Are you looking to buy the best embroidery machine for shirts? Well! In this review, I will be talking to you about the most affordable and latest models of embroidery machines that can embellish all your shirts as well as other embroidery projects like hats, caps, towels, blankets, and so on.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional embroiderer, picking up the best shirt embroidery machine might be difficult because there are plenty of embroidery machines on the market. So, for guiding you towards the right machine I have well-researched this topic to provide you with a meaningful guide.
Here, I will review plenty of embroidery machines for shirts in 2023 to guide you while choosing based on my personal research and user review.
Are You In A Hurry?
If you’re in hurry and wanna pick up the best among the best embroidery machine for decorating your shirts, hats, caps & hoodies, then you must purchase the Brother NQ3600D Disney Embroidery Machine. However, if you’re on a budget, you must purchase the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine.
Comparison Table
| Features | Brother Innov-is NQ3600D | Brother PE800 | Janome Memory Craft 400E | EverSewn Sparrow X | Brother Innov-is NQ1700E | Janome MB-4S | Brother SE600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery Field | 6 x 10 inches | 5 x 7 inches | 7.9 x 7.9 inches | 4.75 x 7 inches | 6 x 10 inches | 9.4 x 7.9 inches | 4 x 4 inches |
| Embroidery Designs | 198 | 138 | 160 | 100 | 258 | 50 | 80 |
| Sewing Stitches | 291 | No | No | 120 | No | No | 103 |
| Lettering fonts | 11 | 11 | 6 | 13 | 10 | 6 | |
| Speed [stitches per min.] Embroidery/Sewing | 850 | 650/850 | 860 | 650/850 | 850 | 800 | 400/710 |
| Editing Instruction | Full-Color LCD | Color LCD | Color LCD | Color LCD | Color LCD | 5.7” RCS | Colored LCD |
| Capability to sew as well | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Verdict | #1 Best for all Home decor projects | #1 overall | Best machine for embroidery only | Best next-gen Combo | Perfect for larger projects | Best Industrial grade | Good for beginners |
Tips For Choosing The Best Embroidery Machine For Shirts 2023
The Price
Budget is always one of the most important factors you must look at when buying the best embroidery machine for embroidering shirts and hats. Make sure to purchase an affordable embroidery machine that provides you with enough embroidery functionality to embellish all your embroidery projects.
Embroidery Area
Always purchase an embroidery machine that comes with a larger hoop size. An average 4 x 4 inches embroidery hoop size is also good but if you will buy a 5×7 embroidery machine, then you will be able to personalize larger embroidery projects with ease. Further, a larger embroidery hoop of 6×10 inches or more than this will be great enough to complete your desired projects.
Embroidery Designs
Always buy an embroidery machine for shirts that provide you with a huge number of embroidery machines because you won’t need to import extra designs again and again. The more pre-installed designs will be in your embroidery machine, the more dazzling designs you can create.
Design Transfer
It is always compulsory feature for an embroidery machine to have a design transfer feature because it will give you a great choice to choose and import your desired embroidery designs. In this way, you can personalize your shirts, hats, and other items with your favorite embroidery patterns.
Color LCD Touchscreen
Buying an embroidery with a black and white LCD touchscreen display is like spending money on old traditional embroidery machines. I always prefer to purchase an embroidery machine that has a large color LCD touchscreen display because you will be able to preview and edit your multi-colored designs in full color.
Top 7 Best Embroidery Machine For Shirts 2023
- Brother NQ3600D Embroidery Machine
- Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
- Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine
- EverSewn Sparrow X Next Generation Embroidery Sewing Machine
- Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine
- Brother SE600 Embroidery Sewing Machine
1. Brother Innov-is NQ3600D Disney Embroidery Machine
| Features | Specs |
| Dimensions | 27″ x 23″ x 20″ |
| Weight | 36 pounds |
| Embroidery Area | 6″ x 10″ |
| Embroidery Speed | 850 stitches/min |
| Embroidery Designs | 198 designs |
| Sewing Stitches | 291 stitches |
| Sewing Speed | 850 stitches/min |
| Warranty | 25-year limited |
The Brother Innov-is NQ3600D new embroidery machine comes with 233 built-in embroidery designs including 35 Disney Characters Designs for letting you embroider any embroidery project with ease. Also comes with 291 built-in sewing stitches to make your sewing, crafting, and quilting more fashioned.
