The Best Commercial Embroidery Machines of 2023
Whether you run a large or small business, you’ll surely notice a difference in the products you’re able to create and how quickly you’re able to fulfill orders with a commercial machine.
We’ve compiled this review of the six best machines on the market this year. Let’s get into it!
Our Top List
Last update on 2023-03-24 at 15:28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. CAMFive EMB HT1501
The CAMFive is a powerful machine that can embroider on a variety of surfaces. In addition to performing well of flatter items, such as blankets, towels, and fabric, it also is able to embroider your custom designs on jackets, t-shirts, hats, and other clothing items. At 22 inches by 14 inches, the embroidery area offered by this product is much larger than you’ll find on most other models.
This product boasts an impressive 100 million-stitch memory capacity. It also features an eight-inch HD LCD touchscreen to make it easy for you to program and control the machine.
With this advanced machine, your design options are pretty much endless. It offers a design preview function which allows you to test the embroidery process without it actually stitching anything. This can help you confirm that your design fits on your garment and will be placed exactly where you want it to be.
I have found the instant punch feature to be very helpful. If you’re looking to embroider something simpler, such as a name, word, or number, you can type the text in on the touchscreen. You’re then able to customize the font and size and can even add a few special effects.
Once you’ve customized your text/design, press the button to start the embroidery. This feature just makes it so quick and easy to get a basic design embroidered onto your product. And, the best part is, you definitely don’t sacrifice quality as all of the designs have come out looking fantastic.
A few of the other great features offered by this machine include the USB port you can use to import your designs, your options to edit or combine designs using the control panel, and the 15 different needles that come with the machine.
Pros
- 100 million-stitch memory capacity
- Instant punch feature for embroidering text quickly
- Design preview function to test design placement
- 8-inch HD LCD touchscreen
Cons
- Pricy, especially for smaller businesses
2. Janome MB-7 Embroidery Machine
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With the MB-7 from Janome, you’ll find that transferring your designs to clothing items and other fabrics is simple and efficient. The designs you make will turn out very professional looking, ensuring your customers will be impressed with your work. It offers an embroidery area of 9.4 inches by 7.9 inches.
This product allows you to use a variety of embroidery formats including .jef, .jet+, and .dst. It has a USB port that you can use to import your custom designs. Additionally, this model comes preloaded with 10 fonts you can use for monogramming and 50 different embroidery designs.
There are seven different needles on this machine, allowing you to use up to seven thread colors for each project. It can complete as many as 800 stitches per minute, helping you quickly fulfill customer orders.
On the side of the machine is a 5.7-inch remote computer screen. Here, you’ll be able to access all of the preloaded designs and the information on your USB drive. The intuitive functionality of the computer screen helps you to get your projects started and completed quickly.
You can use this option to embroider on several fabric types including denim, upholstery, cotton, knits, line, plastic, and canvas. Some of the accessories you’ll receive when you purchase this item include a USB cable, spool pads, a jumbo metal bobbin, three embroidery hoops, and a seam ripper.
Pros
- Compatible with different embroidery formats
- Up to 800 stitches per minute
- Preloaded with 50 design and 10 fonts
Cons
- Foot pressure is not adjustable
3. Janome MB-4S
Another option you may want to consider, especially if you run a small business, is the Janome MB-4S. This is a four-needle machine that is designed to users produce quality embroidery work without slaving over a machine all day. It is compatible with a variety of different embroidery formats including .dst, .jef+, and .jef.
You can use this product with the standard Tajima hoops and the hoops available from Janome. It can sew up to 800 stitches each minute and features a programmable jump thread trimming. This model has an embroidery area of 9.4 inches by 7.9 inches.
50 pre-programmed designs and 10 monogramming fonts are included with this model. It also includes a USB port that you can use to transfer your designs. To help illuminate your design, there are four white LED lights to shine down on the work area.
Some of the editing functions offered by this product include rotating designs, enlarging or reducing the size of a design, dragging and dropping, zooming, combining designs, and more.
On the right side of the machine, you’ll find the 5.7-inch remote computer screen. This can help you select your desired design, make modifications, preview the designs, and start up the machine.
A metal bobbin, embroidery needles, a seam ripper, and three embroidery hoops are included with your purchase.
Pros
- Numerous editing functions
- LED lights illuminate the work area
- USB port to transfer designs
Cons
- May present a bit of a learning curve for new users
4. Janome Horizon Memory Craft 12000
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use machine that won’t make you sacrifice quality, consider the Janome Horizon Memory Craft. This product is capable of sewing up to 1,000 stitches per minute. It offers an embroidery area of 9.1 inches by 11.8 inches.
With this product, you can easily connect your computer in real-time using the USB port. This allows you to easily view your designs and make any modifications that are needed before setting the machine to work.
