Purchasing a cheap yet reliable embroidery machine is a great choice especially if you are a beginner. Whenever you begin something fresh, like a new hobby such as embroidery or an avocation, you are always confused whether or not you will have the same passion as you thought you would have in the beginning.
So, you become reluctant to spend all the money. Therefore, it is better to spend money on cheap embroidery machines at the initial stages. Having said that, even advanced embroidery lovers don’t require to spend a heavy chunk on an expensive embroidery machine if they don’t need added features.
So, if you are a beginner in the world of embroidery and you’re looking for a cheap embroidery machine that won’t strain your finances then we’ve deep-dived and put together a list of affordable embroidery machines that won’t cost a lot.
All the budget machines that we have reviewed are tried and tested by us. Rest assured, you’ll not be wasting a single penny on a machine that isn’t reliable.
So, read our deep-dive reviews for more information and features on the best cheap embroidery machines in 2023!
Contents
- 1 What features to look for when buying an embroidery machine
- 2 Single needle vs. multi-needle embroidery machines
- 3 List of 10 Best Cheap Embroidery Machines
- 4 Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
- 5 Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- 6 Brother PE525 Embroidery Machine
- 7 Brother PE770 Embroidery Only Machine
- 8 Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
- 9 Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway
- 10 Brother SE625 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- 11 Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- 12 Brother PE500 Embroidery Machine
- 13 Singer Futura XL-400 Embroidery Machine
- 14 Conclusion
- 15 Frequently Asked Questions
What features to look for when buying an embroidery machine
Size: Keep in mind your requirements, such as if you travel a lot or you attend embroidery classes, which means you need a machine you can carry easily. So a smaller machine makes more sense. However, it won’t have all the features of a larger machine.
Sewing Ability: If the machine is a single-needle, it is likely that it is able to perform sewing tasks as well. However, there are some embroidery machines that are just made for embroidery.
Hoop Options: A large hoop size means you can embroider bigger designs. Usually, hoop length ranges from 4 to 10 inches.
Designs: Look at the number of embroidery designs that the machine has built-in. If a machine has enough designs to meet your needs, then it is okay to choose that machine. But you should prefer machines that can import external designs via USB port or any other means as it will give you a great flexibility of having the option to choose from thousands of available designs online.
Single needle vs. multi-needle embroidery machines
An embroidery machine can be either single-needle or multi-needle. Single needle machines can only handle one colour at a time so changing the thread every time would be very time consuming. However, single needle machines also function as sewing machines.
Multi-needle machines, on the other hand, have the ability to embroider multiple threads simultaneously, meaning the machine can automatically switch between multiple colours as needed.
As a result, embroidery speed is significantly improved. But multi-needle machines are more expensive than single-needle machines.
We have personally tried and tested all these products so we know they work!
List of 10 Best Cheap Embroidery Machines
Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
Best Cheap embroidery machine for beginners
(image credit: Amazon)
Specs:
Brand: brother | Built-in designs: 80 | Built-in fonts: 9 | USB Port: Yes | Display: Large colour touchscreen | Embroidery field: 4″ X 4″ | Power source: Treadle Powered | Built-in memory: Yes | Electric: Yes.
Finding a cheap embroidery machine can be a herculean task especially with so many options available in the market. A more difficult thing is finding a machine that is simple to use and perfect for your skillset. And, that’s where this Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine is good at. It is cheap and easy to use and carries an array of advanced features to fulfill your needs. That’s why it is one of the best embroidery machines.
At first glance, the Brother PE535 may look like a limited embroidery machine. However, it’s full of computer-aided designs and production functions and in no way close to a limited machine. Plus, it has the capacity to produce 400 flawless stitches per minute with ease to save you ample time.
The Brother PE535 has a white 3.2-inch LCD screen that is touch-enabled, providing you the options to alter your designs the way you want to. Moreover, the machine comes with 80 built-in designs including borders, floral patterns, font packages, and various themed designs. It means you won’t have to come up with your designs from scratch.
This embroidery machine can accommodate projects of 4 x 4 inches which provides tons of space to play with intricate laces and even 3D projections. Plus, It has a variety of automated functions. For starters, it has a USB port, 10 different embroidery designs, 4 extra lettering fonts, and an automatic needle threader to personalize your projects.
