Embroidery machines for t-shirts and sweatshirts
A left-chest logo (about 3 to 4 in wide) fits any machine with a 4 × 4 in field. Full-front designs on sweatshirts usually need 6 × 10 in or more. Multi-needle machines have a free arm, so the shirt hangs around it instead of bunching under the needle, which is easier for finished garments.
How to choose
| Left chest vs full front | Left chest: 4 × 4 in is enough. Full front or back: look for 6 × 10 in or larger. |
|---|---|
| Flatbed or free arm | Flatbed home machines work, but you must keep the rest of the garment clear of the needle. Free-arm (tubular) machines make finished shirts easier. |
| Stabilizer | Knit fabrics need cut-away stabilizer, whichever machine you use. |
Machines that fit this need
1. Brother SE2000
Sewing and embroidery · 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN · Wi-Fi
Brother's current 5 × 7 in sewing and embroidery combo. It has a 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) field, 650 stitches per minute, 193 built-in designs, 241 sewing stitches and Wi-Fi. Only the 5 × 7 in hoop is in the box.
Who it suits: A good fit for someone who has outgrown a 4 × 4 in machine and wants one machine for sewing and larger single-hoop designs such as bigger logos and lettering. Skip it if you need to embroider hats or run production.
About $1,500–$1,600 new (checked October 2026)
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2. Brother PE900
Embroidery only · 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN · Wi-Fi
Embroidery-only machine with a 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) field, 193 built-in designs, wireless transfer and the Artspira app. It stitches up to 650 stitches per minute. One needle, a 5 × 7 in hoop in the box, and no official hat frame.
Who it suits: A home embroiderer who wants a 5 × 7 in field and wireless design transfer from a PC or mobile device. Skip it if you need hats, volume production for sale, or a machine that also sews.
About $1,100–$1,180 new (checked October 2026)
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3. Brother NQ1700E
Embroidery only · 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PEN, .DST · Wi-Fi
An embroidery-only machine with a 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) field, 258 built-in designs, 13 fonts and a 4.85 in color touchscreen. It takes designs by USB or wifi and reads PES, PHC, PEN and DST. It does not sew and has no official cap frame.
Who it suits: A fit for people who want a larger field than 5 × 7 in for bigger designs and combined layouts without moving to a multi-needle machine. Skip it if you also want to sew on the same machine or want to embroider caps.
About $2,399–$2,400 new (checked October 2026)
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4. 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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5. Janome Memory Craft 550E
Embroidery only · 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm) field · .JEF, .JEF+, .JPX
Janome's largest stand-alone embroidery machine: a 7.9 × 14.2 in (200 × 360 mm) field, four hoops and an extra-wide table in the box. It stitches up to 860 stitches per minute and reads JEF files. One needle, no sewing, USB transfer only.
Who it suits: Good for stitching jacket backs, quilt blocks and long border designs in a single hooping, if you already own a separate sewing machine. Not for anyone who wants one machine that also sews, or who wants Wi-Fi design transfer.
About $2,899–$3,499 new (checked October 2026)
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6. Janome Memory Craft 500E
Embroidery only · 11 × 8 in (280 × 200 mm) field · .JEF
A single-needle, embroidery-only Janome with a 7.9 × 11 in (200 × 280 mm) field and four hoops. It has 160 built-in designs, 6 fonts, a color touchscreen and a top speed of 860 stitches per minute. It reads JEF files by USB and does not sew.
Who it suits: Suits people who want a roomy field for jackets, towels and large monograms and who already have a sewing machine. Not for anyone who needs a hoop longer than 11 in (280 mm), or a machine that also sews.
About $2,099–$2,399 new (checked October 2026)
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7. Janome Memory Craft 400E
Embroidery only · 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm) field · .JEF
Janome's entry-level embroidery-only machine: a 7.9 × 7.9 in (200 × 200 mm) field with one SQ20b hoop and an extra-wide table. It has 160 designs, 6 fonts, a color touchscreen and a top speed of 860 stitches per minute. JEF files by USB only.
