First-Time Buying Guide: Embroidery Machines

First-Time Buying Guide: Embroidery Machines

If you’ve been thinking about adding monograms, logos, or small motifs to your projects, here’s a simple guide to help you figure out what you actually need (and what you can skip). 

PS: I also included a free option and recommendations from the sewing community.

 

Sections

  • What to Consider

  • Which Embroiderer are you?

  • What the Community Told Me (thank you, IG)

  • A Simple First-Timer Checklist

 

What to Consider

There are 9 things you should consider when purchasing an embroidery machine. 

Let’s dive in.

 

1) Purpose & Usage

This is always the first question to ask: what will this be used for?

Home Projects: small designs, patches, monograms → an entry-level machine is usually enough.

Small-Batch Selling: logos on tees, hats, totes → look at mid-range “prosumer” or a starter multi-needle if you want speed and color changes.

 

2) Hoop Size & Stitch Area

A hoop is the frame on the embroidery machine that grips the fabric and holds it taut, preventing puckering or shifting during stitching.

Small hoops keep fabric tighter, create crisp designs, and use less stabilizer fabric, while large hoops give you the space needed for jackets, quilts, and bigger projects.

Having a range of hoop sizes gives you both precision and flexibility—if you plan on doing big and small projects, make sure the machine supports multiple hoop sizes.

 

3) Single-Needle vs Multi-Needle

Single-needle machines are more affordable and beginner-friendly, but slower since you have to rethread for each color.

Multi-needle machines are faster because they hold several colors at once (4-10+ spools) and have automatic color change, but are bigger and pricier.


4) Files & Software

This part can get tricky if you’re less digitally-inclined, but you can find help on Etsy to get the right file format.

Check that the machine reads common embroidery file formats (DST, PES, JEF, etc.).

Expect to buy separate digitizing software if you want to turn artwork into stitch files.

 

5) Build Quality & Reliability

Your machine should be able to produce smooth stitching at various stitches/min. Here are some typical numbers to compare to:

Home: 600-750 SPM

Prosumer: 800-1200 SPM

Reputable brands and local service matter more than a flashy spec sheet.


6) Ease of Use

Here are some features that could help you save time and effort: auto needle threader, thread cutter, decent touchscreen, and automatic tension.

 

7) Maintenance & Support

Entry machines aren’t built for all-day production. 

If something goes wrong, local techs/authorized dealers are a lifesaver—check this before you buy.


8) Budget

Entry-level (home): $400–$1,200 USD — Brother (PE800/SE1900), Janome, Singer.

Mid-range / prosumer: $1,200–$4,000 USD — Brother Innov-is, Janome Memory Craft, Baby Lock Flourish.

Starter multi-needle: $5,000–$12,000+ USD — Ricoma EM-1010, Baby Lock Venture, Brother Entrepreneur, Tajima Sai.

If you’re buying used, ask for the stitch count and maintenance history (it’s like mileage on a car).

 

9) Extras, Spare Parts, and More

Extra hoops, cap frames (embroidering hats), stabilizers, and spare needles may be necessary, depending on your needs.

Consider the vibration and noise level (important for shared spaces) and the footprint/weight if you’ll be moving the machine around often.

 

Which Embroiderer are you?

A) Home Sewist, Personal Projects

Start with an entry-level single-needle that has:

  • At least one medium hoop (e.g., ~5"×7")

  • USB/Wi-Fi for design upload

  • Auto threader/cutter

 

B) Small-Batch Seller, Light Production

Consider a mid-range single-needle with larger hoops or a starter multi-needle if you value speed and fewer rethreads. Make sure you have:

  • Reliable local service

  • Hoop options for your products (e.g., totes, caps)

  • A plan for digitizing designs (in-house or outsourced)

 

What the Community Told Me (thank you, IG)

I polled the IG community and got some great (and honest) recommendations—both positive and cautionary.

Let’s take a look.

  • Brother SE600/SE700/SE2000: these models got love for home use

  • Janome MB7: shoutout to a new, not-crazy-expensive model; one person wrote “I like my Janome MB7- way more capable than just writing but v expensive too”

  • Ricoma: mixed—several said they’ve had no problems, while others said to avoid it.

  • Tajima: repeatedly recommended for reliability (more industrial-leaning as it can get expensive).

  • Melco, Bernette B79 Yaya Edition, Singer/Juki also came up.

  • Free Embroidery Option: One super useful tip was to check your local library or makerspace—some have embroidery machines you can use before buying your own.

 

A Simple First-Timer Checklist

  • Does it support the hoop size I need now (and maybe want later)?

  • Are file formats and software straightforward for me?

  • Do I have local service or dealer support?

  • Does it include time-savers (auto threader/cutter, good screen)?

  • Is my budget realistic once I add hoops, stabilizers, and thread?

  • For small production runs, can it keep up without unnecessary downtime?


I’d love to hear what you use and why you chose it in our Discord community.

Or, if you’re just getting started and want some advice, share your thoughts and we’ll help guide you to the right answer.

 

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