Best Embroidery machines for beginners

Knowing which machine is suitable for you can be challenging if you’re new to embroidery. Embroidery machines have come a long way in recent years, and there are now several great beginner machines on the market. Here’s a brief overview of some of the best beginner machines on the market today and why I consider them the best choice.

If you’re looking for a good embroidery machine, there are a few things you need to take into account:

• The size of the embroidery area
• The type of fabric you want to embroider
• The stitches you want to use

However, even if you haven’t all these details figured out, some great machines can still help you with your embroidery needs. So, what are the best embroidery machines for beginners?

We also have a dedicated article on the Best sewing machines for beginners if you are interested.

Our Top Picks for beginners

Here, we’ll look at the best embroidery machines for beginners.

Best beginner embroidery only machine: Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine. Exclusively for embroidering fabric, it has all of the essential features that a beginner requires: many devoted followers. This is the machine that allows your creativity to flourish.

Best entry-level sewing/embroidery: Brother LB5000S Star Wars Sewing and Embroidery Machine. This machine is perfect for a beginner on a budget. At $530 you simply can’t beat the feature set, and the attention to detail Brother put into this machine. 

Best Combo Sewing Embroidery: Baby Lock Verve Sewing and Embroidery Machine has got all of the necessary features to start embroidering but not only! This machine can also handle all your sewing needs, from hemming and tailoring to quilting and binding.

Best high-end embroidery machine for beginners: The Singer SE300 Embroidery machine

Best for starting a small embroidery business (single-needle): Baby Lock Alliance Embroidery Machine

Best for starting a small embroidery business (Multi-needle): Janome MB7 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine. All embroidery operations are significantly faster and smoother. The professional-looking results of your project will amaze you.

Related: Embroidery Machine For Hoodies: 5 Best Models to Consider in 2023

Related: Best Embroidery Machine For Hats And Shirts: Top 5 Picks for 2023

What are the different types of machines? 

1. Embroidery only
2. Sewing and embroidery
3. Multi-needle embroidery (usually for businesses)

Embroidery Only Machines 

An embroidery-only machine is a sewing machine designed explicitly for embroidering fabric. These machines typically have more stitches than a standard sewing machine, often including built-in thread cutters and adjustable hoop sizes. Embroidery-only machines are ideal for creating detailed designs on fabric, and they can be used to create everything from simple monograms to complex quilts.

My overall choice: Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

Sewing and embroidery machines

A combo embroidery/sewing machine is a specialized type of machine that can be used for both embroidery and regular sewing tasks. This machine typically includes features designed explicitly for embroiderings, such as an embroidery hoop, stitch patterns, and built-in threading guides. Combo machines are often more expensive than regular sewing machines, but they offer a lot of versatility and can be used for many projects. If you’re looking for a Machine that can do it all, a combo embroidery sewing machine may be the right choice!

My overall choice: Baby Lock Verve Sewing and Embroidery Machine

My choice for entry-level: Brother LB5000S Star Wars Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Embroidery machines to start a small business Single & Multi-needle

A multi-needle embroidery machine is a specialized piece of equipment used for the high-speed embroidery of text and designs onto fabric. The popularity of multi-needle machines has grown in recent years as their affordability and versatility have made them a popular choice for home and professional embroiderers. Multi-needle machines can have two, four, six, or eight needles, which work together to create an impressive level of detail and speed.

My choice for single-needle: Baby Lock Alliance Embroidery Machine

My choice for multi-needles: Janome MB7 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine

What is essential for a beginner to consider when purchasing an embroidery machine?

• What is the embroidery machine’s maximum embroidery design size?
• Is there a class offered by the store where you’re buying it? 
• Is it necessary to connect it to a computer to embroider?
• Is there a year-round service department at the store where you’re buying the embroidery machine?
• How many alphabets does it have built-in? 
• Is the embroidery machine also a sewing machine?
• What is the method for transferring embroidery designs to an embroidery machine?
• Is it possible to combine multiple embroidery designs on the screen?
• Is it a color or black-and-white touch screen?

Baby Lock Verve Sewing and Embroidery Machine

The Baby Lock verve is, in my opinion, the best Sewing/embroidery combo on the market today. This machine will give the beginner’s embroiderer all the necessary tools to get going while enjoying an excellent sewing feature set. The Baby Lock Verve gives you the tools for success with its 95 built-in designs, 191 stitch options, and speed up as high as 850 SPM. So whether your first burst of embroidery creativity is just starting or has been put on hold because you didn’t want to buy a dedicated machine, now’s the time to take it back! Check the latest prices on Sewing machines plus.

