You are walking down the market, and you get your eyes on beautifully embroidered merchandise, whether it is a handkerchief or a well-stitched shirt. At that time, most of us will think about how we can create our own beautiful custom designs like that. The answer is simple: to get your own embroidery machine for custom designing.
Still, selecting the ideal embroidery machine is a bit tricky, especially if you are a first-time buyer. To ease your burden, I bring you the list of the top 7 best embroidery machines for custom designs after researching and testing more than 50 embroidery machines available for custom design in the market.
Before starting the actual review, here are some of the frequently asked best embroidery machines for custom designing.
| IMAGE | PRODUCTS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 Best Over All
|
Brother SE1900
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
|
#2 Best Commercial
|
BAI Mirror 1501
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
|
#3 Best Cheap
|
Brother SE600
|
Check on AmazonRead Full Review |
Top 7 Picks for the Best Embroidery Machines for Custom Design
Brother PE800: Best Beginner Embroidery Machine for Custom Designs
Specifications:
- Embroidery Speed: 650spm.
- Type: Embroidery only.
- Weight: 13.7 pounds.
- Built-in Stitches Designs: 138 Embroidery & 11 Fonts Designs.
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty.
- 5 x 7 Hoop Area.
- 3.2 inch Touch Screen LCD.
Starting with the machine that I have recently upgraded to after 3 years of using Brother SE600. This is the best custom embroidery machine for those who already own a separate sewing machine, as it is an embroidery-only machine.
Taking about its feature, it has 138 built-in embroidery designs, including quilt patterns, unique customized decoration, and modern styles. Another built-in feature that lets you select from Japanese (3), English (7), and Cyrillic (1) font styles for versatile monogramming and writing.
Regarding customized designs, the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine has a USB port that allows me to import your unique and customized designs into its built-in memory or use them directly through a USB stick.
Furthermore, this embroidery machine is occupied with a 3.2″ touch screen, which lets you resize, change color preset, mirror, and get your final look at your design before printing it. This machine includes many customization options and tutorials, making it a suitable best embroidery machine for beginners and intermediate users as well.
Perhaps the best improvement I have felt in the machine is its comparatively smoother and less noisy embroidery experience, yet at a higher embroidery speed of 650 stitches per minute.
Accessories
- Embroidery hoop.
- Embroidery foot.
- Bobbin and needle set.
- Cleaning brush.
- Seam ripper.
- Bobbin cover.
- Screwdrivers.
- Spool caps.
- Soft accessory bag.
- Dust cover.
- Higher embroidery speed of 650spm.
- Smooth operation with fewer vibrations and quality stitches.
- Lightweight for portable use.
- Suitable for beginners to experts.
- Economical as an embroidery-only machine.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty operation on thicker fabrics.
The Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine is only for embroidery purposes, and you cannot sew with it, so it is only recommended to those who have a separate sewing machine and are looking for a dedicated one.
Click Here to See Most Recent Reviews from Actual Users.
Specifications:
- Sewing Speed: 850spm.
- Embroidery Speed: 650spm.
- Weight: 22 pounds.
- Built-in Stitches: 240 Styles.
- Built-in Embroidery: 138 Embroidery & 11 Fonts Designs.
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty.
- 5″ x 7″ Max Embroidery Area.
- 3.2 inch Touch Screen LCD.
- Knee Lifter.
- Stitch Reinforcement Feature.
When it comes to the best embroidery machine for custom designs with sewing capabilities, yet at an economical price, the Brother SE1900 overshadows all. And due to many improvements, especially in its speed and piercing power, this is an actual replacement for regular sewing, but with embroidery capabilities.
The best thing I like about this machine is its greater sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute and greater piercing power, which can easily replace an average $300 sewing machine – it is an attractive option.
Then it has a relatively large embroidery area of 5″ x 7″, which is perfect for medium to large embroidery sizes. Beyond that, it includes some premium features like a stitch enforcement button, and automatic secure stitch ends.
