We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
An embroidery sewing machine does two jobs: it sews like a regular computerized machine, and with the embroidery unit attached, it stitches designs and monograms from a file on its own. For a beginner, that combination is appealing. You learn to sew and you can put a name on a towel the same week.
The number that matters most is embroidery area, the largest design the machine can stitch in one hooping. Entry-level combos stitch 4" x 4". Step-up machines go to 5" x 7" and beyond. After that, look at how designs get onto the machine (USB or wireless) and whether you're buying from Amazon or a dealer.
Every machine below is a real model currently listed by its manufacturer in the US. Specs come from Brother's and Janome's product pages, and we note where those pages contradict themselves.
Which type of sewing machine suits you?
Four quick questions. We suggest a machine type and the guides that compare real models of that type.
Answer all four questions to see your match.
A starting point, not a verdict: the suggestion follows the advice in our buying guides, which compare manufacturer specs. Check each model's current price on the retailer.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Brother SE700. Best for a first combo machine with wireless design transfer.
- Best 5x7 Combo: Brother SE2000. Best for bigger designs on sweatshirts, totes and quilt blocks.
- Best Step-Up: Janome Memory Craft 9850. Best for a large 6.7" x 7.9" field and fast sewing.
- Best Premium: Janome Skyline S9. Best for serious sewers who want top-tier sewing and embroidery in one (dealer-sold).
- Best Embroidery-Only Alternative: Brother PE900. Best for people who already own a sewing machine.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Max embroidery area | Built-in designs | Sewing stitches | Design transfer | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother SE700 | First combo | 4" x 4" | 135 | 103 | Wireless, Artspira app | 15.06 lb |
| Brother SE2000 | Larger designs | 5" x 7" | 193 | 241 | Wireless, Artspira app | 20.5 lb |
| Janome Memory Craft 9850 | Step-up | 6.7" x 7.9" | 175 | 200 | USB (.JEF) | 22.9 lb |
| Janome Skyline S9 | Premium | 6.7" x 7.9" | 250 | 300 | Wireless, USB, PC | 26 lb |
| Brother PE900 | Embroidery only | 5" x 7" | 193 | None (embroidery only) | Wireless, USB, Artspira app | 17.6 lb |
The Best Embroidery Sewing Machines, Reviewed
Brother SE700: Best Overall
Who it's for: Beginners who want one machine to learn sewing and try embroidery, without dealer pricing.
The SE700 is the most popular way into machine embroidery, and its spec sheet shows why. With the embroidery unit attached, it stitches designs up to 4" x 4" from 135 built-in designs and 10 embroidery fonts. Remove the unit, and it's a full computerized sewing machine with 103 stitches and 10 styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes.
The headline upgrade over older Brother combos is wireless LAN. You can send designs from a computer with Brother's Design Database Transfer, or from your phone with the Artspira app, with no USB stick involved. Brother lists an advanced needle threading system, a 3.2" x 1.8" LCD, a 6.4" x 4.0" work area and eight presser feet, including zipper, blind stitch, overcasting, monogramming and embroidery feet. It weighs 15.06 lb and has a 1/2/25-year limited warranty.
The limit is the 4" x 4" hoop, the only one included. It's plenty for monograms, patches and kids' clothes, but you'll feel it on larger designs. Brother also sells a Disney-themed sibling, the SE725, as a Walmart exclusive. For more Brother options, see our Brother sewing machines for beginners.
Pros
- Wireless design transfer with the Artspira app
- 135 designs and 10 fonts built in
- 103 sewing stitches and 10 one-step buttonholes
- Eight feet, including embroidery and overcasting feet
Cons
- 4" x 4" maximum embroidery area
- One hoop included
- Small screen for editing designs
Brother SE700 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
by Brother
Brother SE2000: Best 5x7 Combo
Who it's for: Beginners who already know they want to embroider sweatshirts, tote bags, pillow covers and quilt blocks.
The SE2000 keeps the SE700's wireless setup and steps up the embroidery area to 5" x 7", with a large 7" x 5" frame set in the box. That bigger field makes a real difference: a full-chest design or a quilt block fits in one hooping instead of being split. Brother lists 193 built-in designs plus 50 free downloadable ones, and says it works with the optional Brother 4" x 7" magnetic hoop.
It's a stronger sewing machine, too: 241 built-in stitches, 10 one-step buttonholes, an automatic needle threader and a knee lifter, which raises the presser foot so your hands can stay on the fabric. The 3.7" color touchscreen LCD is larger than the SE700's. It weighs 20.5 lb and carries Brother's 1/2/25-year limited warranty.
