Remember watching your mother or grandmother sew a garment beautifully in less than a day and then spend days or weeks adding some embroidery? With the various new embroidery machines on the market today, that is a thing of the past. Seamstresses can now add embroidery to almost any item quickly and with professional-looking results. With so many embroidery machines, the hardest part is choosing which one is the best. This buyer’s guide should make it a lot easier to choose the best embroidery machine based on sewing goals, skill level, options and cost. To make comparing these machines easier, we’ve added a comparison chart that details the most important specification for each machine.
Title | Built-in | Embroidery | Display | Editing | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brother SE400 | 70 | 4x4 | LCD | yes | Price |
Brother PE770 | 136 | 4x7 | back-lit | yes | Price |
600 | no | LCD | yes | Price | |
136 | 5x7 | LCD | yes | Price | |
136 | 4x4 | LCD | yes | Price | |
400 | 4,3x6,7 | LCD | no | Price | |
160 | 7,9x7,9 | Full color LCD | yes | Price | |
103 | 4x4 | LCD | yes | Price | |
80 | 4x4 | LCD | yes | Price |
Brother SE400 – Best Embroidery Machine for Beginners
Ranked No. 3 among Amazon’s Best Embroidery Machines, the Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing and 4 x 4 Embroidery Machine is a budget-friendly, versatile machine that allows you to sew, quilt and embroider. It includes not just 67 sewing stitches but also 70 built-in embroidery designs and 5 lettering fonts. The Brother SE400 also has computer connectivity, which allows you to keep up with the updates.
The one-touch automatic thread cutter easily and quickly cuts thread. The built-in tutorials, the quick-start guide and the brightly back-lit LCD touchscreen make sewing fun and trouble-free. The machine also has a quick-set jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin that makes it easy to grab the bobbin thread. The automatic needle threader takes the guesswork and stress out of threading the needle.
The 7-point feed dogs make it easy to advance your fabric without having to manually push it through. The machine comes equipped with a handy accessory bag that includes a cleaning brush, a seam ripper, a needle set, spool caps, extra bobbins, screwdrivers, scissors and a touch pen as well as various other accessories.
A multitude of sewn and embroidered designs are possible using the various accessory feet, which include an overcasting foot, a blind stitch foot, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, an embroidery foot, a monogramming foot and a button-fitting foot. The Brother SE400 comes with a 25-year warranty as well as free telephone support for the life of the machine.
- Users can personalize their work
- Twin needle system
- Included USB cable allows users to quickly connect to a computer, import and transfer embroidery designs onto the sewing machine
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Sews various types of fabrics
- Comes with various feet attachments
- Can be upgraded
- Built-in memory
- Since many designs are larger than 4 x 4 inches, the embroidery area is not spacious enough
- Machine only supports 120V AC, so it can’t be used in countries that do not support 120V AC
Brother PE770 – Consumer’s Digest Best Buy
The Brother PE770 was ranked by Consumer’s Digest as an embroidery machine that offered the most value for its money – a quality most consumers want in a product. Several features make this embroidery machine not only a breeze to use but also fun. The larger-than-normal 5 x 7 inches embroidery hoop gives you more room to make your designs, lettering or monograms. You also get 136 embroidery designs, 6 lettering fonts and 12 border styles ideal for quilting.
The design editing feature lets you make size adjustments, create mirror images, rotate and preview designs in the 1.4 x 2.7 inches backlit LCD touchscreen, so you can make any other changes you might need before embroidering. Other special features of the Brother PE770 include an automatic thread cutter, a quick-set bobbin and an easy threading system. This fast machine has an embroidery speed of 650 stitches per minute.
