How much does an embroidery machine cost

Embroidery machine price classes

The biggest price driver is the size of the embroidery field, followed by the number of needles. The table groups current listings by class. Bundles with extra hoops and thread sit at the top of each range.

What you get at each level

Small field machines stitch designs up to about 4 x 4 inches (100 x 100 mm). That covers monograms, small logos and patches. Listings on Amazon for the Brother PE545 and SE700 range from about $500 to $680, with the SE700 adding regular sewing. The Brother Skitch is listed at about $304 and is a compact, app-driven machine.

5x7 machines are where most hobbyists settle. A 5 x 7 inch field (130 x 180 mm) fits most shirt, tote and towel designs. Listings range from about $800 for the Singer SE9180 and Janome Memory Craft 100e to about $1,700 for Brother SE2000 bundles. Combo models like the SE1900 and SE2000 also sew.

Large hoop single-needle machines stitch 6 x 10 inch designs and larger, which suits jacket backs, quilt blocks and big lettering. Brother NQ1700E listings are about $2,400 and NQ3550W listings about $3,000. Janome Memory Craft 500E listings run about $2,100 to $2,400.

Multi-needle machines hold several thread colors at once and change colors on their own, use tubular hoops for finished garments and caps, and run faster. They cost several thousand dollars. Listings on Amazon range from about $3,900 for a Smartstitch S-1001 to about $13,000 for a Brother PR680W.

Why embroidery machines are so expensive

An embroidery machine is a sewing machine plus a motorized X and Y carriage that moves the hoop with precision while the needle runs. The carriage needs stepper motors, rails and electronics that keep registration accurate across thousands of stitches, so outlines land on top of fills where they belong.

Bigger fields need longer rails and a stiffer frame, which raises the price quickly. Multi-needle machines add a needle bar for each color, automatic color changes, thread trimming and a frame built for long runs. Software, built-in designs, wireless transfer and touch screens add more.

The result is that two machines with similar sewing features can be thousands of dollars apart if one has a larger field or more needles. Compare the field size in millimeters, not just the hoop name, since outer hoop size and stitch field are different.

The costs on top of the machine

Many bundles include a starter thread set, hoops or bobbins, which can be worth more than the price difference over the base listing. Compare what is in the box, not just the headline price. The full starter list is in what you need to start machine embroidery.

• Stabilizer: cut-away, tear-away and wash-away types for different fabrics; see the stabilizer chart
• Embroidery thread: 40 wt rayon or polyester in many colors, plus bobbin thread; see machine embroidery thread weights
• Embroidery needles in 75/11 and 90/14
• Extra hoops in smaller sizes, or magnetic hoops for thick or delicate items
• Designs, bought individually or in bundles
• Editing or digitizing software if you want to create your own designs
• Small tools: curved snips, temporary spray adhesive, marking pens, a light box or template sheets

How to choose a price class

Start with the largest design you expect to stitch often. If that is a name or a small motif, a 4x4 machine is enough. If you want shirt fronts, tote bags and towels, choose 5x7. If you want jacket backs or large quilt blocks, look at 6x10 or larger. Use the embroidery hoop size guide to check real design sizes.

Next, think about volume. A single-needle machine needs you to change thread for every color. That is fine for gifts and hobby projects but slow for orders. If you plan to sell, read single-needle vs multi-needle embroidery machine and how much to charge for machine embroidery before you buy.

Finally, decide whether you want one machine that also sews. Combo machines save space and money compared with buying two machines, but you cannot sew and embroider at the same time.

See embroidery machines for beginners →

Frequently asked questions

How much is a good embroidery machine for a beginner? Most beginners buy a 4x4 or 5x7 single-needle machine. Listings on Amazon for those classes range from about $500 to $1,700, depending on hoop size and whether it also sews.

How much does a commercial embroidery machine cost? Multi-needle machines listed on Amazon range from about $3,900 to about $13,000, before stands, cap frames and software.

Is a combo sewing and embroidery machine worth it? It can be if you are short on space and sew lightly. See the best sewing and embroidery machines and embroidery machine vs sewing machine.

Why do bundles cost more than the base machine? Bundles add hoops, thread, bobbins, stabilizer or software. Check whether you need those items before paying for them.