Brother's own page lists the font count two different ways, so we haven't quoted a number. It sits in a higher price tier than the SE700, so buy it if you're sure 4" x 4" will feel small.
Pros
- 5" x 7" embroidery area
- Wireless and Artspira compatible
- Knee lifter and 241 stitches
- Larger 3.7" touchscreen
Cons
- Higher price tier
- Heavier at 20.5 lb
- Font count listed inconsistently by Brother
Brother SE2000 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
by Brother
Janome Memory Craft 9850: Best Step-Up
Who it's for: Confident beginners who want a much larger embroidery field and a faster, sturdier sewing machine.
The Memory Craft 9850 jumps to a 6.7" x 7.9" (170 x 200 mm) embroidery area, and Janome includes two hoops: the large RE20a and the 5.5" x 5.5" SQ14a. There are 175 built-in embroidery designs, two fonts plus monogramming, and designs load by USB in Janome's .JEF and .JEF+ formats.
As a sewing machine, it's a serious step up from entry-level combos. Janome lists 200 stitches, six one-step buttonholes, a seven-piece feed dog, automatic thread tension and a thread cutter, five LED lamps and sewing speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Embroidery runs from 60 to 800 spm. It weighs 22.9 lb.
It's mostly sold through dealers, and it's in the premium price tier. There's no wireless transfer on Janome's spec list, so plan on USB. Janome's page names the large hoop two different ways, so check what's in the box before you buy.
Pros
- 6.7" x 7.9" embroidery area, two hoops included
- 1,000 spm sewing, seven-piece feed dog
- Automatic thread tension and cutter
- Solid 22.9 lb build
Cons
- Premium price tier
- USB only, no wireless listed
- Only two built-in fonts
Janome Memory Craft 9850 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
by Janome
Janome Skyline S9: Best Premium
Who it's for: Sewers who know they'll stay with the hobby and want one machine that does everything at a high level.
The Skyline S9 is the most complete machine here. It shares the 6.7" x 7.9" maximum embroidery area of the 9850, but Janome includes three hoops (RE20a, SQ14a and the small FA10a). It has 250 built-in designs, including 40 by Anna Maria Horner, and connects by wireless, USB or a direct PC link, with Janome's Acu-series apps for editing and monitoring.
The sewing features are what lift it into the premium tier: 300 stitches, 11 one-step buttonholes, AcuFeed Flex layered feeding for quilts, an automatic presser foot lift, automatic thread cutter and tension, memorized needle up/down, a free arm and 22 feet and accessories. It sews at up to 1,000 spm and weighs 26 lb.
It's a dealer machine in the top price tier on this list, and we couldn't find it sold on Amazon. For most beginners it's more than you need, but if you'd otherwise buy a quilting machine and an embroidery machine separately, it's worth a visit to a Janome dealer. If you'd rather buy online, the Memory Craft 9850 above has the same 6.7" x 7.9" maximum field.
Pros
- Three hoops and 250 designs
- AcuFeed Flex and automatic presser foot lift
- Wireless, USB and PC connection
- 22 feet and accessories
Cons
- Top price tier
- Dealer-only
- 26 lb; not a machine you'll carry to classes
Janome Skyline S9 Sewing & Embroidery Machine
by Janome
Brother PE900: Best Embroidery-Only Alternative
Who it's for: People who already own a sewing machine and want embroidery without giving up their sewing setup.
The PE900 isn't a combo; it's a dedicated embroidery machine. We include it because it's the logical alternative for anyone weighing a combo. With no sewing functions, everything goes into embroidery: a 5" x 7" maximum area, 193 built-in designs (plus 50 free downloadable designs, per Brother) and 13 lettering fonts. It has a 3.7" LCD touchscreen, a USB port and wireless transfer, including Brother's Artspira app, and an automatic needle threader.
The big practical win is that you can keep sewing on your regular machine while this one embroiders. Brother includes a 5" x 7" hoop, embroidery foot Q, four bobbins and a dust cover, rates it at up to 650 stitches per minute and lists a 1/2/25-year limited warranty. It weighs about 17.6 lb.
Pros
- 5" x 7" embroidery area
- 193 designs and 13 fonts
- Wireless, Artspira and USB transfer
- Sew on another machine while it stitches
Cons
- No sewing functions
- Same 5" x 7" field as the SE2000 combo
- Only the 5" x 7" hoop listed in the box
Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine
by Brother
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Embroidery Sewing Machine
Embroidery area: 4x4, 5x7 or larger
- 4" x 4": monograms, small motifs, patches, baby clothes, towels and napkins.
