Embroidery machines are amazing devices that can create beautiful designs on fabric. At first glance, they may seem like simple sewing machines, but they are actually quite complex. Embroidery machines use a variety of needle sizes and thread types to create intricate patterns. The computerized embroidery machines are able to reproduce even the smallest details with amazing accuracy. With the right techniques you can use an embroidery machine to create beautiful works of art.
To make your job of finding the best commercial embroidery machine an easier one, we took it upon ourselves and considered the type of machine, embroidery area, number of built-in designs, USB connectivity options as well as warranty to provide you with everything you need to know about this type of machine before purchasing it. We’ve compiled a list of the 7 best picks, and the Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine SE1900 turned out to be the top choice.
Extra features: comes with 8 sewing feet, including embroidery foot, 240 sewing stitches, built-in LED light for a bright working area
An upgraded version of the Brother SE1800, the Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine SE1900 is a very easy to use machine that works well for both serious embroidery enthusiasts and commercial use. Offering a combination of sewing and embroidery, this machine has a large 5 x 7 inches embroidery field and comes packed with 240 built-in embroidery designs, 11 fonts, and 10 frame shapes.
Just like other embroidering machines from this manufacturer, the Brother SE1900 comes with an in-built USB port that offers easy access to upgrades and downloadable designs. Electronic speed control is also available so you can adjust the number of stitches per minute the machine creates. The top speeds are 650 stitches per minute for embroidery and 850 stitches per minute for sewing.
Many of the users who tested this machine raved about how simple and fun it is to use, even if you don’t have much experience with embroidery. Because the on-screen instructions are very easy to follow, you can create complicated patterns without too much practice.
The Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine SE1900 comes with eight different feet for buttonhole, monogramming, overcasting, zigzag and more, and it also features an automatic needle threader, which received lots of praise from users because it makes the entire process seamless, especially when it comes to designs that would otherwise require multiple thread changes.
Extra features: embroidery card slot for designs from Brother embroidery cards, comes with seam ripper, needle set, cleaning brush, 2 screwdrivers, spool caps, scissors, 3 bobbins
This embroidery-only machine has a large embroidery area of 5 x 7 inches and gives you ample space to create jacket backs, large monograms, and more projects that require a large working area. We liked how this machine is very easy to get the hang of, which makes it perfect for a beginner. The Brother Embroidery Machine PE770 also sports a very affordable price tag, which is a good thing for those who want a quality embroidery machine to get them started.
The machine has 184 stitches, and you can choose from multiple variations that suit your project, including drawn work, smocking, and more. The 136 built-in designs make the machine ideal for beginners to get started with embroidery. You also get 12 border styles and 10 frame shapes with this machine. Other features of the Brother embroidery machine include built-in memory, which means that you can import any designs of your choice to the machine via USB, and compatibility with iBroidery, which is a website dedicated to embroidery designs that allows you to choose from thousands of designs with a few clicks.
Many users liked that this Brother machine has great design editing features, such as allowing you to increase the image size and rotate designs. Another thing that got this machine lots of praise is the fact that it comes with an extended 25-year warranty.
Extra features: comes with bobbin holder for embroidery, SQ20b embroidery foot, and standard embroidery hoop
Unlike our editor’s choice, this other machine from Janome is only an embroidery machine and not a sewing one as well, but it’s still an excellent choice for those who are only interested in commercial embroidery. This machine has a rotary hook bobbin that makes it very easy to start using any type of thread you want. The embroidery field is rather spacious at 7.9 x 7.9 inches, and many users found that the space is enough for most commercial demands.
The digital screen of the Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine makes it easy to see all the settings even in bright daylight, and also has settings for those who prefer to work at night. Many users loved the fact that you can select two monogramming fonts to use at the same time, which is something you don’t find on all embroidery machines.
Just like you would expect from a Janome embroidery machine, this model comes with multiple stitches built inside, and there are 160 types of design and six different monogramming fonts to choose from. You can easily select the one you want by scrolling on the digital screen. Users raved about the embroidery speed of up to 860 stitches per minute, which makes embroidery very fast even when it comes to large patterns. You can use a USB stick to access more stitches and patterns available online, as well as your own designs.
