Best Sewing and Embroidery Machine Reviewed and Compared 2023

Scraping the web for the best embroidery sewing machines can be a headache, especially when coming to grips with technical jargon and machine capabilities.

I’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best embroidery machines on the market, all for a range of experience levels.

Take a look at the list below and find which embroidery machine combos will be the best for your needs!

If you’re looking for the best embroidery sewing machine, keep on reading.

Best Sewing and Embroidery Machine

A quick look at the best 3 from the lineup sorted by category…

Top Sewing and Embroidery and Sewing Machines

How to choose the best sewing and embroidery machine

Don’t go with something just because it has all the bells and whistles unless you know how to use and benefit from the extras. Likewise, don’t go with a mini sewing machine if the size doesn’t suit your needs.

If the device has an automatic threader or big embroidery field, that can be an indicator of a good device for you.

What are the advantages of an embroidery machine?

First and foremost, an embroidery machine gives users the chance to personalize designs in an easy to use way, eventually freeing up time.

Embroidery machines are built for purpose, which means they offer faster stitch speeds and capabilities compared to standard sewing units. If you look at the history of embroidery, you’ll be able to see how far the technology has come.

Bigger Projects

Investing in an embroidery and sewing machine or a unit with a combination ability gives users the chance to expand on their design horizons.

They can do things like edit work and choose from included designs and lettering fonts, use built in sewing stitches, or adapt their own.

Convenience

The best embroidery sewing machines will tend to come with elements such as an automatic needle threader, motion sewing, and an enhanced embroidery field or clear LCD screen where users can edit work directly.

What is a sewing and embroidery machine?

A sewing and embroidery machine is a hybrid combination unit that can deliver both sewing jobs and built in embroidery designs, rather than simply sewing as with a traditional single head device.

These combination sewing and embroidery machines come with enhanced features or elements that make device operation and project delivery easy.

Such machines are used to help make creations and designs simpler by taking away the stress from sewing.

Is it different from a regular sewing machine?

A regular single head sewing machine is made to create and construct clothing like shirts, pants, etc. Some of them can also sew interfacing for tops if needed.

This is because sewing uses thinner thread and is used to join fabric together through stitches.

An embroidery machine is different from a regular machine as they come with a range of features and design elements built-in to enhance the sewing experience, allowing the user to create built in embroidery designs or incorporate embroidery elements into their work.

Features

In order to accommodate these features, an embroidery sewing machine comes with upgraded features compared to their traditional counterparts.

Some can stitch at almost double, if not triple, the speed of others while another unit may have a bigger, faster motor to deliver projects and professional products faster.

NOTE

Depending on the model and brand of a machine, an embroidery machine differs from a standard machine due to its sheer potential for projects.

Accessories

Embroidery and sewing machines can deliver bigger, more complex jobs, but may have included elements such as embroidery arm or table extensions in order to accommodate for these features.

The best embroidery machines give users the ability to use built in designs, built in sewing stitches, and elements such as a USB port to upscale and edit work, leading to limitless design potential. — features available to modern embroidery machines

Can I sew with an embroidery machine?

No, which is why it is important to check the capabilities of an embroidery machine before investing in it.

Not all embroidery machines can sew, and vice versa.

Some units do have the ability for both, and some have it for neither.

NOTE

Depending on what you plan on using the device for, this may steer you in the right direction with regards to making a decision—the last thing you want is to choose a device that doesn’t give you what you want!

Why buy a sewing and embroidery machine?

There should only be one reason to buy a sewing and embroidery machine, to best improve your projects.

If you’re not looking to invest in a unit that can help users deliver better quality projects and items which cannot be gained through a traditional best sewing machine, then you needn’t buy a sewing embroidery machine.

Dual Purpose

However, if you’re looking for the perfect device which makes it easy to create the best sewing designs, you need a combo machine.

These sewing and embroidery machines come with easy to use features, such as free motion quilting capability or an automatic needle threader so that even a beginner can get to sewing without the learning curve.

Things to consider when buying the best sewing and embroidery machine

Purpose

When looking for a sewing embroidery machine it is crucial to think about what it will be used for and the kind of life it will have.

A beginner may use their sewing and embroidery machine more than some more seasoned sewing savants.

Seasoned sewers may use that same sewing machine as a secondary unit solely for built in embroidery designs, or custom designs imported via USB – it truly varies.

Price

Once you know what kind of existence the unit is expected to lead, you should set yourself a budget.

No one wants to invest in the best embroidery sewing machine and not get the very best from that unit.

While the saying “you get what you pay for” can ring true for many situations, when it comes to the best sewing machines there is normally an embroidery combo machine that ticks all the boxes no matter the price range.

What To Look For

Do you know what kind of features you want in an embroidery and sewing machine?

If not, take this time to whittle down a list of what you want from a machine.

If you are unsure of the specifics, consider whether you want to save time when creating or not.

