Best Embroidery Machine for Beginners

This is an exciting time because you have decided to purchase an embroidery machine but want to conduct some research before investing your money. You are both wise and creative! Initially, it can be overwhelming.

There are a lot of products out there. This article includes a review of five excellent choices for beginners, (the best choices, if you ask me) but even if you find one of these machines isn’t quite the right fit for you and your needs, it will give you the guidelines of what to look for when making your purchase.

I encourage you to read on!

Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine, SE1900

Wow! What a machine! Not only is it an equally great sewing machine and embroidery machine in one unit, but it has the distinguished status of being a 2018 Women’s Choice Award winner.

If you don’t have a sewing machine, have an older sewing machine and don’t want to use the space and/or constantly switch between two machines, or just want a great embroidery machine that also works amazingly well when sewing to add to your collection, this is an excellent choice.

As far as sewing goes, reviews rave about the ability to sew a variety of fabrics, including thin and stretchy fabrics (but it can sew material up to 6 mm in thickness) better than other sewing machines, and being able to machine quilt, as well as free motion sew. It has a drop-in bobbin, rather than front-loading, which makes it easier to change, use, and clean.

It comes with 8 sewing feet, (spring action zigzag, blind stitch, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing, overcasting, monogramming, and an embroidery foot,) has 240 stitch types, including one that mimics a serging stitch, a bright work area with LED lighting, and an automatic needle threader.

In addition to the start/stop button, is a reverse stitch button, an additional reinforcement stitch button (which can be used to sew a single stitch repeatedly and tie off,) a needle position button, (which can raise/lower the needle and be pressed twice to sew one stitch,) a thread cutter button (cutting both the upper and bobbin thread,) and sewing speed controller.

When ready to embroider, the transfer between features (from sewing to embroidering) is simple and easy, and the embroidery options are equally plentiful. If the 11 built-in fonts (7 English, 3 Japanese, and 1 Cyrillic) for monogramming and 138 built-in embroidery designs aren’t enough, by purchasing from this manufacturer, you have the ability to access (with an additional fee) iBroidery.com with 1000’s of designs, as well as a USB port (stick not included) for uploading additional fonts and designs of your choosing.

The SE1900 comes with pattern editing features as well, such as increasing/decreasing design size, rotating, and mirror imaging patterns, a 5 x 7 inch hoop, and a large, color, 3 inch wide LCD touch screen (with adjustable brightness) that is easy to use and view for matching or changing colors in your pattern selection, as well as seeing the pattern itself.

It has a twin needle for adding a second color choice so you don’t have to switch out thread colors as often, and a knee lift bar as well as a pedal for sewing, when the machine isn’t busy embroidering.

The maximum stitching speed is impressive at 850 stitches per minute. The user manual is clear and easy to follow, and the machine comes with an embroidery design guide which illustrates the programmed available design choices.

In addition to all this, there is a 25-year limited warranty to back up your selection. For the life of the product, a free customer support phone number and online technical support are available to you.

Optional additions that can be purchased separately include a wide variety of sewing feet, a 1″ x 2.5″, 4″ x 4″, or 5″ x 12″ hoop, a wide table, and hard case.

Final Verdict

This machine is, much like what it produces, flawless. It produces amazing results in both sewing and embroidery arenas, is easy to use, and saves space on your sewing table by eliminating the need for two machines.

I think I’m in love!

Brother Embroidery Machine, PE800

If you were impressed with the embroidery features of the Brother SE1900 listed above, you will be equally excited by the Brother PE800, which embroiders without the sewing machine capabilities added into the same unit.

This easy to use machine is great for both learning, as well as improving upon, as you gain skill and your knowledge of tips and techniques increases.

The PE800 has many of the same embroidery machine features as the SE1900, including pattern editing (rotating, mirroring, or increasing/decreasing sizes), the well-lit stitching area (thanks to the LED light for easy viewing), the large (3.2-inch-wide) LCD color touch screen, the automatic needle threader, and the USB port for uploading additional patterns.

It also comes with a 5×7 hoop, but other hoop sizes of 1″ x 2.5″, 4″ x 4″, and 5″ x 12″ can be purchased separately. (Do keep in mind that, similar to the SE1900, the maximum pattern design size is 5″ x 7″, but this is a fairly large size for most clothing and accessories, and you can always repeat an image after adjusting the fabric and hoop).

