Best Beginner Computerized Embroidery Sewing Machines Compared

Seeing those beautiful embroidered designs on upholstery, pillows and leather handbags has your sewing fingers itching to create something similar on your own clothing and fabrics throughout your home.

From creating monograms to sewing fleurs-de-lis, you want to have the best embroidery machine that can do the job. An embroidery machine can let you make a range of pre-programmed designs, download new designs from the Internet, and can allow you to practice free-motion embroidery.

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Best Home Embroidery Sewing Machines

There are plenty of issues that a beginner sewer may run into with complicated embroidery machines. What stitches to use, how to thread your bobbin, and more are all common issues. Knowing what machine works best for what level user can truly make a difference when it comes to the overall success of beginning projects. The following is an in depth look at embroidery sewing machines that are sure to make any beginner feel capable, at home, and ready to tackle any project that they may have in mind.

Brother SE400- Best Computerized Embroidery Sewing Machine

Personally, I think Brother SE400 is the best computerized embroidery sewing machine for a starter seamstress that has some other basic functions too. This machine is perfect for beginners for a wide range of reasons and can be a great asset to anyone that wants a machine that does just what it claims to do. Definitely a cheaper embroidery sewing machine than the other models with all the great features.

Brother SE400 Notable Features

• Large Embroidery Area of 4 inches by 4 inches

This makes for a very easy to use machine. Instead of working in a small space that is not all that easy to maneuver in, the large space makes it possible for adjustments to be made, for users to get items in hand, and for users to really see what is being done. It is far easier for users to work in a larger space and this is one machine that has a large space that is used well. Instead of boasting a large space that really does nothing for the functionality of the machine, the large space does make this much easier to work with.

• Worry Free Automatic Needle Threader

Threading a machine can be the hardest part of any process. Though you may feel like you have the process under control, often threading your needle can end up taking as long as the simple projects that you have in mind. The automatic needle threader makes it possible to get your needle threaded and to get you working faster so that you can truly enjoy the final product and fruits of your labor.

• Bright Work Space

A well lit work space makes for a much faster and easier process overall. Often, issues with lighting can caused missed stitches, color mix ups, and sags that you may not be able to see otherwise. With a brightly lit work space you can be sure that you are able to see each and every stitch so that you can make sure it is being laid out the way that you want. It is also quite interesting to watch a machine like this at work and a brightly lit space does make it easier to see what it going on and feel like you are more of a part of the process.

• Smooth Fabric Feeding

Fabric being snagged is one thing that will derail a project faster than anything else and a smooth feeding machine can help make the process faster and easier overall. The smooth fabric feeding makes it far easier for projects to move quickly which is often what you want. With a smooth feeding machine, you are far less likely to get missed stitches, unwanted folds, and other issues that can make the final product less than desirable. This will make it easy to work and easy to get the finished product out and ready for general use.

• Computer Connectivity

Computers are the life blood of many different projects and being able to connect this machine to the computer makes it easy to download and upload content. These machines do work on patterns and being able to download patterns on top of what has already been preloaded ads to the amount of personalization.

• Quick Set Drop in Bobbin

Setting your bobbin can take as long as getting your needle threaded but this quick set bobbin gets all the technical parts of your project out of the way quickly so that you can get your project on the road to completion.

• Free Phone Support

This is another feature that is incredibly handy. If you feel like you have an issue that you are not going to be able to handle, you can always take the time to place a call and get the help you need to work through the issues.

• 25 Year Limited warranty

All these features make this a great machine for beginners because it is limited. It does not do a million different things therefore it is far less likely to be confusing to a new user that is not all that sure how to use a machine.

This is a good starter sewing machine that allows you to do just what you need to do in order to get your embroidery project done. Those that are not all that sure how to work with an embroidery sewing machine that has tons of different functions may be more comfortable using a machine like this that does not have other functions that can confuse you. The large embroidery surface makes it possible for users to work on larger projects as well as to be able to see the work that is being done.

Not sure yet? Visit our Brother SE400 post for more information about this model.

Brother SE350 – Novice Friendly Model

Another option that you may want to consider if you are new to embroidery sewing machines is the Brother SE350.

