Best Embroidery Machines on Amazon (2025 Gift Guide for Crafters)
Choosing the best embroidery machine can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or hunting for the perfect gift for a crafter, Amazon is full of great options — and we’ve narrowed them down for you.
This guide highlights our favorite embroidery machines for every budget: beginner-friendly, mid-range, and professional. These are the models real makers love, with thousands of positive Amazon reviews backing them up.
Some links here are affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you! Thanks for helping support Pattern Crafters and keep the creativity flowing.
How to Pick the Right Embroidery Machine
Before we dive into our top picks, here are a few things we recommend considering:
- Hoop size → determines how big your designs can be
- Built-in designs & stitches → more options = more creativity
- Ease of use → touchscreen controls, USB ports, wireless design transfer
- Brand reputation → Brother and Janome are trusted favorites among the embroidery community.
Gift tip: If you’re shopping for someone else, think about where they are in their embroidery journey: just starting out, looking to grow their hobby, or running a small creative business.
Best Embroidery Machines by Budget
Best Budget Pick (Under $500)
Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
- 4" × 4" hoop, 80 built-in designs, USB port, and a bright LCD screen
- Compact and beginner-friendly, making it a wonderful starter embroidery gift
- Highly rated on Amazon (over 1,600 reviews, averaging 4.4 stars)
The Brother PE535 is perfect for crafters who are just starting out. Its small footprint and straightforward design make it easy to learn, and the included designs give beginners plenty of options to experiment with. It’s also an excellent entry-level gift for holiday or birthday presents.
What people DON’T like:
- Hoop size is small for bigger projects
- Some users wish it had more built-in designs
- Can be noisy during longer embroidery sessions
Best Mid-Range Pick ($500–$1,000)
Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
- 5" × 7" embroidery field, 138 built-in designs, and USB import
- Great choice for crafters ready to take on bigger projects but not quite ready to spend more.
- A consistent favorite in reviews for reliability and ease of learning
The Brother PE800 is a favorite among hobbyists looking to step up from a beginner machine. Its larger hoop allows for more ambitious projects, and importing your own designs is a game-changer. It’s reliable, user-friendly, and makes a fantastic gift for an intermediate crafter who wants to create professional-looking embroidery.
What people DON’T like:
- Slightly larger footprint may take up more space
- Noisy during fast stitching speeds
- Limited thread color options without additional purchases
Best Professional Pick ($1,000+)
Brother SE2000 Sewing & Embroidery Combo
- 5" × 7" hoop, 241 stitches, and both sewing + embroidery functions
- Includes wireless connectivity for design transfer — no cords needed!
- Perfect for serious crafters or Etsy shop owners looking for an upgrade
The Brother SE2000 is ideal for advanced crafters or small business owners. It combines sewing and embroidery in one machine, making it highly versatile. The wireless design transfer feature saves time and simplifies complex projects. It’s a thoughtful gift for someone who loves creating high-quality custom items, whether for fun or for profit.
Psst: This is the machine we use in our studio, and we LOVE it!
What people DON’T like:
- Learning curve for beginners can be steep
- Higher price point may not fit casual crafters’ budgets
- Some users report occasional software connectivity glitches
| Machine | Price Range | Hoop Size | Designs | Best For | What people DON'T like | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother PE535 | $500 | 4" × 4" | 80 | Beginners, starter gift | Small hoop, fewer built-in designs, can be noisy | View on Amazon |
| Brother PE800 | $1,000 | 5" × 7" | 138 | Hobbyists, growing crafters | Larger footprint, noisy at high speeds, limited thread options | View on Amazon |
| Brother SE2000 | $1,000+ | 5" × 7" | 241 | Professionals, Etsy sellers | Learning curve, higher price, occasional software glitches | View on Amazon |
Why Embroidery Machines Make Amazing Gifts
An embroidery machine isn’t just a tool — it’s a gateway to creativity. It’s one of the most thoughtful gifts for crafters, because it:
- Inspires new projects (monograms, personalized gifts, holiday décor)
- Helps transform handmade ideas into professional-looking creations
- Lasts for years, making it a meaningful investment in their craft
Imagine gifting a machine that lets someone monogram a wedding towel set, stitch their child’s name on a backpack, or even start an Etsy shop. It’s more than a gift — it’s the start of a creative journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Embroidery Machines
What’s the best embroidery machine for beginners?
The Brother PE535 is one of the most beginner-friendly embroidery machines. It’s affordable, simple to use, and compact enough for small spaces.
Can you embroider with a regular sewing machine?
Not exactly. While some sewing machines have decorative stitches, true embroidery requires an embroidery machine. They’re designed to follow digital patterns and stitch detailed designs automatically.
What accessories do I need to start machine embroidery?
At minimum:
- Stabilizer (to keep fabric from puckering)
- Embroidery thread (high-sheen polyester is popular)
- Extra pre-wound bobbins
- A pair of embroidery scissors
(Pro tip: many of these are also easy stocking stuffers for crafters that are also available on Amazon.)
What’s the difference between hoop sizes?
Smaller hoops (4" × 4") are great for names, patches, and small designs. Larger hoops (5" × 7" or bigger) let you stitch larger artwork, logos, or combine multiple designs in one project.
Gift Inspiration: First Projects to Try
If you’re giving an embroidery machine as a gift, include a few starter project ideas they can try right away:
- Personalized tea towels (perfect for holidays)
- Monogrammed tote bags
- Baby blankets with names or birthdates
-
Decorative throw pillow covers
Final Thoughts
The best embroidery machine really depends on the crafter’s needs — but whether it’s a budget-friendly starter, a mid-range upgrade, or a professional combo machine, Amazon has excellent options ready for fast delivery.
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for a crafter (or treating yourself), these are the machines we’d recommend with confidence.