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Buying guide

Best embroidery machines for beginners

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Brother PE900: 5 x 7 in field with wireless LAN

    A 5 by 7 inch field is large enough for cushion fronts, tote bags and bigger motifs.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Janome MC100E: 274 designs, 140 x 140 mm field

    On-screen editing includes resize, rotate, flip, arc, duplicate and group.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    Brother Innov-is M380D: sews and embroiders, Disney designs

    One machine sews and embroiders, with 181 sewing stitches and 10 buttonholes listed.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A home embroidery machine stitches a digital design inside a hoop, moving the fabric under a single needle while you change thread colours when it pauses. For a beginner, three things decide how much you will enjoy it. The embroidery field sets the largest design you can stitch in one hooping; 100 x 100 mm is fine for names and badges, while 130 x 180 mm opens up cushion fronts and larger motifs. Built-in designs and fonts let you start before you buy any files. And design transfer, by USB or wireless, decides how easily you get new designs onto the machine. A clear touch screen with on-screen editing also helps. This guide compares five machines on type, embroidery field, built-in designs, transfer and screen, using only what each listing states.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Brother

Brother PE900: 5 x 7 in field with wireless LAN

An embroidery only Brother with a 5 by 7 inch hoop area, 193 designs, 13 fonts, wireless design transfer and a 3.7 inch touch screen. This bundle adds thread, needles, bobbins and stabiliser.

In its favour

  • A 5 by 7 inch field is large enough for cushion fronts, tote bags and bigger motifs.
  • Wireless LAN lets you send designs from a computer or mobile device without a USB stick.
  • The bundle includes 80 spools of thread, 100 embroidery needles, pre-wound bobbins and stabiliser.

Good to know

  • It is embroidery only, so you still need a separate sewing machine.
  • The listing does not state the voltage, so confirm it is a UK version.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Brother Elite PE900 Large Embroidery Machine with Wireless LAN Bundle ...

No. 2 · Janome

Janome MC100E: 274 designs, 140 x 140 mm field

An embroidery only Janome with 274 built-in designs, a 5.5 inch square field, on-screen editing (resize, rotate, flip, arc) and automatic thread cutting. A good fit for monograms and motifs.

In its favour

  • On-screen editing includes resize, rotate, flip, arc, duplicate and group.
  • Automatic thread cutting and automatic return after a thread break are listed.
  • The listing states a 25 year limited mechanical and 2 year electrical warranty.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state how designs are transferred.
  • Free arm embroidery needs optional accessories.
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Listing title: Janome Memory Craft 100E Embroidery Machine Only - Max Embroidery 5.5"...

No. 3 · Brother

Brother Innov-is M380D: sews and embroiders, Disney designs

A combination Brother with 200 embroidery designs including 65 Disney designs, 11 fonts, a 100 by 100 mm field and wireless LAN with the Artspira app, plus 181 sewing stitches.

In its favour

  • One machine sews and embroiders, with 181 sewing stitches and 10 buttonholes listed.
  • Wireless LAN and the Artspira app make getting new designs onto the machine simple.
  • Sixty five Disney designs are built in, which suits children's clothes and gifts.

Good to know

  • A 100 by 100 mm field limits you to small motifs and names.
  • At 10.9 kg it is heavy to move between tables.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Brother Innovis M380D Sewing and Embroidery Machine

No. 4 · Brother

Brother Innov-is F540E: 180 x 130 mm field

A combination Brother with a large 180 by 130 mm embroidery area, 193 designs, 13 fonts, wireless connectivity and a 3.7 inch colour touch screen. A 3 year manufacturer warranty is listed.

In its favour

  • A 180 by 130 mm field fits larger designs than most beginner combination machines.
  • Wireless connectivity and an advanced needle threading system are listed.
  • A 3 year manufacturer warranty is stated.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the number of sewing stitches.
  • At 13.6 kg it needs a sturdy permanent table.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Brother Innovis F540E Embroidery Sewing Machine

No. 5 · Singer

Singer SE9180: 7 in touch screen and Wi-Fi

A sewing and embroidery Singer with 150 designs, 10 fonts, 250 sewing stitches, a 170 by 100 mm hoop, a 7 inch colour touch screen and Wi-Fi design transfer through mySewnet.

In its favour

  • A 7 inch colour touch screen is the largest in this guide and easy to read.
  • mySewnet Wi-Fi sends designs wirelessly and gives progress notifications on a phone.
  • Endless hoop capability is listed for continuous borders.

Good to know

  • Embroidery speed is listed at 450 stitches a minute, slower than its sewing speed.
  • The listing does not say whether mySewnet features need a subscription; check before buying.
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Listing title: Singer SE9180 Embroidery Machine, White

Read before you buy

More buying guides: Embroidery machines

Stitch and Hem chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.