So, you’ve decided you’re going to learn how to embroider hats… Congratulations!
Shopping for the best embroidery machine for hats is half the fun, and you’ve come to the right place to help you choose the right one.
We’ve reviewed dozens of sewing and embroidery machine designs and narrowed it down to the 8 best hat embroidery options. You’ll know the right one for you when you see it!
Read through to get all the info you need to make a comfortable, informed decision on where to go from here.
The Winners
Let us make your buying decision even easier with a breakdown of which models work best for hats.
See our picks for the best machine for each of your needs below.
Top Pick
Brother SE1900
If you appreciate having different options to express your creativity, you’ll enjoy the freedom of design this embroidery machine allows.
Brother SE1900
This embroidery machine is sort of the Goldilocks of the embroidery machine models.
I can live with the price point, the embroidery area is perfect (not too bulky, not too small), which allows more room for different projects, and it has just enough choices to keep the creativity flowing for years.
If you’re trying to check off all the boxes, the Brother SE1900 is hands down the best embroidery machine for hats.
Best Value
Brother SE625 Embroidery Machine
If you love getting creative but aren’t ready to invest in a pricier embroidery machine just yet, this is an unbeatable option.
Brother SE625 Embroidery Machine
This is the best embroidery machine for hats if you need convenience.
It has almost everything you’ll ever need to embroider at a fraction of the price. It includes most of the higher-end machine features.
It’s durable, has a good-sized embroidery area, and doesn’t require a ton of maintenance.
Editor’s Choice
Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery Machine
Grand-slam package of hat embroidery machines. This embroidery machine gives you more options than you’ll probably ever use.
Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery Machine
Listen, I’m an “all about my choices” type of gal, and I love my Janome serger. I’ve had it for nearly a decade, and it has never let me down, so I know the brand is trustworthy.
The Janome MB-4S model is the grand-slam package of embroidery machines for hats. I mean, it was made with cap embroidery in mind, which makes this the best hat embroidery machine on the list.
If you can afford the splurge, go for it.
Best for Beginners
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Allows you to do both sewing and hat embroidery. So if you’re having a hard time deciding between a sewing unit or an embroidery unit, now you don’t have to.
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
As a long-time sewer, I know that we usually hold on to our first unit for years.
The Brother SE600 has an affordable price, a long-standing beginner-friendly design, LED lights, and sew and embroider ability.
Because of its popularity, there are also many videos online ready to help you through anything from troubleshooting issues to baseball caps tutorials.
Best for Small Business
Janome Memory Craft 9900
This model has almost everything high-end models have but at a fraction of the price. An excellent investment if you’re looking to use it for something like a small business.
Janome Memory Craft 9900
The Janome Memory Craft 9000 has a great and easy to use design, but I highly recommend this as the best small business choice because of its speed.
This is a great hat embroidery machine that will help you expedite results.
In business, time is money, and at up to 1000 stitches per minute, this unit gives you the most value for your time.
Best Personal
Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
If you’re looking for something for home-use only and are planning to stick to small embroidery designs, this is a great choice.
Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
I just couldn’t leave this one out. We’ve disclosed that it’s not the best hat embroidery machine.
But many Disney fanatics have managed to make it work.
If you’re at all into Disney, you’ll love using its built-in embroidery designs for themed hats.
Plus, there are some great tutorials online for this embroidery machine that will walk you through everything from the set-up to embroidering to troubleshooting.
If you can work with the embroidery area, this unit is tons of fun.
The Reviews…
Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine
One of the best embroidery machines, thanks to its durable design and its 5×7 embroidery field which is an ideal size for hat stitching.
Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine
If you’re looking to get more bang for your buck, this embroidery machine is one of the best contenders.
The Brother PE770 embroidery machine is one of the best on this list, thanks to its durable design. Its 5×7 embroidery field is an ideal size for hat stitching.
Plus, a bigger embroidery field means you have more room to play with more versatile embroidery designs, such as jackets, bags, and even home décor!