Extra features: LCD full color touchscreen, connects to PC for real-time creating & editing embroidery designs, 245 in-built stitches
Our editor’s choice is the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000, a commercial embroidery machine that offers extra-large working space to create large embroideries. This machine features a large steel plate that makes the working area extendable, and overall it has the largest work area we have seen in the machines we reviewed.
Users who tested this machine liked that even though it comes with the same type of touchscreen display you can expect from an embroidery machine of this type, you can actually connect this one to a computer. This means that you can make adjustments on your computer and the machine will adapt to them in real time. This comes in extremely handy when you spot a mistake in the design and need to correct it before the machine gets to that part.
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 comes with a touchscreen that allows you to get quick and easy access to the monogramming fonts and designs and allows you to download new ones or upload your own. Reviewers loved the AcuFeed system this machine comes equipped with, as allows you to create custom designs from scratch and see how they would look on a particular type of fabric before starting. The machine comes complete with a kit for making and filling quilts, an assortment of threads, and five packs of needle tips.
Extra features: speed of 1200 SPM, works on hats, t-shirts, jackets and other garments, 10 million stitches of memory capacity, design preview available
A truly commercial embroidery machine, the CAMFive EMB HT1501 is an ideal choice for businesses who focus on promotional materials and personalization of items such as gifts or company merchandising. This large machine is suitable for use on anything from traditional flat surfaces such as towels and blankets to more complicated surfaces such as hats or leather jackets. The CAMFive machine comes with a full set of frames and accessories and has a very large working area of 22 x 14 inches.
This machine can work 24 hours a day, which makes it an excellent choice for businesses with a high production volume. Users liked that this machine can embroider without stopping for hours and that it can create multiple repetitions, which comes in very handy for coats, pants pockets, and emblems. A motion test is available before the embroidery process actually starts so you can verify that the design will be embroidered in the desired location without a stitch being made. Users also mentioned that this feature is very important because it can verify that the design is not too large for the selected piece of fabric. The machine is compatible with USB flash memory cards, and the wireless option is available to make the transfer of designs even easier.
Extra features: illuminated work area, 215 built-in sewing stitches, automatic needle threader, comes with knee lifter
An easy-to-use device that makes it easy to switch from sewing to embroidery in an instant, the Singer Futura XL-580 has received lots of praise from crafting enthusiasts because of the crystal-clear instructions provided by the manufacturer Singer, one of the most renowned names in the sewing industry.
This sleek, modern-looking embroidery machine has an extra-long arm and one of the largest working spaces we have seen, at 18.5 x 11 inches. All the buttons and dials on the machine are intuitive and clearly marked, which means that the learning curve is a very easy one.
Most users liked that this Singer machine features a large number of stitches, with over 200 of them for both sewing and embroidery. You also get 50 endless designs and six automatic buttonholes for increased versatility. The easy to use Swift Smart Threading System is a feature that impressed many users, mostly because the automatic process saves you a lot of time and frustration. Moreover, the machine comes with a varied selection of accessories, including a thread cutter, bobbin threader, endless embroidery hoop and much more. This sturdy embroidery machine comes with a comprehensive instructions manual that makes it very easy to get started, and the heavy-duty exterior means that this is a long-lasting, durable machine.
Extra features: semi-automatic threader, needle thread monitoring, bobbin thread checking
Our budget pick, the Bernina Bernette Chicago 7 is manufactured by Swiss company Bernina, which is renowned for their high-quality sewing machines. This is a combo sewing and embroidery machine with a very budget-friendly price tag, but many users were surprised to see that the machine is still top of the line when it comes to performance. Sporting an elongated bottom half, this machine is lightweight for increased portability and has a clear LCD screen that gives you easy access to all of the settings.
When it comes to accessories, this machine comes with a rather overwhelming number for a budget model, including nine snap-on presser feet, a needle set, two spoon holders, dust cover, scissors and much more. The machine has six needle positions so you can adjust them to any type of fabric you might be using, so there is no improvisation necessary.
The needle threader is a semi-automatic one, and it will save a lot of time, especially if you are a beginner. Thanks to the USB port, you can upload your own designs or images you downloaded from the internet, and the LCD screen allows you to access all controls quickly. A built-in LED light is also included so you can keep track of the sewing or embroidery process if you decide to craft at night.