The ease and precision performance of the Brother SE1900 is laced with an advanced needle threading system which quickly attaches the thread to the needle by only pressing a lever. Lastly, its top bobbing prevents the head from jamming and ensures smooth, undisrupted work follows.
Accessories
- 8 Different presser feet.
- Soft dust cover.
- Bobbins and needle set.
- Embroidery hoop.
- Accessory pouch.
- Cleaning brush
- Spool caps.
- Auxiliary spool pin.
- Screwdriver.
- Seam ripper.
- Higher sewing and embroidery speed combo: a realistic replacement.
- Convenient features like stitch reinforcement.
- Appropriate weight and base size for firm table support.
- Smooth operation with fewer vibrations and quality stitches.
- Great value for money.
- Suitable for beginners to experts.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty operation on thicker fabrics.
This sewing and embroidery machine is the perfect option for those looking to replace their regular sewing machine with an upgraded sewing and embroidery machine without compromising sewing quality. When complimented with a higher price value, it easily earns the top spot in our list of the overall best embroidery sewing machines for custom designs.
Click Here to See Most Recent Reviews from Actual Users.
Specifications:
- Embroidery Speed: 800spm.
- Weight: 22 pounds.
- Built-in Embroidery: 50 Embroidery.
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty.
- 9.4″ x 7.9″ Max Embroidery Area.
- 5.7 inch Touch Screen LCD.
For me, single needle embroidery is a real test of patience, especially when I have to change the thread spool every time to change the color for multicolored embroidery. Therefore, I have listed a multi-needle embroidery machine on this spot that I found to be enhanced in every aspect.
This fabulous embroidery machine from Janome, which I am glad to have a hands-on experience with my friend’s machine. The best thing I love about this machine is that you can simultaneously feed four colors for single embroidery designs, saving a lot of time and effort.
Though it has just 50 built-in embroidery designs but more embroidery designs is not a problem for MB-4S. You can always import your custom designs via USB port in its 3MB memory which is adequate to save more than 100000 customized stitches and 100 designs, making it an absolute beast.
Another aspect I like is its 5.7″ extra-large computer screen, and it’s massive 9.4″ x 7.9″ embroidery area, you can easily make a customized design on large-size fabric.
Lastly, sharing my brief experience, this is a very smooth machine to operate and even suitable for commercial and semi-commercial usage. But the operation is not completely silent, yet it has a sturdy design and adequate weight with lesser vibrations.
Accessories
- 3 Different embroidery hoops.
- Bobbins and needle set.
- Seam ripper.
- 4 Needles save time and effort – resulting in convenient embroidery.
- Cheapest multi-needle embroidery machine.
- Extra large embroidery area and LCD size.
- Suitable for commercial and semi-commercial usage.
- Smooth and vibrationless embroidery operation.
- A bit expensive for noncommercial users.
- Slower embroidery for commercial usage, yet elegant results even at higher speed.
Suppose you are planning to run a semi-commercial or commercial business and looking for a cheap multi-needle embroidery machine. In that case, this is the best embroidery machine for custom designs for you.
Click Here to See the Most Recent Reviews from Actual Users.
If you are looking for a multi-needle embroidery machine – here is our separate review of the top multi-needle embroidery machines.
Specifications:
- Sewing Speed: 400spm.
- Embroidery Speed: 710spm.
- Type: Sewing and Embroidery.
- Weight: 26.2 pounds.
- Built-in Stitches Designs: 103 Stitches
- Built-in Stitches Designs: 80 Embroidery & 9 Fonts Designs.
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty.
- 4 x 4 Hoop Area.
- 3.2 inch Touch Screen LCD.
I used this machine for 3 years until I bought Brother P800 recently, and even after years, I still can not find any better option for the best cheap embroidery machine for custom designing.
Cheap doesn’t mean bad as this machine covers a beginner’s demands. It has 80 embroidery and 103 sewing designs which is more than enough for a beginner.
Beyond that, it also has a small built-in memory for which you can import and store your favorite designs, which is rare for such cheap embroidery machines.