Key Features of the Brother PE770
You can use its LCD touchscreen to choose from one of its 136 built-in designs. Or, choose to save your own using the USB port built-in memory system.
This unit lets you save designs for future use.
You won’t know the frustration of an embroidery machine without built-in memory until you have to go without it.
If you tend to get bored with the same old designs, you can play around with the editing functions.
Some choices include rotating, mirror-imaging, increasing/decreasing the design’s size, and previewing work.
This sewing unit is relatively widespread, making it easy to find several how-to tutorials for just about anything online—including hat embroidery.
Points to Consider
But beware, reports show this older embroidery machine can only hold up to three manually uploaded designs at a time.
Also, some Brother PE770 users have reported issues using a genetic hat hoop.
This means you’ll have to make sure you stock up on the model’s designs in case of discontinuation.
LCD Scrolling
It’s worth noting that several users have reported problems with the scrolling option within the LCD touchscreen, so you’ll probably need a system to keep track of which embroidery designs are in which thumb drive.
If you can get past these issues, this is genuinely an excellent embroidery machine for hats.
Specs
- Backed up by a 25-year limited warranty
- Large LCD touchscreen
- 130 built-in stitches
Pros
- Great long-term options for designs
- A larger embroidery field makes it a better choice for hat embroidery
- Embroidery and sewing machine design allows for more projects
Cons
- Built-in memory can only hold a few designs at a time.
- It might not work with a non-Brother hat hoop
- Multiple complaints on record concerning the touch-screen
Best Personal
Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
If you’re looking for something for home-use only and are planning to stick to small embroidery designs, this is a great choice.
Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
This unique machine is for the Disney-loving seamstress.
It features 125 built-in memory designs that you can preview on a sharp color LCD touchscreen.
Patterns
If you generally gravitate toward Disney Fabrics and projects, then the 45 Disney embroidery designs are a huge incentive! It even features a USB port to add your additional designs.
This is a relatively small unit, so it’s perfect for creating smaller projects like kids’ hats and shirts.
If you’re looking for something for home-use only and are planning to stick to small embroidery designs, this is a great choice.
The small embroidery machine allows for customizing clothes with names or creating Disney-themed gifts at a fraction of the price you’d find them for at a retail store.
For lettering, you’ll have the choice of 9 fonts (6 English and 3 Japanese).
Key Features of the Brother PE550D
This embroidery-only machine allows you to customize the colors, fonts, and line spacings at the touch of a button.
The model is famous for its straightforward, easy-to-use design, allowing you to finish your embroidery in about 10-minutes.
However, we have to let you know; this embroidery unit is not meant for hat embroidery.
Determined sewists report creating their Disney hat designs through some trial and error.
Points to Consider
This embroidery machine is reportedly a bit on the high-maintenance side.
Some of the most registered complaints say that the unit only takes cotton or polyester thread.
Users report that using regular thread significantly increases the chances of jamming the unit and even breaking needles.
Specs
- Backed up by a 25-year limited warranty
- 3.2” inch color LCD touch screen
- 103-built in stitches
Pros
- Unique Disney embroidery designs
- One of the most affordable Brother embroidery designs
- The embroidery-only designs make it easy to use for beginners
Cons
- The small embroidery field only allows for designs 4×4 or smaller.
- Technically, this is not an embroidery machine for hats.
- Reportedly only takes cotton or polyester thread.
Best Value
Brother SE625 Embroidery Machine
If you love getting creative but aren’t ready to invest in a pricier embroidery machine just yet, this is an unbeatable option.
Brother SE625 Embroidery Machine
Convenience is critical with The Brother SE625 sewing and embroidery machine.
The combo approach here is perfect for small spaces (and budgets).
Its affordable price, small size, and high ratings make this one of the best hat embroidery machine choices.
If you love getting creative but aren’t ready to invest in a pricier embroidery machine just yet, this is an unbeatable option.
Key Features of the Brother SE625
If you like switching up your sewing and embroidery projects a lot, you’ll especially appreciate the 6.4w x 4.1 work area.
The bigger sewing area allows you to sew everything, from interfacing fabrics for t-shirts to hats.
