“Time-saving is the greatest benefit of embroidery machines,” Nina Owens, a representative for Michaels, tells The Spruce Crafts. “Plus, they make it easier to do repetitive and repeat designs, which is great for small business owners.” But even if embroidery is more of a hobby than a side-hustle, Owens notes that using an embroidery machine tends to result in more precise results than doing it by hand. That’s because a machine lets you create and transfer designs or add monograms and decorative stitching to all kinds of fabric. Below are the best embroidery machines. The machine’s compact size makes it difficult to tackle larger projects like quilts, but that also makes it a breeze to store. Dimensions: 7.9 x 11 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Included Stitches: 0 | Attachments: Automatic Thread Cutter | Power Source: Electric, USB Cable Power Dimensions: 18.3 x 14.2 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Included Stitches: 200 | Attachments: Not Listed | Power Source: Corded Electric The machine is a bit large, so you want to make sure you have the room to store it. But the machine’s size provides a larger embroidery area so you can take on bigger projects. Dimensions: 21.75 x 19.02 x 19.09 inches | Weight: 14 lb | Included Stitches: Not Listed | Attachments: Automatic needle threader | Power Source: Electric, Treadle Power Each unit comes with an instructional DVD and bilingual user manual that allows you to set up and use the machine without complications. It also features 80 built-in designs and 10 frame patterns, though it’s easy enough to import your own designs via the USB port. Dimensions: 21.2 x 16.5 x 15.51 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Included Stitches: Not Listed | Attachments: Not Listed | Power Source: Electric, Treadle Powered Though it’s a bit pricier than other machines, the features make it worth the cost. Dimensions: 21.18 x 16.54 x 15.51 Inches | Weight: 26 pounds | Included Stitches: 103 | Attachments: Not Listed | Power Source: Electric Dimensions: 23.19 x 13.43 x 11.54 inches | Weight: 22 pounds | Included Stitches: 240 | Attachments: Automatic Needle Threader | Power Source: Electric, Treadle Power Dimensions: 15.5 x 7 x 11 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Included Stitches: 70 | Attachments: Automatic Needle Threader and Cutter | Power Source: Electric
Machine Size and Portability
If you have a permanent place in mind for your embroidery machine, make sure to measure the space beforehand. If you’ll be storing and toting it with you, then you have to consider the weight as well. You’ll also want to look for an option that comes with a case if portability is important.
Included Designs
The majority of embroidery machines on the market allow you to import your own creations. But if you’re just getting started, then you may want a machine that includes a variety of built-in designs as well. You’ll also want to note the maximum embroidery design size for the machine and see if it fits with the designs you plan to create.
Programmability
“For designers and those wanting more options, the ability to program or upload additional designs is a must-have,” Owens says. To that end, make sure the machine has the ability to connect to a computer or upload files from the thumb drive to be able to add more designs and/or stitches.
Why Trust The Spruce Crafts?
This article was written by Leah Rocketto, a lifestyle writer and editor for a decade. To select the best picks for your consideration, she sorted through dozens of customer and third-party website reviews, and consulted Nina Owens. As the social media specialist for Michaels, Owens has become an expert in all elements of crafting, including embroidery. If your machine has both sewing and embroidery functionality, make sure you’re in the correct mode. Then once you have your design in mind, embroider away!
