Embroidery Machine Buyers Guide
Who is an embroidery machine for?
New to embroidery
If you're new to embroidery, you'll find modern machines surprisingly easy to use. Most come with built-in designs and clear on-screen instructions, so you can start creating straight away. Entry-level and mid-range machines offer everything a beginner needs without overwhelming complexity.
Already sew and want to add embroidery
If you already sew and want to add embroidery, a combination sewing and embroidery machine might be your best choice. These let you switch between regular sewing and embroidery without needing two separate machines, which is ideal if space is limited.
Planning to embroider regularly or start a business
If you're planning to embroider regularly or start a business, consider investing in a machine with a larger embroidery area, more built-in designs, and advanced editing features. Professional multi-needle machines are designed for high-volume work and can handle multiple thread colours without stopping to rethread.
Types of embroidery machines
Home embroidery machines (embroidery only)
Home embroidery machines are dedicated to embroidery and don't include regular sewing functions. They're designed to do one job very well.
These machines typically offer larger embroidery areas than combination machines at the same price point, since they don't need to accommodate sewing features. If you already own a sewing machine you're happy with, adding a dedicated embroidery machine gives you the best of both worlds.
Home embroidery machines range from compact entry-level models with smaller hoops to advanced machines with large touchscreens, extensive design libraries, and WiFi connectivity. They're a solid choice for anyone who wants to focus on embroidery.
A dedicated embroidery machine makes sense if:
- You already own a sewing machine you're happy with
- You want the largest possible embroidery area for your budget
- You plan to embroider frequently or for business
- You prefer having specialised tools for each task
Combination sewing and embroidery machines
Combination machines function as both a computerised sewing machine and an embroidery machine. You attach the embroidery unit when you want to embroider and remove it for regular sewing.
These are ideal if you have limited space or want the flexibility to switch between sewing and embroidery without changing machines. The trade-off is that combination machines at a given price point may have smaller embroidery areas than dedicated embroidery machines.
A combination machine makes sense if:
- You have limited space and can only fit one machine
- You want both sewing and embroidery without two separate purchases
- You embroider occasionally rather than constantly
- You're new to embroidery and want flexibility
BERNINA embroidery modules
Some BERNINA sewing machines can be converted into embroidery machines by adding a separate embroidery module. If you already own a compatible BERNINA, this lets you add embroidery capability without buying a new machine.
We stock the BERNINA Embroidery Module M (SDT) and Embroidery Module L (SDT), which attach to compatible sewing machines and give you access to built-in designs and the ability to import your own. The Module L offers a larger embroidery area than the Module M, which is ideal for bigger projects.
These modules are compatible with select BERNINA models from the 5 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series ranges. If you're unsure whether your machine is compatible, contact us, and we'll help you check.
Professional multi-needle embroidery machines
Professional embroidery machines are designed for experienced sewers and commercial embroidery use. They feature multiple needles, each threaded with a different colour, so the machine can stitch multi-colour designs without stopping for thread changes.
These machines are fast, built for heavy use, and can handle specialist projects like embroidering caps, bags and unusually shaped items. They come with multiple hoops in various sizes and require a dedicated workspace due to their larger footprint.
Multi-needle machines are designed for small business owners, professional embroiderers and serious hobbyists who embroider frequently. The higher price reflects their speed, durability and expanded capabilities.
Please note: Large professional embroidery machines including the Brother VR, PR1X, PR680W, PR1055X and PR1060W are delivered on pallets. We'll contact you after purchase to arrange a convenient weekday delivery slot.
What you can do with an embroidery machine
Monogramming and personalisation
Adding initials, names and quotes to projects is one of the most popular uses for embroidery machines. Monograms work beautifully on towels, bags, clothing, blankets and gifts. Most machines come with multiple built-in fonts, and you can purchase or download additional fonts to expand your options.
Decorative embroidery
Embroidery machines come with lots of decorative designs, from florals and animals to seasonal motifs and geometric patterns. You can embellish clothing, home décor, quilts and accessories with designs that would take hours to stitch by hand. The built-in design library is just the starting point, as thousands of additional designs are available online.
Appliqué
Machine embroidery makes appliqué much easier than doing it by hand. The machine precisely positions, bastes and finishes appliqué pieces with consistent stitch quality every time. This is particularly useful for quilters who want perfectly placed appliqué shapes without the painstaking handwork.
In-the-hoop projects
In-the-hoop projects are completed entirely within the embroidery hoop, from start to finish. These include items like small bags, zipper pouches, bookmarks, stuffed toys and ornaments. The machine does all the construction work, making these projects quick to complete and ideal for gifts or items to sell.
Quilting with embroidery
You can use an embroidery machine to quilt blocks and small projects with intricate designs that mimic longarm quilting. This is a popular technique for adding detailed quilting to items like placemats, table runners, bags and cushion covers without needing a longarm machine.