This machine is understandably also a 2018 Women’s Choice Award winner! The PE800 comes with 138 built-in designs, has 11 fonts, 10 frame shapes, and 14 border styles, and as mentioned above, includes the USB port for uploading additional patterns via compatible files (.pes, .dst, .phc, and .pen).

These designs can be found in a variety of places online, on software programs, or by way of the 1000s of additional patterns available on the Brother machine exclusive iBroidery.com site. (Access to the iBroidery.com site is at an additional cost, however).

Some of the distinguishing features of this machine are that it is the updated version of the PE770, which means that it has the capability of changing the color of the pattern design on the display screen.

In addition, you can adjust not only the brightness but also the sensitivity of the display screen, reflecting the thoughtful design. The screen also allows you to drag and drop patterns, and if you want to embroider two lines of text instead of one, no problem or fussy adjusting, you can also use the screen to select that option as well.

For your favorite and/or frequently used patterns, this unit allows you to save up to 1 MB of designs. It also has a thread cutter button, which is something I’ve come to appreciate more and more and like to mention in my reviews.

Another bonus is that there are on-screen, step-by-step tutorials for common operational procedures, and the screen will display when it is time to change the bobbin. At a respectable 650 stitches per minute, you can get embroidery completed efficiently.

Because it is the same manufacturer, (Brother) it comes with the amenities available by way of the support site, such as access to the User Guide, Quick Reference Guide, and Pattern List, (in case yours gets misplaced,) frequently asked questions and instructional video links.

Additionally, you will find this product comes with a free customer support phone number and online technical support for the life of the product. It is also backed with the 25-year limited warranty.

Final Verdict

This is machine stands up to the SE1900 as far as embroidery results and features. If you already have a great sewing machine or are interested in embroidery only at this point, at this price point you cannot do any better.

This machine is awesome!

Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine, SE600

The Brother SE600, a 2018 Women’s Choice Award winner, is a sewing and embroidery machine that has everything a beginning embroider and sewing machine user could think of or want, and then some!

It has many of the outstanding features more expensive Brother machines contain, such as the color LCD touch screen (3.7 inches wide on this model!) where thread color choices can be changed and patterns viewed, well-lit work area by bright LED light, and USB port for inputting additional pattern options (via .pes, .phc, and .dst files).

It comes with a ton of standard features as well, such as the automatic needle threader, start/stop button, reverse stitch button, needle position button (raise or lower the needle, or press it twice to sew one stitch,) the much beloved thread cutter button for both upper and bobbin threads, and the sewing speed controller.

This model comes with a 4″ x 4″ hoop size, which is also the maximum (and most common) pattern design size. Included with the SE600 machine is an embroidery foot in addition to 7 sewing feet: spring action zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, button sewing, blind stitch, overcasting, and monogramming foot.

Additional feet that can be purchased separately include the free motion open toe quilting foot, quilting foot, walking foot, ¼ inch piecing foot with guide, non-stick foot, and roller foot. It also has the ability for free motion sewing with a drop feed feature.

The machine base converts into a free arm for sewing smaller cylindrical pieces of fabric such as cuffs, sleeves, or pant leg hems. It also contains a jam- resistant drop-in bobbin, with a sleek design preventing bobbin thread fishing.

Distinguishing features of this easy to use and learn on machine include a twin needle for embroidering two colors at a time, a screen with the selection of placing lettering on a curve, five options for input sensitivity on the touch screen, longer seven-point feed dogs for ease of fabric feeding under the foot, and an expanded 6.4″(W) x 4.1″(H) needle-to-arm workspace for larger fabric folding allowances to the right of the needle.

It comes with a darning plate and dust cover, and a compatible wide table can be purchased separately if needed. Additional hoops that can be purchased include a 6.7″ x 4″ hoop and a 1″ x 2.5″ hoop.

The SE600 has 103 built-in sewing stitches, six embroidery letter font options, and 80 embroidery designs. And at 710 stitches per minute, you can quickly crank out the virtually endless pattern design options available due to memory stick compatibility.

As with the other Brother machines listed in this review, this model comes with an Operations Guide, Quick Reference Guide with optional accessories, and Embroidery Design Guide, in addition to a free customer support phone number and online technical support for the life of the product.

It is backed with a 25-year limited warranty.