This is a bit higher tech than the first machine that we looked at but it still has a simple enough interface that anyone can figure it out with a bit of work. This is a nice machine that comes with a ton of features but that is still easy enough to understand. Though this is a bit more expensive than the other machine we looked at, it is still affordable and can churn out tons of great completed projects.

Brother SE400 vs SE350

It is important to know that this model is really similar to each other. The only difference is the SE350 doesn’t have the USB port option. This means you can connect SE400 to your computer but you can’t do it with SE350.

Special Features

• Sewing and Embroidery Function with an LCD Touch Screen

This is a feature that any beginner will appreciate. Rather than having to set and make a single pattern, you can adjust patterns, take the time to cycle through the functions that are on the machine, and really see what is being done. This also eliminate the archaic dials and buttons that many other machines still utilize. This feature allows users to quickly choose what they want and be able to really be part of the process.

• 67 Built in Stitches

this is another helpful aspect for beginners as it does have tons of stitches so that those users that are not all that certain about stitches still have plenty of options. There are thousands of stitches when it comes to embroidery and they can become quite confusing so having such a large library of pre-programmed stitches does make it much easier to work with.

• 98 Stitch Functions

This is another feature that makes this great for beginners as it does double as a sewing machine. Again, stitches are varied and can be confusing so it is always easier to have more than one stitch function built in so that beginners can learn at a slower pace and so they can still use their machine even if they do not know about all the different stitches that are commonly used.

• 10 Styles of Automatic Button Holes

This is great for beginners that are going to use their machine for more than just embroidery. Again, having a few different automatic options built in does make it easier to deal with and easier to use overall.

• Automatic Needle Threader

As mentioned before, the automatic threader does make it a million times easier than those machines that have manual threaders. This takes a fraction of the time and lets users get back into actually working faster resulting in a finished product that is going to be perfect much faster.

• 15 Needle Positions

This again lends itself to versatility. Those machines that have multiple needle positions are far easier to use with embroidery for one reason, no embroidery project is created alike. This means that they may be different sizes, they can be different shapes, and having a few different needle positions makes it easier to get your machine working for you. Having tons of different needle positions makes this a very versatile machine.

• 70 Built in Designs

For beginners, this many designs may be a bit intimidating, but this is a machine that you can grow with. Having this many designs makes it possible to create just about any design or project that you can imagine which makes this a great machine for beginners that may not have any idea what a machine like this is really capable of.

• 5 Monogramming Fonts

For those that want to use their machine for monogramming, this is a great machine as it will allow for a ton of options and can add a different feel to each finished project. Check out our post about the best monogram sewing machine beginners if you want a more in depth discussion about this topic.

• 25 year Limited Warranty

Overall,this is a great sewing embroidery combo machine for those that are beginners but that feel they want more than a machine that just embroiders. As mentioned above, this machine is both a sewing machine and an embroidery machine making it great for those that want something that can multi task and really do a ton of work for not a lot of effort. The 67 built in stitches make for a very easy machine to use with huge variety overall.

Brother LB6800PRW – For The Tech Savvy Seamstress

The last machine we want to consider now is a bit more high tech and is great for those that are a bit more tech savvy and need a little more from their machine.

The Brother LB6800PRW machine has tons of great advanced features as well as plenty of features that are basic and that can be understood by even beginners. This machine is easy to learn and easy to work with and has enough extra features that it is sure to meet the needs of anyone no matter their skill level.

Top Features

• 70 Built in Designs

This many designs is again a boon for those that are just beginning. Those that are beginners may not have any idea what a really good machine can do and this is a great machine that can really help you wet your feet and see what an embroidery machine can do. This is a great option and does allow for tons of creativity and allows for users to see just what they are doing and to really see what they can do.

• 120 Frame Pattern Combinations

Frames are a huge part of any design and having over 100 frame patterns can help any beginner add finishing touches to their project. Having more than a few frame pattern designs can help any beginner figure out just how to finish their project. This is a really fun option as well as it does offer an opportunity for tons of personalization and fun.

