The best Embroidery Machine: Shopping Guide and Recommendations (03/23)

Brother FS100WT Free Motion Embroidery/Sewing and Quilting Machine

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349.00 GBP

Bernina 770QE with Stick Module Sewing and Embroidery Machine

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5,484.31 GBP

Brother VR Embroidery Sewing Machine

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3,299.00 GBP

Brother Innovis F440 Embroidery Machine, White

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1,099.00 GBP

Janome Atelier 9 Sewing & Embroidery Machine

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2,999.00 GBP

Brother Sewing and Embroidery Machine, Plastic Stainless Steel, White, cm

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1,299.00 GBP

Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying an embroidery machine

What is an embroidery machine?

With an embroidery machine you can decorate your work individually. They are usually computer-controlled. This means that you can make all the settings using buttons or a touchpad. Most machines already come with different designs on pattern cards. They also have different fonts where you can determine the size of the letters yourself.

If the designs provided are not enough, you can buy embroidery files on the internet. Some embroidery machines also come with design software so you can create your own designs. Make sure that your PC is compatible and that the files can be easily transferred to the embroidery machine.

Did you know that you can also appliqué with embroidery machines? The different embroidery programmes alone are already diverse and allow you many ways to get creative. However, you can also put colourful fabrics underneath before embroidering to create beautiful appliqués. So there are no limits to your creativity.

With an embroidery machine you can of course also work completely freely and embroider the lines yourself using your own template. You can choose whether you want to embroider in one colour or with several colours.

Many embroidery machines change the colour automatically and also cut the threads on their own. Once you have made all the settings, the embroidery machine works fully automatically and you can use the time for other things.

With an embroidery machine you can make your own creations, whether with ready-made motifs or with templates you have designed yourself. (Photo: Pixabay.com / pexels)

How does an embroidery machine work?

With an embroidery machine, you can add motifs or lettering to textiles. This saves you tedious and time-consuming manual work. This way, every piece is absolutely unique. Most embroidery machines are computer-controlled. This means that you can make all settings via buttons or touchpad. Most machines already come with various motifs on pattern cards. You can also choose between different fonts and, of course, determine the size yourself.

Did you know that you can also turn Word fonts into embroidery fonts? Nowadays all embroidery machines are computer controlled and therefore equipped with a computer program. So you can even transfer Word fonts to your embroidery programme. However, you should be aware that not every font is suitable for embroidery.

You can also buy embroidery files on the internet. Once you have made all the settings, the embroidery machine is fully automatic and you can use the time for other things. An embroidery machine should have the following stitches:

Satin stitch
Tapestry stitch
Cross stitch
Langette stitch

Who is an embroidery machine suitable for?

Basically, an embroidery machine is suitable for everyone. Embroidery machines can turn your work into absolutely unique pieces. If you already have some sewing experience, you should be able to adjust the thread tension correctly.

Embroidery machines are usually a bit more expensive and just nice to have. Therefore, you should consider whether you want to spend so much money on a few embellishments. If you are still a sewing beginner, your wallet is not quite so loose and you only want to embroider something here and there, a combination machine could be the right choice for you.

How much should I invest in an embroidery machine?

An inexpensive embroidery machine costs around £ 350. As already mentioned, embroidery machines are a relatively expensive addition. The cheapest models are usually sewing and embroidery combinations for 400 £ to 500 £. There are also sewing machines that can be upgraded with an embroidery unit.

The additional embroidery unit alone costs at least 300 £. The mid-range models among the embroidery machines are between 500 £ and 750 £. Very high-quality embroidery machines are also more expensive and start at 800 £. If you want to let your creativity run wild, you would also need embroidery software to create your own designs. This can cost quite a bit more.

The cheapest version is also the simplest and costs around 80 £. The more options you want to have, the more you have to invest. The software can cost between 400 and 600 £. But here, too, there are no upper limits.

Embroidery machines are suitable for people who want to make unique pieces out of their work. (Photo: pexels.com / Suzy Hazelwood)

Do you want a combination machine?

There are both embroidery machines and combination machines on the market that combine sewing and embroidery. Since the mechanical demands on the machine are similar for sewing and embroidery, a combination machine is a good choice. The sewing machine can be converted into an embroidery machine in just a few steps.