In terms of embroidery area, you’ll have the kind of space that gives you a choice between sticking to small projects, like hats, or larger projects, like quilts.
Color Palette
This embroidery and sewing machine has a built-in color palette that allows you to change individual thread colors in embroidery designs, making it fun and easy to personalize your embroidery.
I speak from experience when I say this type of feature comes especially in handy during the holidays.
The unit contains most of the features of more modern designs, which means you don’t have to compromise on almost anything.
Points to Consider
One thing to keep in mind is that even though the purchase includes 103 built-in sewing stitches and over 280 embroidery designs, only 80 of them are built-in designs and the rest are on a CD, downloadable through the USB port yourself.
You don’t have to be a big tech person to upload them, but if that sort of thing gives you a headache, you might lose out on extra designs.
NOTE
One final note: while this embroidery machine is designed to handle a wide variety of projects, it’s not intended to take on a lot of work.
This machine should only be used for personal use—plan on keeping embroidery projects to small quantities.
Specs
- Backed up by a 25-year limited warranty
- 3.2” inch color LCD touch screen
- 103 built-in stitches
Pros
- Embroidery/Sewing Design is perfect for small spaces and budgets
- Large work area space.
- Built-in color palette allows for additional customization
Cons
- The two-in-one design can be risky. If you lose one, you lose the other
- Only 80 of the 280 designs are built-in designs
- Not meant to handle big loads of work
Top Pick
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
If you appreciate having different options to express your creativity, you’ll enjoy the freedom of design this embroidery machine allows
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The fact that Brother markets this sewing and embroidery machine as a #1 best seller should get you excited.
Brother sewing machines seem to be a favorite among sewists.
This is saying a lot considering that the company has dozens of sewing and embroidery machine models in the market. Hence, this overall customer favorite is pretty awesome.
Key Features of the Brother SE1900
This embroidery machine has tons of options for embroidering your hats!
The brother SE1900 is a professionally-engineered, beginner-friendly model with over 200 built-in designs on its color LCD touchscreen. This model is also my top pick in my review of Brother embroidery machines which you can read here.
It also features 11 font options (7 English, 3 Japanese, and 1 Cyrillic), 138 built-in embroidery designs, plus a USB port to add more. If you are one of those who loves exploring your sewing machine’s features, you will have a lot of room to play with it.
Designs
There are hundreds of options for different embroidery designs and colors, so you’re unlikely to get bored. Plus, its sewing and embroidery design means you can use this machine to actually make your hats and embroider them, too (or anything else for that matter).
If you appreciate having different options to express your creativity, you’ll enjoy the freedom of design this embroidery machine allows. Also, because it’s a modern model, it comes with some sweet details.
Automatic Needle Threader
My favorite is the automatic needle threader that takes care of threading the needle for you with just a lever touch.
Seriously, the difference between a machine with an automatic needle threader and one without can quickly amount to hours spent on a single project.
Points to Consider
This is one of the few embroidery machine models that have a bit of a learning curve. Because there are so many options and it’s on the bigger side, it might take a minute to get the process down.
But once you do, the possibilities are endless—this is truly one of the best embroidery machines for hats.
Specs
- Backed up by a 25-year limited warranty
- 3.2” inch color LCD touchscreen
- 240 built-in stitches
Pros
- It contains hundreds of embroidery design options for your hats
- Large size means more room for different size projects
- Combo machine with a user-friendly design
Cons
- Price is on the higher end
- Only comes with a 5×7 hoop
- More options mean a more significant learning curve.
Best for Beginners
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Allows you to do both sewing and hat embroidery. So if you’re having a hard time deciding between a sewing machine or an embroidery machine, now you don’t have to.
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
That’s right; another Brother sewing machine makes today’s list.
This popular sewing/embroidery combo machine has a comfortable, sleek design, a reasonable price point, and a versatile, automatic needle threader.
The two-in-one design allows you to create your sewing and hat embroidery projects using only this unit.
So if you’re having a hard time deciding between a sewing machine or an embroidery machine, now you don’t have to.
