The top best embroidery sewing machine for t-shirts and hoodies may be challenging to choose, whether you’re a novice or an expert embroiderer.
There are several T-shirt embroidery machines available, and there are many little details to consider while embroidering shirts.
Here, I’ll examine a few of the top 3 T-shirt embroidery machines for 2023 and offer advice on which one to get based on the characteristics you need in an embroidery machine.
How I Recommend What To Buy
My goal is to help you find the best sewing resource for your requirements. I do the legwork to ensure you get the most for your money, whether you’re shopping for high-end gear or the bare essentials.
I consult experts, sewists, teachers, and/or craftspeople, and family members who are also sewists; I scour the Internet for information on how sewing supplies are used; I read customer reviews by real users; and, of course, I rely on my own accumulated expertise as a sewist.
Features of the Top Best T-Shirt Embroidery Sewing Machines & Your Individual Objectives
The top best T-shirt embroidery sewing machines are designed to provide the highest level of precision and quality for embroidering on T-shirts and other garments. These machines are capable of creating intricate designs with multiple colors and thread types, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities.
They are typically equipped with automated features like automatic thread cutting, needle threading, and tension adjustment, making them easy to use and maintain. Additionally, these machines are designed for durability and reliability, ensuring that your embroidery projects will stand the test of time.
Whether you are looking for a professional quality machine or something more economical, there are a variety of options available to suit your individual objectives.
Are you only a casual baby onesies embroiderer or a potential house-based embroidery business? Here are some embroidery machine features to take into account before making your purchase.
- Combo vs. Machines That Only Embroider
The best machine is one that can sew and embroider.
That means you can use your machine to create other DIY in addition to embroidering or monogramming clothes.
On the other hand, a machine that only embroiders is just good for embroidery. If you want to sew, then you need a different machine, such as a sewing machine.
One significant benefit of a combination machine is that having only one machine rather than two saves space. The largest drawback, though, is the price hike that will occur if you purchase a 2-in-1 machine but only want to embroider.
- Embroidery area and hoop size -maximum sizes of hoop
One of the main variations between many t-shirt embroidery machines is embroidery hoop size, which could make a difference in your choice of machine.
There is a maximum hoop size and a somewhat smaller maximum embroidery area that comes with every embroidery machine. The size of a design you can stitch at once is constrained by the hoop size.
For instance, a 5′′x7′′ embroidery machine will only stitch a design that is 5′′x7′′ in size in a single pass. If your design is larger, you’ll need to use software to divide it into pieces, then rehoop your shirt or use a repositional hoop between stitching each portion.
The smallest embroidered fields, which start at 4×4, are found on the most affordable embroidery machines. Having a larger hoop size will make things secure as you can always embroider a smaller design.
To avoid time in rehooping, if your budget allows, think about purchasing at least a 5′′x7′′ hoop.
Although rehooping is not the end of the world, it can take some effort to get everything just right. But there’s no need to spend a fortune if you merely intend to embroider modest logos or patches on t-shirts for your business.
Just remember, you might find it useful to have a smaller hoop on hand even if you select an embroidery machine with a large hoop size.
It is nearly impossible to hoop onesies or little toddler blouses with gigantic hoops. Additionally, you’ll discover that utilizing a smaller hoop makes it simpler to center and align little designs.
- Manual Thread Changes VS Commercial Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine
Are you wanting to establish a home embroidery business or do you wish to sew shirts for your kids or grandchildren as a hobby? While hobbyists might not require the most cutting-edge equipment, time is money for those hoping to make a living through embroidery.
On a single-needle embroidery machine, thick designs in many colors can take a very long time to stitch. It takes considerably longer because you have to stop and switch threads after each color.
A multi-needle machine is simply put – more expensive. However, if you intend to sell your designs on a commercial basis, investing in a multi-needle embroidery machine can make sense.
Without having to manually change threads, you may set up a multi-needle embroidery machine to embroider with multiple colors at once.