It’s no surprise that the brand is one of the most popular among beginners and advanced embroidery artisans globally. It’s simple to use, cheap and portable.
- Cheap
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Limited size
Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Best Colored LCD Touch-Screen Cheap Embroidery Machine
Specs:
Brand: brother | Sewing feet: 7 versatile sewing feet | Built-in designs: 80 | Automatic needle threader: Yes | Drop-in top bobbin: Yes | Built-in sewing stitches: 103 | Display: Large color touchscreen | Embroidery field: 4″ X 4″ | Power Source: Treadle Powered | Electric: Yes
This Brother SE600 sewing and embroidery machine is without a doubt an absolute gem that comes power-packed by high-class advanced features like manyfold embroidery designs, edit options, 103 built-in stitches, and preview options to fulfill your embroidery passion. It even provides you a possibility to feel how your design would actually look in reality with its cool preview features.
The great thing about the Brother SE600 machine is, it’s a combined sewing + embroidery computer-featured machine. This means that you won’t have to spend money to buy separate sewing and embroidery machines as they can do the sewing jobs, and also showcase your embroidery skills.
The machine has 103 built-in stitches. You won’t get that many built-in stitches in any other sewing machines at this price. Brother SE600 also has 80 built-in embroidery designs to decorate your item with different designs. It also has internal memory to save these designs in case you face sudden power outages. Moreover, its new automatic needle threader is a real-time saver for people who find it irritating to thread the needle.
There are 6 lettering fonts on this machine to decorate your project the way you want with its small/capital letters, symbols, and numbers. Also, you’ll find a colored 3.2 inches LCD touchscreen that displays the embroidery design and options for various purposes.
You’ll find a 4 x 4 large embroidery work area on this machine to spread the fabric for your project. Plus, the work area is brightly illuminated via LED lights so that you can easily handle your project in low-light conditions. It also has a USB 2.0 port in case you want your favorite design to be imported from the computer to the machine.
Brother SE600 is an excellent option for those who don’t want to spend on two separate machines as it serves the purpose of sewing tasks and also embroidery works. It is also a great machine for commercial purposes as well.
- Serves dual Purpose
- USB port.
- 3.2 inch Colored LCD touchscreen
- Easy to use
- A bit costly
Brother PE525 Embroidery Machine
Best Design Cheap Embroidery Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
Specs:
Brand: brother | Built-in embroidery designs: 70. | Embroidery area: 4 x 4 inch | Display: Back-lit 2.7’’ x 1.4’’ touch screen LCD | Computer connectivity: Yes | Font styles: 5 | Advanced needle threading system: Yes | Electric: Yes
With the Brother PE525 Embroidery Machine, you’ll have plenty of workspaces, whooping embroidery designs, loads of frame patterns, and many other advanced features to play within one convenient package.
The machine has a four-by-four embroidery area which is pretty decent for beginners who like to work on smaller- to medium-sized projects. In case you need to do larger projects, you can divide them up into smaller pieces to open up a ton of new possibilities. Moreover, Brother PE525 has got a beautiful touch screen that is sensitive, responsive, and easy to use. Plus, it also lets you embroider hats and T-shirts with ease.
An embroidery machine without the automatic needle threader feature isn’t really an embroidery machine. Thankfully enough, it comes packed with an automatic needle threader to save us time, fuss, and frustration. Another feature that would be vital in saving time is Brother’s jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin winding system which ensures that the machine is up and running in no time.
For starters, Brother PE525 has 70 inbuilt designs to work with. All these designs are fairly simple and don’t need many colors for perfect practice designs. You can also change the angle of design by 1, 10, or 90 degrees to add a little panache to your designs. You can also import new designs online as well. Plus, you’ll get five fonts to learn the ropes.
The Brother PE525 Embroidery Machine is an excellent machine for those looking to start in the world of embroidery. Backed by a 25-year warranty, it saves you from the hassle of altering and repairing from time to time.