Who it suits: Fits someone who wants a Janome embroidery machine with a medium square field for home décor, garments and monograms. Not for anyone who needs a field longer than 7.9 in (200 mm), or a machine that also sews.
About $1,399–$1,699 new (checked October 2026)
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8. Brother VM5200
Sewing and embroidery · 8 × 12 in (200 × 300 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST
Brother's Essence Innov-is sewing, embroidery and quilting combo. It has an 8 × 12 in (200 × 300 mm) embroidery field, 318 built-in designs, 17 embroidery fonts and 715 sewing stitches. There is no Wi-Fi: designs load by USB only, and no cap frame.
Who it suits: A fit for sewists and quilters who want one machine for everyday sewing plus large embroidery such as jacket backs, quilt blocks and big appliqué, and who are fine moving designs by USB. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi or an app, need to embroider finished hats, or plan to run orders in volume.
About $5,499–$5,500 new (checked October 2026)
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9. bernette b79
Sewing and embroidery · 10 × 6 in (260 × 160 mm) field · .EXP, .PES, .DST, .PEC, .JEF, .VP3, .VIP, .HUS, .ZHS
bernette's sewing and embroidery combo with a large 10.2 × 6.3 in (260 × 160 mm) embroidery field, 208 built-in designs, 500 sewing stitches and a 5-inch touchscreen. Designs load by USB only: no Wi-Fi is listed, and it has no cap frame.
Who it suits: Sewists who want one machine for garment sewing, quilting and embroidery up to about 10 × 6 in without moving to a multi-needle machine. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi transfer, finished hats or fast production, since it has one needle.
About $2,299–$2,999 new (checked October 2026)
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10. Brother Stellaire XE1
Embroidery only · 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN · Wi-Fi
Brother's first-generation Stellaire embroidery-only machine (2019). It has a 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) field, 727 built-in designs, a 10.1 in touchscreen, up to 1,050 stitches per minute and wifi. It does not sew, and Brother lists no cap frame.
Who it suits: A fit for serious hobbyists and home businesses that want a very large single-needle field and wifi. Skip it if you want one machine that also sews (Brother's XJ1 adds sewing) or need a multi-needle machine for production.
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11. Janome Skyline S9
Sewing and embroidery · 6.7 × 8 in (170 × 200 mm) field · .JEF, .JEF+ · Wi-Fi
Janome's sewing, quilting and embroidery combo in the Skyline line. It has a 6.7 × 7.9 in (170 × 200 mm) embroidery field, 250 built-in designs, 300 sewing stitches and wireless transfer. The limits: one needle, no cap frame, and a price well above entry-level combos.
Who it suits: A fit for sewists and quilters who want one machine for sewing, quilting and mid-size embroidery up to 6.7 × 7.9 in. Skip it if you mainly embroider and want a lower price, a multi-needle machine, or finished hats.
About $3,999–$4,999 new (checked October 2026)
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12. bernette b70 DECO
Embroidery only · 10 × 6 in (260 × 160 mm) field · .VP3, .VIP, .PEC, .HUS, .DST, .EXP, .JEF, .PES
bernette's embroidery-only machine with a large 10.2 × 6.3 in (260 × 160 mm) field, 208 built-in designs, 7 alphabets and a 5-inch touchscreen. Designs load by USB only, and it has no Wi-Fi, no sewing stitches and no cap frame.
Who it suits: A fit for someone who already sews on another machine and wants a dedicated embroidery machine with a roomy 10 × 6 in field and an on-screen editor. Skip it if you want one machine that also sews (look at the b79), need Wi-Fi, or want to embroider finished hats.
About $1,699 new (checked October 2026)
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13. Brother NQ3700D
Sewing and embroidery · 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PEN, .DST · Wi-Fi
A sewing and embroidery combo with a 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) embroidery field, 313 built-in designs (55 Disney/Pixar), 291 sewing stitches and Wi-Fi. It is single-needle, has no official cap frame, and reads PES, PHC, PEN and DST files.