- Embellishment Free Arm
You should opt for an embroidery machine with a free arm if you wish to place an embroidery design on shirt cuffs or pockets but have problems hooping a single layer.
This feature is standard on multi-needle embroidery machines and that makes it SO MUCH EASIER to access tight spaces like cuffs, pockets, and even tiny onesies.
There are a few single-needle embroidery machines with free arms as well, but they cost almost as much as inexpensive multi-needle machines!
- Embroidery Speed
Your project will take longer to complete on a slow-speed embroidery machine. While more expensive, a newer, faster embroidery machine completes work more quickly.
On my sister’s Janome embroidery machine, a simple 4′′x4′′ single-color monogram or applique takes around 5 minutes to accomplish. You can spend more than an hour embroidering a single large design if there are several thread changes in a densely embroidered pattern and you need to rehoop and separate motifs.
If you enjoy the process and only embroider for enjoyment, not for money, a slow, single-needle machine is often good enough if you want to try your hand at commercial embroidering. However, it won’t be sufficient to meet the demands of your business if your uniquely designed embroidered t-shirts suddenly become a Tik Tok sensation.
- Jump Stitch Trimming: Automatic vs. Manual TeachYouToSew.com
Manually trimming jump stitches is anyone’s least favorite aspect of embroidering. Trimming those little items requires exceptional dexterity and vision!
Many patterns you buy will reduce jump stitches, but you will end up with more if you auto-digitize rather than hand-digitize your design.
A machine with automatic jump stitch trimming is a MASSIVE time saver if you anticipate working on complex, multicolored designs. However, the majority of entry-level t-shirt embroidery machines won’t have this function. They include at least automatic thread trimming, which is useful, at the end of each color.
Reviews of the top best embroidery sewing machines for shirts and hoodies
Top Best Embroidery Sewing Machines for Tshirts
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy any shirt embroidery machine from a nearby sewing machine or embroidery machine retailer if your spending limit is over $5000.
For instance, buying online is more difficult than looking locally if you’re looking for commercial, professional multi-needle, or multi-head machines.
Additionally, you can’t test out the equipment in person before you buy it online and learn about its subtleties. It’s best that you take the machine for a test run using a test t-shirt, stabilizer, and one of your designs.
Now, the three top best embroidery sewing machines for t-shirts listed below are pricey but well worth the money.,
Embroidery machine, Brother PE800 Review TeachYouToSew.com
(Best Cheap Home Shirt Embroidery Machine)
Brother PE800, One Size, 5×7 Embroidery Machine, White
- 138 Built-in designs: Featuring 138 built-in embroidery designs including scrollwork, florals and quilt patterns, the PE800 has numerous options to allow your creativity to flourish
- 11 Built-in fonts: 7 English, 3 Japanese, and 1 Cyrillic font styles are perfect for monogramming and lettering
- USB Port: The PE800’s USB port allows you to import your embroidery designs into your machine’s built-in memory
- Large color touchscreen: The large 3.2″ inch LCD color touchscreen allows you to preview your designs before embroidering
- 5″ X 7″ Embroidery field: This embroidery-only machine comes with an embroidery foot and a 5″ x 7″ inch embroidery hoop perfect for stitching larger designs
- This product is intended for sale only in the US at 120 volts, and any other use or sale voids the warranty.
A fantastic basic Brother embroidery-only machine is the Brother PE800. It won’t allow you to stitch, but it’s a strong embroidery machine at a reasonable price.
Because of its 5′′x7′′ maximum embroidery size, most medium-sized designs can be embroidered with little design splitting or rehooping. You can also add a 5″ x 12″ repositionable hoop to your order.
Then, all you have to do is use software to divide a design into two parts and reposition just the hoop in the smaller hoop rather than the shirt. Consider buying some smaller hoops to switch out so you may use a lower hoop size on smaller designs or children’s clothes.
