Embroidery machines for hats and caps
To embroider finished, structured caps you need a machine with a cap frame (cap driver): mostly multi-needle machines, plus a few single-needle models built for caps. Regular flatbed home machines stitch flat fabric in a hoop, so they cannot hold a stiff, curved cap front properly.
How to choose
| Cap frame or cap driver | This holds the curved cap front and turns it under the needle. Without one you are limited to flat panels or soft, unstructured hats. |
|---|---|
| Free-arm (tubular) design | Multi-needle machines have an open arm, so the cap or garment hangs around it instead of bunching under the needle. |
| Needles | More needles mean fewer manual thread changes, which matters when you stitch the same logo on many hats. |
| Cap field size | Cap fronts usually take designs of about 2 to 2.5 in tall and up to about 5 in wide; check the cap frame field for each machine. |
Machines that fit this need
1. Brother PRS100
Embroidery only · 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN
Single-needle, embroidery-only machine with an 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm) field, a free arm and an optional Brother cap frame for hats. It stitches up to 1,000 stitches per minute. You change colors by hand, and the cap frame is sold separately.
Who it suits: A home embroiderer or small seller who wants an 8 × 8 in field and a free arm for hats, sleeves and bags without paying for a multi-needle machine. Skip it if you need wireless transfer, automatic color changes, or hats straight out of the box.
About $3,999–$4,499 new (checked October 2026)
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2. Brother PR1X
Embroidery only · 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN
Single-needle embroidery-only machine with a large 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field, a free arm, a 7 in touch screen and 495 built-in designs. It stitches up to 1,000 stitches per minute. You change colors by hand, and it has no wireless transfer.
Who it suits: A home or small-shop embroiderer who wants a big single-needle field and a free arm for shirts, bags and hats. Skip it if you want automatic color changes, wireless transfer, or the lower price of the 8 × 8 in PRS100.
About $6,999–$11,899 new (checked October 2026)
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3. Janome MB-4S
Multi-needle · 4 needles · 9.5 × 8 in (240 × 200 mm) field · .JEF, .JEF+, .DST
Janome's single-head, four-needle embroidery machine for home use. It stitches a 9.4 × 7.9 in (240 × 200 mm) field at up to 800 stitches per minute, reads JEF, JEF+ and DST, and takes Tajima-style hoops. A 5.7 in remote screen runs it.
Who it suits: Suits people who stitch several colors per design, or caps and shirts, and want fewer thread changes than a one-needle machine. Not for anyone who needs a field wider than 9.4 in (240 mm) or wants a machine that also sews.
About $4,999 new (checked October 2026)
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
4. Brother PR680W
Multi-needle · 6 needles · 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN · Wi-Fi
Six-needle machine with an 8 × 12 in (300 × 200 mm) field, a 10.1 in color touch screen, wireless LAN and up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Four hoops come in the box. Cap frames are optional extras, and the price is several times that of a single-needle home machine.
Who it suits: A hobbyist moving up to production, or a small shop that wants six colors loaded at once and a large 8 × 12 in field for hats, jackets and bags. Skip it if a single-needle machine covers your projects.
About $12,999–$13,629 new (checked October 2026)
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
5. Baby Lock Array
Multi-needle · 6 needles · 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST · Wi-Fi
Six-needle machine with a 7-7/8 × 11-3/4 in (200 × 300 mm) field, up to 1,000 stitches per minute, a crosshair positioning laser and a phone alert app. Four hoops come in the box. Baby Lock sells cap frames as options, and it does not sew.
Who it suits: A hobbyist stepping up to production, or a small shop that wants six colors loaded at once and a large field for hats, jackets and bags. Skip it if a single-needle machine covers your projects.
About $13,249–$14,574 new (checked October 2026)
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
6. Janome MB-7
Multi-needle · 7 needles · 9.5 × 8 in (240 × 200 mm) field · .JEF, .JEF+, .DST
Janome's single-head, seven-needle embroidery machine for home use. It stitches up to 9.4 × 7.9 in (240 × 200 mm) at up to 800 stitches per minute, reads JEF, JEF+ and DST, and takes Tajima-style hoops. It cannot sew, and the field is capped at 9.4 in wide.
Who it suits: Suits people who stitch designs with many colors, or caps and shirts in small runs, and want seven threads loaded at once. Not for anyone who needs a machine that also sews, a multi-head setup, or a field wider than 9.4 in (240 mm).
About $5,999 new (checked October 2026)
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
7. Ricoma EM-1010
Multi-needle · 10 needles · 12.2 × 8.3 in (310 × 210 mm) field · .DST · Wi-Fi
Ricoma's 10-needle machine with a 12.2 × 8.3 in (310 × 210 mm) field, up to 1,000 stitches per minute and a 10.1 in touchscreen. A cap driver and two cap rings come in the box. It reads DST files only, and Ricoma gives no cap stitch area.