Further, it has a 3,2 inch LED similar to the more expensive models of Brother. So, you can do multiple tweaks and a lot of edit options like changing color preset, selecting thread, changing design orientation, and much more!
4″ X 4″ embroidery field gives you enough space to handle small to medium size customized designs. And this model comes with a grid sheet, a built-in alignment tool that provides user precision and better fabric handling.
The only deficiencies I felt in its usage were its much slower sewing and embroidery machine and its noise, especially at higher speed. For that, I recommend using the machine at a lower speed than 350spm.
Accessories
- 8 Different presser feet.
- Soft dust cover.
- Bobbins and needle set.
- Embroidery hoop.
- Accessory pouch.
- Cleaning brush
- Spool caps.
- Auxiliary spool pin.
- Screwdriver.
- Seam ripper.
- Cheapest embroidery machine with high price value.
- Two-in-one sewing and embroidery machine.
- Interactive interface with touchscreen LCD.
- Advanced features like memory storage.
- Highly suitable for beginners and entry-level users.
- Slower sewing and embroidery speed.
- Comparatively noisy operation.
- Embroidery size suitable for small to medium designs.
If you are new to custom embroidery and looking for a cheap yet functional machine, then Brother SE600 is our top recommendation for the best cheap embroidery machine for custom designs.
Click Here to See Most Recent Reviews from Actual Users.
Specifications:
- Sewing Speed: 1000spm.
- Embroidery Speed: 800spm.
- Weight: 23 pounds.
- Built-in Stitches: 200 Styles.
- Built-in Embroidery: 175 Designs.
- Warranty: 25 Years Limited Warranty.
- 6.7” x 7.9” Max Embroidery.
- 5-inch Touch Screen LCD.
- Stitch Reinforcement Feature.
Next on our list is the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 machine. The model is a bit expensive due to its higher stitch speed, quality, and advanced features. But if you got the money and looking for a premium custom embroidery machine, you should definitely go for it.
First thing when you talk about the memory craft 9850 stitching speed, it is surprisingly 1000 stitches per minute which is much faster than its competitors. Its 6.7″ x 7.9″ working area lets you customize large pieces of fabric that don’t fit your average sewing machine.
Another prominent this about this machine is its full-color screen which is much larger than its competitors. To bring your personalization to the next level, you can make changes like resizing, color correction, mirrors, and appreciably more.
It is a Combo of embroidery and sewing machine, which lets you do versatile sewing designs with all the features you need. One of them is its stitch reinforcement feature, and with just one click, you can get the ends of your stitches reinforced.
Accessories
- 9 Different feet.
- Extension table.
- 2 Embroidery hoop.
- Bobbins and needle set.
- Semi-hard Dust cover.
- Quality results with advanced auto-tension adjuster.
- Suitable for tougher fabrics with higher piercing power.
- Extra large LCD of 5″
- Highly durable design.
- Convenient with stitch reinforcement feature.
- Jam-proof embroidery and sewing.
- Effortless embroidery even at higher speed.
- A bit expensive for intermediate usage.
- A regular control interfaces in a premium machine.
It is an ideal investment for those doing embroidery as a hobby or profession. This Machine is a premium combo of embroidery and sewing, which makes it quite versatile for customizing designs.
Click Here to See Most Recent Reviews from Actual Users.
Specifications:
- Embroidery Speed: 1000spm.
- Weight: 440 pounds.
- 13.7 x 19.6 Max Embroidery.
- 270” Wide Cap Frame.
- 10 inch Touch Screen LCD.
- Stitch Reinforcement Feature.
Coming back to a multi-needle embroidery machine, this is a far superior model to the earlier Janome’s MB-4S. If you want a custom embroidery machine for commercial usage for your home-based business and you haven’t picked it yet because of the limitations of the aforementioned machine, then this machine will definitely suit you.
The best thing I like about this machine is its 15 needles in a single head, so you don’t have to change the spool every time you change the color manually. This robust machine can feed 15 different threads simultaneously, saving a lot of time and effort.
