5 Best Embroidery Machine For Beginners in 2023
Embroidery machines are fantastic tools for transforming simple fabric into works of art. As an experienced embroidery machine user, I’ve had the pleasure of trying out various machines in the market.
After thoroughly testing each of the top five embroidery machines for beginners, I can confidently recommend the Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine Starter Package as the winning product.
The Brother PE900 stands out due to its exceptional features and ease of use, making it perfect for beginners looking to explore the world of embroidery. With its 5″ x 7″ embroidery field, you can work on larger designs with ease, and the wireless LAN-enabled feature allows seamless pattern transfers.
The machine comes with an extensive library of 193 built-in designs, and its large 3.7″ touchscreen enables effortless on-screen editing. As an added bonus, the Artspira mobile app integration allows you to create and transfer custom designs right from your mobile device.
The Brother PE900 truly offers an unparalleled embroidery experience, making it the ultimate choice for beginners.
Top Rated Beginner Embroidery Machines
Contents
| Rank | Name | Ratings | Price | Wireless LAN | Hoop Area (inch) | Built-in Designs | Discount Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 4.7/5 | $$ | 5×7 | 193 |
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| 4.5/5 | $ | 4×4 | 135 |
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| 4.5/5 | $ | 4×4 | 135 |
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| 4.4/5 | $ | 4×4 | 125 |
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| 4.2/5 | $ | 4×4 | 80 |
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No.1 Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine Starter Package
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The Brother PE900 is a fantastic choice for beginners looking for a reliable and versatile embroidery machine. This top-of-the-line machine offers a large array of built-in designs, with 193 patterns to choose from, and the ability to create custom patterns with the ARTSPIRA mobile app. The app also comes with 50 free designs, providing even more options for your creative projects.
The machine’s large 5″ x 7″ embroidery field provides ample space for bigger designs, making it perfect for a variety of projects, from home décor to fashion accessories. The PE900 also features wireless LAN connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer files from your PC to the machine without the need for a USB drive or cable.
However, the Brother PE900 does come with a few drawbacks. The machine’s price tag is above $1000, making it a significant investment for beginners who may not be ready to commit to a high-end embroidery machine. Additionally, in order to access the 50 free designs, you’ll need to update the machine’s firmware and download the Artspira mobile app.
Overall, the Brother PE900 is an excellent option for those who are serious about embroidery and want a machine that offers extensive features, a large embroidery field, and wireless connectivity. While the price may be a drawback for some, the investment in this high-quality machine will pay off in the long run as you create stunning and intricate embroidery projects.
No.2 Brother PE545 Embroidery Machine
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The Brother PE545 is an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists looking for an affordable yet feature-rich embroidery machine. With 135 built-in designs, this machine offers a wide range of patterns to suit various creative projects. The ARTSPIRA mobile app adds even more versatility to the PE545, allowing users to create custom patterns and download additional designs for their projects.
Wireless LAN connectivity simplifies the process of transferring files from your PC to the machine, eliminating the need for a USB drive or cable connection. The 4″ x 4″ embroidery field provides a decent size for various projects and includes an embroidery hoop for ease of use.
However, there are a couple of downsides to the PE545. The smaller embroidery field may feel limiting for those who wish to work on larger projects, and the machine comes with only 10 built-in fonts, which may not be enough for users seeking more customization options in their designs.
Despite these limitations, the Brother PE545 is a fantastic option for those looking for an affordable embroidery machine with plenty of features and design options. Its ease of use, wireless connectivity, and variety of built-in designs make it an attractive choice for anyone looking to get started with embroidery.
No.3 Brother SE700 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
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The Brother SE700 is an excellent choice for those starting their sewing and embroidery journey. This versatile machine offers a wide range of features catering to both beginners and experienced users. Its dual sewing and embroidery capabilities make it perfect for tackling various creative projects. The wireless LAN functionality allows users to transfer designs from a PC to the machine easily, eliminating the need for cumbersome cords or USB drives.
The Artspira mobile app is another standout feature that enables users to create custom embroidery patterns by drawing on their mobile devices or downloading patterns from the app’s collection. This flexibility is excellent for those looking to personalize their projects further. The large 3.7″ touchscreen makes on-screen editing a breeze and allows users to preview their designs before stitching, ensuring optimal results.
However, the 4″ x 4″ embroidery field can be limiting for larger projects, and beginners may find the array of options overwhelming at first. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Brother SE700 offers a fantastic combination of features, making it the top choice for beginners interested in both sewing and embroidery.
No.4 Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
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The Brother PE550D is a fantastic option for Disney lovers and beginners in embroidery. This machine boasts 125 built-in designs, including 45 Disney designs, making it easy to add a touch of magic to any project. Personalization is simple with 6 English and 3 Japanese lettering font styles, allowing users to create unique and memorable pieces.