However, a combination machine usually also uses a smaller embroidery hoop. This can limit the choice of motifs somewhat. Depending on the manufacturer, the quality of both functions is also very satisfactory. Of course, this also depends on your needs. Since you only need one machine, this also saves space. In addition, you get two machines for the price of one.

Compared to two individual machines, a combi is cheaper. The advantage of an additional embroidery machine is that it works faster and more efficiently. The results of embroidery-only machines can be of a higher quality and look more professional, as the machine is designed precisely for this use. Another advantage is that you can continue sewing on your regular sewing machine while embroidering. Also, most embroidery files are designed for a large hoop, which you have with an embroidery-only machine.

A combination machine is a good alternative that is much cheaper. It is more suitable for beginners.

How do you want to transfer the embroidery files?

Besides the embroidery designs that come with your embroidery machine, you can also buy embroidery files or create them yourself. The question is how to get the files onto the embroidery machine. There are several ways to transfer your embroidery files to the embroidery machine. The easiest way is to transfer them to a USB stick and then simply plug it into your embroidery machine.

However, there are also embroidery machines that you need to connect directly to your computer via a cable. If you are using a laptop, this should not be a problem. But if you have a fixed computer, it can get annoying if you have to move your embroidery machine back and forth for every new file. There are also embroidery programs for the PC.

With these you can individualise, extend or combine existing designs and create your own embroidery files. It is best to check beforehand which connections the embroidery machine offers and whether they are compatible with your PC. Especially if you want to work with embroidery software.

There is a large selection of free embroidery templates on the internet.

Decision: What types of embroidery machines are there and which is the right one for you?

Basically, you can distinguish between two types of embroidery machines:

Classic embroidery machines
Sewing machines with embroidery function

Embroidery can be used to beautifully decorate garments or other textiles. Since it can quickly become tedious to do this by hand, an embroidery machine is the ideal addition for hobby sewers and embroidery enthusiasts. In addition, the motifs can be created and embroidered exactly the same time and time again, which is only possible with very precise and time-consuming work when embroidering freehand.

In addition to ready-made embroidery motifs, you can embroider your own motifs on classic embroidery machines as well as on sewing machines with embroidery function. However, you must make sure that your embroidery file has the correct file format and is adapted to the size of your embroidery hoop.

In the following sections we would like to introduce you to the different types. We will also briefly explain the differences between them to help you decide which embroidery machine is right for you. The advantages and disadvantages of each type are clearly presented for comparison.

How does a classic embroidery machine work and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

There are different ways of attaching the embroidery thread to the fabric. Modern embroidery machines work similar to a sewing machine with lower and upper threads. These are then intertwined so that they adhere to the fabric. Visually, most classic embroidery machines also resemble a sewing machine.

To start embroidering, the fabric on which the embroidery design is to be sewn must be stretched in the embroidery hoop. Then an embroidery file is loaded onto the embroidery machine via USB and the appropriate embroidery threads are inserted. Depending on the size of the embroidery hoop, different sized motifs can be embroidered.

Advantages

Possibility to embroider larger motifs
Faster execution, as no conversion is necessary
Easier handling

Disadvantages

More expensive if sewing and embroidery machine are bought separately

Embroidery machines are available with one or more embroidery heads. The more embroidery heads there are, the more objects can be embroidered at the same time. For domestic use, however, a machine with only one head is perfectly adequate. If you use your embroidery machine frequently, a classic machine is the best choice, as no conversion is necessary, which simplifies handling and also saves time.

How does a sewing machine with embroidery function work and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

A sewing machine with an integrated embroidery function can be used for both sewing and embroidery. To convert the machine from sewing to embroidery, the sewing table must be changed and the presser foot replaced with an embroidery foot. Most machines require a screwdriver for this. Once the machine has been converted, embroidery can begin. The embroidery process is similar to that of a classic sewing machine.

Advantages

Saves space by using one machine
Cheaper, as only one machine needs to be bought

Disadvantages

Takes more time to convert the machine
Usually smaller embroidery hoop

These models are ideal for beginners as they are inexpensive and have two functions in one. However, a sewing machine with embroidery function is only suitable to a limited extent for larger areas, as the embroidery area is relatively small. In addition, the increased time required for conversion is a major disadvantage, especially if you sew and embroider a lot.