Embroidery features:

• Embroiders space up to 4″ x 4″ (100mm x 100mm)
• 95 Embroidery designs
• 140 Frame Patterns
• 11 Font styles in upper and lower case
• Reads up to 50,000 stitches per design
• Up to 12 Memory Pockets for embroidery  512KB
• Embroidery speed: 400 stitches per minute
• Adjustable stitch density on built-in fonts
• Editing capability for combining designs
• LCD Touchscreen shows:
  • Estimated embroidery time display
  • Needle advancement (by color or stitch increment)
  • Measurements displayed in inches or millimeters (mm)
  • Thread color indicator
  • On-screen hoop size indicator
  • Trial function
• Full feature set & video demo on Sewing machines plus.

Sewing features:

• Reverse sewing
• Programmable Needle up/down
• Thread cutter
• Speed control
• Electronic foot control with separate power cord
• Free arm with drop feed lever
• 191 Built-in stitches, including:
  • 72 Utility 
  • 41 Decorative
  • 17 Satin
  • 11 Cross
  • 10 Decorative Satin
  • 40 Combinable Utility Decorative Stitches
• 4 Alphabet Styles
• Store personal stitch settings for each Utility stitch on the machine
• Variable needle positions
• Twin needle settings key
• Full feature set & video demo on Sewing machines plus.

Specs

Dimensions: 16.5″ x 8″ x 12″ inches (LxWxH) || Material: Plastic || Weight: 15.5 lbs Pounds & 18.45 lbs with the embroidery unit attached  || Power Source: Treadle Powered || Is Electric: Yes || Large 3.2″x1.8″ Lcd screen, Usb Port

Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

If you’re looking for a machine solely for embroidering fabric, the Brother PE800 computerized embroidery machine is well worth the money. It features an extensive embroidering area of 5″ x 7″, allowing you to work on any project. The feedback on the Brother PE800 embroidery machine has been largely positive. This machine has over 2000 five-star reviews and many devoted followers. This is your machine if you want to embroider beautiful patterns onto your projects. Because you can import your patterns into this machine, you are not limited to the 138 patterns that came with it; instead, you can use an unlimited number of patterns. Check the Brother PE800 latest prices on Amazon

What I like

• Allow your creativity to flourish 
• 5″ x 7″ workspace
• Built-in tutorials
• Built-in color palette
• 90 weight bobbin thread

Could be better

• Only embroidery
• Only 5″ x 7″ workspace
• Expensive

Specs

Dimensions: 21.75 x 19.02 x 19.09 inches (LxWxH) || Material: Plastic || Weight: 13.74 Pounds || Power Source: Treadle Powered || Is Electric: Yes || Large 3.2″ Lcd Touchscreen, Usb Port

Check the Brother PE800 latest prices on Amazon

Brother LB5000S Star Wars Sewing and Embroidery Machine

The Brother LB 5000S is, in my opinion, the best entry-level sewing/embroidery combo. I particularly like that Brother kept things simple and stupid which is excellent for beginners but more advanced crafters too… This 2-in1 sewing and 4″x4″ embroidery machine allows you to create your designs easily. With an LCD touch screen display, view preprogrammed or import graphics from USB port for more creative control over how they’re displayed on the large size 3″ Sew Smart color LCD screen.

Choose between 80+ fresh new styles that will make any project stand out – all without breaking a sweat, thanks to the accessible operation features like automatic stitching length adjustments depending on the fabric used. There is no need to worry about getting tangled up while finishing off those last-minute details. With a wide range of built-in stitches, easy speed control, and drop feed for creative free-motion sewing, this machine offers 7 specialized feet, including a zigzag design with a longer foot which helps provide smoother fabric feeding. Check the Brother LB5000S’ latest prices on Amazon.

Embroidery features:

• Automatic Feed Thread Cutter
• 80 Built-In Designs 
• 9 Built-in Embroidery Alphabet Fonts
• Curved Text on Screen Editing
• Drag and Drop Editing
• 4″ x 4″ Embroidery area
• Speed Control Adjustment
• Full feature set & video demo on Amazon.

Sewing features

• 103 Built-In Stitches
• 10Button Hole Styles
• Independent Bobbin Winding Motor: Yes
• Sewing Speed  710 stitches per minute
• Reverse Stitching
• Speed Control
• Included Feet: Buttonhole, Zipper, Overcasting, Blindstitch, Monogramming, Zigzag, Embroidery
• Full feature set & video demo on Amazon.