- Extremely quiet
- Variety of designs
- Easy to import designs
- Well-lid workspace
- Cannot handle sewing tasks
Brother PE770 Embroidery Only Machine
Best Highly Responsive Cheap Embroidery Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
Specs:
Brand: Brother. | Built-In Designs: 136 | Built-In Fonts: 6 | Included Sewing Stitches: 460 | USB Port: Yes | Display: Large Color Touchscreen | Embroidery Field: 5″ X 7″ | Automatic Height Adjuster: Yes | Automatic Needle Threader: Yes | Electric: Yes
If you want to take your creative embroidery work to the next level, then this Brother PE770 Embroidery Only Machine is the one for you. It offers all the versatile features that you need for your next embroidery project. It is an easy-to-use, long-lasting, and durable machine that is designed specifically for embroidery projects.
Brother PE770 Embroidery has an embroidery area of 5″ x 7″ which is more than enough for big projects. This much space offers you the much-needed flexibility to adjust large designs. You can also connect this machine to the computer via a USB port, which means that you don’t have to buy an embroidery machine with pre-programmed designs.
The machine has a highly responsive LCD touch touchscreen. The LCD screen is very intuitive and quite easy to use even for beginners. Although it has a small screen, it provides brightly lit illumination to help you complete your intricate projects even in the dark.
Moreover, the Brother PE770 comes packed with 136 built-in embroidery designs along with six built-in lettering fonts, which provide you a wide range of design options. You can also get an infinite number of designs online. There is also the option of rotating the patterns at 1 degree, 10 degrees, or 90-degree increments.
The machine also has an automatic needle threader and thread cutter to save your time. By using a single button, you can easily cut the lower and upper threads. When we used and tested this machine, it worked brilliantly. Rest assured, you’ll have no issues from the performance point of view
The Brother PE770 Embroidery Only Machine is a must-buy if you are looking for a machine with versatile features. It is a worthwhile machine that makes embroidery works easy and comfortable for both new as well as expert users.
- Easy to learn
- Computer connectivity
- In-built memory
- Highly responsive LCD touch touchscreen
- Needs tension adjustment
Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
Best User Friendly Cheap Embroidery Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
Specs:
Brand: Brother. | Built-in designs: 125 | Built-in fonts: 9 | USB Port: Yes | Display: Large color touchscreen | Embroidery field: 4″ X 4″ | Power Source: Treadle Powered | Electric: Yes
The Brother PE550D is an embroidery-only machine that’s lightweight and easy on the wallet. However, being easy on the wallet doesn’t mean that it is limited in functions and features. It includes an imposing 125 built-in embroidery designs, a USB port, color LCD touchscreen, and many other features that allow you to make multiple adjustments as per your needs.
As mentioned it has 125 built-in high-quality embroidery designs with 45 of these designs having Disney and Pixar characters. In case you need more designs, there is an option to import more designs via a USB port. The machine also has six different lettering fonts to personalize projects the way you want to.
The Brother PE550D has an automatic needle threader that makes threading easy and saves time when changing threads. The machine is capable of stitching designs up to 4 inches by 4 inches. It can also embroider various fabrics, including denim. Plus, you can easily complete 3D and freestanding lace projects on this machine.
Brother PE550D has a 4-inch by 4-inch hoop, three bobbins, three needles, two screwdrivers, and other extra tools to make your embroidery experience a great one. Brother PE550D has a brightly lit, colored interactive LCD display that allows you to control everything on the machine. You can change your embroidery designs and font, color on threads, and design background through LCD display to perfectly match the fabric.
The Brother PE550D provides you with enough options to make it a valuable addition to your embroidery room. The machine should be a go-to item for many keen embroiderers due to its ease of use, affordability, and consistent results.
- User friendly
- Multiple design options
- Bilingual operations manual
- Durable and sturdy
- limited embroidery hoop size
Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway
Best Stitch Quality Cheap Embroidery Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
Specs:
Brand: Brother. | Built-in embroidery designs: 70 | Embroidery fonts: 5 | Sewing stitches: 67 | Display: Touch screen LCD 4’’ x 4’’ | Embroidery hoop: Yes | Embroidery area: Large 4” x 4” Inch | Limited warranty: 25-year | Automatic thread cutter : Yes | Corded Electric Powered.