LCD Screen
The Brother SE600 makes an excellent embroidery machine for hats thanks to its bigger 3.7” inch LCD screen.
If you like having a clear picture of what your finished embroidered project will look like, you’ll appreciate this detail.
With the ability to expand the work/sewing area to up to 6.4w x 4.1”h, this might be a good gateway machine into bigger sewing projects.
Capacity
Just keep in mind that the embroidery side can only handle up to 4×4 work.
This means it’s not ideal for bigger embroidery designs.
Also, this model offers the least embroidery choices with only 80 embroidery built-in designs included. If you don’t like any of them, you’ll have to upload your own.
Key Features of the Brother SE600
That said, what it lacks in stitching designs it makes up for in other areas.
Items included with this machine have: 80 built-in embroidery designs (and a USB port so you can add more), over 100 built-in sewing stitches, and seven quick-change sewing feet, including spring action zigzag, buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, blind stitch, and button sewing feet.
Durability
This particular embroidery machine is famous for its durability.
It is one of Brother’s best selling embroidery and sewing machines because many customers swear by its ability to go through long periods without maintenance or problems. But watch out for the feed dogs—some users report having ongoing issues with them.
You might have to invest in a walking foot if you don’t already have one.
Specs
- Backed up by a 25-year limited warranty
- 3.7” inch color LCD touch screen
- 103 built-in stitches
Pros
- Two-in-one sewing and embroidery machine
- The Brother SE600 is one of the most long-lasting machines
- The price point is on the lower end for everything you’re getting.
Cons
- Embroidery space is small- you’ll have to stick to smaller projects
- Some users report issues with the feed dogs
- Only 80 built-in embroidery designs.
Editor’s Choice
Janome MB-4S
Grand-slam package of hat embroidery machines. This embroidery machine gives you more options than you’ll probably ever use.
Janome MB-4S
Full warning ahead- the Janome MB- 4S machine is probably best for the expert embroiderer.
Labeled the “World’s First Home-Use Four-Needle Embroidery Machine” by the people at Janome themselves, this machine can quadruple the capacity of a regular machine!
It is the full grand-slam package and one of the best hat embroidery machines around.
If you can move past its different look and have the patience to figure it out, you’re in for a treat.
There is no comparison; this is the best embroidery machine from Janome that gives you more options than you’ll probably ever use.
Key Features of the Janome MB-4S
Some users have praised this machine as “ahead of its time” thanks to its remote computer screen that allows you to customize and edit over 65,000 colors.
It also has a memory that can store up to 100 designs and contains 80 built-in designs.
Some of its built-in features include 50 Fonts, expanded built-in memory, and the ability to stitch 800 sewing stitches per minute.
Bobbin Winding Motor
If you have any experience with sewing or embroidery, you probably know the pain of sewing with an empty bobbin.
The Janome Mb has a Dedicated Bobbin Winding Motor; the new feature winds new bobbins even while the machine is stitching a design.
We should mention that this embroidery machine specifically works well with hats, so you have not just one sewing machine hat hoop, but four included in the box.
Setup
If you are a person who needs a lot of hand-holding while setting up their machine, this choice might get a bit frustrating.
Still, I promise that there is no shortage of online resources to teach you how to use it, and it truly is one of the best hat embroidery machines out on the market right now.
Points to Consider
In the spirit of transparency, there are a few things to consider with this particular machine. For one, the price of this machine is enough to buy you a decent used car
So unless you’re super serious about embroidery, it might not be an option.
It can be intimidating to look at, let alone use.
So if you do end up choosing this item, expect to put your patience into practice.
Threading System
Lastly, the manual threading system can get frustrating—it requires somewhat of a serger-like system.
With that said, it is one of those things that becomes second nature after enough practice.
It just comes down to how patient you can be.
Specs
- One-year limited warranty
- 5.7 Remote Computer screen
- Can store up to 1,500,000 stitches
Pros
- Thousands of choices for unique creations.
