Any sewing machine can hem a skirt or fix a button hole. Embroidery is far more complicated and much more advanced. Furthermore, imperfections in the work are clearly visible to anyone who sees the design. That is why you need the best sewing machine with embroidery functionality if you want to get a good return on the invested time and money. Here are our recommendations for those who want to use a sewing machine for embroidery.
Table of Contents
01. Brother Brand Model SE600 Sewing Machine
Brother is a well-known manufacturer of advanced sewing machines. This is one of their intermediate models in terms of functionality and price. It is a sewing machine that can embroider, as well.
Features
This sewing machine has eighty different patterns stored in memory. If you want to embroider names or words, it has four stored fonts and you can simply type in the words you want it to embroider. The computerized area is a four inch by four-inch area.
It has just over a hundred stitches saved to memory, something you can use if the pattern you want isn’t stored in memory or you’re just using the machine for sewing. You can select from among them using the three inch touch screen. Note that the many different features make it too complicated for a beginner.
The sewing machine allows you to transfer additional patterns to its memory. The downside is that this sewing machine must be connected to a laptop to do that; other machines let you do this with a USB drive.
You may need special software to convert embroidery designs you see on the internet into something the Brother sewing machine can use. That is an additional, out of the pocket expense.
Issues
One issue with this Brother brand sewing machine is the technical glitches. If it produces an error message, there’s not much you can do beyond trying to power cycle it by turning it on and off. If it thinks a needle is bent when it isn’t, you can remove that and put it back. It is prone to errors where it thinks the needle needs to be rethreaded. If this doesn’t work, you need to get it serviced.
This embroidery sewing machine has reasonably advanced intelligence, but the rest of the machine is relatively cheap. It doesn’t have a sturdy case, and other moving parts may break.
Pros:
- Massive amount of built-in automation
- Can use additional design files
Cons:
- Software glitches
- Not the most durable machine
02. Brother Model PE800 Embroidery Machine
The model PE800 is more of an embroidery machine than a sewing machine. It has a large 5 inch by 7 inch hoop area. It shares the same 3.2 inch touchscreen as the first Brother sewing machine on our list. That allows you to switch between designs or enter a phrase to be embroidered onto the cloth below the machine.
However, it isn’t an intuitive process. It may take months to master how to use this machine, even if you have the instructions.
Features
It has nearly 140 built-in designs. This machine has nearly a dozen font styles. It is advanced enough for professional embroiders to use it in their business. Note that if you want to use fonts or designs not stored in the machine, you need to buy separate software for that. This may not be an issue if you’ve previously owned a Brother sewing machine.
One benefit of this embroidery machine over the SE600 is that it has a USB port; you don’t have to connect it directly to your laptop to transfer design files.
The unit is surprisingly lightweight. It only weighs fourteen pounds. It is even portable, though you don’t get a carrying case. On the other hand, it is designed just for embroidery. Don’t expect to take it to school to fix kids’ uniforms.
Issues
Like other Brother embroidery machines, it can suffer technical glitches. And the company has poor tech support. This unit can seize up due to a lack of lubrication, too.
This is not something you can fix yourself. You can try to work through issues with the threading and tensioner based on online resources. It can be hard to thread in general. It can be challenging to get replacement parts for it.
Pros:
- Professional grade machine
- Massive built-in data file set
Cons:
- Not easy to use
- Intermediate quality
03. Brother Model SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
This is a combination sewing machine and embroiderer by Brother. It is one of the most advanced embroidery machines available at a price an amateur can afford to pay. This is probably the best sewing machine with embroidery features for someone on a budget.
Features
This high-end embroidery machine has an amazing 240 built-in stitches and nearly 140 already saved designs. This even has ten different button-hole designs, and the machine will automatically size it to the size of button hole underneath the machine.
It has a larger than average 5 inch by 7-inch hoop area. This allows you to make rather large embroidery patterns. This larger service area means it is heavier than the first two sewing/embroidery machines on our list. It weighs roughly 22 pounds. Yet it can also work as a sewing machine.
Issues
Little technical issues plague this machine. The bobbin doesn’t always wind correctly. The thread can get wound up in knots or jam. Like other Brother embroidery machines, the hardware isn’t the most durable. Things start to wear out or break after a few months of heavy usage.
Like other Brother machines, it relies on Brother software. You may run into quality issues if you try to run patterns through a different company’s conversion software. Glitches in the file can cause letters to be uneven.
Pros:
- Professional grade embroidery at a mid-market price
- Works equally well as a sewing machine
Cons:
- Mediocre quality parts
04. Brother Brand Marvel Sewing and Embroidery Machine
This sewing machine is made by Brother, but it is branded by Marvel. It is something of a starter embroidery machine, and it’s easy to use interface makes it perfect for beginners. For example, it is easy to thread and otherwise set up.
Features
If your child is a Marvel fan, they’ll appreciate the Marvel face plates and the various downloadable Marvel designs. This means they could embroider Spiderman or another Marvel character on their blankets or clothing. There are another 80 conventional designs stored in its memory banks.
This embroidery machine can also serve as a sewing machine. It has just over a hundred built-in stitches. It is thus capable of basic sewing jobs. Yet it can also help people tackle intermediate jobs. For example, it can sew button holes for you. It will automatically size the sewing job to fit the button holes. This is the best sewing machine with embroidery capability for young adults.
It has a modest 4 inch by 4-inch hoop area. It has the standard 3.2 inch color screen for setting it up.
Issues
Your young adult may be the best person to find, download, and troubleshoot file downloads if they want to use the codes provided with the machine to access online-only superhero embroidery patterns. Getting to the licensed Marvel files online and transferring them to the machine can be a challenge.
Pros:
- Made for beginners
- Legally embroider Marvel into your kids’ stuff
Cons:
- Can be technologically challenging, especially if downloading branded files
Summary
The right embroidery machine for you will create the patterns you want with minimal effort without sacrificing the quality of work. The best machine will balance functionality, quality, and price to give you a way to make the projects you want.