Specs

Dimensions: 16.5″  x 7.7″ x 12″ inches (LxWxH) || Material: Plastic || Weight: 14.33 Pounds || Power Source: Treadle Powered || Is Electric: Yes || Large 3.2″ colored Lcd Touchscreen, Usb Port

Check the Brother LB5000S’ latest prices on Amazon

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

If you don’t own a sewing machine yet and are looking for a quality combo sewing and embroidery machine, the Brother SE600 is well worth considering. This machine is packed with features, including 70 built-in stitches, a backlit LCD display, and automatic threading. It also has an impressive embroidery area for a combo machine 4″ x 4″, perfect for larger projects. The Brother SE600 is easy to use and has various accessories to get you started. Plus, it’s backed by a 25-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. So if you’re in the market for a versatile sewing and embroidery machine, the Brother SE600 should be at the top of your list. Check the Brother SE600 Combo sewing embroidery prices on Amazon

What I like

• 4″ x 4″ Hoop Area 
• 103 Built-In Stitches
• 80 Designs
• 7 Included Feet

Could be better

• Smaller embroidery area

Specs

Dimensions: 21.18 x 15.51 x 16.54 inches (LxWxH) || Material: Metal || Weight: 26.24 Pounds || Power Source: Treadle Powered || Is Electric: Yes || 4″ X 4″ Embroidering Area, 3.2″ Lcd Touchscreen Display

Check the Brother SE600 Combo sewing embroidery prices on Amazon

If you are a Singer fan, I also listed the singer Legacy SE300, an excellent Embroidery only choice.

SINGER Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine 

The Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine is one of the best machines on the market. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to embroider many stitches in a short period. The machine has a built-in embroidery buffer, so you don’t have to worry about shortages. The SE300 is easy to use and has an intuitive touchscreen interface. So, if you want to get the most out of your embroidery machine, read on for our review!

The machine has a standard sewing hoop and tailpin to easily attach your fabrics using a traditional zigzag or French seam stitching. Check the Legacy SE300 Embroidery machine prices on Amazon

What I like?

• 200 Built-In Embroideries
• 250 Built-In Stitches
• LCD Touch Screen

Could be better

• Expensive
• Warranty Only in the US

Specs

Dimensions: 20.25 x 8 x 12.25 inches (LxWxH) || Material: Metal || Weight: 18.6 Pounds || Is Electric: Yes 

Check the Legacy SE300 Embroidery machine prices on Amazon

Baby Lock Alliance Embroidery Machine

The Baby Lock Alliance is an embroidery-only machine perfect for starting a small embroidery business. This is still a single-needle machine with a free-arm feature allowing you to work in tight spaces and on 3D projects. The Baby Lock Alliance is the newest and most advanced single-needle embroidery machine on the market. Perfect for hobbyists or small embroidery business owners. Baby Lock back their product with a 25-year warranty which speaks volumes. The feature set is so extravagant that I only listed a few highlights below. Check the latest pieces on Sewing machines plus.

Embroidery feature highlights:

• 8″ x 8″ Embroidery Field
• 1,000 Stitches Per Minute
• 25 Built-In Fonts
• 125 Built-In designs
• 6 hoops included
• 7″ TruView LCD Touch Screen
• IQ Technology
• Multi Data input: .pes, .phc, .pec, .dst
• Full feature set & video demo on Sewing machines plus.

Dimensions: 34 x 23 x 31 inches (LxWxH) || Material: Metal || Weight: 68 Pounds || Power Source: Treadle Powered || Is Electric: Yes || 8” X 8″ Embroidering Area, 7″ Truview Lcd Touchscreen Display

Check the latest pieces on Sewing machines plus

Janome 001MB7 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine

The Janome 001MB7 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine is a top-of-the-line machine perfect for starting a small embroidery business at home. With its large embroidery area, you can create large designs with ease. The machine has several built-in features, including a thread cutter, bobbin winder, and more. Plus, it’s easy to use, so that you can create beautiful embroideries immediately.

My friend Aja who started her embroidery business, just received her machine a few months ago, and she’s already running it like a boss! It took her about a day of tinkering with it before she figured it out. The Auto-Return feature after a thread break and the programmable jump thread trimming is fantastic. It has its own bobbin winder, which allows you to prepare new bobbins while stitching. Check the Janome 0011MB7 prices on Amazon

What I like

• Compatibility with all professional embroidery formats
• Embroidery machine with 7 needles for quick thread changes
• 800 Stitches Per Minute
• Single Head 7 needle
• 5.7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS)
• Extra-large bobbin
• 6 White LED lamps over the needle area
• 50 built-in designs
• 10 fonts for monogramming
• 2 and 3 letters monogramming
• Maximum embroidery size: 9.4″ x 7.9″
• Embroidery sewing speed up to 800 SPM
• Multi data input: .jef+, .jef and .dst
• Programmable jump thread trimming

Could be better

• Maximum embroidery field of 9.4″ x 7.9″
• Open bobbin case may affect tension

Specs

Dimensions: 9 x 18.5 x 12.8 inches (LxWxH) || Weight: 50 Pounds || Power Source: Electrical outlet || Is Electric: Yes || Maximum embroidery field of 9.4″ x 7.9″ (238mm x 200mm) || 5.7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS)

Check the Janome 0011MB7 prices on Amazon

You may also be interested in one related article: Which is better Singer or Brother sewing machines?