- One of the best hat embroidery machines around
- It comes with four different size hat hoops
Cons
- Expensive—it’s the largest investment on this list
- A complicated design takes some getting used to
- Threading system can be confusing for beginners
Best for Small Business
Janome Memory Craft 9900
This model has almost everything high-end models have but at a fraction of the price. An excellent investment if you’re looking to use it for something like a small business.
Janome Memory Craft 9900
This machine is all about professional values.
The Janome Memory Craft MC 9900 has almost everything high-end models have but at a fraction of the price. It also features a much more user-friendly design.
This is an excellent investment if you’re looking to use it for something like a small business; it can handle lots of work.
Key Features of the Janome Memory Craft MC 9900
If you’re a perfectionist, you’ll enjoy its professional features like the high-resolution touchscreen created to get you high-quality results.
This machine allows for over 65 thousand colors and over 200 built-in sewing stitches means you can push your designs to be truly rich and authentic to you.
Add-ons
The design also features the choice to add a knee lifter, led lights, an automatic needle threader, and an updated speed processor to help you move things along quicker.
The speed of this machine is magical.
With an easy-to-use design that can handle up to 800 embroidery stitches per minute and up to 1000 sewing stitches per minute, you can handle multiple projects in minimal time. Who doesn’t love adding more time to their day?
And while most competing machines require you to remove their embroidery unit for regular sewing, you can leave this one on while you sew.
The Janome memory craft mc comes with two-standard hoop sizes, but you can use it with virtually any other compatible hoops.
Points to Consider
The main thing to keep in mind with this machine is that it is high-maintenance.
If you plan to get a lot of use out of it, and especially if you’re planning to use it for a business, you’ll have to get it cleaned and serviced regularly to keep it working efficiently. Also, It only works with 9mm feet.
Because the machine is not so popular, depending on the type of foot you need, the foot might either be hard to find or be pricey.
Although for now, it looks like there’s plenty available online.
Specs
- 25 year limited warranty
- Full resolution screen
- 200 built-in stitches
Pros
- Excellent price for the value
- The Janome memory craft is perfect for an at-home business
- The speed is unmatched- it can handle up to 1000 stitches per minute.
Cons
- High-Maintenance
- It only works with 9mm feet
- The speed requires a learning curve
Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
If you want a durable, semi-modern, and straightforward machine with a reasonable price point, then the PE800 is your best option.
Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
Not to be confused with its predecessor (the brother PE770), the Brother PE800 embroidery machine is made to create tons of dazzling embroidery designs.
This Brother embroidery only machine is one of our favorite embroidery machine options.
This model is easy to use, offers a 5×7 embroidery field.
Designs
It features over 130 built-in embroidery designs and 240 built-in sewing stitches, including frame shapes and border styles.
It has everything modern designs have, including a color LCD touch screen, tons of options to edit your plans, and an automatic needle threader.
Key Features of the Brother PE800
Like any popular sewing machine, there are tons of resources available online for this model. It’s always comforting to know there are videos online for just about any issues you come across.
Even though this model doesn’t come with a cap hoop, several users have bought it separately.
Hat Hoops
Generic hat-hoops fit just fine, so if you don’t mind making that separate purchase, this is an excellent choice for cap embroidery.
If you think you’ll need some help maneuvering around the machine, the LCD screen has an option for step-by-step instructions shown right on the LCD screen.
If you want a durable, semi-modern, and straightforward machine with a reasonable price point, then the brother PE800 is your best option.
Points to Consider
One of the most frequent complaints surrounding this machine is that it doesn’t work well with metal bobbins, so you’ll have to stick with plastic ones if you want the machine to notify you when it needs changing.
The touch screen is also relatively small, and several users have complained about the image’s quality.
Although you can still get a generally good idea of what your design will look like, it’s not the best screen out there.
NOTE
Don’t expect to embroider any denim or leather with this machine. It can only cut through less than 1/8 of an inch of fabric.
If you try to push too much beyond that, you may end up with broken needles.