Free-standing lace
Free-standing lace is created by stitching designs onto water-soluble stabilisers. Once dissolved, only the thread remains, creating delicate lace pieces. These can be used as ornaments, jewellery or assembled into three-dimensional projects. It looks impressive but is straightforward once you understand the technique.
What to consider when buying an embroidery machine?
An embroidery machine is an investment, and you want one that will last. Look for machines from established brands with solid reputations for build quality. Metal internal components generally outlast all-plastic construction, particularly if you plan to embroider frequently.
Consider how your needs might grow over time. A machine that feels right for your current projects should also have room for you to develop your skills. Features like a reasonable embroidery area, on-screen editing, and the ability to import designs will serve you well as you progress from simple monograms to more complex work.
A higher price tag doesn't always mean a better fit. The right machine is the one that matches your projects, your skill level and your budget.
Entry-level embroidery machines are a great starting point. They cover the core stitches and functions you need to get going, and many sewers produce beautiful work on them for years. As your confidence grows, you'll have a clearer sense of which extra features, like a larger embroidery area or built-in design editing, are worth investing in.
If your budget stretches further, mid-range machines from trusted brands tend to offer more built-in designs, bigger hoops and added convenience features. The key is to match your spending to the projects you're most excited about, rather than paying for capabilities you won't use straight away.
The right machine depends entirely on what you want to do with it. A hobbyist occasionally monogramming towels will need a very different machine to a small business owner using their machine for commercial purposes.
Be realistic about your space, too. Combination machines work well in smaller sewing rooms, while dedicated embroidery machines and multi-needle models need more permanent setups. Consider where you'll use and store the machine before deciding on size and type.
Embroidery area and hoop size
The embroidery area determines the maximum design size you can stitch in one hooping. Larger isn't always necessary- having adequate space for your intended projects matters. Most machines come with multiple hoop sizes.
Small hoops work well for monograms, small motifs and detailed work on compact items. They're useful for positioning designs precisely on pockets, collars and small accessories. Most machines include at least one small hoop.
Medium hoops handle the majority of home embroidery projects comfortably. They're large enough for most decorative designs, in-the-hoop projects and generous monograms while remaining manageable to work with. This is often the most-used hoop size.
Large hoops let you stitch bigger designs without rehooping, which is useful for quilt blocks, large back designs on jackets, and more ambitious projects. Higher-end machines often include larger maximum hoop sizes.
Some machines accept speciality hoops designed for specific items like caps, shoes or cylindrical objects. These are typically available for higher-end and professional machines. If you have particular items in mind, check which speciality hoops are compatible before buying.
Key features to look for
Threading the needle manually gets tedious when you're changing thread colours multiple times per project. An automatic needle threader speeds up the process significantly.
An automatic thread cutter trims threads between colour changes and at the end of designs. This saves time and produces neater results than cutting manually. It's particularly valuable for multi-colour designs with frequent thread changes.
All embroidery machines include built-in designs and alphabets. More expensive machines typically offer larger libraries. While you can always add more designs later, having a good selection built in lets you start creating immediately.
On-screen editing lets you resize, rotate, mirror and reposition designs directly on the machine without needing separate software. This makes it easy to adjust designs to fit your project perfectly.
A USB port lets you transfer designs from your computer to the machine using a USB stick. Some machines also offer WiFi connectivity, allowing wireless transfer from computers, tablets or phones. This is convenient if you download designs regularly.
Embroidery machine prices
Entry-level embroidery machines let you try machine embroidery and learn your craft without a major investment. These machines work well for occasional embroidery and learning the basics. At this price point, expect a smaller embroidery areas and fewer built-in designs. If you find yourself embroidering frequently, you may outgrow an entry-level machine relatively quickly.
Mid-range embroidery machines offer the best balance of features and value for most home embroiderers. You'll find larger embroidery areas, colour touchscreens, on-screen editing and more extensive design libraries.
Machines in this range are capable of handling regular use and a wide variety of projects. For most people, a mid-range machine provides everything needed without paying for professional-level features.
High-end embroidery machines include large embroidery areas, advanced editing capabilities, extensive built-in design libraries, WiFi connectivity, and premium build quality. Professional multi-needle machines also fall into this category.
These machines are designed for frequent use, complex projects, and those who want the best available features. They're a worthwhile investment for serious embroiderers and small business owners.
Design library and importing designs
Every embroidery machine comes with built-in designs, but you'll likely want to expand your library over time. Thousands of embroidery designs are available online, both free and paid, covering every theme imaginable.
To use downloaded designs, you'll transfer them to your machine via USB stick or WiFi (depending on your machine's capabilities). Most machines read common embroidery file formats, but check compatibility before purchasing designs.