Who it suits: A fit for sewists who want one machine for everyday sewing and quilting plus bigger embroidery than the usual 5 × 7 in field, such as large designs and combined layouts. Skip it if you only want to embroider (the NQ1700E has the same field without sewing), want to embroider finished caps, or plan to embroider in volume.
About $3,999–$4,999 new (checked October 2026)
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14. Brother Luminaire XP3
Sewing and embroidery · 10.7 × 16.1 in (272 × 408 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN · Wi-Fi
A high-end Brother sewing, embroidery and quilting combo. It has a 10 5/8 × 16 in (272 × 408 mm) embroidery field, four hoops in the box, 1,554 built-in designs, 869 stitches, a stitch-preview projector and Wi-Fi. The price is the main limit.
Who it suits: A fit for serious hobbyists, quilters and home businesses that want very large embroidery and full sewing on one machine. Skip it if you only stitch small designs, want a low price, or need a multi-needle machine for volume.
About $20,999 new (checked October 2026)
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15. Baby Lock Flare
Embroidery only · 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST · Wi-Fi
Embroidery-only, single-needle machine with a 6-1/4 × 10-1/4 in (160 × 260 mm) field, 293 built-in designs, Wi-Fi for Design Database Transfer and a color touch screen. It does not sew and has no cap frame. Top speed is 850 stitches per minute.
Who it suits: A home embroiderer who wants a field larger than 5 × 7 in and wireless design transfer at a single-needle price. Skip it if you need hats, a machine that also sews, or automatic color changes.
About $2,299–$2,529 new (checked October 2026)
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
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16. Baby Lock Vesta
Sewing and embroidery · 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .DST · Wi-Fi
Baby Lock's single-needle sewing and embroidery combo with a large 6-1/4 × 10-1/4 in (160 × 260 mm) field, 293 built-in designs, 301 stitches and Wi-Fi design transfer. It reads PES, PHC and DST files. Baby Lock lists no cap frame and no phone app.
Who it suits: A sewer who wants one machine that sews and embroiders designs bigger than 5 × 7 in, with wireless transfer from a PC. Skip it if you want finished hats, a phone app or automatic color changes.
About $3,365–$3,599 new (checked October 2026)
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
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17. Pfaff creative 4.5
Sewing and embroidery · 14 × 13.8 in (360 × 350 mm) field · .VP3
Pfaff's sewing and embroidery combo with a 14.2 × 13.8 in (360 × 350 mm) embroidery field, 480 stitches, 270 built-in designs and a 5.7 in touch screen. Three hoops come in the box, the largest 360 × 200 mm. It has no Wi-Fi, only 3 embroidery fonts and no listed cap frame.
Who it suits: A fit for sewers who want large embroidery and a roomy machine with Pfaff's IDT even-feed system in one body, and who are happy to buy from Pfaff's store or a Pfaff dealer. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, a cap frame or a lower price.
About $6,989 new (checked October 2026)
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18. Bernina B 700 E
Embroidery only · 15.7 × 8.3 in (400 × 210 mm) field · .EXP, .DST, .PES, .PEC, .JEF, .PCS, .SEW, .XXX
Bernina's embroidery-only machine from the 7 Series. It stitches up to 15.7 × 8.3 in (400 × 210 mm) with the optional Maxi hoop, holds 320 built-in designs and runs up to 1,000 stitches per minute. It does not sew, and the largest hoops are extras.
Who it suits: A fit for serious home embroiderers and quilters who want large designs, such as jacket backs and borders, in one hooping and who already own a sewing machine. Skip it if you want one machine that also sews, finished hats, or high-volume work.
