You don't need a specialized embroidery sewing machine for free motion machine embroidery; most sewing machines can be used for this purpose.

Simply ensure your sewing machine allows you to keep the feed dogs down and manipulate the fabric direction while the machine does the stitching. Depending on your machine, you may need to switch to a darning or free motion foot.

Mounting the fabric in an embroidery hoop, placed upside down, helps maintain flatness and tension. If you're focused on free motion embroidery, the ideal embroidery machine for you is a sewing machine with feed dog lowering capability.

Take a look at our free motion embroidery with machine embroidery projects to try out this technique for yourself!

12/15 Needles Computerized Hat T Shirt Embroidery Machine Home Embroidery Machines

How does a digital embroidery machine work?

Bespoke embroidery machines have a built-in hoop or frame to hold the fabric taut and are digitally controlled, allowing the machine to move the fabric and make the stitches.

Users simply select the design, mount the fabric, and typically only need to change the thread colour while the machine handles the rest.

In lower-spec models, users may also manually trim thread ends if automatic trimming is not included.

Do I need a single needle or multi needle digital embroidery machine?

Multi-needle embroidery machines are ideal for businesses, providing options for monogramming and personalized items. For most home crafters, a single-needle embroidery machine is sufficient.

The best single-needle digital machines can hold multiple thread bobbins and automatically change colours, making it easy for users to load the thread and start designing, especially with designs that have few colours.

Do I need an embroidery machine or a sewing and embroidery machine?

Dedicated embroidery machines automate adding embroidery detail to fabrics. Choose a sewing and embroidery machine if making clothes is your passion and you want to embellish them with embroidery but don't have the time and inclination to add it by hand.

The best embroidery machine can add custom detail very quickly. You can buy embroidery sewing machines that have both functions, so they serve as embroidery machines and sewing machines.

They are also useful for monogramming or adding custom details to clothing and accessories – no more school name tags!

What features to look for when buying an embroidery machine

The ideal features of your digital embroidery machine depend on how you are going to use the machine, but here's a few that are important:

Size

The key feature we recommend considering is the size of the design you want to add. Large designs need bigger hoops and a bigger working area. This tends to make the machine much larger and more expensive.

If you want to create large designs, you can't add a larger working space later on, so spending more on a larger machine upfront will save you money in the longer term.

Built-in designs

The number of in-built designs plays a part too, especially when it comes to fonts and lettering, which are popular machine embroidery designs. These can often be added later.

If you want a wide range, choose a machine that comes with more, or make sure your machine has the ability to add new designs via USB or design software.

Design software

If you want to create your own designs rather than just using an in-built library, you will need a machine that has access to accompanying design software.

Best embroidery machine thread

To find the ideal embroidery machine thread for your specific machine, refer to the manufacturer's recommendations. Steer clear of extremely cheap non-branded threads, as they tend to be thin and prone to breaking.

Low-quality threads can lead to long-term machine clogging and immediate frustrations due to frequent breaks, hampering your progress.

Why trust Gathered?

Hannah Bellis boasts over six years of editorial experience at The World of Cross Stitching. With a background in stitching and embroidery, her skills span multiple crafting domains, from card making to knitting.

Hannah drew upon personal experience, user reviews, and extensive research across reputable brands when reviewing contenders for the best embroidery machine. Her editorial experience and diverse crafting expertise ensure authentic and insightful recommendations on embroidery machines.