One of my favorite features of this product is the AcuFeed Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System. This system is such a lifesaver if you’re quilting, since it stops the bottom layer of fabric from feeding through at the same time as the top fabric layers.
This product is compatible with the .jef and .jef+ embroidery formats. It offers 425 built-in stitches, a built-in needle threader, and up to 4 MB of storage memory. There are also 338 built-in embroidery designs and 10 built-in fonts you can choose from.
A wide variety of accessories are included with your purchase. These include a zig-zag foot, rolled hem foot, darning foot, quilting guide bar, four embroidery hoops, and a bobbin holder.
Pros
- Can connect to your computer in real-time for editing designs
- AcuFeed Flex Layered Fabric Feeding System
- 338 built-in embroidery designs and 10 built-in fonts
Cons
- Pretty expensive
5. Janome Memory Craft 14000
The Janome Memory Craft has a lot to offer, so it is definitely another product you’ll want to consider. This powerfully little machine can set up to 1,000 stitches each minute and has a maximum hook size of 9.1 inches by 11.8 inches. Compared to many other products, this machine is user-friendly and intuitive to use, allowing you to learn the ropes quickly and get right to work with it.
When a computer is connected, you can view your designs and make any necessary edits in real-time. This product also comes loaded with 350 built-in designs and 11 monogramming fonts. The full-color LCD touchscreen makes it easy to navigate the different settings and options before beginning a project.
This is also a popular option for quilters and sewists. It offers 400 built-in stitches, a Variable Zig Zag setting, and AcuFeed Flex technology to help you remain in complete control as you work.
Numerous accessories are included when you purchase this option. These include four embroidery hoops, an AcuView Magnifier Holder, and a wide variety of foot attachments (including an embroidery foot, rolled hem foot, zipper foot, darning foot, zig-zag foot, and satin stitch foot),
Pros
- Pre-loaded with 11 monogramming fonts and 350 designs
- Offers 400 built-in stitch options
- Comes with Stitch Composer software program
Cons
- May be expensive for those starting a new business
6. MakeIT Industrial Embroidery Machine
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A final option you’ll definitely want to consider is MakeIT’s commercial machine. This impressive piece of equipment is able to sew up to 1,200 stitches each minute. It also includes an auto-variable speed mode to help ensure that the more intricate components of a design are given the attention and time they need.
This option includes an on-screen keyboard and offers 10 different fonts for lettering and monogramming. Another nice feature included on this model is the image-to-garment feature that is designed to simplify the process and reduce the time it takes to execute your designs. Your purchase of this product also includes 15 needles.
While this is a commercial option, it is more compact than many other similar products. This makes it easy to fit the machine in just about any workspace, allowing both small and larger businesses to reap the benefits it has to offer.
Pros
- On-screen keyboard
- Can sew up to 1,200 stitches each minute
- Offers an auto-variable speed mode
Cons
- Higher price point than the other products on our list
Verdict & Review
- 100 million-stitch memory capacity
- Instant punch feature for embroidering text quickly
- Design preview function to test design placement
- 8-inch HD LCD touchscreen
- Pricey, especially for smaller businesses
This machine makes it possible to embroider on many different surfaces from blankets to hats. It has a 100 million-stitch memory capacity, so you’ll be able to save all of your go-to designs for quick access when needed.
One of the very useful features offered by this product is the design preview function. With this function, you don’t need to worry about accidentally embroidering on the wrong section of a garment or misjudging how large your design is. You’ll be able to preview exactly where the design will be placed without any stitches being made.
Some of the other reasons we think you’ll love this machine include the instant punch feature for embroidering text, the machines 15 different needles, and the eight-inch HD LCD touchscreen. This embroidery machine truly is a gem!
Buying Guide
Finding the right commercial embroidery machine for your business can make all the difference. While there are so many different products available, each one is a little different and offers different features. Before making a purchase, you’ll want to consider these different features, think about how you plan to use the machine, and select a product that offers what is most important to you.
Our buying guide below is designed to help you identify the different features offered by commercial machines so you can make an informed decision and buy a product that you will be happy with.
Embroidery Field Area
One key item you’ll want to pay attention to before buying a machine is the size of the embroidery field. This determines how easily you’re able to embroider designs on materials of different sizes. You’ll want to think about the types and sizes of objects you work with and make sure you select a machine that will accommodate these items.
Embroidery Speed
Embroidery speed is another important factor to consider. Obviously, the speed of a machine impacts how many projects you’re able to complete. If you run a busy business, you’ll definitely want to look for a machine that offers a higher stitch rate per minute.
If possible, try to find a product that can sew at least 600 stitches each minute. Finding one that has the capability to sew up to 1,000 stitches can further increase your productivity and profitability.