About $2,999 new (checked October 2026)
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19. Pfaff creative 3.0
Sewing and embroidery · 10 × 8 in (260 × 200 mm) field · .VP3, .VIP, .HUS, .SHV, .DHV, .PEC, .PES, .PCS, .XXX, .SEW, .JEF, .EXP, .DST
A Pfaff sewing and embroidery combo with a 10.2 × 7.9 in (260 × 200 mm) embroidery field, 157 built-in designs, 254 stitches and Pfaff's IDT even-feed system. Designs move in by USB stick only, and Pfaff lists no cap frame for it.
Who it suits: A good fit for sewers who want one roomy machine for garments, quilts and home decor, with an embroidery field bigger than the usual 5 × 7 in. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi or an app for sending designs, finished hats, or embroidery in volume.
About $3,599–$5,299 new (checked October 2026)
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20. Baby Lock Pathfinder
Embroidery only · 8 × 12 in (200 × 300 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PEC, .DST
Baby Lock's current embroidery-only machine with a big 8 × 12 in (200 × 300 mm) field. It stitches up to 1,050 stitches per minute, has 263 built-in designs and a 7 in touchscreen, and comes with two hoops. It has one needle, no sewing, no Wi-Fi and no cap frame.
Who it suits: A home embroiderer or small seller who wants a large single-needle field for big designs, quilt blocks and border runs, and who already has a separate machine for sewing. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, hats, or a machine that also sews.
About $4,084–$4,299 new (checked October 2026)
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
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21. Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 2
Sewing and embroidery · 17.7 × 17.7 in (450 × 450 mm) field · .VP3, .SHV, .VIP, .HUS, .PEC, .PES, .PCS, .XXX, .SEW, .JEF, .EXP, .DST · Wi-Fi
A high-end single-needle sewing and embroidery combo from Husqvarna Viking: 840 stitches, over 750 built-in designs, up to 1,000 stitches per minute and a 14.2 × 10.2 in (360 × 260 mm) hoop in the box. The big optional hoop, laser guide and price are the draw and the limit.
Who it suits: Embroiderers and quilters who want one single-needle machine for sewing and for large designs, with the optional Mega Turnable hoop for the biggest ones. Skip it if you mostly stitch small designs, want multi-needle production speed, or need a price near a typical home combo.
About $17,999 new (checked October 2026)
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22. Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby 90
Sewing and embroidery · 14 × 13.8 in (360 × 350 mm) field · .VP3, .SHV, .DHV, .VIP, .HUS, .PEC, .PES, .PCS, .XXX, .SEW, .JEF, .EXP, .DST · Wi-Fi
A large-format sewing and embroidery combo from Husqvarna Viking: a 14¼ × 13¾ in (360 × 350 mm) top hoop size, 817 stitches, 651 built-in designs, a 10.1 in touchscreen and Wi-Fi. The big field is the draw; the single needle, the weight and the five-figure price are the limits.
Who it suits: Embroiderers and quilters who want one single-needle machine for sewing and for large designs, up to 14¼ × 13¾ in with the optional Majestic hoop. Skip it if you mostly stitch small designs, want multi-needle production speed, or need a machine near the price of a typical home combo.
About $16,999 new (checked October 2026)
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23. Poolin EOC06
Embroidery only · 8 × 11 in (200 × 280 mm) field · .DST, .DSB
Embroidery-only machine from Poolin with a 7.9 × 11 in (200 × 280 mm) field, 156 built-in designs and a top speed of 860 stitches per minute. It loads DST and DSB files by USB. The field is large for a home machine, but there is no cap frame and no sewing.
Who it suits: A home or small-business embroiderer who wants a large 7.9 × 11 in field on a single machine. Skip it if you need finished hats, a machine that also sews, or PES files without converting them first.
About $1,059–$1,299 new (checked October 2026)
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24. Baby Lock Altair 2
Sewing and embroidery · 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PEC, .DST · Wi-Fi
A high-end single-needle sewing and embroidery machine from Baby Lock. It has a 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) embroidery field, four hoops in the box, a 10.1 in touchscreen and photo-based design placement through an app. It costs a lot and Baby Lock lists no cap frame.