• Five Fonts

Fonts can make a world of difference when it comes to the completed project and having more than one font can help you to finish your projects with style. This many fonts also makes it so that users can really experiment with what they are doing to really get a feel for their machine and for what it can do.

• On Screen Editing Feature

This is a huge plus for any beginner and possibly the biggest plus of all. This feature allows users to edit their project on screen before it even begins. This means that you can alter your images and designs to fit exactly what you want without having to depend on any one design that is already in place. This means that users can have a project that is perfectly what they want without having to choose a design and stick with it. If you see any last minute changes that need to be made, you can make them before the project gets too far along.

• Built in Memory of 512 KB

This is another great feature for beginners as you can add your own content and really get your library together. This means that you can add all your own content and really get your project done.

Import design capability via memory stick or USB connection

This is again another feature that makes it easier to use for the beginner than other machines. Say for instance you have some content you want to upload, you can then use a USB or USB cord to connect and upload your content.

• 67 Built in Stitches

Though you can add your own content, you also have the option to use any of the 67 built in stitches that are already on the machine. This makes it easy to use and does allow you the option of using content that is already loaded so that you can really see what you are doing and so that you can get the project that you want each and every time.
98 Stitch Functions

This is again helpful for those users that want to use it as a typical sewing machine as well. This offers you tons of options and plenty of options when you start working.

• Quick Set Drop in Bobbin and Auto Size Button Holes

A quick drop bobbin makes for getting to the meat and potatoes of your project without having to fool with a difficult to use bobbin.

• Portability

This machine is also highly portable as it does come with a carrying case so if you have no dedicated work space you can move it to any available space that you may have on hand.

The Verdict: This is a machine that does everything you could ever want from a machine and more. This is not a run of the mill machine that sews and embroiders, this is something more that can help make even the most complicated projects easier than you might have ever imagined. Rather than spending time trying to make a simple machine do complex things, opt for this machine that has the capability of doing complex things but that is still easy to use. The on screen editing feature is perhaps one of the most important with this machine as it does offer a chance for the user to make sure they are getting the design they want each and every time.

Brother PE770- Best Machine for Beginners

When it comes to Brother sewing machines, the company tries to focus on simplicity for beginners while offering tons of functionality for intermediate and expert sewists.

Notable Features:

A 5×7 inch Embroidery Area

The larger embroidery area provides enough space that allows you to better maneuver fabric and bulky sewing projects. Place pants legs, upholstery, quilts and handbags under the machine so you can sew fancy designs or monogram initials into the fabric.

136 Embroidery Designs

The Brother PE770 has 136 designs pre-programmed into the machine. There are quilt patterns, border styles, scrollwork, 6 lettering fonts, frame shapes and a range of other designs. It also features a large built-in memory along with a USB port and a card stick drive that is Brother-compatible. So you can import designs into your embroidery machine and download designs from the iBroidery website.

650 Maximum Embroidery Speed

You can power through any project with the 650 stitches per minute speed offered by the Brother PE770. Such speed doesn’t hamper the stitch quality, as you will see great stitches along the design.

Automatic Needle Threader and Cutter

Beginners and advanced sewists will love the automatic needle threading system as they can just get the machine threaded in a few simple steps and get to work immediately. The automatic thread cutter is the finishing touch as many embroidery machines don’t offer both features.

Pros:

The Brother PE770 offers enough designs to both beginners and sewing experts with additional ways to load in other designs. It has an LCD touchscreen that is backlit as you can see the functions and select the right options for your project. You can also modify the available designs due to the editing system that lets you rotate it, create a mirror image and change the design size.

Cons:

There have been some complaints that the bobbin winding can be difficult. People have also found that it can be difficult placing on the hoop. Another disadvantage is that the Brother PE770 doesn’t offer direct connectivity with a computer so you can download designs right onto the machine.

Brother Designio Series DZ820E: Just Great Right Out the Box

The Brother Designio Series DZ820E has been getting some rave reviews due to the fact that this is a machine that is full-featured and user-friendly right out of the box.

People can basically have the embroidery machine up and running in about an hour, or less. It offers more features and functionality than the Brother PE770, which may be desired by advanced sewists looking for more designs, while still being simple enough for beginners.