The 6″ x 10″ maximum embroidery area and the 8.3″ Extra-long work area from Needle to Arm allow you to decorate the larger projects. Even the high stitching speed of 850 stitches per minute allows you to quickly embroider a variety of designs on your fabrics in a precise manner.
The 4.85″ Full-Color LCD Touchscreen allows you to view your designs in full color, and adjust your stitching setting just by tapping the screen. You can locate your designs wherever you like, rotate your design, increase or decrease the size and reflect your design right on the Brother NQ3600D Disney Embroidery Machine. It also offers On-screen editing instructions to guide you in a meaningful way while operating the machine.
The Brother NQ3600D offers state-of-the-art advanced features such as an advanced needle threader, automatic threader cutter, start/stop button, needle up/down button, easy bobbin winding system, Automatic Height Adjuster (AHA), and many more ensuring your easy sewing, quilting, crafting and monogramming your shirts, T-shirt, hats and so on.
Expand your embroidery capabilities with USB connectivity. For more embroidery creativity, you can add plenty of custom designs for next-level creations. The possibilities are endless! Whether you want to create Disney Character designs or embellish your delicate fabrics with any design, this machine ensures accurate as well as precise stitching.
Pros
- On-screen Instructions
- Advanced needle threader
- Automatic thread trimmer
- Extra-high stitching area
- USB connectivity
Cons
- (None)
Final Verdict
The Brother NQ3600D is a combo next-level embroidery sewing machine, allowing you to accomplish all your delicate sewing and embroidery projects with ease. This machine might be a bit expensive in comparison to other models but make sure you also focus on the state-of-the-art advanced features of this machine. If you’re looking to accomplish a wide range of high-end sewing and embroidery projects efficiently, then you must purchase this Brother embroidery machine.
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2. Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
| Features | Specs |
| Dimensions | 21.75″ x 19″ x 19″ |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds |
| Embroidery Area | 5″ x 7″ |
| Embroidery Speed | 650 stitches/min |
| Embroidery Designs | 138 designs |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
The Brother PE800 is the best embroidery machine for beginners that comes with 138 built-in embroidery designs and 11 built-in fonts for monogramming. Also, it has a built-in USB port and memory to add plenty of designs of your choice and save them for your next embroidery projects.
The large 5″ x 7″ embroidery field allows you to customize your regular embroidery projects with ease. For beginners, it has a built-in automatic needle threader that allows threading the needle quickly.
The Colored LCD touchscreen allows you to view your designs in full color. Also, you can rotate the designs, increase or decrease the size of the designs and preview your final project before stitching just by tapping on the touchscreen display.
The Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine has received the Best Women’s Choice Award. Also, it is the most recommended embroidery machine on Amazon. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional embroiderer, this machine has plenty of great features that ensure accurate stitching while embroidering.
If you are an embroiderer looking to purchase an embroidery-only machine to embellish your home decor items like shirts, T-shirts, baseball caps, hats, blankets, and so on, having remarkable features, then Brother PE800 is the most affordable embroidery machine for hoodies and shirts.
Pros
- Precise stitching even on larger items
- On-screen editing functions
- On-screen helping tutorial
- USB Connectivity & Memory
- The automatic needle threading system
- 25-year limited warranty
Cons
- No sewing functions
Final Verdict
If you are an embroiderer looking to purchase a long-lasting embroidery-only machine to embellish your home decor items like shirts, t-shirts, baseball caps, hats, blankets, and so on having remarkable features, then Brother PE800 is the most affordable and portable embroidery machine.
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3. Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine
| Features | Specs |
| Dimensions | 26″ x 22″ x 21.8″ |
| Weight | 25 pounds |
| Embroidery Area | 7.9″ x 7.9″ |
| Embroidery Speed | 860 stitches/min |
| Embroidery Designs | 160 designs |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
If you’re looking for value at an affordable price, then you must check out the Janome 400E Embroidery Machine. It is an embroidery-only machine that comes with 160 built-in designs, 6 fonts for monogramming, built-in memory, and a USB port for adding external designs of your choice as well.
The large 7.9 x 7.9 inches embroidery area enables you to embellish and decorate your larger embroidery projects with ease. The possibilities are limitless! You can embroider your daily projects quickly with a high-speed stitching capability of approximately 860 stitches per minute.