Whether it’s a hobby of yours or a part of your business, embroidery is best done with an embroidery machine because this way you can focus more on design and work faster than with traditional needlework. However, purchasing a new embroidery machine that is suitable for your expectations and needs is not an easy process, especially if you are looking for a commercial model that you can use as a way to earn yourself some extra cash. Below you will find a buying guide with everything there is to know about buying best commercial embroidery machine for your needs.
A high-quality commercial embroidery machine allows you to create unique colored stitches or patterns on a wide variety of fabrics, with some examples including towels, clothes, hats, handkerchiefs, napkins, and so on. Unlike an embroidery machine that is designed for hobbyists, a commercial model can make your work easier and more productive because it executes tasks faster and with better accuracy. All you need to do is to place the fabric you want to design in a specific frame, fiddle with some settings on an LCD screen, and the machine does the rest of the job for you. You don’t need to worry about changing different threads with many of these machines because they usually come with an automatic threading function, so there is no limit to the types of patterns you can embroider with their help.
Just like many other types of machines, there are multiple factors you need to take into account before deciding which is the best commercial embroidery machine for you. Some of the most important features to consider include the number of designs the machine comes with, the size of the embroidery field area, the existence of USB connectivity is so you can upload your own designs, as well as practical things such as dimensions and warranty.
When it comes to the type of machine you intend to purchase, you should first consider whether you need one that acts both as an embroidery and sewing machine, or for model that can only be used for embroidering. Moreover, decide which kind of embroidering you intend to perform with it. If you are a crafting enthusiast looking for a quality machine for home use you may need something smaller than a small business that requires an embroidery machine for large-scale use.
An important factor that you need to check out when shopping for an embroidery machine is the number of built-in designs. You should opt for a model that comes with a large number of patterns, preferably at least 200, and you should also make sure that the machine has enough memory space so you can download your own designs.
You should expect an embroidery sewing machine to with at least 100 built-in stitches, but many of the models we reviewed above feature more than that. Machines that are embroidery and sewing combos generally feature double the number of stitches to suit each of the functions.
The embroidery area is important especially when you plan to create larger projects or if you intend to engage in manufacturing at the large-scale or if you need to create industrial designs. Look at the size of the embroidery area to make sure it fits your projects.
The existence of USB connectivity is an essential feature for those who want to upload designs they created on their computer or downloaded from the Internet.
Look at the dimensions of the embroidery machine to make sure that you have enough room to position it in the space you intend to use for crafting.
For industrial sewing machines, dimensions are particularly important, and you should also make sure that there is enough room left around the machine for easy and safe operation.
The weight of your embroidery machine is important especially if you need to store it away when not in use. You should expect commercial embroidery machines to be heavier than your usually embroidery machine for hobbyists.
You can expect a commercial embroidery machine to come with a warranty of at least one year, but many of the models we reviewed have an extended warranty of up to 5 or even 10 years. If you need even more than that, machines such as the Brother Embroidery Machine PE770 come with a warranty of 25 years.
The price of commercial embroidery machines varies from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, and the bands on the number of features included, the size of the machine, and the brand. Make sure that you choose a machine that has all the features you need, but think about how often you may require some of the features that exist in pricier machines to be sure that they are worth the investment.
When selecting the best commercial embroidery machine, you should try to look for extra features such as autopilot functions and automatic thread tensions. This way, your work will be faster and more accurate, which is especially important if you use your machine for business purposes.
The type of embroidery machine you decide to purchase should be determined by the kind of usage you need it for. Our best all-around model, the Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine SE1900 is an embroidery and sewing machine with a reliable 25-year warranty and bright LED work area. If you are a newcomer, make sure to consider the Brother Embroidery Machine PE770 that is an embroidery-only machine with 136 fonts and a multitude of accessories to get you started. Finally, take a look at the Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine. It comes ready with 160 designs and a generous embroidery area of just under 8 x 8 inches. No matter which machine you decide to purchase, make sure you check all the features carefully to make sure it is a good fit for your particular needs.