Some brands offer companion apps that let you browse designs, edit them on your tablet or phone, and send them wirelessly to your machine. This can streamline your workflow significantly.
You don't need a computer connected to embroider. The machine stores and stitches designs independently. You only need a computer to download new designs initially.
Embroidery machine brands
Brother embroidery machines
Brother offers embroidery machines across all price points, from entry-level models to professional multi-needle machines. They're known for user-friendly interfaces and reliable performance.
Selected Brother machines include Disney character designs, making them popular for children's projects and gifts. Brother also offers good connectivity options and companion apps for design management.
Popular models: NV880E, M380D, F540E, VR, PR1055X
Janome embroidery machines
Janome embroidery machines are built with metal interiors and plastic exteriors, balancing durability with manageable weight. They typically come with multiple hoops included and have straightforward, intuitive controls.
Janome offers both embroidery-only machines and combination sewing/embroidery models. Their machines are well-regarded for consistent stitch quality and reliability.
Popular models: Memory Craft 550E LE, Atelier 9
BERNINA embroidery machines
BERNINA represents the premium end of the embroidery machine market. Their machines are known for exceptional stitch quality, quiet operation, and embroidery speeds up to 55% faster than many competitors.
BERNINA offers dedicated embroidery machines plus combination models, and several of their sewing machines can add embroidery capability via separate modules. Design editing features are extensive across the range.
Popular models: 500E, 700E, 590E, 790E
What Stabiliser Should I Use?
Tear-away stabiliser is removed by tearing it away from the finished embroidery. It works well on stable, woven fabrics like cotton shirts and towels. It's quick to remove but not ideal for very dense designs where the repeated needle piercings weaken the stabiliser.
Cut-away stabiliser stays with the fabric permanently (you trim away the excess). It's the best choice for stretchy fabrics, knits, and dense designs because it provides ongoing support. This prevents designs from distorting when the fabric stretches.
Water-soluble stabiliser dissolves completely when rinsed. It's essential for free-standing lace and useful as a topper on high-pile fabrics like terry cloth or fleece, where it keeps stitches from sinking into the fibres.
Maintenance and care
Embroidery machines need basic maintenance to perform their best:
- Clean lint from the bobbin area regularly, especially after projects with lots of thread changes
- Many modern embroidery machines are self-lubricating and should not be oiled at home. Always check your manufacturer's instructions, and if in doubt, leave oiling to a professional sewing machine engineer during servicing.
- Use quality thread to reduce lint buildup and thread breakage
- Change needles regularly, as dull needles cause poor stitch quality
- Cover your machine when not in use to keep dust out
- Have your machine serviced periodically by a qualified technician
Proper care keeps your machine running smoothly for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions below.
What is the best embroidery machine for beginners?
For beginners, look for a machine with a clear colour screen, built-in tutorials or easy-to-follow instructions, automatic needle threading, and a good selection of built-in designs. Brother and Janome both offer beginner-friendly models at accessible price points. A medium-sized embroidery area (around 5" x 7") provides enough space to learn without overwhelming complexity.
What is the best embroidery machine for home use?
The best home embroidery machine depends on your specific needs. For occasional embroidery alongside sewing, a combination machine works well. For dedicated embroidery, look for a machine with at least a 5" x 7" embroidery area, on-screen editing, and good connectivity options. Mid-range machines from Brother, Janome, BERNINA or Husqvarna typically offer excellent value for home users.
Is Janome or Brother better for embroidery?
Both Janome and Brother make excellent embroidery machines. Brother tends to offer more models at entry-level price points and includes Disney designs on selected machines. Janome is known for durability and often includes more hoops as standard. The best choice depends on your budget, preferred features, and which specific models you're comparing. Both brands have strong reputations and good support in the UK.
Do embroidery machines need special thread?
Yes, use thread specifically labelled for machine embroidery. Embroidery thread (typically rayon or polyester) has a sheen and strength suited to the dense stitching of embroidery designs. We recommend Madeira Rayon Embroidery threads for excellent results. For the bobbin, use lightweight bobbin thread designed for embroidery.
How do I transfer designs to my embroidery machine?
Most embroidery machines accept designs via USB stick. Save the design file to the USB, insert it into the machine, and import the design. Some machines also offer WiFi transfer or companion apps for wireless transfer from computers, tablets, or phones. Your machine doesn't need to stay connected to a computer to stitch—designs are stored on the machine itself.
Can I use my embroidery machine for regular sewing?
Only if you have a combination sewing and embroidery machine. Dedicated embroidery-only machines don't have standard sewing functions. If you need both capabilities and only want one machine, choose a combination model. If you already own a sewing machine, a dedicated embroidery machine lets you optimise each tool for its purpose.