The built-in LCD screen has On-screen editing features that allow you to preview, edit and add designs of your choice before stitching your projects. With the bright LED lights, you can even work in the darker room without any frustration.
This versatile embroidery machine has been boasted with many time-saving advanced features that make your work quick and easy such as its automatic needle threader, easy-to-wind bobbin, built-in thread trimmer, bobbin winding plate, bobbin thread sensors, and more.
Pros
- Adjustable speed while embroidering
- Programmable jump thread trimming
- Automatic tension control system
- Large embroidery surface
- On-screen editing functions
Cons
- Only embroidery features
Final Verdict
If you’re the one looking to purchase a large hoop embroidery machine at a low price that provides you all access to embroider your smaller to larger embroidery projects with ease, then you must purchase the Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine. Create custom designs and import them into the embroidery machine to personalize your projects with new dazzling embroidery designs.
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4. EverSewn Sparrow X Next Generation Embroidery Sewing Machine
| Features | Specs |
| Dimensions | 16.5″ x 7.5″ x 11″ |
| Weight | 30 pounds |
| Embroidery Area | 4.75″ x 7″ |
| Embroidery Speed | 650 stitches/min |
| Embroidery Designs | 100 designs |
| Sewing Stitches | 120 stitches |
| Sewing Speed | 850 stitches/min |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
The EverSewn Sparrow X is a great next-generation sewing and embroidery machine for clothing that comes with 100 built-in embroidery designs, 4.75″ x 7″ embroidery area, 120 built-in sewing stitches, 1-step auto-size buttonholes, a speed controller, presser foot pressure adjustment, automatic thread trimmer, needle threader and more, allowing you to either embroider or sew any of your desired projects with ease.
With the Smart Device and EverSewn Pro App, you can monitor your embroidery designs from another room. You can resize, add, combine and edit your embroidery designs as per your choice. In addition, you can add plenty of designs of your choice via this device and the EverSewn Pro App.
The EverSewn Pro app even allows you to import other embroidery designs, change thread colors, and adapt patterns. The possibilities are endless! This easy-to-use machine offers state-of-the-art features that you must experience once in a lifetime.
Creating your favorite custom designs and monograms are going to be fun and easy with the innovative features of this embroidery machine. With the separate sewing machine features, have fun while sewing your dresses, baby clothes, and so on.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Built-in WiFi
- Smart device control
- Built-in thread trimmer
- 2 hoops included
Cons
- Need more attention while working
Final Verdict
EverSewn is an innovative brand that focuses on encouraging sewists, crafters, embroiders, and artists to go creative to the next level. Unlike traditional sewing machine companies, its goal is to look one step forward, focusing on new features to ensure efficient sewing, crafting, and embroidering.
The EverSewn Sparrow X Next-Gen is a great combo sewing and embroidery machine that has the capability to sew and embroider most of your projects efficiently. With the separate sewing machine features, you can personalize all your sewing projects as well.
Overall, I would like to say to you that this state-of-art sewing and embroidery machine is perfect for every sewing enthusiast looking to sew, quilt, and embroider plenty of projects efficiently.
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5. Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine
| Features | Specs |
| Dimensions | 19″ x 23″ x 20″ |
| Weight | 27 pounds |
| Embroidery Area | 6″ x 10″ |
| Embroidery Speed | 850 stitches/min |
| Embroidery Designs | 258 built-in designs |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
The Brother NQ1700E is the best 6×10 embroidery machine to embellish or personalize all your DIY projects- comes with 258 built-in embroidery designs, 140 frame pattern combinations, 13 embroidery lettering fonts, and a large 6″ x 10″ embroidery area so you can embellish your larger embroidery projects with ease.
The 4.85″ color LCD touchscreen allows you to edit your designs right at your fingertips, plus you can send different designs to the machine via Design Database Transfer (no USB needed). You can edit designs in several ways including changing thread colors. Further, you can preview your final designs before embroidering shirts, and other projects.
With the equipped thread cutter button, you can conveniently cut off both the lower and upper thread with just a click on the button. Plus, this machine cuts jump stitches for you so that you don’t need to stop the machine for cutting the thread.
The automatic needle threader guides the thread directly into the eye of the needle with just a touch of the lever. Plus, the On-screen instructions help to understand the machine conveniently.
Another awesome feature of the Brother NQ1700E is its advanced bobbin winding system that winds the bobbin efficiently.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Advance needle thread
- Cuts jump stitches
- On-screen Instructions
- Large 6 x 10 inches embroidery area
Cons
- Limited to embroidery functions only
Final Verdict
If you’re looking to launch a home embroidery business with premium embroidery features, then you must purchase the Brother NQ1700E cheap embroidery machine. With this machine, you can decorate almost all your embroidery items such as Shirts, T-shirts, hats, blankets, and more efficiently.
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6. Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery Machine
| Features | Specs |
| Dimensions | 26″ x 25″ x 17″ |
| Weight | 64 pounds |
| Embroidery Area | 9.4″ x 7.9″ |
| Embroidery Speed | 800 stitches/min |
| Embroidery Designs | 50 designs |
The Janome MB-4S Multi Needle Embroidery Machine is one of the best embroidery machines for small businesses and comes with almost everything you need to embroider any of your delicate projects. It has 50 built-in designs, 10 different fonts for monogramming, and 2 and 3-letter monogramming.
Furthermore, you can import plenty of embroidery designs of your choice and upload them into the 3 Megabyte memory with ease. This memory can save up to 1,500,000 stitches or up to 100 designs.
You can edit designs on the 5.7″ remote computer screen (RCS) as per your need. Editing includes increasing/decreasing the size, re-editing, zooming, combining, rotating, and turning the designs. In addition, the RCS gives you editing control with up to 65,536 colors.
For automatic convenience, this multi-needle embroidery machine features an automatic needle threader, automatic thread trimmer, bobbin winding motor, and more. Furthermore, the built-in LED lights brighten the working area efficiently.
The 1.4 times larger bobbin helps you to accomplish larger embroidery projects without winding the bobbin again and again. With the maximum embroidery area of 9.4 x 7.9 inches and high-speed stitching of about 800 stitches/min, you can accomplish any of your delicate projects quickly.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Fast bobbin winding
- High stitching quality
- Bright LED lights
- Adjustable hoop positioning
Cons
- Expensive machine for beginners
Final Verdict
If you’re an experienced embroidery enthusiast and wanna take your home embroidery business to the next level, then you must check out this machine. It provides you with a couple of industrial machines features that make embroidering multi-colored designs fun and easy. The price tag might be scary but if you’re an expert in embroidery then you can run your home embroidery business efficiently. However, the choice is yours! No one knows the real talent hidden in you except yourself. Also, it is a great embroidery machine for hats that allows you to create multicolored designs on your hats, and baseball caps.
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7. Brother SE600 Embroidery Sewing Machine
| Features | Specs |
| Dimensions | 21.2″ x 15.5″ x 16.5″ |
| Weight | 26 pounds |
| Embroidery Area | 4″ x 4″ |
| Embroidery Speed | 400 stitches/min |
| Embroidery Designs | 80 built-in designs |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
Take your embroidery to the next level
with the new feature-rich Brother SE600 embroidery sewing machine that comes with 80 built-in embroidery designs, 6 lettering fonts including symbols and alphabets, built-in memory, and a USB port for more creations.
With its expansive 4″ x 4″ embroidery area, you can embellish larger designs on your shirts, jackets, bags, and other home decor items as well. Choose your designs from the built-in 80 designs and for more options, you can even import extra designs of your choice via the USB port conveniently.
With the easy-to-see and navigate 3.2″ touchscreen LCD display, you can navigate sophisticated designs and edit them as per your needs. The Brother SE600 includes multiple editing features that allow you to increase/decrease the size, rotate, mirror images, and also preview your designs before stitching.
In terms of sewing, the SE600 cheap sewing machine features 103 built-in sewing stitches and 13 one-step auto-size buttonholes, allowing you to sew your dresses, baby clothes, and other sewing projects.
With the help of a built-in automatic needle threader, you can quickly thread the needle with just a touch of the lever. Also, the built-in thread trimmer helps you with precise thread trimming.
Pros
- Easy to use
- User’s friendly
- Quick-set bobbins
- Automatic needle threader
- Automatic thread trimmer
Cons
- The embroidery field area is a bit smaller than other embroidery machines
Final Verdict
If you’re in search of a durable embroidery sewing machine that has all access to embroider your shirts, t-shirts, patches, and other home decor items then you must purchase the Brother SE600 Embroidery Sewing Machine.