The USB port and large 3.2″ LCD color touchscreen make this machine user-friendly, as users can import custom designs and preview their work before stitching. Additionally, the machine comes with built-in alignment tools and a grid sheet, ensuring precise design placement.
However, the Brother PE550D is an embroidery-only machine, which means it is not suitable for regular sewing tasks. Its 4″ x 4″ embroidery field might also be limiting for some projects. Nonetheless, for those focused solely on embroidery and seeking a user-friendly and affordable option, the PE550D is an excellent choice.
No.5 Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
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The Brother PE535 is an affordable and easy-to-use option for beginners in embroidery. This machine comes with 80 built-in designs, providing a variety of options for users to explore. Additionally, it includes 9 built-in fonts, which makes customizing projects a breeze.
The USB port allows users to import and store their designs, providing even more creative possibilities. The large 3.2″ LCD color touchscreen is another useful feature, as it enables users to preview their designs before stitching, ensuring optimal results. The Embroidery Pattern Drag and Drop feature also simplifies design positioning, making it easy for beginners to create stunning projects.
However, the PE535 is an embroidery-only machine, which means it cannot perform regular sewing tasks. Its 4″ x 4″ embroidery field may be limiting for some projects. Despite these drawbacks, the Brother PE535 offers excellent value for beginners looking for an easy-to-use and budget-friendly embroidery machine.
What Are The Different Types of Embroidery Machines?
Making the right decision when buying an embroidery machine is crucial from both a technical and financial perspective. You can consider it an investment, and any investment needs careful research. So, to avoid being overwhelmed with information, here are some embroidery machines you should know.
1. Embroidery-Only Machine
As a beginner, you may be confused as to why there are different machines for sewing and embroidery. Let us identify the difference between the two. Sewing is when you connect two fabrics using a needle, thread, and a machine.
Embroidery is when you make intricate designs using needle and thread work. We can say Embroidery is more advanced than sewing since it involves different stitching patterns that you can’t find on basic sewing machines. That’s why there are exclusive machines used for embroidery only.
If you already have a basic sewing machine and would like to venture into embroidery, this will be a good start for you. It is fairly easy to navigate a single-purpose machine and more advanced functions will be available for you to try out.
2. Embroidery-Sewing Combo Machine
Anyone who wishes to be able to sew a variety of things, from simple repairs to more complicated creations, as well as embroider and appliqué, would benefit greatly from this kind of machine. If you’re a beginner or someone who values time and efficiency, this machine might not be the best option for you.
Although the thought of two-in-one machines can be attractive, learning the basics of sewing and embroidery through these might be difficult. But, these types of machines can be advantageous if you’re worried about space and budget.
Combination machines are relatively cheaper compared to purchasing two machines at the same time. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully balance the pros and cons before deciding whether a combo machine is for you.
3. Needle-Specific Embroidery Machine
Single Needle Machine vs Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine, which one should you get?
Single Needle embroidery machines are more like regular sewing machines in the sense that they both only have one head and consist mainly of a needle, thread, and a bobbin. These machines are fairly user-friendly for beginners and most of them are computerized so, people that are familiar with computers will quickly learn how to use them correctly.
You may quickly develop, customize, and merge designs if you get suitable embroidery software. One disadvantage to take note of would be its inefficiency. You will have to change threads from time to time depending on what kind of design you’re making and your color preference.
Multi-Needle embroidery machines, on the other hand, have multiple needle heads which are capable of holding different thread colors. No need to constantly change a thread every time you wish to use a different one. Aside from this,
Multi-Needle embroidery machines are embroidery-only machines, they are efficient and precise. They stitch faster compared to Single-Needle machines and have better-looking stitches.
With all these good functions and more, Multi-Needle machines are expected to be expensive and high maintenance. If you are a beginner, this may not be the best option for you. But, if you’re thinking of opening a new embroidery business, a Multi-Needle machine can save quite a lot of energy and time.
4. Free-Motion Embroidery Machine
Free-Motion embroidery is also known as freehand embroidery or free machine embroidery. This can be done using a regular sewing machine and you have the freedom to be as creative as you want.
Although this requires a lot of practice for beginners, if you’re still not committed to spending money on a single-purpose embroidery machine, this will be an excellent technique to learn. Just remember to get an embroidery pressure foot and read the sewing machine manual to learn a few tips on how to use it for embroidery.
5. Computerized Embroidery Machine
If you are someone who enjoys illustration and would like to use your art as a design for your embroidery project or business, having a digital embroidery machine will be life-changing.
You can scan your artwork and download it to your device, and let it do its magic. As with other embroidery machines, digital ones also require some practice and getting used to, but if you get the hang of it, the process will be easy for you.
