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10 Best Starter Embroidery Machine 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine with WLAN, White

The Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine is a solid choice for beginners stepping into the world of embroidery. It boasts a generous 5” x 7” embroidery area, allowing users to work on larger designs comfortably. The inclusion of 193 built-in designs and 13 lettering fonts (including English, Japanese, and Cyrillic) provides ample creative freedom without needing immediate external design sources.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,304
Connectivity
Ease of Use
Hoop Sizes

Most important from
278 reviews

Connectivity
Artspira allows you to upload pictures and digitize them, which is a fantastic bonus!
Ease of Use
The machine is pretty easy to get used to, and the Brother websites are very helpful.
Hoop Sizes
Bobbins, hoops, and bobbin cases are interchangeable with previous models, which is convenient.
#2
9.7 score

Smartstitch S-1001 Upgraded Embroidery Machine with 10 Needles, 1200SPM Max Speed, 7" Touch Screen, 9.5"x14.2" Embroidery Area, New Gen of Commercial Embroidery Machine for Flat, Hat, T-shirt and more

The Smartstitch S-1001 is a solid choice for those new to embroidery, blending ease of use with professional features. Its 9.5'' x 14.2'' embroidery area is spacious enough for a variety of projects, and with a maximum stitching speed of 1200 stitches per minute, it can efficiently handle larger jobs. The machine comes equipped with a range of built-in designs and fonts, which is great for beginners looking to explore their creativity without needing additional software. The touch screen interface is user-friendly, and the included training resources, like operation manuals and video guides, make the learning process more approachable.

Rating
9.7
Ease of Use

Most important from
230 reviews

Ease of Use
The Smartstitch S-1001 is user-friendly and supported by an amazing company.
#3
9.1 score

Smartstitch S-1201 Compact Embroidery Machine with 12 Needles, 1200SPM Max Speed, 10“ Screen, Wifi, 9.5"x12.6" Embroidery Area, Your First Commercial Embroidery Machine for Flat, Hat, T-shirt and more

The Smartstitch S-1201 is a solid choice for someone starting a commercial embroidery business from home. It offers a generous embroidery area (9.5" x 12.6"), which is larger than many beginner machines, allowing you to work on a variety of items like hats, T-shirts, bags, and even shoes. The 12-needle setup and max speed of 1200 stitches per minute mean it can handle multi-color designs quickly, which is great if you plan to do higher volume or more detailed projects.

Rating
9.1
Embroidery Area
Built-in Designs and Fonts
Ease of Use

Most important from
203 reviews

Embroidery Area
The large embroidery area and fast 12-needle setup enable efficient multi-color projects, suitable for professional and commercial applications.
Built-in Designs and Fonts
Quality embroidery files are crucial for best results; the machine's built-in fonts and lettering improve dramatically with some user adjustments.
Ease of Use
Navigating designs and settings is straightforward thanks to the intuitive software and the large 10-inch touchscreen.
Hoop Sizes
Magnetic 'Mighty Hoops' are a game changer, drastically reducing hooping time and improving material hold, enhancing productivity for business use.

Top 10 Best Starter Embroidery Machine 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine with WLAN, White

Embroidery Area: 5” x 7”
Built-in Designs and Fonts: 193 designs, 13 fonts
Connectivity: WLAN, USB
Ease of Use: Large 3.7” touchscreen
Hoop Sizes: 5” x 7”

Chosen by 1304 this week

Janome Memory Craft 550E Limited Edition 14x7.9" Embroidery Machine

Embroidery Area: 7.9 x 14.2 inches
Built-in Designs and Fonts: 180 designs, 6 fonts
Connectivity: USB port
Ease of Use: Color LCD, needle threader, magnetic clips
Stitching Speed: Adjustable speed, max not specified
Hoop Sizes: Four sizes: 5.5x5.5 to 7.9x14.2

Brother NQ1700e Embroidery Machine with Starter Bundle

Embroidery Area: 6" x 10"
Built-in Designs and Fonts: 258 designs, 13 fonts
Connectivity: Wireless
Stitching Speed: Suitable for home use
Hoop Sizes: Various sizes

Janome Memory Craft 500E Embroidery Machine

Embroidery Area: generous
Built-in Designs and Fonts: variety
Connectivity: USB port
Ease of Use: high
Stitching Speed: decent
Hoop Sizes: various
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Buying Guide for the Best Starter Embroidery Machine

Choosing the right starter embroidery machine can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find a machine that fits your needs perfectly. The key is to understand the different specifications and how they align with your embroidery goals. Whether you're looking to create simple designs or more complex patterns, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
Embroidery AreaThe embroidery area is the maximum size of the design that the machine can stitch. This is important because it determines the size of the projects you can work on. Smaller areas (4x4 inches) are great for beginners and small projects like monograms and patches. Medium areas (5x7 inches) offer more flexibility for larger designs. Larger areas (8x12 inches or more) are ideal for more complex and bigger projects. Consider what types of projects you plan to work on and choose an embroidery area that matches your needs.
Built-in Designs and FontsBuilt-in designs and fonts are pre-loaded patterns and text styles that come with the machine. These are important because they provide a starting point for your projects and can save you time. Machines with a larger number of built-in designs and fonts offer more variety and creativity. If you are a beginner, having a good selection of built-in options can be very helpful. Look for a machine that offers a variety of designs and fonts that appeal to your style and the types of projects you want to create.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the machine can connect to other devices or sources to import designs. This is important for expanding your design options beyond the built-in patterns. USB connectivity allows you to import designs from your computer or the internet. Some machines also offer wireless connectivity for even easier access to online designs. If you plan to use custom designs or download patterns, look for a machine with good connectivity options that suit your tech comfort level.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses features that make the machine user-friendly, such as an intuitive interface, automatic needle threading, and easy-to-follow instructions. This is crucial for beginners who are just getting started with embroidery. Machines with touchscreens, clear displays, and step-by-step guides can make the learning process smoother. Consider how comfortable you are with technology and choose a machine that offers features that will help you get started without frustration.
Stitching SpeedStitching speed is the rate at which the machine can complete stitches, usually measured in stitches per minute (SPM). This is important because it affects how quickly you can complete your projects. Lower speeds (up to 400 SPM) are suitable for beginners and allow for more control. Medium speeds (400-800 SPM) offer a balance between speed and control. Higher speeds (800+ SPM) are great for more experienced users who want to complete projects quickly. Think about your comfort level and how much time you want to spend on each project when considering stitching speed.
Hoop SizesHoop sizes refer to the different sizes of hoops that come with the machine, which hold the fabric in place while you embroider. This is important because different projects may require different hoop sizes. Smaller hoops are great for detailed work and small designs, while larger hoops are necessary for bigger projects. Some machines come with multiple hoop sizes, offering more versatility. Consider the types of projects you want to do and ensure the machine comes with the appropriate hoop sizes for your needs.

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