Engineered perfectly for home embroidery projects with built-in memory to save plenty of extra designs for future use and backed by a 25-year limited warranty makes a trust bond that allows you to check out this machine once in a lifetime.
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Key Takeaways
If you still have any confusion related to this post or can’t choose which embroidery machine you should buy either, then you would better read the recommendations right below:
- Looking for a feature-rich embroidery-only machine that can help you to embellish your shirts, jackets, and other home decor items then you must purchase the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine. However, if you’re on a budget then you must purchase the Brother SE600 Embroidery Sewing Machine.
- Looking for a combo-working embroidery machine with high-quality stitches, then you must purchase the Brother Innov-is NQ3600D Disney Embroidery Machine. However, if you wanna invest less money then you can purchase the Brother SE1900 Sewing And Embroidery Machine.
- Looking for creating next-level embroidery designs at an affordable price, then you must check out the EverSewn Sparrow X Next-Gen Embroidery Sewing Machine. However, if you’re on a budget then you must purchase the Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine.
What Do I Need To Embroider A Shirt?
To embellish your shirt, you’ll need some of the required accessories such as embroidery thread, embroidery needles, scissors, a shirt, straight pins, and tracing paper.
Is It Worth Buying An Embroidery Machine For Shirts?
Absolutely, there is no doubt that you can embellish plenty of shirts as well as other home decor items if you’ll have any of the embroidery machines mentioned above. Also, you can run your home embroidery business to generate some income.
How To Embroider A Shirt By Hand? Step-by-Step Tutorial
Requirements:
• Embroidery thread
• Embroidery needle
• Embroidery hoop
• Stabilizers
• Shirt
• Iron
Steps
1. Choose the Midpoint
First of all, find the center of the sleeve, draw a horizontal line and then find where the shoulder meets the neckline and draw a vertical line. Once you’ll have done this, you will find an intercepting point that will be the center of your embroidery design.
Before drawing a line on your shirt, make sure you have to use the marker which will get erased. You can even use straight pins to mark the horizontal and vertical lines, as well as the center point.
2. Apply A Stabilizer
To embroider your shirt with an accurate embroidery design, you must use a cutaway stabilizer under the woven fabric. You’ve no other option as the stabilizer provides a base for the embroidery and also the fabric doesn’t get stretched out.
But if you won’t use the stabilizer, your embroidery stitches might break down so that your embroidery design will become inaccurate and your shirt may look filthy.
3. Use Ballpoint Or Stretch Needle
To embroider on woven clothes make sure you use Ballpoint Needles in place of embroidery needles. Ballpoint needles are designed not to cut the weave of the fabric but pass through the weave easily of the woven fabric.
However, if you don’t have any Ballpoint needles currently in your storage and you wanna work on T-shirt heavily made with Lycra, you can use a stretch needle for the precise embroidering of your T-shirt.
4. Center Your Design
Instead of hooping your shirt, again and again, to make it straight, always use the “floating” technique for flawless placement every time. Move the needle to the center of the embroidery design.
Then, place your shirt above the lightly 505 sprayed hoop aligning the needle to a marked center point on the shirt.
5. Use Water-Soluble Stabilizer
It’s always best to use one layer of water-soluble stabilizer over the top of the shirt because it gives a boost to the embroidery design and saves it from sinking into the cloth. I highly recommend using a water-soluble stabilizer if you wanna create better embroidery patterns on your shirts, T-shirts as well as other items.
6. Cut The Cutaway Stabilizer
Keep your shirt amid you and your scissors, and trim the cutaway stabilizer to 1/4″ or 1/2″ around the outside edge of the embroidery patterns. Make sure not to cut any part of the embroidery design. Leave the whole embroidery pattern on your shirt to enhance the beauty of your shirt. Also, leave the big piece of the stabilizer under the shirt as it makes the embroidery design more durable.
7. Final Finishing Touch
Once you’ve accomplished embroidering your shirt, iron the accomplished design gently from the reverse side to plane out creases and eliminate hoop lines. It will give you a final finishing touch to your shirt or T-shirt. Also, It will enhance the beauty of your shirt. So, when you will wear this embroidered shirt, you will also look charming.
I hope, you’ll make the best decision.
Happy Embroidery!
Read More, 6 Best Embroidery Machines For Hats