With stitch elongation and mirror imaging, the creations you can make are almost unlimited. The drop-in bobbin system, which is easy to load, has a clear cover and allows you to always know how much thread is left in the bobbin. The Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist is a high-speed sewing machine that sews 850 stitches per minute and allows to get things sewn quickly. The automatic needle threader threads everything from the spool to the needle’s eye and does it very fast, so you can begin sewing without an eye strain and endless tries to thread the machine manually. This machine is as close to a professional sewing machine as you’re going to get without paying the high price of a professional machine. Its various stitches can be used for apparel sewing, crafting, home décor or quilting. The included extension table gives you ample room for working with large projects or quilting. Some extra-special features of this machine include: Various presser feet are included with the Singer 9960, such as an all-purpose foot, a buttonhole foot, a darning and embroidery foot, a buttonhole foot, a button sewing foot, a cording foot, a zipper foot, an open toe foot, a satin stitch foot, an even feed/walking foot, a straight stitch/quilting foot, a rolled hem foot and an overcasting foot. In addition to providing three embroidery frames (5 x 7, 4 x 4 and 2.5 x 1 inches), the Brother Designio Series DZ820E includes an embroidery starter kit. This $200 value box includes two extra embroidery hoops and 200 additional embroidery designs. Its computer connectivity allows you to download thousands of embroidery designs from iBroidery and other websites via the built-in USB port. The accessory kit is loaded with sewing/embroidery goodies, that include a dust cover, an embroidery starter kit with 3 embroidery hoops, an embroidery thread, extra bobbins, a needle set, a seam ripper, a cleaning brush, screwdrivers, a spool cap, a spool net, scissors, a bilingual owner’s manual and a CD with 200 special embroidery designs. The built-in USB port allows you to download designs from iBroidery to a Brother memory card or your PC. With a maximum sewing speed of 710 stitches per minute, you can really whip through designs and creations. The special features that you’ll get with this machine include a one-touch push button automatic thread cutter, an advanced needle threading system, a quick-set drop-in bobbin system, a bilingual owner’s manual and a free lifetime phone support. The automatic needle threader takes the guesswork and eyestrain out of threading the needle while the upper needle and bobbin thread level monitoring ensures smooth and even stitches every time without having to stop in the middle of a seam due to low thread or upper thread jam. This is a necessity when you’re embroidering. The easy-to-use LCD displays all the machine’s features at your fingertips and has normal, memory and embroidery modes. The EverSewn Hero will definitely become your hero when you see all its awesome capabilities. It can make 800 stitches per minute and delicately handle embroidering lacy edges with the same high-quality craftsmanship it demonstrates when sewing heavy denim. When you consider the 4.3 x 6.5 inches embroidery hoop and the fact that the EverSewn Hero sews 800 stitches per minute, you can see how quickly this machine can help you make some great crafts, home décor items, apparel or quilting project. The MC400E is filled will time-saving features designers love in a machine: Embroidery speed can go from 400-860 stitches per minute. The large embroidery field and various options make the Janome Memory Craft 400E a popular embroidery machine. The on-screen editing features let you make changes to your design before you create a stitch so no more ripping out threads and having to start over. Seamstresses who enjoyed the 200E model will love this machine and all the sophistication it brings to the table. This upgraded version is compatible with other Janome embroidery hoops. Auto-size buttonholes will give your clothing items a professional touch. The Brother SE600 also includes 7 different pressure feet. The increased 6.4 x 4.1 inches needle-to-arm working area gives you the extra room you need for larger projects or quilts. The accessory kit includes 3 bobbins, a 4 x 4 inches embroidery hoop, an embroidery foot, twin needles, a foot controller, a needle set, 4 spool caps, scissors, a screwdriver, a spool net, a power cord and a machine dust cover. As is the case with most Brother machines, the PE535 comes with a 25-year warranty and a free telephone support for the life of the machine. You get access to thousands of embroidery designs through iBroidery and similar sites. A collection of Marvel, Disney and Disney-Pixar designs and various other high-quality designs are available through the built-in USB port. The 6 built-in embroidery lettering fonts can be adjusted to any way you want them presented. The Brother PE535 has built-in free-standing designs that can be used on delicate lace, heavy-duty denim and every fabric in between. The easy needle threading system and tutorial videos make sewing and embroidery fun even for beginners. Buying an embroidery machine can be a big deal. In most cases, the machine