Number of Needles
The number and types of needles included with a machine is important because it impacts the types of projects you can complete as well as the materials you can work with. Think about how you plan to use the machine you purchase and do some research to confirm the needles should work for your projects.
Built-In Designs and Fonts
Many products come with pre-loaded designs and fonts for monogramming. Especially if you think you’ll use these features, you’ll want to look closely at the different options. Some products only offer about 50 pre-loaded designs, while others may come with over 300 designs.
Connectivity
Scoping out the connectivity options of the different products you’re considering is also a good idea. Think about how easy it will be to access your designs. Some products connect directly to a computer, while other have a USB port you can use to access files saved on a USB drive.
Some machines even offer real-time connections. This would allow you to edit your designs on your computer while it is connected with the embroidery machine.
Compatible File Formats
If you already have created your own designs, you should pay close attention to the different file formats that are compatible with each option you’re considering. Different machines are compatible with different formats, and it would be a shame to purchase a machine that is not compatible with the file formats your designs are saved under.
Machine Size and Weight
If you have a more limited space or may need to move the machine regularly, you should also take note of its size and weight. Most commercial options weight quite a bit, so you should also consider where you’ll be placing it and confirm that the table or surface can support the weight of the machine.
Accessories
If there are special accessories you’ll want or need to complete different types of tasks, you may want to see if they are included in any of the models you’re considering. This could help save you money by preventing you from placing a separate order in the future.
Price
Price is always something to keep in mind when you are making an investment for your business. You don’t want to let it be the only deciding factor when choosing which machine to purchase, but you should think about how much you’ll use the machine and how long it should take you to make enough profit to cover your investment. Also, be sure to think about your current finances and avoid purchasing something that is going to set you back too much.
Included Warranties
Finally, look to see if the manufacturers offer any warranties to protect your purchase. Any commercial machine requires a large investment, and you want to be sure that your investment is protected in the event the machine malfunctions or does not perform as described.
FAQ
Most embroidery machines come with hoops of different sizes. The hoops correspond with the size of the designs you can embroider for a particular project. While a larger hoop could also work for a smaller embroidery project, a smaller hoop would not allow you to stitch a larger project.
Spending just a little extra to purchase quality thread is a good idea. This can help ensure that you are offering quality products to your customers.
There are different thread materials you can choose from based on the projects you’re completing and fabrics you’re working with. Some of these materials include cotton, nylon, polyester, and rayon.
If you’ve been having trouble with the thread on your machine breaking, there are a few different issues that could be to blame. One potential cause is an old needle. If a needle has become worn down, it is more likely to cause thread to break, so it might just be time to replace your needle.
Another potential cause is the tension not being adjusted properly. If the tension of the thread is too loose or too tight, it makes it more likely for the thread to snap.
Finally, inspect the thread that you are using. If it is damaged, you should purchase new thread.
You also should avoid using old thread since it may become degraded and break more easily. Be sure to store the thread for your machine is a dark and cool place to help preserve the thread and keep it from getting degraded before you even get the chance to use it.
You’ll likely find that the investment you make in a commercial machine is well worth it if you own an embroidery business or are looking to start one. Commercial machines make it much easier to quickly produce quality embroidered items for your customers. They have a much larger embroidery field, can sew many more stitches each minute than home machines, and may come with pre-loaded designs and fonts.
Commercial options are also designed to handle more frequent and heavy use than machines made for home use. If you try to use a non-commercial machine for your business, you are risking overusing it and can shorten its lifespan.
If you want to make your own designs to embroider on various fabrics, an embroidery software is necessary. Most embroidery machines come with a software that lets you create designs. You can then save your designs onto a USB port or connect your computer to your machine to transfer the designs to have them stitched on your products.
The frequency with which you use your machine will impact how often it should be oiled. In general, if you use your embroidery machine daily, you should oil it once a week. If you only use your machine a few times each week, it should be oiled about once a month.
However, each product is different and the manufacturer of your machine may offer slightly different recommendations. It is always a good idea to consult with the user’s manual for your specific machine to see what the manufacturer recommends.
There are a few different factors that can impact how you price your work. Many embroiders use stitch count to help them determine what they’ll charge for different pieces.
You can create a (relatively) set price per 1,000 stitches. This may range from $.50 cents to $4.00 based on how many colors you use, how large the design is, and the garment you are embroidering on.
Some embroiders price their work based on how long it takes them to complete a project. If you choose to use this method, you can come up with a fair hourly rate for your work. See how long different projects take you to complete and price your items accordingly.
Some other factors that you may want to consider when setting prices include the cost of the equipment you use, whether there is a lot of local (or online) competition, the size and urgency of the job, and whether you or the customer are providing the textiles.
I’m a true sewing enthusiast and have spent almost the entirety of my adult life practicing this age old art. Sewing genuinely has a special place in my heart and I’m glad to be able to share all of my experiences with each of you.