These machines include multiple needle positions, an automatic needle threader, hundreds of stitching functions, and built-in designs, among many other functions.
Computerized Embroidery machines are the most expensive among all embroidery machines available on the market which can be a downside. If you are a beginner and is at a crossroad if you should go for a digital embroidery machine, you have to consider the pros and cons, and whether the benefits outweigh the price point.
6. What Type of Embroidery Machine is Best For Beginners?
We have listed and identified the functions of different essential embroidery machines. Now, we are only left with the question: Which type is the best for you as a beginner?
If you already own a standard sewing machine, Embroidery-Only machines would be the best option for you. This will save you some money instead of buying Combo machines plus you get more functions since it only has a single purpose.
This will be advantageous for users who are beginners in embroidery and would like to start a small business, there’s no need to change your machine’s settings every time you have to sew or embroider, and vice versa.
Moreover, for people who are beginners in both sewing and embroidery, a Combo machine would be the best choice. It can be a little pricey, but you get both functions, among many others.
Also, for hobbyists, this will be a convenient machine to start your crafting journey with. These machines are versatile and come with essential tools for sewing and embroidery. It is an all-in-one machine.
Whichever machine you decide to purchase, make sure to think of the future, too. Do you plan to further your hobby and make it a business? If so, will the machine you choose be able to handle the demand when the time comes?
7. Can You Do Embroidery With A Sewing Machine?
The answer is, yes, you can. You can use your regular sewing machine for embroidery. They call this process Free-Motion embroidery, as we have identified previously. This process requires a lot of practice and patience, but once you get the hang of it, you will be embroidering every fabric you see fit.
Free-Motion embroidery is also good for users who don’t want to spend money on another machine or who have limited space and can’t accommodate a new one. So, take out your machine’s manual and take advantage of the embroidery function.
How To Choose An Easy-To-Use Embroidery Machine?
Well, there are many factors to look for when buying an embroidery machine. Whether it is for beginners or professionals, few of the factors are considerable in both the cases. Embroidering the shirts, pants, denims, towels, or bed linen, the machines must contain these features whatever the price may be.
1. Your Budget vs Functions
So, you found the best type of embroidery machine for your needs, went online to check the price, and immediately felt defeated after finding out the brutal truth that these machines are expensive. Yup, a lot of us have been there.
Therefore, in this section, we will talk about why embroidery machines are insanely expensive, whether the price is worth it for beginners, and if you should consider getting a second-hand machine.
Why Are Embroidery Machines So Expensive?
Advanced technology means advanced price points, as we all know. We now live in a time where there is a specific device made for almost every task we can think of, even minute ones. This is also applicable in embroidery.
Before you decide to start this hobby, you must first do a little research on how much it would cost you because it may come as a shock to most beginners, but embroidery is not a cheap hobby, at all.
You might not notice it at first until you see the pile of thread in your designated box, the fabrics you bought for different projects, and not to mention, the embroidery machine.
Embroidery machines come with hundreds of functions compared to regular sewing machines. These machines are required to do a lot more which entails a higher price tag.
Embroidery machines from brands known for durability and overall better performances are also much more expensive than others. Let’s think of it this way, the more function you want, the higher the price tag.
Is It Worth Buying An Entry Level Embroidery Machine?
As a beginner, you may think all you need is the least expensive machine with the least number of functions because you are a beginner, after all. However, you must think long-term.
Are you doing this solely as a hobby or do you have any plans of expanding your knowledge in embroidery? Buying a machine is an investment so, you must approach this like an investment too.
Entry-level embroidery machines are perfect for hobbyists and sewing enthusiasts who want to see what the embroidery hype is all about. It has the basic functions for simple embroidery designs which are good for practice.
Given the name “entry-level”, these machines have limitations on what you can do, but don’t let it scare you away. As long as you know you will be using it for a long time, entry-level machines can be a good investment.
2. Used vs. New Embroidery Machine
Purchasing brand new machines means everything is up to date. They are compatible with the newer, if not the newest, software available for embroidery. Training, warranty, and after-care services are already included in the selling price.
Replacement parts are also readily available in case your machine needs fixing up. However, buying the cheapest brand-new machine isn’t always the best choice. If you value functionality and quality, you might want to check out used embroidery machines.
There are quite a lot of second-hand embroidery machines sold over the internet (Facebook marketplace, eBay). Most of them are functional and well-maintained. If you want good quality for a cheaper price, second-hand machines from established brands are what you should look for.
Used embroidery machines mostly come with essential tools like hoops, software, needles, and other essentials. Be aware that since it might be a few years old, these tools might be a little outdated, and older machine parts may be a bit scarce.