Although the Brother PE800 embroidery machine has 138 pre-loaded designs, you’ll probably want to import your own designs before you begin creating shirts. So, on the side of the embroidery machine, is a USB port, where you can offload any design you like.
Additionally, 11 fonts are supplied. In order to further individualize your fonts, you may want to have your own embroidery program as these fonts are available in tiny, medium, and big sizes. It also comes with 10 frame forms and 14 border patterns.
I think having a color LCD touchscreen in a shirt embroidery machine is another advantage,, and the Brother PE800 has one. On-screen pattern modification is also possible. The fundamental editing features are:
Up to a maximum size of 5′′x7′′, you can alter the design’s size proportionally.
Mirror the image horizontally.
Combine and switch up the looks
Change the color of the threads and use a colored preview
Modify the thread density
Include letters in an arc.
It has improved needle threading equipment, automated thread tension, and a thread trimmer that trims the ends of each color rather than jump stitches.
It has a top-drop, quick-set bobbin, much like all of the Brother embroidery machines in this list of the best t-shirt embroidery machines. When a bobbin is quick-set, the machine automatically pulls the bobbin thread up for you. Using the instructions on the machine’s base, the bobbin is simply set up after being dropped in from the top of the workspace.
This t-shirt embroidery machine price is the lowest you will find for a machine that can do automatic buttonhole placement.
Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery Machine
- Remote Computer Screen (RCS): The Remote Computer Screen (RCS) gives you total set-up and editing control with up to 65,536 colors. One RCS can power many machines, saving the cost of additional controllers
- LED Light: The LED Light offers precise lighting for outstanding results | On Board Control: The MB-4S includes an on-board sub-control device. You can use it without the controller! The MB-4S also includes 3 MB of memory which can store up to 1,500,000 stitches or up to 100 designs
- Automatic Thread Cutter: The MB-4S automatically cuts jump threads – even between letters – saving you time and hassle. Dedicated Bobbin Winding Motor: This feature – not found on professional machines – winds new bobbins even while the machine is stitching a design
- 4 Needle Commercial Machine
- Bonus Package Includes: Janome MB-4S Hat Hoop (100mm x 60mm), Janome Lettering Hoop Holder Unit, Janome No.7 Lettering Hoop J8 (25 x 121), Janome No. 9 Lettering Hoop J6 (66 x 66). *Items may be substituted and are subject to stock on hand. Packing might vary
The Janome Memory Craft computerized embroidery machine is an incredible industrial t-shirt sewing machine. machine. I think of it as the Rolls Royce of computerized machines with a price to match. I can dream can’t I?
The Remote Computer Screen (RCS) on the Janome MB-4S allows for full customization of the machine’s settings and editing capabilities from a distance.
This embroidery machine for t-shirts has a number of handy features, including :
- an on-screen editor for making last-minute adjustments,
2. a stitch counter to determine when to cut the thread,
3. a tracing feature for identifying the embroidery area to prevent frequent bobbin changes,
4. sensors on the upper thread and presser foot to improve the look of the designs.
This is the type of embroidery sewing machine for T-shirts you want if you are serious about a home business.
Janome MB-7 Seven-Needle Embroidery Machine
- The MB-7 is the perfect tool to help you conquer your next embroidery project. This innovative machine is built to work with embroidery formats used by industry professionals such as .jef+, .jef and .dst.