Who it suits: A fit for experienced home embroiderers and quilters who want one machine for big designs and full-size sewing, and who will use the placement and design tools. Skip it if you want a low price, hats, or fast color changes on a multi-needle machine.
About $10,284–$10,999 new (checked October 2026)
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
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25. Baby Lock Meridian 2
Embroidery only · 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PEC, .DST · Wi-Fi
Baby Lock's single-needle embroidery-only machine with a large 9-1/2 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) field, 534 built-in designs and Wi-Fi. A camera app helps you place designs on the fabric. It tops out at 1,050 stitches per minute and has no cap frame.
Who it suits: A good fit for embroiderers and quilters who want a big single-hooping field, a placement app and wireless transfer from one single-needle machine. Skip it if you want hats, a machine that also sews, or a smaller budget.
About $7,947–$8,499 new (checked October 2026)
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
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26. Bernina B 880 PLUS
Sewing and embroidery · 15.7 × 10 in (400 × 260 mm) field · .EXP, .DST, .PES, .PEC, .JEF, .SEW, .PCS, .XXX
Bernina's top-tier sewing, quilting and embroidery machine. It has a 15.7 × 10.2 in (400 × 260 mm) embroidery field, 462 built-in designs, a 7 in touchscreen and up to 1,000 stitches per minute. The large hoops are extras, and it is single-needle.
Who it suits: Experienced sewists and quilters who want one premium machine that sews, quilts and embroiders large designs. Skip it if you only want small monograms on a budget, or if you plan to embroider in volume, where a multi-needle machine suits better.
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27. Brother Stellaire XE2
Embroidery only · 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) field · .PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN · Wi-Fi
Brother's current embroidery-only Stellaire2 model: 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm) field, 889 built-in designs (101 Disney/Pixar), 26 fonts, a 10.1 in touchscreen and up to 1,050 stitches per minute. Reads PES, PHC, PHX, DST and PEN, with wifi. It does not sew.
Who it suits: A fit for serious hobbyists and home businesses that want a very large single-needle field and wifi. Skip it if you want to sew on the same machine (Brother's XJ2 does both) or need a multi-needle machine for production.
About $8,449–$8,500 new (checked October 2026)
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28. Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC 3
Sewing and embroidery · 18.1 × 17.7 in (460 × 450 mm) field · .VP4, .VP3, .SHV, .DHV, .VIP, .HUS, .PEC, .PES, .PCS, .XXX, .SEW, .JEF, .EXP, .DST · Wi-Fi
Husqvarna Viking's top sewing and embroidery combo. With the optional turnable hoop it stitches a 460 × 450 mm (18.1 × 17.7 in) area. It has 912 built-in designs, 871 stitches, a 10.1 in touchscreen, Wi-Fi and USB. It is single-needle, sold through dealers, and costs far more than most home combos.
Who it suits: For serious home embroiderers and quilters who want very large designs, on-fabric projection and hoop scanning in one machine, and who are ready to pay for it. Skip it if you stitch mostly small designs, need a cap frame, or want a multi-needle machine for production.
About $23,999–$25,999 new (checked October 2026)
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29. 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.
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30. 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.
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31. 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.
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32. 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.
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33. 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.
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34. 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.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
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
What size is a left-chest embroidery design?
Usually about 3 to 4 in (75–100 mm) wide and up to about 3.5 in tall, placed roughly 7 to 9 in below the shoulder seam on adult shirts.
Can I embroider a hoodie on a home embroidery machine?
Yes. Hoop the front panel with cut-away stabilizer and roll or clip the rest of the hoodie away from the needle. Very thick hoodies are easier with a magnetic hoop or a free-arm machine.
What stabilizer is best for t-shirts?
A cut-away stabilizer, often a soft no-show mesh, because knit fabric stretches and tear-away leaves designs that distort after washing.