I’ve been asked a few times which embroidery machine. Here are the things to take into account:
Budget and Hoop size
The bigger the hoop size, the more expensive it gets. As en example, here are 3 Brother models:
| Hoop Size (in) | Price | Machines |
|---|---|---|
| 4x4 | ~$500 | Brother Skitch, Brother SE700 |
| 5x7 | ~$1000 | Brother PE900 |
| 6x10 | ~$2000 | Brother NQ1700E |
It is worth noting that once you purchase a machine of a certain max hoop size, you are stuck with it. You cannot replace the hoop with a bigger one and have a bigger embroidery area. The limitation is in the mechanical arm.
Online store vs local store
Embroidery machines are complex machines. If you are going to spend a considerable amount of money, might be better to purchase it from a local store. Benefits:
- They teach you how to use it.
- Might give you some add-ons: threads, extra hoops, etc.
- Service the machine in case something goes wrong while the machine is under warranty.
- And last, but not least, you can negotiate the price. Specially for higher priced machines.
You can get a good price if you purchase it in a festival, for example, this one: Quilt, Craft and Sewing festival.
Brand
What I heard is:
- you should purchase a brand that you can service in your local area.
- has good support
- has a big community
Brother should be a good candidate.
But if you think that you can service the machine yourself, and you don’t care that much about support, you can get an inexpensive machine with big hoops, like:
| Hoop Size (in) | Price | Machines |
|---|---|---|
| 4x9.2 | ~$700 | Poolin EOC05 |
| 7.9x11 | ~$1200 | Poolin EOC06 |
I recommend watching this video first:
Single needle vs multi needle
Multi-needle machines are the best thing you can get. But they can be very expensive.
As an example, a 12-needle machine (like the Happy Japan HCS3) can cost ~14000. (But don’t forget to negotiate the price, it is like purchasing a car!).
Comparison between single-needle vs multi-needle:
| Feature | Single needle | Multi needle |
|---|---|---|
| Color Changes | Manual | Automatic |
| Workflow | Babysit the machine | “Set it and forget it " |
| Construction | Flat-bed (like sewing machine) | Tubular |
| Speed (SPM) | Up to 850 | > 1000 |
| Price | ~$500 - $2000 | ~$5000 - $20000+ |
Color changes
On a single-needle machine, you have to manually re-thread your machine each time that there is a color change.
On a multi-needle, since it has multiple needles already pre-threaded with the correct color, you don’t have to do anything when there is a color change.
Workflow
Single-needle machines require to babysit the machine. Too many things can go wrong, so you have to be there and be ready to stop the embroidery in case something wrong happens.
Multi-needle machines, due to their tubular construction + other features, are much more robust and reliable, you don’t have to babysit them.
Construction
Tubular machines (multi-needle ones) have different benefits like:
- Easier to hoop.
- Possibility to hoop hats and sleeves.
Speed
Multi-needle machines have a higher SPM (Stitches per minute).
Price
But the big disadvantage is the price. Their usually start at $5000 and can go above $20000.
Conclusion
As always, it depends on your budget, what you want to embroider, how often you are going to use it, whether you want support / service, etc.
The obvious thing to recommend is, get a machine with the biggest hoop you can afford. The rest varies on your needs, budget, how skilled you are, etc.
I can tell you that I got a Brother NQ3550W. It is like the NQ1700E, but with the possibility to do sewing as well.
I paid $2200 for it (including taxes). It was around September 2024. I got some extra threads and a hoop to embroider hats.
I use it about two or three times per month.
This is the only embroidery machine that I have, and so far I’m very happy with it. Although sometimes I dream of having a multi-needle one.
One last tip
If you are not in a hurry, wait for Black Friday season. You might get a big discount.