Unsurprisingly, Brother LB6800PRW is very popular due to its price tag. But, it does not mean that it is a limited machine. It is compact, sustainable, and reliable with a combination of two roles in one — embroidery and general sewing.
Brother lb6800prw comes with a built-in automatic needle threader which is not fully automatic but still good enough to save your time. The machine has a quick set drop-in bobbin winding system — a super easy jam-resistant system that requires only a little adjustment to make it work.
The machine is packed with a total of 67 pre-programmed stitches ranging from utility, and quilting to heirloom and decorative to fulfill your sewing needs. This machine also has 70 in-built embroidery designs, 120 frame patterns, and 5 built-in fonts.
The Brother lb6800prw has a very sensitive LCD touch screen, allowing you to ingress the stitches, and also enlarge, minimize, mirror image, and rotate designs with ease. The machine comes with seven-point feed dogs so that you can handle your fabric more efficiently.
Brother lb6800prw has a 4″ by 4″ embroidery hoop which isn’t big but good enough for small designs and narrow monograms. It also has adjustable sewing speeds for stitching.
Brother LB6800PRW dual-functionality machine is an excellent piece for beginners. The great thing about Brother LB6800PRW is that it expands the horizons of your creativity with its nearly limitless options.
- Plenty of designs
- Great stitch quality
- Good value for money
- Sturdy
- A bit heavy
Brother SE625 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Best High-Power Cheap Embroidery Machine
Specs:
Brand: Brother. | Embroidery designs: 280 103 built-in sewing stitches | Embroidery field: 4″x4″ | Display: 3.7″ Sew Smart colour LCD touch screen. | Sewing feet: Includes 7 versatile sewing feet. | USB port: Yes | Embroidery Pattern Drag and Drop feature | Electric: Yes
The Brother SE625 sewing and embroidery machine is a perfectly reliable, high-power, and feature-rich machine to help you craft beautiful sewn and embroidered projects with ease.
Brother SE625 works as both a computerized sewing machine and also as an embroidery machine. It is packed with 7 presser feet and 103 stitches to fulfill your sewing needs. Plus, Brother SE625 has 280 embroidery designs, 6 built-in English embroidery fonts, and built-in monogramming fonts for embroidering.
The machine has both manual and computerized systems to control sewing and embroidery projects. You can manually control sewing with the foot pedal, and also use buttons (start/stop, needle up/down, and reverse) situated on the front.
The Brother SE625 has a 3.2″ colored LCD display which adds great versatility to this machine. You can easily alter stitch length, width and also select different designs through the display. The machine has a powerful bright LED light that illuminates the workspace for better viewing of tiny stitches. Moreover, it has an enlarged throat space to accommodate large projects.
The Brother SE625 provides you with a lot of high-class features that would be enough to enhance your creativity in the world of embroidery.
- Light
- USB port
- Inbuilt designs
- 3.2″ colored LCD display
- A little expensive
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Best Versatile Cheap Embroidery Machine
Specs:
Brand: Brother. | Built-in designs: 138 | Embroidery fonts: 11 | Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin: Yes | Built-in sewing stitches: 240 | Display: 3.2″ inch colour LCD touchscreen | Embroidery field :5″ X 7″ | Included hoop and 8 sewing feet | Electric: Yes
The SE1900 is one of the most feature-rich embroidery machines that is a bit pricey from the others which we have reviewed in this article. It’s an absolute jewel machine with a superior stitch quality for both sewing and embroidering. It is full of high-class features that you usually get on higher-end machines.
The great feature of the SE1900 is the 5 X 7-inch field which is large enough to allow you to perform embroidery and monogramming work without a lot of rehooping. Plus, the work area is backlit using LED light so that you can see the tiniest details of your fabrics.
SE1900 has a large screen and thanks to it, you can change the color of threads, edit your design and preview your work before starting. There is also a USB port on this machine for downloading thousands of available stitches online.
SE1900 provides you 240 built-in sewing stitches, 10 frame shapes, 11 fonts, 138 built-in embroidery designs, and 10 buttonhole styles with seven English fonts for enhancing your embroidery experience. There is also a built-in automatic threader for easy embroidering.
You can work on different things using its eight feet; buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, button fitting, embroidery, and blind stitch foot.