- With 50 built-in embroidery designs and 10 fonts for monogramming, a USB port to easily import designs and a maximum speed of 800 SPM, the possibilities are endless All embroidery operations are noticeably faster and smoother on the MB-7. You will be impressed with your project’s professional-finished results
- All embroidery operations are noticeably faster and smoother on the MB-7. You will be impressed with your project’s professional-finished results
- 7-needle embroidery machine | 6 white LED lamps | 2 and 3 letter monogramming function | Auto return post thread break | Stitch-out time indicator | Embroidery area tracing | 5.7″ Remote Computer Screen (RCS) | 50 built-in designs | Maximum embroidery size: 9.4″ x 7.9″ / 238mm x 200mm
- Exclusive Bonus Package Includes: Arrow Ava Embroidery Cabinet. Cabinet specs: 4 shelves on the side provide ample storage for 28 embroidery spools. 4 large industrial casters allow Ava to be moved with ease, but also lock down for extra stability. Dimensions: 35-1/2″ W x 23-1/2″ D X 35″ H 2 Drawer Dimensions: 26-3/4″ W x 16″ D x 2″ H Single Drawer Dimensions: 13″ W x 16-1/4″ D x 5-1/2″ H 2 Cubby Dimensions: 13″ W x 22-3/4″ D x 7″ Side Storage Shelf Dimensions: 3-1/4″ W x 21-3/4″ D x 6″ H
This Janome multi-needle embroidery machine is a good investment if you plan to cash in on the current embroidery trend by selling your designs online. The seven needle heads can be pre-threaded to facilitate rapid multicolor embroidery.
This machine has a maximum embroidery size of 9.4″ x 7.9″ and a USB port for importing designs in a wide variety of formats. It can’t sew because it’s a multi-needle machine. However, your clothing will look comparable to commercial products
Customer reviews consistently highlight the machine’s large LCD display, separate bobbin winder (which lets you wind bobbins even as the machine embroiders), and abundance of free extras.
- Sewing Features: 200 built-in stitches, 6 one-step buttonholes, Automatic thread tension, Built-in needle threader, Memorized needle up/down, One-step needle plate conversion, 7 Piece Feed Dog, Free arm, Drop feed, LCD full color touchscreen
- Embroidery Features: 175 built-in embroidery designs, 2 fonts with European characters, 2 and 3 letter monogramming function, USB design transfer, Flexible stitch travelling by units of 1, 10, and 100, Editing functions
- Start/Stop button, Automatic Thread Cutter with Memory Function. Memory Capability: up to 3MB of Storage, Maximum Stitch Length: 5mm, 200 Built-in Stitches, Memorized Needle Up/Down
- Speed Control Slider, Full Intensity Lighting System with 5 white LED Lamps in 3 Locations, 2 & 3 Letter Monogramming Function, Embroidery Sewing Speed: 60 – 800 spm, Programmable Jump Thread Trimming, Thread Brand Selection: Janome, Guterman, Sulky, Madeira, Robison-Anton, Mettler, Fujix Twin needle guard Auto declutch bobbin winder Foot pressure adjustment Sewing speeds up to 1,000 spm Easy Set Bobbin
- Embroidery Format: .JEF, .JEF+, Flexible Stitch Travelling by units of 1, 10, and 100, Standard Hoops: RE20a: 6.7″ x 7.9″ , SQ14a: 5.5″ x 5.5″, 6 One-step Buttonholes, AcuGuide Automatic Cloth Guide, One-step Needle Plate Conversion, Drop Feed, Easy Reverse Button, Extra High Presser Foot Lift, Locking Stitch Button, Maximum Stitch Width: 9mm, Sewing Application Support with on-Screen Help, Bobbin Winder with Plate and Cutting Blade
As a bonus selection, another great choice for those wanting to buy an embroidery machine for t-shirts and hoodies is the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 Embroidery and Sewing Machine. This machine can handle a wide range of projects, from quilting and sewing to applique and embroidery.
The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000 is a multi-needle machine that can do up to 12 colors of embroidery at once. It also has a large workspace with lots of room for quilting and sewing projects.
The machine also has an advanced stitch system, a USB port for connection to your computer, and a built-in LCD screen that allows you to control the embroidery process.
FAQ
You need a stabilizer, such as a cutaway product, to prevent your design from stretching as you embroider. You can use an adhesive spray to attach the stabilizer if you don’t want to iron it on as a different method. .
Polymesh is an invisible stabilizer that won’t show through the T-shirt. It keeps your design aligned properly.
Polyester or rayon threads are the best choices. You should avoid cotton thread as it will break and fray.
You might be interested in these articles:
