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If you enjoy making patterns and monograms along with more ambitious decorative crafting projects, a regular sewing machine just doesn’t cut the ice.
In today’s embroidery machine reviews, we’ll laser in on both dedicated embroidery only machines as well as some hard-hitting combo machines.
We’ll also give you a concise guide that will help you get the most suitable machine fuss-free.
5 Best Embroidery Machine Reviews
Before that, though, we’ll jump directly into our embroidery machine reviews so you can assess your options.
First up in our embroidery machine reviews is the embroidery-only PE800, an improvement on the classic PE770 from the inimitable Brother.
Navigation is a cinch with a crisp, clear 3-inch touchscreen. Check out all your designs in full color and make any edits you want for a completely customized experience. There’s a USB port as well allowing you to import and store more designs at will.
Along with 138 onboard designs, you get 11 fonts to cover all those lettering bases.
The embroidery field is large enough for most reasonable projects at 5 x 7 inches. A searching LED light makes certain your working area is nicely illuminated.
An automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin helps you streamline those tedious tasks so you can focus on the creative side of the project.
If you’re looking for a dedicated embroidery machine from a brand you can rely on, the Brother PE800 is an absolute essential. Check one out today and get crafting tomorrow!
Pros.
- Generous 5 x 7 embroidery field
- Large full color LED display
- 138 designs for maximum choice
- 11 fonts for lettering
- Edit and customise designs with ease
Cons.
- Some reported glitches with automatic needle threader
- By no means a cheap embroidery machine
Next up in our embroidery machine reviews is a pocket-friendly 2-in-1 from the legendary Singer.
Not only is this machine priced to suit most budgets, you’ll also enjoy full sewing machine functionality not just the ability to embroider. If you’re looking for versatility and value, the 9980 is tough to beat.
With a staggering 820 stitches built in, 776 of which are decorative, you should have more than enough latitude to carry out pretty much any project you can think of.
You can monitor proceedings using the screen which could be dramatically improved by the introduction of color.
Singer throws in a very impressive range of accessories to complement the equally generous 13 presser feet.
Aside from the monochrome screen and the issues with voltage for anyone based outside the US, the Singer 9980 is a highly capable all-rounder that will meet your embroidery needs along with so much more.
Pros.
- Copes well with heavy fabric
- 820 stitches at your disposal
- 5 full alphabets for lettering
- Decorative stitches ideal for embroidery
- Huge bundle of accessories
Cons.
- Only suitable in North America due to voltage constraints
- Backlit monochrome screen a disappointment
Next in our line of embroidery reviews, is the Brother FS100WT sewing machine.
Pros.
- Full shiatsu massage
- Striking aesthetics to suit all cars
- 3 distinct massage styles
- Very effective straps
- Zone control to laser in on specific body areas
Cons.
- By no means cheap although still great overall value
Edging to the end of our sewing embroidery machine reviews, why not inject a little fun into the tired routine of sewing and get the amazing Bernina Bernette 7.
Pros.
- Both shiatsu and vibration massage
- Fantastic performance given the price tag
- Full back massage or Relaxation mode
- 3 vibration levels
- 3D balls feel just like a pair of hands
Cons.
- Some users complain about durability so handle with care
To finalize our embroidery machine reviews, we’ve got something a little different in the form of this extremely efficient electric model from the legendary Janome Horizon 9900.
Pros.
- Rock-solid brand heritage
- Extremely user-friendly
- 5 powerful motors
- Trio of intensity settings
- Nicely customizable
Cons.
- Pretty noisy
- Can feel slightly uneven
OK ...
If you’re still feeling slightly confused about which embroidery machine would make the best fit, here’s a brief buying guide to help you on your way…
What To Consider When Looking For The Best Embroidery Machine
Embroidery machines are not cheap and it’s essential to take your time and avoid a very expensive mistake.
Read on to see how to buy the best embroidery machine the easy way.
Think About Your Needs
Not all embroidery machines are created equal so before even thinking about what model you want, be absolutely honest about your needs.
Will you be doing lots of lettering?
How about monogramming?
Perhaps you’ll be working with large pieces of material like curtains?
By thinking about the type of embroidery you plan to undertake and how often you intend to use your machine, you’re far more likely to hit a home run.
Where Will You Use The Embroidery Machine?
Where you plan to set up your embroidery machine will inform the shape and size you’ll be looking for.
Dimensions vary greatly so measure up the workspace you have lined up and make sure any embroidery machine you check out will slot in neatly while still giving you ample freedom of movement.
Type of Embroidery Machine
Whether you want a light domestic embroidery machine or the semi-industrial Janome 9900 built for sustained and heavy work, it’s vital you match your needs to machine.
There are 2 broad varieties of embroidery machine:
- Embroidery Machine Only
- Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Embroidery Machine Only
If you already have a sewing machine at home and you’re not looking for a back-up, a dedicated embroidery machine is your best bet.
Stitching is quicker, the embroidery field larger and the number of inbuilt designs is normally greater.
If you place quality and performance uppermost, there’s no substitute for a straight-up embroidery machine.
Sewing and Embroidery Machine
2-in-1 sewing and embroidery machines are ideal if you want to maximize functionality on a budget and are better suited if you have less ambitious embroidery needs.
If you’re hunting down 2-in-1 machines, both Brother and Singer offer the best that this market segment has to offer.
There’s no right or wrong answer here and we tried to cover a spread of different machines to suit all tastes, some embroidery only machines, other offering full sewing capability as well.
Generous Embroidery Area
The embroidery area is the largest size your machine can comfortably deal with.
A small embroidery field is more than enough if you only plan to work with baby clothes or other tiny items.
Think ahead, too. If you’re just starting out and you’re not entirely sure what kind of projects you’ll be working on in the future, buy as big as you can afford rather than selling yourself short.
Number of Inbuilt Patterns
Most embroidery machines come packing anything from 50 inbuilt designs along with a wide range of fonts ideal for your lettering and monogramming projects.
Again, make sure the machine you’re considering has enough choice to satisfy you and buy accordingly.
Connectivity
Linked to the idea of patterns, many of the best embroidery machines allow you to connect to your PC or laptop. You can download patterns and store them on your machine.
This adds a new layer of convenience and freedom to your embroidery so check for connectivity if this is a function you’ll make use of.
Touchscreen Display?
Full color screens offer you a far better user experience than monochrome alternatives. Color is obviously a key part of any embroidery project so make things easy on yourself.
Many touchscreens also let you edit and customize designs.
You should buy an embroidery machine with a level of tech you’re comfortable with.
Warranty
Pretty much all of the best sewing and embroidery machines boast 20 to 25 year warranties.
Customer service is normally extended for the lifetime of your embroidery machine so it’s worth reading up on whether or not the helpline is responsive.
Buying an embroidery machine with a lengthy warranty takes all the sting out of your buying decision and you know you’re covered in the event of any mishap.
A Final Word
With any luck, you’re now well on your way to getting the best embroidery machine, whether that’s a unit purely intended for embroidery or a nifty 2-in-1 sewing and embroidery machine.
Get in touch any time if you have any questions or comments at all. We’re always delighted to hear from our readers and we’ll get back to you promptly.