Secondly, it has the largest LCD among all the mentioned machines. Its 10-inch large LCD can be used more conveniently, just like a Tab. It also gives a real-time stitching display that is very helpful when observing the machine from a distance.
Furthermore, it has a comparatively largest embroidery area of 13.7 x 19.6 inches, which enables you to handle extra-large-sized embroidery designs.
Another unique selling point that this machine has is its high stitching speed. I personally feel annoyed due to the slower stitch speed of most embroidery machines. This machine has a higher stitch speed of 1000 stitches per minute, enabling high-speed nonstop stitching.
But the best thing I like about this machine is its variety of usage. It can embroider caps, garments, leather bags, shoes, thick denim, and much more but to its peculiar design and powerful motor. This pushes your creative embroidery to the next level.
Accessories
- Standing Table.
- Cap station and hoops.
- T-shirt hoops and other hoops.
- Tool kit.
- Needle and bobbin set.
- Bobbin winder
- Random colored spools.
- Suitable for commercial usage.
- Nonstop embroidery with 15 needles.
- Unparallel embroidery speed of 1000 spm.
- Relatively largest embroidery area.
- Relatively largest computerized touchscreen LED.
- Flexibility in use, like for caps, shoes, bags, and more.
- Highly smooth operation with minimum noise.
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Expensive for non-commercial usage.
Suppose you are an embroidery enthusiast planning to run a small home-based business. In that case, this is the most suitable commercial embroidery machine due to its speed, fungibility, and other automated embroidery features. I believe this machine lies somewhere between a standard commercial machine and a personal machine.
Click Here to See Most Recent Reviews from Actual Users.
Here is our separate article on the best industrial-level embroidery machines.
Comprehensive Buying Guide for the Best Custom Embroidery Machine
Most embroidery machine brands lack some qualities which are necessary for the users. So, you have to look for many features and qualities when buying the best embroidery machines for custom designs, which can be difficult and time-consuming. Don’t worry. This buying guide will highlight key features to look at in an embroidery machine before buying.
Working area
It depends on your project, for instance, if you are making your customized design on a large piece of fabric like bags or an oversized shirt. You will have to go for an embroidery machine with more embroidery areas.
USB support and Designs options
You will need a machine with unique in-built designs that can be used immediately after buying the Machine. Furthermore, look for a machine with a USB port so you can import your own made designs. Some of the machines in our list got in-built movie and cartoon character designs in high demand. So, if you love versatile designs, I recommend you go for Models like Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine or Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine. They both provide a massive range of in-built design options.
User interface (Display)
Modern embroidery machines come with a giant colored touch screen LCD. Which you can use for navigation and editing—having these LCDs give you a clear idea of the design before Sewing so you can make tweaks and edits like length, width, mirror drag, and drop to change its color preset. And you don’t have to use a computer whenever you want to edit your design. You can simply use its LCD touch interface to edit your design.
Multi-Purpose Machine
A combo machine that can do both Sewing and embroidery will definitely enhance your creativity and skill level. It also depends on your preference. If you only want an embroidery machine, then you can go for something like Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine. But if you want to sew and embroider simultaneously, you should go for Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine. And investing in a dual-functionality machine will give you more features at nearly the same price as simple single-function machines.
In my view, if you are looking for the best embroidery machine for custom designs, then you must prefer a combo machine.
Conclusion
To summarize, whether you are purchasing an embroidery machine for DIY or professional use, there is a suitable machine for all cravings. So, before spending your cash, you should consider the features you need.
I hope this article helped you find the best custom-designed embroidery machine. Thank you, and remember there are no limits to creativity.
Hi, I am Doria Edwards. I started my journey of designing in high school. I wasn’t that rich to afford designer clothes, so I had to redesign my regular clothes by doing different Embroidery. Soon Embroidery became my hobby, and I decided to pursue it professionally by becoming and fashion designer. I hope that advice can guide you well in your sewing journey.