This could affect features like needing an automatic threading needle, etc.

Value

Making choices like this early can help guide you towards the best embroidery and sewing machine for your wallet size.

That isn’t to say that a cheaper unit will be able to handle all that can be thrown at it, simply because it has a feature.

Capacity

A sewing machine may not be built to handle projects that another more expensive machine could.

Spending more on a sewing machine if you’re a small business for example, would be something I suggest.

The best embroidery machine for home business is more likely to have the physical capability to handle the sheer volume of orders and commissions you get, compared to beginner or amateur embroiderers.

Warranty

Never forget about the warranty when looking at embroidery machines, no matter your level of sewing expertise.

They can save you spending unneeded cash on repairs or replacements if a sewing machine breaks or becomes faulty.

Now, that doesn’t mean that all warranties are the same, because they aren’t.

Duration

One brand of machine may offer a lower year limited warranty to another company or brand. Some cover faults for a lifetime, or 25 years.

Whereas other machines may only offer a 1 or 2 year limited warranty with conditions.

So before parting with hard-earned cash and investing in a sewing-embroidery machine combo, check that you’re happy with what the company is offering if a machine breaks through no fault of the user.

It happens!

Costly Repairs

If left unchecked, you could find yourself left with a faulty or broken machine at the worst time possible.

And, you’d have to foot the repair bill or search the market for new sewing and embroidery machines.

Should even the best sewing and embroidery machines become faulty or break under a long warranty, then users could find that it’s taken care of for them.

Build

Do you want something sturdy? Something heavy-duty or lightweight?

Will the sewing and embroidery machine go on many adventures and need to be portable?

Elements like these affect the kind of build you will want from a sewing and embroidery machine as they may have an effect on the required purpose of sewing and embroidery machines.

Portability

Imagine buying a machine for portability and then investing in a 50 pound+ sewing machine. 

Doesn’t sound ideal unless you want arms of steel forming quite fast.

The build can have an effect on other areas of a machine’s life too, such as noise or structure stability.

TIP

A machine constructed from plastic may shake or rattle more compared to other more solid metal embroidery machines, which could potentially affect the final design outcome.

Size

When they say size matters, it does with a sewing embroidery machine.

The wrong size can compromise use or the outcome of the final project or product.

Some may be too big for a space, too heavy to move, or too long to extend any lengthening tables for big projects.

Embroidery Machines: Length, Width, and Weight

How long a sewing embroidery machine is can affect the workspace or area it’s put in – especially if too long.

If a sewing machine is too long, users may find they cannot fully execute design elements or features that would otherwise be easy to use.

For example, not accounting for a machine’s length could limit an extension table being added onto a machine if the size has not been taken into consideration.

Limit Projects

This would ultimately limit the size of any potential projects or creations.

Investing in a machine that is too wide can also be detrimental to the design process by limiting a machine’s accessibility, especially in a space that isn’t designed to accommodate a machine.

NOTE

When looking at embroidery machines, it’s important not to forget about the weight of a machine—the last thing you want is to pull a muscle moving sewing machines around a workspace.

Connectivity

Consider how you intend to transfer embroidery design files across to a machine. If you are a creator who likes to put their own flair to an item definitely do so!

There are some units that make design files transfer simple thanks to an easy-to-use USB, whereas others need to be linked to a computer.

NOTE

If you are not someone who uses a laptop or computer to design your work, ask whether this is an element you would need in your next machine.

If you don’t use this feature already, would using this help you expand on your work?

Screen

Most combination machines, whether an embroidery machine Brother, one of the Singer machines, or a Janome series best embroidery machine, have an LCD screen of sorts.

But, it is important to remember that not all screens are designed to do the same thing, let alone be easy to use.

Depending on the LCD screen and the machine, some users may be able to directly edit work, or adapt it via LCD touchscreen.

Display

However, some combination machines do not feature an LCD screen where computerized sewing projects can be adapted directly.

This means some may have to do that editing somewhere else like a computer first.

Some commercial or professional embroidery sewing machines do feature massive, crystal clear LCD touchscreen technology where creators can choose from a myriad of features and design aspects.

See the Janome Memory Craft 1400 in action below…

Usage

But, that doesn’t mean they are always easy to use.

Cheaper, budget friendly options can also include a screen too, but sometimes these can just show information like stitches, or remaining thread, etc. rather than a direct link to the design.

Stitches Per Minute

Did you know that the average sewing machine stitches between 650 – 1000 SPM? Some of the fastest at home embroidery sewing machines can do up to 1500 stitches per minute with ease too.

Thread

Any speed faster than 1500 and users will find that they may need to invest in a better quality thread to account for the extra speed and friction that comes with high speed, heavy-duty embroidery sewing machines.

Using lesser quality thread can lead to issues with tension and breakages, which are not the best things to happen when creating. You can check out my guide, “What kind of thread do you use for embroidery?” which has more information about embroidery thread types.