- 5" x 7": full chest designs, tote bags, pillow fronts and most quilt blocks.
- 6" x 10" and up: large jacket backs, big quilt motifs and multi-element designs in one hooping.
You can stitch larger designs in a small hoop by splitting and re-hooping, but lining up the parts takes practice. If you're torn, size up.
Combo vs dedicated embroidery machine
A combo is cheaper and saves space, which makes it the right start for most people. The trade-off: you can't sew while it's embroidering, and a repair takes away both functions. If embroidery becomes your main hobby, a dedicated machine plus a separate sewing machine is more flexible.
Getting designs onto the machine
Older and dealer models rely on USB sticks. Newer Brother combos like the SE700 and SE2000 add wireless transfer and the Artspira app. Check the file format too: Brother machines use .PES files, and Janome uses .JEF. Most design shops sell both.
Built-in designs and fonts
Built-in designs are handy for your first projects, but most embroiderers soon buy or download designs. Fonts matter more if monogramming is your goal, so check the font count before you buy.
Sewing features
Don't forget that you'll sew on this machine too. Look for one-step buttonholes, an automatic needle threader and the presser feet you'll use. Automatic thread cutters and knee lifters appear as you move up the range. Our computerized vs mechanical guide explains these features.
Supplies you'll need
Budget for stabilizer, embroidery thread, bobbin thread and embroidery needles. SCHMETZ makes its Embroidery needle in 75/11 and 90/14, with a light ball point and an enlarged eye that protects rayon and polyester embroidery thread. Our sewing machine needle sizes chart covers when to use it.
Dealer vs online
Brother's SE-series combos are widely sold online. Janome machines and Brother's Innov-is models are mostly sold through dealers, which usually includes lessons and local service but means less price flexibility. Our sewing machine brands comparison explains how each brand sells.
How We Chose
We didn't test these machines ourselves. We compared current sewing-and-embroidery models from Brother and Janome using the manufacturers' US product pages: embroidery area, hoops, designs, fonts, stitches, connectivity and warranty. Where a manufacturer's page contradicted itself, we said so or left the figure out. We excluded models marked discontinued or sold out, such as Brother's SE600 and SE1900 and SINGER's Legacy SE300, and weighted ease of use and embroidery area for beginners.
FAQ
What is the best embroidery sewing machine for beginners?
The Brother SE700 is the best embroidery sewing machine for most beginners. It combines 103 sewing stitches and 10 one-step buttonholes with a 4" x 4" embroidery area, 135 built-in designs, 10 fonts and wireless design transfer through Brother's Artspira app.
Is a 4x4 embroidery area big enough?
A 4" x 4" field handles monograms, small logos, patches, baby clothes and most towel and napkin designs. For a full design on a tote bag, a sweatshirt front or a quilt block, a 5" x 7" field like the Brother SE2000's is more comfortable. Larger designs can be split and re-hooped, but that takes practice.
Should I get a combo machine or a separate embroidery machine?
A combo machine saves space and money if you're starting out. The downside is that you can't sew while it embroiders, and if it needs repair you lose both functions. People who embroider a lot often move to a dedicated embroidery machine, like the Brother PE900, and keep a separate sewing machine.
What do I need besides the machine to start embroidering?
You'll need stabilizer to back the fabric, embroidery thread, bobbin thread suited to embroidery, embroidery needles (SCHMETZ makes them in 75/11 and 90/14), small curved scissors and a few practice blanks like cotton towels. Brother's machines read .PES files and Janome's read .JEF files, so check the format before buying designs.
Can you sew normally on an embroidery sewing machine?
Yes. With the embroidery unit removed, a combo machine works as a regular computerized sewing machine, with utility stitches, buttonholes and presser feet. The Brother SE700, for example, includes eight presser feet for sewing, including zipper, blind stitch and overcasting feet.
Verdict
The Brother SE700 is the best embroidery sewing machine for most beginners: a capable sewing machine with a 4" x 4" field, wireless transfer and enough built-in designs to get going. If you know you want bigger designs, the Brother SE2000's 5" x 7" field is worth the step up. And if your heart is set on embroidery and you already sew, consider the dedicated Brother PE900. If you only need a sewing machine for now, our best sewing machines for beginners is the better place to start. Once you're set up, our beginner sewing projects include easy pieces to personalize.