Who it suits: A hobbyist moving up to a multi-needle machine, or a small shop that wants ten colors loaded at once, a large field and hat embroidery in one package. Skip it if you only stitch small designs on a tight budget, since single-needle machines cost far less.
About $5,079–$6,879 new (checked October 2026)
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
8. Brother PR1060W
Multi-needle · 10 needles · 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST · Wi-Fi
Ten-needle machine with an 8 × 14 in (360 × 200 mm) field, a 10.1 in color touch screen, a built-in camera view, wireless LAN and up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Four hoops come in the box; cap frames are extra. It costs about double Brother's six-needle PR680W and weighs about 92 lb.
Who it suits: A small shop or serious hobbyist ready for production who wants ten colors loaded at once and a long 8 × 14 in field for jacket backs, home decor and hats. Skip it if a single-needle machine covers your projects, or if you lack the space and budget for a 92 lb machine.
About $24,200–$25,700 new (checked October 2026)
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
9. Ricoma MT-1501
Multi-needle · 15 needles · 19.7 × 14 in (500 × 360 mm) field · .DST · Wi-Fi
Ricoma's single-head, 15-needle commercial machine, sold as the Marquee 15-Needle. It stitches up to 19.7 × 14.2 in (500 × 360 mm) at up to 1,200 stitches per minute and comes with a cap driver. Ricoma lists only DST files, and it weighs about 320 lb (145 kg).
Who it suits: Aimed at people starting or running an embroidery business who want a full-size commercial machine with a large field and a cap system. Skip it if you only stitch now and then at home, or if you cannot fit a 320 lb machine into your space.
About $9,569–$11,969 new (checked October 2026)
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
10. Melco EMT16X
Multi-needle · 16 needles · 16.1 × 15.5 in (410 × 393 mm) field · .OFM, .EXP, .DST
Melco's current 16-needle commercial machine. It has a 16.1 × 15.5 in (410 × 393 mm) sew field, up to 1,500 stitches per minute and a cap driver in the package. One computer can run up to 30 networked machines. Melco publishes no price.
Who it suits: A decorating shop that wants 16 colors loaded at once, room for jacket backs and the option to add more heads later. Skip it if you want a home machine, a posted price or something small and light.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
11. Melco BRAVO
Multi-needle · 16 needles · 12.7 × 10.5 in (322 × 267 mm) field · .OFM, .EXP, .DST
Melco's entry 16-needle commercial machine. It has a 12.7 × 10.5 in (322 × 267 mm) sew field, runs up to 1,000 stitches per minute and trims thread automatically. Designs arrive over Ethernet from a computer. It weighs about 165 lb (75 kg) without its cart.
Who it suits: A shop or serious hobbyist stepping up to a commercial machine who wants 16 colors loaded at once and a field big enough for jackets and bags. Skip it if you want a light home machine or USB and Wi-Fi design transfer.
About $8,995–$10,887 new (checked October 2026)
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
12. Baby Lock Alliance Discontinued
Embroidery only · 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PEC, .DST
Baby Lock's dedicated single-needle embroidery machine. It stitches an 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm) field at up to 1,000 stitches per minute and comes with six hoops. A cap frame is optional. It has no Wi-Fi, and Baby Lock now files it under previous models.
Who it suits: A home embroiderer or small craft seller who wants a dedicated single-needle machine with an 8 × 8 in field, small hoops for finished items and an optional cap frame. Skip it if you need Wi-Fi, a bigger field, or a machine Baby Lock still sells new.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
13. Brother PR655 Discontinued
Multi-needle · 6 needles · 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST
Discontinued six-needle machine from Brother. It has a 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field, runs up to 1,000 stitches per minute and ships with four hoops. A cap frame is an optional extra. It reads only .pes, .phc and .dst files and has no Wi-Fi.
Who it suits: A home embroiderer or small shop moving up to six colors at once and large 8 × 12 in designs, and happy to buy used or old stock. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, a current warranty or a machine Brother still sells.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
14. Brother PR670E Discontinued
Multi-needle · 6 needles · 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .DST
Discontinued six-needle machine from Brother with an 8 × 12 in (300 × 200 mm) field, a 10.1 in touch screen and speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Four hoops come in the box. Cap frames are optional, and there is no Wi-Fi.
Who it suits: A home embroiderer or small shop that wants six colors loaded at once and a large 8 × 12 in field, and is happy to buy used or leftover stock. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi or a machine Brother still sells new.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
15. Brother PR650 Discontinued
Multi-needle · 6 needles · 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST
Discontinued six-needle Brother with an 11-3/4 × 7-7/8 in (300 × 200 mm) field, four hoops in the box and up to 1,000 stitches per minute. It reads PES, PHC and DST by USB. The cap frame is an optional extra, and there is no Wi-Fi.