Available Features:

5×7 inch Embroidery Area

The Brother Designio Series DZ820E features a 5-inch x 7-inch embroidery area that gives you enough room for both small and large craft projects. It also comes with 3 embroidery frames: 2.5×1 inch, 4×4 inch and 5×7 inch. So you can have one project already on the sewing machine while you can prepare two more in the available hoops so you can get more crafts completed in one day.

Jam Resistant Drop-in Top Bobbin

Another awesome feature is the bobbin compartment that is a drop-in to prevent jamming. The bobbin simply slips in and stays in place to provide high quality stitches.

136 Pre-Programmed Designs

Like the PE770, there are 136 designs already available on the machine as you can place in more with the available USB port. There is also a CD that comes with the Brother Designio Series DZ820E that has an additional 200 designs that can be used.

Advanced Easy Needle Threading System

All you have to do is press on the lever and the automatic needle threading system does the rest of the work. The thread will be pressed through the needle as you can begin to embroider immediately.

Pros:

The setup is simple and it includes enough accessories that you can get started without needing to run to the fabric store for more supplies. The LCD monitor is also user-friendly and has a back light so you can read the design selection easily.

Cons:

The Brother Designio Series DZ820E only accepts one type of thread spool. It does not accommodate the King cones that many embroiderers like. In addition, the LCD screen is small and is in monochrome colors.

Brother PE500- Perfect for Monogramming

The Brother PE500 is an embroidery-only machine offering a starter kit so beginners can immediately make crafts the moment the machine is set on the table.

The kit features a medium-sized hoop, 3 embroidery thread spools, 3 stabilizer sheets and 2 bobbins that are pre-wound. It is an entry-level embroidery machine that is affordable and allows beginners to learn about embroidery and grow their skills before moving on to a more advanced machine.

Basic Features:

4×4 inch Embroidery Area

The Brother PE500 features a 4-inch by 4-inch embroidery area allowing beginners to focus on the basic designs. They can concentrate on getting the design and stitching to professional levels quickly.

70 Embroidery Designs

The embroidery machine comes with 70 embroidery designs pre-programmed into the machine as you can download more from the iBroidery website. About half of the designs are fonts as it features 5 letter font styles. So it makes the perfect machine if you plan to do a lot of monogramming.

Bobbin-Winding System

Unlike other Brother embroidery machines, the PE500 features a convenient bobbin-winding system. You can prepare your bobbins effortlessly and then drop them into the top bobbin system that is jam resistant.

Built-In Tutorials

There are built-in tutorials available for beginners if they get stuck on the embroidery project. This helpful feature is great as the beginner doesn’t have to run to the computer or book to look for answers.

Pros:

The bobbin winding is a great feature as it smoothly winds up the thread. It is also a lightweight sewing machine at 22 pounds as you can transport it to different places. The PE500 is ideal for monogramming on all types of fabric.

Cons:

The embroidery area is small, so it can feel limiting if you want to create larger projects. There is also limited built-in memory space when saving designs. While there are a ton of lettering designs available, they are on the small side as the largest is only 2.54 inches.

Singer S10 Studio: An Abundance of Design Choices

When you don’t want to be limited in the types of designs available when embroidering, then the Singer S10 Studio machine is one that you should look at.

It features 55 built-in designs and allows for 2,800 ready-to-sew designs, which is probably way more than you will ever use in your home.

You can easily see the designs on the larger LCD display screen. The machine will do the work for you and will tell you when you need to add more thread to complete the design.

Everyday Features:

55 Built-in Designs

This embroidery machine can give you every design that you can possibly hope for and even more. It has 55 built-in designs and a large memory space so you can essentially place in 2,800 more designs by using the USB port or when connecting it to a computer.

2 Included Hoop Sizes

The Singer S10 comes with two hoops included in the box. The embroidery area size is 5.5×5.5 inches as you will have a 5.5×5.5 inch hoop and a smaller 2×2 inch hoop.