Final Verdict

Brother has thought of everything with this embroidery and sewing machine in one! It works amazingly well, has loads of accessories, and is well designed. The main difference here is the pattern design maximum size of 4×4 inches.

While this is the most common pattern size in embroidery, designs can always be repeated or varied in an area for larger design spaces.

Brother Embroidery Machine, PE535

The PE535 is an embroidery machine that is full of features both useful to beginners and seasoned embroiderers alike. Its status as a 2018 Women’s Choice Award-winning machine is not surprising with ease of operations and capabilities to produce outstanding embroidery results.

This machine is a bit more affordable than others listed in this review, but it is not lacking in quality or design options. Attractive and versatile results are made possible for the novice user with assistance made available as you learn, such as a help key option on the display, access to tutorials, and the included instructional DVD.

The PE535 comes with 80 embroidery designs, 10 frame patterns, 9 font styles for monogramming, and features to make modifications as desired. Lettering can be placed on curves and angles, spaced per your preference, and comprise multiple lines, all on the 3.2-inch-wide color LCD touch screen.

Thread color choices can be made on the display screen as well, and then can be previewed on the pattern prior to stitching. The screen also has drag and drop capability, and input sensitivity on the screen can be adjusted according to the embroiderer. Stitching speed can also be adjusted up to 400 stitches per minute.

The embroidery area on this machine is well lit with LED lighting, (but has the option to turn off the light as well,) and produces the most common and popular design size maximum of 4 x 4 inches. The 4″ x 4″ hoop included will fit most of your needs, but the 6.7″ x 4″ and 1″ x 2.5″ hoops are available as well to be purchased separately.

This model also comes with the USB port for uploading as many options as your heart desires.

The embroidery field includes a grid sheet and has built-in alignment tools to ensure the proper placement of your design, such as a key that shows the pattern position on your fabric prior to stitching.

Editing your pattern is simple as well, with the options to increase or decrease the size, (from 1″ x 1″ up to 4″ x 4″,) rotate, or mirror the pattern for a repeated design choice. It has an easy needle threading system with an automatic needle threader, making thread color swaps a breeze, as well as the thread cutter button, for cutting the upper and bobbin threads.

With this manufacturer, you have access to the Brother exclusive iBroidery site with 1000’s of additional design options, including Disney and Disney-Pixar, as well as Marvel patterns.

In addition, it is backed by the 25-year limited warranty, with free phone and online technical support for the life of the product.

Final Verdict

You can embroider with a sigh of ease and satisfaction when using this machine geared towards beginners looking to grow as well as those with experience looking to make beautiful embroidery pieces at a lower price, without diminished results.

Keep in mind the USB port on all of the machines listed in this review make the possibilities endless in terms of pattern and design choices. (Do you think I could buy one of each of these machines?!?)

Brother Embroidery Machine, PE550D

The PE550D is a great machine for beginning embroiders who have a love of Disney characters and designs tailored towards children and holiday themes, as well as who want a 2018 Women’s Choice award-winning machine that is easy to use and produces aesthetically pleasing results.

Note that while the patterns that come with the machine are geared towards the young (or young-at-heart), with the USB port, endless design options are available. The PE550D shares many of the same thoughtful attributes as the other machines in this review.

It comes with a well-lit work area using LED light, a 3.2-inch-wide color touch screen for thread color changes and realistic pattern viewing, (the screen also has pattern drag and drop capability and input sensitivity options,) an automatic needle threading system, and the beloved thread cutter button.

By purchasing the Brother machine, you are able to select from and upload additional Disney and Disney-Pixar designs (along with 1000’s of other patterns,) with the additional purchase of access to the Brother exclusive iBroidery.com site.

If you want to make adjustments to any of the 125 built-in designs or 9 embroidery fonts (6 English and 3 Japanese), editing features include resizing, moving, rotating or mirror-imaging the pattern designs.

When adding lettering, (at small, medium, or large sized options,) it can be at an angle or curve. Text can also be placed upon multiple lines, and you can increase or decrease the spacing between the letters to make the best and most attractive use of your design space.

The PE550D comes with the 4″ by 4″ hoop size, but the 6.7″ x 4″ and 1″ x 2.5″ hoops are available as well to purchase separately. Additionally, the machine comes with a dust cover, something that is recommended for all sewing and embroidery machines and stitches at a respectable speed of 400 stitches per minute.

This unit contains an Operations Guide, Quick Reference Guide, and Instructional DVD, in addition to a free customer support phone number and online technical support for the life of the product.