Specs
- Backed up by a 25-year limited warranty
- 3.2” inch color LCD touch screen
- 240 built-in stitches
Pros
- The straightforward design makes it beginner-friendly
- The model’s popularity means it has hundreds of helpful resources available
- Works well with generic hat hoop brands
Cons
- It doesn’t work well with metal bobbins
- Touch Screen is small and outdated
- It can’t handle thick fabric like denim and leather
Now that you’ve narrowed it down to some of your favorite sewing machines, chances are you probably still have some questions.
Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make the best choice for you.
How Much Should I Invest?
When considering the amount of money you’re willing to spend on your cap embroidery machine, just consider your final goal and then work backward.
Here is a list of questions to consider:
- Is your ultimate goal to start a business? You’ll want a machine with a high speed, such as the Janome Memory Craft.
- Do you want something to help you along the way? You might consider a used or beginner-friendly machine.
- Are you looking for the best embroidery machine for hats? You might have to pay top dollar.
- Will you depend on the built-in embroidery designs? Choose a machine with lots of choices.
- Is your heart set on purchasing an embroidery machine for hats? You can check out an embroidery machine for hats like the Janome MB or the Janome memory craft.
- Do you also need a sewing machine? If so, you might have to consider the two-in-one embroidery and sewing duo.
You can try investing in a long-lasting embroidery machine like the brother PE770. If you consider the length of time you’re likely to own the model by the price, it doesn’t seem as steep.
You should also get clear on whether you want a sewing and embroidery machine. Getting a combo machine can save you thousands.
Also, you can find someone parting ways with their pre-loved embroidery and sewing machine.
If you’re just starting- this is a great option.
What Size Should You Buy?
Size is an essential factor when choosing the best embroidery machine for hats.
You don’t want to shop for hat embroidery machines whose capacities are 4×4 because then you’re stuck with limited options.
Ideal Size
The best embroidery machines for hats have an embroidery area of 5×7 or bigger.
Also, consider whether you only want to embroider hats.
If you’re looking to stick to things like hats and shirts, then a machine like the SE1900 is perfect.
Is there a possibility that you will want to get into something like quilting in the future? That would require a much larger work area workspace.
Workspace
Lastly, think about your own sewing/embroidery area needs.
If you need a sewing and embroidery machine and have limited space, it makes sense to get something like the SE625.
How Do I Choose Hoops?
For this article, we will stick to hat hoops.
If you’re doing independent research, you’ll find them online as either hat hoops or cap hooks.
When you’re deciding which one to purchase, just make sure it is compatible with your embroidery machine’s model number and work area.
Here is a video of a generic hat hoop being used on the SE1900.
Is Speed Important?
Speed only becomes a factor for an embroidery machine if you’re thinking about starting an embroidery business, in which case the best embroidery machine for you would be part of a professional series like the Memory Craft 9900 or the Janome MB.
But if you are using your embroidery machine for personal use, then speed is not an essential factor.
Our top pick as the best embroidery machine for hats takes about 10-30 minutes to complete one project.
Is There Anything Else I Should Watch Out For When Shopping For a Machine?
I would look out for automatic thread tension. If possible, choose an embroidery machine with an automatic needle threader.
It’s awful when you’re in the middle of creating beautiful embroidery designs, and then your needle starts jamming.
TIP
Always read the reviews on a machine you are about to purchase, and if possible-test drive it.
Research
Consider doing your research for “embroidery machine needle” and paying particular attention to the sewing stitch’s features.
There is not much worse in the sewing world than getting stuck with a machine whose thread keeps breaking. Not only is it frustrating, but tension issues can cause the needle to break, which also makes it dangerous.
How to Embroider a Hat
Now that you’ve chosen your embroidery machine, it’s time to start embroidering!
Here’s a super quick and straight forward video that shows you step-by-step how to embroider a hat
Do I need a special needle to embroider my hat?
You will want to use a needle made for embroidering like the 75/11 embroidery needle.
Do I need a special thread for my embroidery machine?
No, but you’ll want to check your manual to ensure your thread is compatible with your machine.
Additionally, some embroidery machines seemingly have no thread limits.