As long as you spare some time to do your research before purchasing a machine, may it be brand-new or second-hand, tips like these will be helpful to narrow down your options.
3. Product Support and Help for Beginners
Manuals are included when buying embroidery machines. There you will find how to operate it and the different functions you need to know. For newer machines, training videos and product guides and included in the package.
It is crucial that an enthusiast carefully study these manuals to optimize the machine and discover its utmost potential. The most common reason hobbyists give up on embroidery and sell their machines is that they don’t know how to use them.
Is It Hard To Learn Embroidering With A Machine?
Just like any machine, it takes practice to master the process of machine embroidery. Is it hard? No. Does it require patience? Definitely yes. Embroidery in general is a complex hobby. You need to read countless how-tos and watch video guides from time to time just to be sure you’re doing the right thing.
A machine made to make embroidery easier and more efficient is the same, you have to spend time and get to know your machine. This may sound cheesy, but once you truly understand what it is capable of, losing patience will be a rare occasion for you.
Make it a habit to do your research and wholeheartedly learn what you read in manuals. This will save you a great amount of time and energy. Nothing comes easy, not even for hobbies, but once you’re well acquainted with the process of machine embroidery, you’ll surely enjoy the journey.
What Do I Need for Machine Embroidery?
Aside from the basic tools like fabric, thread, and needle, there are other tools specific to embroidery that can make the process easier.
- Hoops- they keep your fabric in place and taut for better embroidery results.
- Embroidery Stabilizer- makes your fabric more durable while being embroidered.
- Embroidery Needles- it is important that you’re using the correct needle for your projects to avoid uneven lines in your design.
- Specialty Scissors- for beginners, having a small scissor is essential for cutting away jump threads conveniently.
- Space- you need enough space to allow movement of your machine because it will move around while you use it.
These are some of the essential tools you need to get started on your embroidery journey.
3. Embroidery Hoop Size
Hoop sizes differ in every embroidery machine. The three(3) most common sizes are 4 x 4, 5 x 7, and 6 x 10 inches. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll have the same stitching area because it is usually a few inches short. For example, if you have a 4 x 4 inches hoop, the largest design you can stitch is 3.93 x 3.93 inches or smaller.
You must use compatible hoops with your machine to avoid messing up your designs. Hoop sizes are commonly found in your machine’s manual.
Can You Embroider Without A Hoop?
Yes, you can still embroider without a hoop. Hoopless embroidery is uncommon but if you have a different way to keep your fabric stable while being embroidered, why not skip the hoops?
As long as you can prevent stretching and puckering then you’re good to go. Hoops are used for stability and overall better finish, however, it’s up to you to find the most suitable process that works for you.
Do I Need A Multi-Needle Machine?
It is advantageous to have a multi-needle machine but for beginners, this is not necessary. Single-needle embroidery machines are the best choice for hobbyists and sewing enthusiasts who are still starting to explore embroidery.
If you have plans to start a small business, it is better to consider multi-needle machines right away instead of upgrading later on. Unless you already have a single-needle machine prior, then upgrading would be a good decision.
What Can I Make With An Embroidery Machine?
There are plenty of design possibilities you can make with an embroidery machine. You can embellish and decorate any type of fabric, and personalize garments with your designs.
Once you get used to the process of embroidery, you will be spending your weekends with your machine creating personalized items for gifts and giveaways, among many others. No doubt.
You may have started embroidery as a hobby, but don’t let it limit you. There are endless things to discover on this journey. Enjoy the process and let your creativity flourish. Who knows, maybe in the next few months you’ll be selling your designs already.
Why Is Machine Embroidery Preferable To Hand Embroidery?
There can be differences of opinion on this topic but usually, when it comes to big orders, a handcrafted product has very little possibility of being exactly what is requested. While this “uniqueness” is the charm of handcrafted goods, it does nothing for someone who wants the same design on every piece of clothing.
If your customers are after precision and perfection then there is no place for any mistakes and machine embroidery is the only solution. Each image is read by the machine using high-quality professional software. They provide error-free results by employing modern algorithms. Because all of the patterns are machine-made, the overall time needed to complete a single item is short. As a result, it is feasible to make more items in less time while maintaining the design.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after using and testing all five embroidery machines, the Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine Starter Package stands out as the best option for beginners.
Its advanced features, ease of use, and wireless capabilities make it a perfect choice for those starting their embroidery journey. The other machines in our list also offer great value and features for their price range, but none can match the versatility and user-friendly experience of the PE900.
As you explore the world of embroidery, having a reliable and feature-rich machine like the Brother PE900 will ensure you have the best tools at your disposal, helping you create stunning designs and grow your skills over time.
Whichever machine you ultimately choose, make sure to consider your individual needs, budget, and the features that will best support your embroidery projects. Happy stitching!
