine
- Easy needle threading
- Quick-set drop-in top bobbin system
- Limited functions
Though it is advertised as a sewing machine, the UTEN 2685A has embroidery capabilities that are perfect for the beginner, but can also help experienced users handle a variety of tasks. The LCD touchscreen includes a series of functions, such as reverse button and memorized needle up or down buttons. It also includes automatic tension and stitch length and width to take the guesswork out of your crafting.
Dimensions: 18.3 x 14.2 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Included Stitches: 200 | Attachments: Not Listed | Power Source: Corded Electric
Best for Beginners
Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Built-in tutorials
- Large 5” x 7” embroidery area
- Full color touch-screen
- Only does embroidery
An easy-to-use machine is essential for those who are just starting out, and the Brother PE800 fits the bill. The instruction manual is easy to follow, allowing crafters to get their project started within 30 minutes of setup. Craft Ideas Blog’s Deanna McCormack, who has no prior knowledge of stitching techniques or embroidery best practices, tested the Brother PE800 and raved about the machine’s ability to help crafters. “As I was working through the designs, the screen would show helpful tips or instructions that helped me understand the process and make the correct adjustments to my design,” she wrote.
The machine is a bit large, so you want to make sure you have the room to store it. But the machine’s size provides a larger embroidery area so you can take on bigger projects.
Dimensions: 21.75 x 19.02 x 19.09 inches | Weight: 14 lb | Included Stitches: Not Listed | Attachments: Automatic needle threader | Power Source: Electric, Treadle Power
Best for Monogramming
Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
- Easy to use
- Ideal for small designing
- Ready-to-go patterns perfect for beginners
- Intended for U.S. customers only
- No sewing capabilities
When it comes to monogramming, you want a machine that offers a variety of fonts—and the Brother PE535 delivers on that. Crafters can choose from nine fonts, including three Japanese options.
Each unit comes with an instructional DVD and bilingual user manual that allows you to set up and use the machine without complications. It also features 80 built-in designs and 10 frame patterns, though it’s easy enough to import your own designs via the USB port.
Dimensions: 21.2 x 16.5 x 15.51 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Included Stitches: Not Listed | Attachments: Not Listed | Power Source: Electric, Treadle Powered
Best for Quilting
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Easy to use
- Quiet
- Expensive
With 80 built-in embroidery designs and 103 built-in sewing stitches, the creativity is endless with the Brother SE600 combination machine. Customers note that it’s super easy to go from sewing mode to embroidery mode, making it easier to complete quilting projects. Plus, the seven easy-to-swap sewing feet, which include overcasting, monogramming, and blind stitch, ensure your project turns out smooth.
Though it’s a bit pricier than other machines, the features make it worth the cost.
Dimensions: 21.18 x 16.54 x 15.51 Inches | Weight: 26 pounds | Included Stitches: 103 | Attachments: Not Listed | Power Source: Electric
Best for Embroidery and Sewing
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- Base storage for easy organizing
- Particularly effective on thin, stretchy fabrics
- Takes a 60 weight bobbin thread
- Intended for U.S. customers only
- Sewing feature not ideal for thicker material
Having a machine that does double duty is ideal for avid crafters, particularly those with limited space. The Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine includes an advanced needle threading function that easily pushes the thread through the needle and a jam resistant drop-in top bobbin, which keeps tangles to a minimum. With 138 Built-in designs and 11 embroidery fonts, it is great for novice and intermediate crafters alike.
Dimensions: 23.19 x 13.43 x 11.54 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Included Stitches: 240 | Attachments: Automatic Needle Threader | Power Source: Electric, Treadle Power
Best Portable
EverSewn Charlotte Computerized Sewing Machine
- Easy to use
- Stitch speed is comparable to larger, more expensive models
- May struggle to adjust the thread tension
Despite its small size, the EverSewn Charlotte offers a large number of functions. The automatic needle threader and cutter makes it easy to get projects started, while the machine’s speed—650 stitches per minute—allows you to get things done quickly. Customers rave about the machine’s ease of use, which also makes this a great, more affordable beginner machine.
Dimensions: 15.5 x 7 x 11 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Included Stitches: 70 | Attachments: Automatic Needle Threader and Cutter | Power Source: Electric
Final Verdict
We love the Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine (view at Amazon) for a variety of reasons, but the highlight is its user-friendly LCD touchscreen that makes it easy to import, edit, and create your own designs. Perfect for casual crafters and advanced artisans, it’s worth every penny. If, however, you’re looking to save some money, the UTEN 2685A Sewing Machine (view at Amazon) is worth looking into.
What to Look for in an Embroidery Machine
Versatility
While it’s great to have a machine that’s specific to embroidery, Nina Owens, a representative for Michaels, notes it’s best to have a machine that can do both embroidery and regular sewing stitches. Not only does this make completing projects easier, but it also maximizes the space in your crafting area.
If you have a permanent place in mind for your embroidery machine, make sure to measure the space beforehand. If you’ll be storing and toting it with you, then you have to consider the weight as well. You’ll also want to look for an option that comes with a case if portability is important.
Included Designs
The majority of embroidery machines on the market allow you to import your own creations. But if you’re just getting started, then you may want a machine that includes a variety of built-in designs as well. You’ll also want to note the maximum embroidery design size for the machine and see if it fits with the designs you plan to create.
Programmability
“For designers and those wanting more options, the ability to program or upload additional designs is a must-have,” Owens says. To that end, make sure the machine has the ability to connect to a computer or upload files from the thumb drive to be able to add more designs and/or stitches.
Why Trust The Craft Ideas Blog?
At CraftIdeas.blog, our mission is to deliver accurate, trustworthy, and genuinely helpful crafting advice. Every article is created by writers who are deeply passionate about DIY, sewing, and creative projects—and backed by thorough research to ensure you receive reliable information.
This guide was prepared by experienced lifestyle writers who carefully analyzed product specifications, compared popular models, and reviewed feedback from real users. We also referenced insights from industry professionals and reputable crafting communities to ensure our recommendations reflect what crafters truly need.
Our commitment to quality means every product suggestion, tip, and technique is vetted with care. When you read CraftIdeas.blog, you can feel confident you’re getting well-researched, unbiased advice designed to help you make the best choice for your next embroidery project.
FAQ
Using an embroidery machine is similar to sewing, but with a few important differences. First, make sure you’re using an embroidery needle and embroidery thread, as they are designed specifically for decorative stitching. Choose a fabric that suits your project, then secure it in the machine’s embroidery hoop so the material stays tight and steady.
If your machine offers both sewing and embroidery functions, switch it to embroidery mode. After selecting or importing your design, simply position the hoop and let the machine stitch automatically while you monitor the process.
In most cases, no. A standard sewing machine does not include an embroidery hoop or the automated movement system needed to stitch detailed patterns. Embroidery machines control fabric movement in multiple directions, allowing them to create complex designs, monograms, and decorative patterns with precision—something a basic sewing machine cannot do.
It depends on the model. Some embroidery machines are dedicated solely to embroidery, while combination machines offer both sewing and embroidery capabilities. If you want the flexibility to switch between the two, look for a combination model.
Your choice depends on your goals and workload. Single-needle embroidery machines are more affordable and ideal for beginners or hobby crafters. They work well for simple or occasional projects.
Multi-needle machines, on the other hand, allow you to thread several colors at once and complete designs much faster. These are a better fit for advanced users, small business owners, or anyone creating multi-color designs regularly.
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