Still, upon reading the reviews, you might find a common theme wherein specific threads don’t mesh well with particular designs.
This isn’t a common problem, but doing research ahead of time might save you some trial and error.
How to use an Embroidery Machine for Hats?
The steps to using your embroidery machine with your hat are almost identical to embroidering anything else. Some things to keep in mind are:
1. Preparing your design.
Ensure your design is the appropriate size.
If you have an embroidery machine that only fits a 4×4 design, you can’t use an image made for a 5×7 machine.
You’ll either have to use special software to resize the image or choose one of the built-in embroidery designs.
You will also want to ensure you have the right threading colors for it ahead of time.
2. Prepare the hat for embroidery.
Typical Items needed for embroidering hats include:
- Hat Hoop
- Tearaway Stabiliser
- Painter’s tape
- Pins
- Embroidery machine
Make sure you have your hat hoop and a tearaway stabilizer, and painter’s tape to help stabilize the hat, as shown in the video above.
If you plan on doing anything else to the cap, like dying it or distressing it, make sure to do it before you embroider it.
TIP
When using pins to hold down your hat, make sure they will not be in the way of your design. You want to keep them close enough to keep your hat flat but far away from the design that the pins will never make contact with the needle.
3. Embroider the Hat
Somethings you’ll want to remember when embroidering your hat are:
Mark the center of the stabilizer with a pencil to help you line up the hat better.
That way, you’ll be able to see if things start going sideways.
If you prepped your hat right, the embroidery part is the easy part. All you have to do is start embroidering and let the machine do all the work.
NOTE
Word to the wise: Do not assume this is a great time to check your social media or catch up on Netflix- at least not the first few times. Until you have the process down, not paying attention can ruin a perfectly good hat.
What Should You Avoid Doing While Embroidering Hats?
Running the machine too fast.
Forcing the hat onto the embroidery machine.
Wrong hooping.
Incorrect Placement.
Change your needles.
Incorrectly Digitized Embroidery Files.
Editor’s Tips
If possible- purchase a few dummy hats and practice on a couple first. This will help you get comfortable with your embroidery machine and allow you to practice your embroidery designs.
Embroidering hats is very easy, except for the first and second time you make them. At this point, you will undoubtedly be tempted to throw your machine at the wall at least once. Be patient with the process and go turtle speed the first time.
Once you get a clear idea of the concept, you’ll be unstoppable.
Cap Hoop
If you have to choose between a non-cap hoop and no hoop, go with no hoop.
You might have to sit tight and monitor the stitching process extra-closely but using a non-cap hoop will give you awful results (learn from my mistakes).
TIP
If you can visit your local sewing machine shop, go and ask to test drive some machines.
Most stores have floor models (and other) items available for testing, especially those requiring a more significant investment.
Check Everything
Check out the features, review the built-in designs.
You can even ask to use the embroidery design featured on some of them.
Bonus: the women sitting by those machines know a lot about them, so they should be able to answer any specific questions.
The design didn’t come out the way you expected? Don’t panic. Keep a seam ripper nearby, and start ripping seams from the inside.
The first couple of tries don’t tend to leave any significant marks.
Final Thoughts
Ok, guys, here comes the moment of truth…
The winner of the ultimate embroidery sewing machine battle is *drumroll please* The Brother PE800.
This embroidery only machine is a clear winner for a handful of reasons:
- The model is popular enough that you won’t have a shortage of reference info online. If you’re new to embroidering, this is super important.
- It’s a big enough hat embroidery machine that you won’t have to struggle with fitting your hat. This alone makes hat embroidery that much more enjoyable.
- When choosing the best embroidery machine for hats, you have to consider its technology. This machine’s technology gives the pricier and newer models a run for their money for a fraction of the price.
- The price point isn’t too unbearable, and you can often find Brother models, including the brother PE800, in excellent pre-loved condition.
I wish you the best of luck with your embroidery projects. I can’t wait to see what you create!
For more machine topics, don’t forget to check the site. Some of my articles can help you increase your commissions, such as this review of the best wide format laminator or this article about the top monogram sticker machine.