Furthermore, make sure the sewing thread size is compatible with your machine and project. Refer to this sewing thread size guide if you need help determining thread sizes.

FAQs

How Much Does A Sewing and Embroidery Machine Cost?

A sewing and embroidery machine doesn’t have to cost the earth, but they might cost a minimum of a few hundred dollars.

As discussed in the purpose section of this article, it truly depends on the life that a machine will live and what the user expects from sewing and embroidery machines.

Sewing and embroidery can be an amazing pastime, and those not offering commercial products may find their next embroidery and sewing machine costs less than business owners or those who create material in volume.

Additional Features

As expected, someone wanting all the snazzy features may find themselves spending more on a sewing machine, especially when choosing machines like the Janome from this selection.

However, spending more on a machine does allow for more sewing features and a longer warranty could be worth its weight in gold later in the future.

How much memory do you need on a sewing and embroidery machine?

It truly depends on how many designs you aim to make or edit.

If you’re an avid crafter looking to adapt hundreds of built in designs or stitches you may find you need more memory capacity.

File Size

Designs tend to be small, so small they’re tiny kilobytes.

Without getting all technical, it is estimated that you can fit up to 100,000 designs in 1GB of memory, which is the size of some standard USB sticks.

So, if you’re a beginner or an amateur looking to develop their skill, getting a machine with excessive memory may not be needed.

Advantage Of Big Storage

In contrast, I know embroiderers or designers who have hundreds of thousands of designs, maybe even millions.

So expert or experienced embroidery creators may benefit from a machine with more memory.

An expensive machine like the Janome comes with 4MB of memory, more than enough to store numerous editable designs.

TIP

Don’t overload a device with unneeded designs, especially if uploading directly from a USB or computer as this can crash a machine and lead to issues, especially if mid-design.

What’s the difference between sewing and embroidery?

Sewing creates, embroidery enhances.

A sewing machine is made to construct and create a garment, whereas embroidery is used to enhance said garment through stitches, patterns, and designs.

This slight yet significant difference could be a deciding factor when considering the best sewing and embroidery machines.

Design Features

This is especially considering that not all sewing machines have built in embroidery designs or decorative stitches.

Embroidery specifically uses thicker thread compared to sewing when creating decorative work.

TIP

If you’re a business that creates designs and products like apparel from scratch, you will need a sewing and embroidery machine that can do both.

Are monogram and embroidery the same thing?

No, though in most dialogue you may find that some use the change interchangeably. While similar, the roots and meaning are completely different – which is important to know, especially for those looking to personalize creations.

Monogram

A monogram is a decorative motif normally made up of 2 letters at least with roots in the roman and greek eras to mark important documents.

In later years, monograms were used by decorative creators to personalize pieces, however, traditionally they are made up of initials or characters in reference to a person’s name.

Embroidery

Embroidery is the use of thread patterns and designs on decorative items or garments to improve the visual appearance of a piece.

These built in embroidery designs offer unlimited potential, especially through computerized machines that offer users the potential to edit designs as they’re stitched.

Is embroidery thread the same as sewing thread?

Sewing thread is thinner than embroidery thread as mentioned above, due to the different natures of sewing and embroidery.

Embroidery is created to be shown off, which is why embroidery thread normally has a special sheen or coating to protect and highlight designs.

Sewing thread is made to be concealed in seams or hems, therefore it is thinner and lighter than embroidery threads.

Size

Embroidery thread can vary in size 30 – 60 compared to sewing thread only goes up to 60 which is the thinnest. The size of the thread matters, depending on the type of embroidery being created.

Handwork may require a thread of 60 compared to cross stitch designs which could use the thickest thread, 30.

Winding Up

Do you know what embroidery machine you may be investing in next?

If you’re still wondering about which embroidery sewing machine to get, remember the winning units from the beginning of this review.

Top Pick

The top pick is the Janome 14000. This is one of the best because it really is an investment to be proud of. Along with its built in embroidery designs, it comes with all you need to deliver high quality projects immediately.

Best Computerized Embroidery Machine

The best computerized one is the EverSewn X Next Generation.

This is one of the best because it’s perfect for all experience levels, and it even comes with an app that allows you to watch and edit work from another room.

Best for Beginners

The best for beginners is the Brother SE1900, as this is one of the best balanced brother units on offer to embroiders.

This versatile machine from Brother makes it easy for users to benefit from semi-professional features—without the professional price tag.

Happy Crafting!

I hope this has been of some help to you, and you’ve managed to unravel yourself from the tangle of deciding which embroidery sewing machine to get next.

And if you think the sewing and embroidery features of these sewing machines are too much for you who is just starting into the sewing hobby, take a look at my review of top sewing machines for beginners.

As always, should you need any more help finding your perfect machine, feel free to share your thoughts and feelings on social media!