It is also backed with a 25-year limited warranty.

Final Verdict

You can embroider with a sigh of ease and satisfaction when using this machine geared towards beginners looking to grow as well as those with experience looking to make beautiful embroidery pieces at a lower price, without diminished results.

Keep in mind the USB port on all of the machines listed in this review make the possibilities endless in terms of pattern and design choices. 

Types of Embroidery Machine

If you already have done a little bit of research about embroidery machines, you may have heard of the categories of machines as follows:

• single needle embroidery machines
• multi-needle single head embroidery machines
• multi-needle multi-head embroidery machines.

This article reviews machines in the first category. The other two types of machines are primarily for large scale business and production use.

The single needle embroidery machine can produce great results on a variety of fabric types, so don’t let people who own a higher end machine type snob you out of selecting the best machine for you. There is no need to spend a fortune and take up tons of space in your home for a machine that will do everything you could want it to, and more!

Things to consider when buying an embroidery machine

There are several factors to consider when making a purchase and looking for a quality embroidery machine. (A couple of these are true for sewing machines in general, as well).

The weight

First, you want a machine with some weight to it, because the weight is indicative of internal metal parts. This is highly preferable to plastic parts, which may break or not have the power to stitch (and feed, if a combination embroidery and sewing machine) through heavier materials.

Lighting

Second, you want to be able to easily see your stitches as they are sewn, so a machine with a powerfully lit stitching section is essential in the event of a slight mishap that needs correcting promptly.

Alignment Features

Third, you should choose a machine with grids and/or other alignment features so that your pattern is placed exactly where it needs to be stitched on the material.

Easy of Use

Fourth, a machine that is easy to use and isn’t high maintenance as far as constant adjusting is a time saver and reduces frustration. This means selecting a machine that comes with the right accessories and compatible hoop sizes for the design sizes you will be using most often.

Design Options

Fifth, and perhaps most importantly, you want a machine with tons of design options! Whether built-in designs that come preloaded on the machine, access to designs from other programs and sources, or the ability to create your own designs, you want options.

In modern machines, this means being able to import designs via a USB port and memory stick, as well as having design editing features such as increasing/decreasing size, rotating, or mirror imaging designs.

Do not fret that the process of finding the best machine is going to take hours upon hours, because all of the machines listed in this review have the above-listed features.

Your main decisions lie in design size options (i.e., how big or small do you want the design to be?) whether or not you want a sewing machine and embroidery machine in one, or a standalone embroidery machine, and which machine has distinctive features that are most important to you.

Hoop Size

The most common hoop and design sizes for single needle embroidery machines for beginners and home users are 4 x 4 and 5 x 7. These sizes are great for a ton of projects even though…

1. you will need to use a flat piece of material without a tight curve
2. you might consider keeping the number of different thread colors within reason when using a design because often the thread will need to change each time you need a new color, and
3. you will be working with standard material thicknesses rather than exceptionally heavy terrycloth towels, for example, which require a different machine type and thicker hoop.

A common question is: can baseball caps can be stitched upon on this machine type? and the answer is no. However, do not let the past few sentences discourage you.

There are endless tips and tricks for amazing results with a wide variety of materials, and, as you can see from the above reviews what these exceptional machines can do, I think you will be more than satisfied.

Final Thoughts

It may appear I have a bias towards Brother machines, but who can argue with their customer-centered approach having produced products with well thought out designs and features, product support system with online and telephone access to answers, manuals, video “how-to” links, as well as their youtube sponsored channel?

On top of that, this company stands behind its products. The embroidery machines listed in this review, for instance, all have an impressive 25-year limited warranty and are all ‘Women’s Choice award winners’.

While there are many respectable and outstanding sewing machine companies, and the list is exhaustive when it comes to models, the machines listed in this review have consistent, top rated scores by consumers and product reviewers alike.

When it comes to embroidery, and especially for newcomers who may not want to spend a ton of money starting out, or for those who want a reliable machine to add to their collection, these particular units may be the way to go.

Thank you for reading this review. I tried to make it easy to follow and save you the hassle of searching for correct information. All of the specifications I used have come directly from the Brother website, or from Brother representatives.

In addition, I am certain you may have questions this review did not answer. For that purpose, I included a link to the Brother support manuals and guides for each machine.

Thank you again and happy embroidering!!