is going to be around for a long time, so you want one that meets your needs and your budget. It’s fairly evident from this review and any others you may have checked, that many of the machines have very similar features. So, what is the deciding factor? Warranty is always an important factor. Customer support should also play a part in your decision. If you do have a problem, you want to know there is someone available to help. If embroidery is your main interest, you’ll probably be very happy with an embroidery-only machine, especially if you already have a good sewing machine. If you want to save time and space, buying a machine that sews and embroiders would probably work better for you. Internet connectivity is very important because technology plays such a large role in our daily lives. Everyone considers something different when choosing an embroidery machine. Here are some important factors: Question: Do I really need all the stitches these machines offer or will I be paying for things I won’t use? Answer: With so many stitches available, you probably will not use all of them. This is why it’s important to compare prices so you’re not paying extra dollars for a machine that has similar features as lower-priced models because it offers extra stitches. Question: How important is it to have a popular name brand? Answer: Name brands aren’t as important as the quality of the machine. However, because they are name brands, they typically offer good customer support because they’ve been around for a while. Question: Is it better to buy an embroidery machine online or in a store? Answer: Online shopping typically offers you many financial benefits. However, it can become a hassle if it needs to be returned for some reason. Making your purchase at a store does allow you to actually see the machine and possibly even try it out. Getting a new embroidery machine can be the start of a beginning new phase in your sewing and creative career. Embroidery machines can add the finishing touches to apparel, crafts, home décor items and much more. After reading this review of the best embroidery machines you should be able to narrow your choices and purchase the best machine for the jobs you have in mind.
Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist – Most Popular Computerized Sewing Machine for All Sewing Needs
If you’re a beginner interested in computerized sewing and creating some exciting embroidery designs, the Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist may be a good choice. It has 600 built-in stitches, 13 built-in 1-step buttonholes with buttonhole under-plate and 6 alphanumeric fonts.
Brother Designio Series DZ820E – Perfect for Beginners
The Brother Designio Series DZ820E is an adjustable-speed embroidery machine that can do 650 stitches per minute. It comes with 136 built-in embroidery stitches, two embroidery hoops, six lettering fonts and 120 frame pattern combinations, with which your creations will definitely look professional.
Brother LB6800PRW – Only Computerized PRW to Offer Embroidery
The Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway is a computerized embroidery and sewing machine that includes 67 sewing stitches, 70 built-in embroidery designs, 5 lettering fonts 4 x 4 inches embroidery hoop and 120 frame combinations. You can view and edit what you embroidered on the 4 x 4 inches embroidery area on the back-lit LCD touchscreen.
EverSewn Hero – For a Modern, Enthusiastic Seamstress
The EverSewn Hero is a modern sewing and embroidery machine that is totally underrated when being described to sewers and crafters. There is so much more than what meets the eye with this machine. It offers you 400 built-in decorative, utility and alphabet pattern stitches plus 40 built-in embroidery designs.
Janome Memory Craft 400E – Embroidery Machine with Endless Possibilities
The Janome Memory Craft 400E is an embroidery machine that makes it a breeze to personalize, embellish or monogram you garments, home décor items, crafts and accessories. In addition to offering 160 built-in embroidery designs, six monogramming fonts and a USB port for importing designs, this machine has a large 7.9 x 7.9 inches embroidery space as well as an extra-wide working table.
Brother SE600 – Best Sewing Machine for Beginners
The Brother SE600 is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that will bring out the fun side of sewing for beginners and experts. This upgrade from the SE400 has the same great features with some exciting changes. It includes 103 built-in sewing stitches, 80 embroidery designs and the option to download thousands more by utilizing the built-in USB port.
Brother PE535 – One of Best Monogramming Machines of 2019
The Brother PE535 is a versatile embroidery machine that’s reliable, affordable and ideal for both expert and beginner sewers. It comes with 80 built-in designs, plus 9 fonts and 10 frame/borders for quilting. The built-in memory not only allows you to import designs from the web through a USB stick but also stores previously used designs.
Tips for Buying Your First Embroidery Machine: Video
Buyer’s Guide
Considerations When Buying an Embroidery Machine
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
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