LCD Touchscreen Display

The Singer S10 is a bigger embroidery machine, which allows for a larger LCD touchscreen so you don’t have to bend over and squint to see the designs. Just press on the symbols and let the machine do the rest.

Computer Connectivity

This embroidery machine allows for direct computer connectivity along the USB port. So you can plug it into your computer or load designs using a flash drive.

Pros:

The Singer S10 comes with most of the basic features and functions, such as the automatic needle threader. It also easily communicates with you when there is a problem that needs to be addressed. The embroidery machine also features some basic editing functions.

Cons:

Beginners will experience a big learning curve when trying to figure out the design symbols. You can’t just jump into doing big and complicated projects. It also doesn’t come with thread as the bobbins are empty.

Brother PE540D: The Machine for Disney Enthusiasts

If you have children interested in embroidery (or you are a child at heart) and love Disney characters, then the Brother PE540D is an embroidery machine that is a worthwhile purchase.

It has 70 decorative designs and an additional 35 Disney designs as you can place characters like Mickey Mouse and Little Nemo on towels, jeans, purses and pillowcases. The Brother PE540D has all the desired embroidery features at a great price.

Available Functions:

Design Authenticity

The 70 decorative embroidery designs and the ability to add in more will satisfy most embroiderers. Yet an added bonus is the design authenticity of the 35 Disney decorations that can be placed on fabrics. The Disney characters look like the originals and not copycat designs.

4×4 inch Embroidery Area

The 4×4 inch embroidery area may be on the small size. Yet it is perfect for kids and beginners to learn and hone their sewing skills.

Self-Threading Needle

The self-threading needle can cut down on the time to manually thread the machine. With only a few simple steps, you can get the right thread on the needle to finish any embroidery craft.

All-In-One LCD Screen

The LCD screen is larger than other Brother models. It features editing functions as well as manuals so you can learn how to create the perfect embroidery stitches.

Pros:

The embroidery machine is definitely for Disney enthusiasts. Yet with the 70 other decorative designs, anybody who has an interest in creating unique designs on fabric can use the machine. It is great for beginners.

Cons:

A common complaint is the memory storage space. It only allows for 512KB storage, which isn’t a lot in this day and age when wanting to store digital designs.

Brother: 1034D 3-4 Thread Serger: Great for All Sewing Crafts

I am including the Brother 1034D thread serger in this list because you can make embroidery designs with one.

It holds three to four different colored threads at one time as you can do everything from making hems to sewing pajamas. It has a removable arm to offer additional space to embroider, and allows you to adjust the feed when working with different types of fabrics.

Serger Functions:

Differential Feed

Once learning how to use the differential feed, you can use it to adjust it so you can sew on practically every type of fabric. You can adjust the setting to eliminate bumpy-looking stitches on knits or wavy stitching on stretchy fabrics.

22 Built-in Stitches

There are 22 built-in stitches and several decorative stitches. If you want to come up with your own free-motion embroidery designs, then the Brother 1034D thread serger can help you complete the craft project.

Easy Threading System

It doesn’t come with an automatic needle threader. Yet it does have an easy-to-follow threading system and color-coded guide so you can quickly thread it after a few tries.

1,300 Stitch Speed

You can really get those projects moving with the 1,300 stitch speed that is offered. You will have clean and professional stitches while speeding through crafts.

Pros:

The Brother 1034D thread serger is affordably priced as it allows for embroidering on a range of fabrics. Threading the machine is also simple as the color-coded pictures help you figure it out.

Cons:

There is no chain stitch or cover stitch function available. Some people have also said that the thread serger struggles when trying to do several layers of thick material all at once, such as denim.

Brother PE525: Great Machine for Editing Designs

A step up from the popular Brother PE500, the Brother PE525 is still relatively new as it was introduced in 2015.

It is an embroidery-only machine that has many of the same features as its predecessor such as the backlit LCD screen, automatic needle threader and the 4×4 inch embroidery area. What may set this one apart is the excellent stitch quality for designs and the design adjustment features.

Necessary Functions:

4×4 Embroidery Area

While the 4×4 embroidery area is small, it gives you the perfect amount of room for simple designs and intricate stitching on pants legs, shirts and other small craft projects.