The Brother SE1900 is a tremendous all-purpose machine that can easily sew, quilt, and embroider! Rest assured, it will be worth every penny.
- Highly versatile machine
- 8 different switching feet
- Large work area
- Large touchscreen
- Needs a bit of time to understand its working
Brother PE500 Embroidery Machine
Best Spacious Cheap Embroidery Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
Specs:
Brand: Brother. | Built-in embroidery designs: 70 | Lettering font: 5 | Embroidery area: 4-inch by 4-inch | Display: LCD backlit touchscreen. | Warranty: 25-year. | Computer Connectivity: Yes | Electric: Yes
In case you need a great piece of item for beginners under 500$ then this Brother PE500 Embroidery Machine-only machine is for you. It has a price tag of almost $300 which is the lowest in our list of the best cheap embroidery machines. Being so cheap does not mean that it is not feature-rich; it has an array of advanced features.
Brother PE500 Embroidery Machine features a generous embroidery area of 4-inch by 4-inch that allows you to combine different embroidery designs with quality finishes. Plus, the work area is lit by an inbuilt well-lit workspace to ensure you have total control of your projects.
The machine is super easy to use as it provides a convenient bobbin-winding system for easy threading. Brother PE500 Embroidery Machine provides you an excellent work experience as it comes with the embroidery starter kit so that you can start your designing immediately!
Brother PE500 Embroidery Machine is one of the most powerful pieces at this price stage. It has got a great LCD touch screen that allows you to edit, preview, and customize your designs. You can almost control everything from the crystal clear display screen. Besides that, it has computer connectivity to import as many designs as you want.
The Brother PE500 inherits all main features to make the embroidery experience a memorable one. Rest assured, this is a top-class machine for every embroidery lover.
- A great number of built-in designs
- 25-year warranty
- USB connectivity
- Spacious machine
- Doesn’t have a sewing function
Singer Futura XL-400 Embroidery Machine
Best Feature Cheap Embroidery Machine
(image credit: Amazon)
Specs:
Brand: Singer | Built-in embroidery designs: 125 | Popular built-in sewing stitches: 30 | Automatic Needle Threader: Yes | Computerized Embroidery System: Yes. | Warranty: 25-years. | Fonts and outline lettering: 5 | USB Cable Connectivity: Yes | Top Drop In Bobbin: Yes | Built-In Needle Threader: Yes | Electric: Yes
Coming last on our list is this Singer Futura XL-400 money-saving embroidery machine from the SINGER brand. The machine does not cost a lot as its price is under $400. Although it is a low-priced machine, it is by no means a poor machine. In short, Singer Futura XL-400 is a high-class machine with high-end features.
The Singer Futura XL-400 is already programmed with 30 different stitches with two one-step buttonholes to make your work easy. Plus it offers you 125 predetermined patterns to choose from, along with 5 fonts and outline lettering. Moreover, it has two embroidery hoops that offer multi-hooping capability.
The Singer Futura XL-400’s an automatic needle threader that eases your work from the start. You don’t need to spend time with your thread at the eye of a needle because this machine has got you covered. Plus, Singer Futura XL-400 is a machine with a full computerized embroidery system to customize your designs the way you want to. It also protects your eyes through its LED options so that you can view your work easily and clearly.
The Singer Futura XL-400 also has the software necessary for you to design, edit and transfer your own embroidery patterns. Moreover, the machine has a large hooping area measuring 10″ x 6″ for working on larger projects like quilts, tapestries, and clothes.
The Singer Futura XL-400 is an excellent sewing and embroidery machine that offers a lot of options. Plus, it is a great team for budget-oriented people who want to work on large embroidery projects.
- Perfect for Large Embroidery Designs
- Easy to Use
- Huge Sewing Area
- Great value for money
- It is not compatible with macs
Conclusion
All the products that we have reviewed are tried and tested. Rest assured, you will not get any issues from them in many years to come as they are sturdy and durable. However, we think that these three products are the best of the lot:
- Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine for its easy setup, simplicity, and ease of use.
- Brother PE525 Embroidery Machine for its popularity among beginners.
- SINGER Futura XL-400 for its low price and versatile features
