# Best embroidery machines for a small business Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-embroidery-machines-for-small-business Publisher: Stitch and Hem. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/how-we-pick Selling embroidered goods changes what matters in a machine. Repeat orders for names, logos and small batches reward a big field, quick design transfer and as few thread changes as possible. A multi needle machine holds several colours at once and changes between them itself, which is the biggest time saver for logos. Single needle home machines can still work for a small side business if the field is large enough and designs load easily over USB or wireless. Cap and tubular frames matter if you plan hats or bags. This guide compares six machines, from a 12 needle industrial model to single needle machines with 5 by 7 inch or larger fields, on needles, maximum field, built-in designs, design transfer and weight. Every figure comes from the listing. Where a listing does not state the number of needles, a cap frame or a transfer method, we say so, because those are the questions to ask before you take paid orders. ## Products ### 1. Brother Elite PE900 Large Embroidery Machine with Wireless LAN Bundle with Thread Kit (5 Items) Type: Embroidery only; Embroidery field: 5 x 7 in (130 x 180 mm); Built-in designs: 193 plus 13 fonts; Design transfer: Wireless LAN; Screen: 3.7 in touch screen 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. ### 2. Janome Memory Craft 100E Embroidery Machine Only - Max Embroidery 5.5" x 5.5" Type: Embroidery only; Embroidery field: 5.5 x 5.5 in (140 x 140 mm); Built-in designs: 274; Design transfer: Not stated; Screen: 3.5 in colour touch screen 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. ### 3. bernette 79 Harry Potter Type: Sewing and embroidery; Stitches: 500; Buttonhole: Not stated; Key extra: 260 x 160 mm embroidery; Weight: 9.8 kg The top of the range b79 in a Harry Potter edition, with 500 stitches, 250 embroidery designs, a 260 by 160 mm field, Stitch Designer, on-screen editing and USB design transfer. In its favour: - A 260 by 160 mm embroidery field allows large designs in one hooping. - Five hundred stitches and Stitch Designer for custom stitches are listed. - Built-in tutorials cover essential sewing and embroidery topics. Good to know: - The themed edition will not suit every buyer. - The optional CutWork Tool is sold separately. ### 4. Brother Innovis F540E Embroidery Sewing Machine Type: Sewing and embroidery; Embroidery field: 180 x 130 mm; Built-in designs: 193 plus 13 fonts; Design transfer: Wireless; Screen: 3.7 in colour touch screen 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. ### 5. Automatic Sewing Machine with 12 Needles, Industrial Embroidery Machine, 20 * 30cm Embroidery Area, Stable Cap Embroidery Machine, 10 Inch Touch Screen, for All Kinds Of Fabrics Needles: 12; Max field: 200 x 300 mm; Designs: Stores up to 500; Design transfer: Not stated; Weight: Not stated A 12 needle industrial embroidery machine with a 20 by 30 cm area, cap embroidery, a 10 inch touchscreen, colour change and automatic thread trimming, aimed at home businesses and studios. In its favour: - Twelve needles let one design run through many colours without rethreading between each one. - Hat and fabric embroidery are both listed, with a 20 by 30 cm area for jacket backs and large logos. - Stores up to 500 patterns and 200 million stitches, with automatic thread trimming and frame shift. Good to know: - The listing states no warranty, which is a real risk for a machine you depend on for income. - Design transfer method, weight and dimensions are not reliably stated. ### 6. Singer SE9185 Combi Sewing & Embroidery Machine - Computerised 150 Built-In Embroidery Designs Needles: Not stated; Max field: 127 x 178 mm (5 x 7 in); Designs: 150; Design transfer: Wi-Fi (mySewnet); Weight: 10 kg A Singer combination machine with a 5 by 7 inch embroidery area, 150 designs, 10 fonts, more than 250 sewing stitches and Wi-Fi for the mySewnet service. In its favour: - Wi-Fi with mySewnet gives access to 8,000 embroidery designs, the listing states. - Combines sewing and embroidery, handy for making items as well as decorating them. - Ten embroidery fonts cover lettering jobs. Good to know: - Single needle, so expect to rethread for every colour. - Included hoops and any cap frame are not stated. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.