The 6 Best Embroidery Machines for Beginners embroidery machine

If you’re new to embroidery, purchasing the best embroidery machine for beginners is a crucial first step. However, without hands-on experience, knowing what features you need and what will be a good beginner machine is difficult.

I’ve been machine embroidering for years now and have put together this helpful guide of starter embroidery machine suggestions.

Machine embroidery is not an easy hobby to learn, and it’s not for everyone. However, if you commit to the craft and get past the beginner woes, you’ll soon find yourself fearlessly embroidering everything you can get your hands on!

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Before Purchasing Your First Embroidery Machine

Everyone has different crafting backgrounds and expectations, so no one machine will be the best choice for all embroidery beginners. Consider these differences between embroidery machines to make the right choice for yourself.

1. Embroidery-Only vs. Combination Machine

While embroidery-only machines cannot sew, a combination machine gives you the power to both sew and embroider.

I have a combination machine because it saves space in my small craft room. Plus, the sewing features like automatic thread trimming, automatic tension, and the monstrous number of stitches were appealing! 

However, if you already have a sewing machine you love, don’t ever need to sew, or don’t want a machine that converts, an embroidery-only machine might be your best bet. 

Decide which type you want, as this will be one of beginner embroidery machines’ most significant differentiating factors. 

2. Personal Use vs. Home Business

Do you want to do only basic tasks like applique onesies for grandbabies? Or, are you planning to start a small business to bring in extra income?

A machine for basic personal use may not need as many bells and whistles as a machine for a home embroidery business that will help pay your mortgage.

When planning to start a home business with your machine, though, know that there’s a sizable learning curve to perfecting your embroidery, so don’t plan to quit your day job immediately. 

3. Embroidery Hoop Size

What size designs do you want to embroider?

Every embroidery machine has a maximum embroidery area and corresponding hoop size. This is the size of the largest design you can stitch at one time. 

While it’s possible to split larger designs with software and then either use a repositional hoop or rehoop your fabric between sections, this takes time and expertise. 

The sad thing about hoop size is prices increase exponentially as the hoop size increases. 

The smallest hoop machines are 4″x4″ hoop machines. You can do many things with a 4″x4″ hoop, but larger machines offer more conveniences and possibilities for designs, like the ability to stitch larger in-the-hoop projects. 

4. Budget

Some embroidery machines cost more than a car! Not to mention, you need to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars for embroidery supplies, designs, and software. 

When considering the best embroidery machine for beginners, decide the maximum amount of money you want to spend and stick to it. 

Don’t feel persuaded to spend more than you have. There is nothing wrong with starting small to ensure you like the hobby before investing thousands in the biggest machine your shop offers!

5. The Cost vs. Convenience Ratio

When considering your budget, every upgrade to your machine will cost more. Here are some convenient features that aren’t necessary but may be important for you to budget in. 

A. Automatic Jump Stitch Trimming

Jump stitches are the thread trails left when a machine skips from one design part to another.

Basic embroidery machines don’t trim jump stitches; they only automatically cut at the end of each thread color. However, more deluxe machines automatically trim jump stitches, so you don’t have to. 

B. Magnetic Hoops

If you love the idea of an embroidery machine for quilting, a machine with a magnetic embroidery hoop option can be especially helpful when quilting a finished top. 

C. Multi-Needle Machines

There are different types of embroidery machines: single-needle, multi-needle, and multi-head.

• Purchasing a single-needle machine means you change the thread color yourself after the machine stitches each section. 
• Multi-needle embroidery machines, which start around $5k, change threads automatically for you. This is a big-time saver and a must-have if you plan to scale a small business to make a full-time income. 
• Multi-head machines, meanwhile, are common for commercial embroiderers in industrial factories.

6. Tech Savviness

Machine embroidery can be a trying hobby if you don’t own a computer and are uncomfortable around electronics.

My 90-year-old grandmother, for instance, has sewn for 75+ years and can sew anything on her mechanical sewing machine. No matter how much I help her, though, the computerized aspect of machine embroidery makes learning this machine too tricky. 

Also, the more expensive machines with so many features on the LCD touchscreen are much more difficult to learn than simple, entry-level embroidery machines without all the added features.

Also, do you plan to design your own designs or purchase them?

Some machines come with basic embroidery software that auto-digitizes and includes masterful onscreen editing features, while others have only essential editing functions. 

One thing to know is that full-fledged embroidery digitizing software is EXPENSIVE and difficult to use for those who are not technically inclined. You might find it easiest to use your machine’s built-in embroidery designs and fonts and purchase the rest. 

7. Product Support and Help for New Users

My experience with local dealers in my metroplex is you pay more for a machine from a brick-and-mortar store than you will online.

However, when you buy from a dealer, they help you learn to use your embroidery machine. If you think you’ll need the extra classes and support, consider purchasing form an authorized dealer.