Embroidery Machine Guide

Ricoma · Multi-needle · Specs checked October 2026

Ricoma MT-1501: hoop size, file formats and specs

Also written: MT1501, MT 1501, Marquee 15-Needle, Ricoma Marquee 15 needle

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).

The Ricoma MT-1501 is a 15-needle embroidery machine with a 19.7 × 14 in (500 × 360 mm) embroidery field. It reads .DST files and gets designs by USB stick or Wi-Fi or USB cable to a computer.

MT-1501 hoop size and embroidery area

The MT-1501 can stitch a design up to 19.7 × 14 in (500 × 360 mm) in one hooping, which is the 9.5 × 14 in size. That is the field limit: a larger hoop from another maker will not let it stitch a bigger area.

MT-1501 field8 × 126 × 105 × 74 × 4
The MT-1501 field (filled) next to standard hoop sizes, drawn to scale.

In the box: Hoop A (3.5 × 3.5 in) (3.5 × 3.5 in (90 × 90 mm)), Hoop B (4.7 × 4.7 in) (4.7 × 4.7 in (120 × 120 mm)), Hoop C (5.9 × 5.9 in) (5.9 × 5.9 in (150 × 150 mm)), Hoop D (7.5 × 7.5 in) (7.5 × 7.5 in (190 × 190 mm)), Hoop E (11.4 × 11.4 in) (11.4 × 11.4 in (290 × 290 mm)), Hoop F, oval (listed as 21.3 × 14.2 in) (19.7 × 14 in (500 × 360 mm)).

Optional from Ricoma: Mighty Hoop 5.5 × 5.5 in magnetic hoop (starter kit) (5.5 × 5.5 in (140 × 140 mm)).

Fits in one hooping at typical size: left chest, full front, full back, pocket, sleeve, cap front, cap side and back, beanie, towel, baby onesie, baby bib, tote bag, pillow cover, quilt block, patch.

Check if your design fits the MT-1501

What file format does the MT-1501 use?

The MT-1501 reads .DST files. You load designs by USB stick or Wi-Fi or USB cable to a computer. Designs in other formats (for example .JEF or .EXP) need converting first with embroidery software.

Where to buy the Ricoma MT-1501

About $9,569–$11,969 new (checked October 2026)

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Ricoma MT-1501 specs

TypeMulti-needle (15 needles)
Embroidery field19.7 × 14 in (500 × 360 mm)
Hoops includedHoop A (3.5 × 3.5 in) (3.5 × 3.5 in (90 × 90 mm)); Hoop B (4.7 × 4.7 in) (4.7 × 4.7 in (120 × 120 mm)); Hoop C (5.9 × 5.9 in) (5.9 × 5.9 in (150 × 150 mm)); Hoop D (7.5 × 7.5 in) (7.5 × 7.5 in (190 × 190 mm)); Hoop E (11.4 × 11.4 in) (11.4 × 11.4 in (290 × 290 mm)); Hoop F, oval (listed as 21.3 × 14.2 in) (19.7 × 14 in (500 × 360 mm))
Optional hoopsMighty Hoop 5.5 × 5.5 in magnetic hoop (starter kit) (5.5 × 5.5 in (140 × 140 mm))
Cap frameAvailable
File formats it reads.DST
Design transferUSB stick or Wi-Fi or USB cable to a computer
Screen10.1 in, colour, touch screen
Max embroidery speed1200 stitches per minute
Weight320 lb (145.2 kg)
StatusSold new
Typical priceAbout $9,569–$11,969 new (checked October 2026)
Skill levelAdvanced

Who the MT-1501 is for

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.

Strengths

  • 15 needles, so up to 15 thread colors are loaded at once and color changes happen automatically
  • Large field of 19.7 × 14.2 in (500 × 360 mm), far bigger than a home machine
  • Runs at up to 1,200 stitches per minute
  • Ricoma lists 11 hoops, 2 cap rings, 1 cap driver and a hoop station in the box, with 270° cap rotation
  • 10.1 in color touchscreen, memory for 100 million stitches or 1,000 designs, and USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections

Limits

  • Ricoma's spec list names DST as the only design file format, so designs in other formats need converting first
  • Heavy and tall: about 320 lb (145 kg) and 63 in (160 cm) high, so it needs a dedicated workspace
  • Ricoma's page gives no cap embroidery area, so check the cap size you need before buying
  • Single head, so it embroiders one item at a time; Ricoma sells two-head and three-head Marquee models for volume

Good to know: Ricoma lists the maximum embroidery area as 19.7 × 14.2 in (500 × 360 mm). The same page lists Hoop F, an oval hoop, at 21.3 × 14.2 in, which is wider than that area, so it is treated here as the outer frame and the hoop is entered at the full field size. Ricoma gives hoop sizes in inches only; the millimetre values here are rounded to the nearest 10 mm. The page says 11 hoops come with the machine but names only six sizes (A to F). Ricoma's page also lists a 5.5 × 5.5 in magnetic Mighty Hoop starter kit, but it gives conflicting details on which bundle includes it, so it is shown as optional; Ricoma says Mighty Hoops stitch a little smaller than their advertised size. The 2 cap rings and cap driver are listed without a cap stitch area. Ricoma lists USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections and mentions its Chroma digitizing software for wireless design transfer. MT-1501 is the SKU on Ricoma's Marquee 15-Needle page, which names no earlier model. Price figures come from Ricoma's own Core and Ultra bundle prices, not from a retailer. Ricoma sells the machine with a limited warranty and support package.

Listed in our buying guides

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ricoma MT-1501?

MT-1501 is the SKU for Ricoma's Marquee 15-Needle Commercial Embroidery Machine. It is a single-head machine with 15 needles, a 10.1 in touchscreen and a 19.7 × 14.2 in (500 × 360 mm) embroidery area.

What is the embroidery area of the Ricoma MT-1501?

Ricoma lists a maximum embroidery area of 19.7 × 14.2 in (500 × 360 mm). It lists six hoop sizes from 3.5 × 3.5 in (90 × 90 mm) up to a large oval hoop for the full field.

What file formats does the Ricoma MT-1501 read?

Ricoma's spec list names DST only. Designs go in by USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and Ricoma mentions its Chroma digitizing software for wireless transfers.

Can the Ricoma MT-1501 embroider hats?

Yes. It comes with 2 cap rings and 1 cap driver, and Ricoma lists 270° cap rotation. Ricoma's page does not give the maximum cap embroidery area.

How fast is the Ricoma MT-1501?

Ricoma lists a top speed of 1,200 stitches per minute. With 15 needles, it can hold up to 15 thread colors at once.

Sources

Specs come from Ricoma's own pages and manuals, checked October 2026. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. We are not affiliated with Ricoma. See how we research.