Who it suits: A used-machine buyer who wants a six-needle Brother with a large field for small runs and is happy to move designs by USB drive or cable. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, a warranty from a new sale or a machine Brother still sells.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
16. Brother PR620 Discontinued
Multi-needle · 6 needles · 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST
Discontinued six-needle Brother with a 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field and up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Dual USB ports and a color touch screen, plus an optional cap frame. No Wi-Fi, and Brother's page lists no built-in design count. Used market only.
Who it suits: A used-machine buyer who wants a six-needle Brother with a large field for small runs and is fine moving designs by USB or card. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, an app, a new-sale warranty or a machine Brother still sells.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
17. Brother PR600II Discontinued
Multi-needle · 6 needles · 12 × 8 in (300 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST
Discontinued six-needle Brother with an 11.8 × 7.9 in (300 × 200 mm) field, four hoops in the box and up to 1,000 stitches per minute. It reads PES, PHC and DST by USB and takes an optional cap frame. No Wi-Fi, few built-in designs, and it weighs about 81 lb.
Who it suits: A used-machine buyer who wants a six-needle Brother with a large field for small runs and is happy to move designs by USB drive or cable. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, an app, a warranty from a new sale or a machine Brother still sells.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
18. Brother PR1055X Discontinued
Multi-needle · 10 needles · 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN · Wi-Fi
Discontinued 10-needle machine with an 8 × 14 in (360 × 200 mm) field, a 10.1 in color touch screen, wireless LAN and up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Cap frames are optional. Brother US marks it discontinued and now lists the PR1060W as its 10-needle model.
Who it suits: A shop or serious hobbyist who wants ten colors loaded at once and a long 8 × 14 in field for hats, jackets and borders. Check dealer stock and warranty terms first, because Brother US lists it as discontinued.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
19. Brother PR1050X Discontinued
Multi-needle · 10 needles · 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN
Discontinued 10-needle machine with an 8 × 14 in (360 × 200 mm) field, 699 built-in designs, a 10.1 in touch screen and up to 1,000 stitches per minute. It reads PES, PHC, DST and PEN files. Cap frames are optional extras. Brother US and Brother Canada both mark it discontinued.
Who it suits: A small embroidery shop or serious hobbyist who wants ten colors loaded at once and a long 8 × 14 in field for hats, jackets and borders, and who can source one from a dealer or the used market. Check warranty and service terms first, because Brother lists it as discontinued.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
20. Brother PR1000e Discontinued
Multi-needle · 10 needles · 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST
Discontinued 10-needle machine with a 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) field, 110 built-in designs and speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute. It has a built-in camera and optional cap frames, but Brother lists no wireless transfer. Brother US marks it discontinued.
Who it suits: A home-based seller or serious hobbyist who wants ten colors loaded at once and a long 14 × 8 in field for jackets, hats and borders, and who is happy to buy from dealer stock or second-hand. Skip it if you want wireless transfer or an app, or a machine Brother still sells.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Multi-needle machines are often sold through dealers who include setup and training; compare dealer packages too.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
21. Baby Lock Venture Discontinued
Multi-needle · 10 needles · 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST · Wi-Fi
Baby Lock's 10-needle embroidery machine: a 7-7/8 × 14 in (200 × 360 mm) field, up to 1,000 stitches per minute and four hoops in the box. Cap frames are optional. Baby Lock now files it under Previous Models and sells the Venture 2 instead.
Who it suits: A home business or small shop that wants ten colors loaded at once and a large field for jackets, bags and hats, and that can find one from dealer stock. Skip it if you only stitch small designs, or if you want a machine Baby Lock still sells new.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
Order: machines still sold new first, then by how many people search for them. Nobody pays to be listed. See how we research.
Frequently asked questions
Can I embroider hats on a Brother SE700 or PE800?
Not finished, structured caps. These are flatbed machines that stitch fabric held flat in a hoop. You can embroider flat pieces or patches and attach them, but a cap frame machine is the practical choice for regular hat work.
What size design fits on a hat?
Most cap front designs are about 2 to 2.5 in (50–65 mm) tall and up to about 5 in (130 mm) wide. The exact limit depends on the cap frame and the hat.
Do I need a multi-needle machine to embroider hats?
Not always. A few single-needle machines have cap frames, but multi-needle machines are faster and need fewer thread changes, which is why most hat businesses use them.
Is a cap frame included with the machine?
It depends on the model. Check each machine page: we list whether the cap frame is included or sold separately.