70 decorative Designs

The 70 decorative designs are built into the machine as you can add in your favorites to complete your design collection.

Computer Connectivity

This embroidery machine allows for computer connectivity. So you can visit the iBroidery website to download more designs or research for designs on your favorite crafting websites.

Automatic Needle Thread and Cutter

An automatic needle threader and cutter helps beginners create professional crafts with speed and ease.

Pros:

It provides you with very high-quality stitches. The PE525 embroidery machine is simple for beginners to use. It is also very quiet to work with and provides a feature so you can adjust the brightness for the LCD screen so you can see the functions clearly.

Cons:

The Brother PE525 only supports .pes design files. Some advanced sewists and embroiderers will find the 4×4 area is a little small when doing larger crafts.

Type of Embroidery Machine You Can Buy

Embroidery machines come in all shapes, sizes and needle points. There are commercial embroidery machines for entrepreneurs to sell their fabric crafts to consumers and smaller, compact embroidery machines for hobbyists and crafters. Selecting the right one will be based not only on your personal budget and preferences, yet also on whether you need an embroidery machine for business or for home use.

Home-Use Single Needle Embroidery Machine

Home-use embroidery machines are what most beginner and intermediate seamstress use when they are just looking to place designs on their own crafts. These embroidery machines often look like regular sewing machines as they will have an embroidery attachment that can hold different hoop sizes.

Some embroidery machines may be a combination sewing machine that will allow you to perform general sewing. Others will be embroidery-only sewing machines. You may also have a regular sewing machine that has a free arm that will also allow you to do free-motion embroidery and monogramming if you only plan to do a very few simple design crafts.

Common features of the best embroidery machine for home use is a single head that has a single stationary needle. It will also feature a single bobbin and thread color as you will have to switch the thread out to change colors. Some models will have a certain pre-programmed designs available, or allow for an Internet connection to download additional designs.

Commercial Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines

In the past, embroidery machines were basically used in commercial and business settings where a person made a living in offering their fabric crafts to buyers. These machines could create a single design in a short amount of time, allowing for the person to make large numbers of clothing, upholstery, and bags with the same design so they could stock their shelves. As technology advanced, commercial embroidery machines were made available to home embroiderers who loved creating their own designs for their personal clothing and home decor.

The best embroidery machines for commercial use and serious crafters will be equipped with a single head that has multiple needles. Each needle can be threaded with a specific colored thread. There can be anywhere from 4 up to 10 needles available as you don’t have to switch out threads when doing a design.

You just turn on the machine and complete the design in a single sitting. Multi-needle embroidery machines allow for different hoop sizes based on your project. It can handle all the small sizes that fit single-needle embroidery machines as well as the larger sizes of 8×14 inches and 14×14 inches.

Buyers Guide to Selecting Embroidery Machines

You want to select the right embroidery machine for your particular means, whether you want to sew pretty designs on tea towels or create embroidered shirts for your e-commerce store. Here are some tips to use when you are researching machines to purchase.

Plenty of Built-In Patterns

There are never enough pattern designs as your decor tastes can change. You should look for an embroidery machine that has a good range of designs and monogramming features. Also look for one that has good memory space to download designs from your computer or USB flash drive.

Large Embroidery Area

The smallest embroidery area is usually 4×4 inches as it can increase to up to 10×12 inches. Always look for the biggest one that you can comfortably afford. On big machines you can create small decorative designs, but you will struggle to do large designs in smaller embroidery areas.

Conclusion: Wrap-UP

Embroidery is an inexpensive hobby that helps you get the most out of those long winter nights. It is always helpful to know about the different models out there and what you can do to improve your skill and help you complete your projects faster.

There are great embroidery machines available that are affordable for tight budgets, are just right for beginners, and are easy to use the moment you take them out of the box. Whatever brand you choose, knowing what options are at hand can make a huge difference. All of the models mentioned in this review are great option for those that do need something that is a bit more involved and that can do a ton more work than you average basic machine.

Look for the machine that fits your personal preferences and works well with the types of fabric that you like to use. Then free your imagination and create those perfect designs on your craft projects.