7 Best Sewing and Embroidery Machine Combos
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Whether you’re starting a home embroidery business or want to sew and embroider outfits and accessories for friends and family, picking the right sewing and embroidery machine is an important first step.
But, with all the available options, which one is best for you?
Learn how to pick a machine and then read these reviews of the best sewing and embroidery machine combos for your crafty ventures!
Defining a Combination Machine
A combination sewing and embroidery machine allows the user to sew, quilt, and embroider, all with one machine.
For sewers strapped for space, a combination machine takes up much less space than purchasing two machines. For the budget-minded, combination machines also typically cost less than purchasing both an embroidery machine and a sewing machine separately.
What To Look For When Purchasing
Before choosing a combo machine, take a moment to decide how you want to use your machine and what you want to sew and embroider with it.
1. Sewing Features
I’ve written an entire article on choosing a sewing machine that will walk you through the selection of features for your next sewing machine. However, here are a few things to consider.
You first want to check the number of built-in stitches on the machine, including the built-in buttonhole options.
I like that my machine has many decorative stitches, a small monogramming font, and several other functional stitches. Most combination machines offer many stitches, so you can usually find what you want here.
Checking the number of included presser feet is also a great idea.
Most machines include a zigzag foot, embroidery foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, and several others. All the machines I’ve owned have never included a walking foot, which is something I purchased separately.
Also, decide which automatic functions are essential to you.
Do you want an automatic needle threader or thread cutter? What about electronic tension adjustment or the ability to change the presser foot pressure?
And, what about a knee lifter? I didn’t think a knee lifter was necessary, as I don’t quilt as often as I sew apparel. However, I’ve found it’s a lovely feature on a sewing machine, especially when sewing elastic pieces together.
Overall, several of these features are standard on most machines, and other features, such as a knee lifter, will only be present on more deluxe options.
2. Embroidery Features
If you’re looking to do mostly embroidery, you have several decisions to make before purchasing.
A. Embroidery Hoop Size
If you regularly want to embroider large areas, you will benefit from having a larger embroidery area, which correlates with a larger embroidery hoop size.
The cheapest sewing and embroidery machines come with a 4″x4″ hoop size, and size increases from there. In general, the larger the embroidery area, the higher the machine price.
If you do choose a machine with a smaller maximum embroidery area, you can still create larger projects by splitting designs and rehooping in between sections.
Common embroidery advice is to buy the largest hoop machine that you can afford, and I agree with this–but ONLY if you know you will use that size!
For me, the minor inconvenience of using a repositional hoop for my few large designs more than made up for the thousands of dollars I saved by purchasing an embroidery machine with a smaller hoop when I first started my embroidery journey.
B. Built-In Embroidery Designs and Import Methods
If you’re not going to want to create or search online for additional embroidery designs or fonts, make sure to choose a machine with a great selection of built-in designs. There are also machines specifically designed to include Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars patterns.
Most sewing and embroidery machines also allow you to import additional embroidery designs. Some machines, like the Brother SE400, will require a direct connection to your computer. More updated machines, however, boast import through USB or WiFi transfer from a smart device.
3. Price
If you’re a beginner and aren’t sure you will even like sewing and embroidering, don’t buy an expensive and fancy machine. Start with a less expensive machine with everything you need, and then purchase another later if you love your new hobby.
Best Sewing and Embroidery Machines (Reviews)
Below, I’ve only included machines that cost less than $2,500. If you intend to purchase a machine with a larger hoop that’s more expensive, I highly recommend purchasing in-store at an authorized dealer rather than purchasing online site unseen.
I purchased my SE625, SE1900, and SE2000 machines online, but when I eventually upgraded to my Brother Luminaire XP2, I purchased it in person locally so I could have support and a relationship with a dealer.
1. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Combination Machine
Key Features | Specs |
---|---|
Embroidery Field | 4"x4" |
Embroidery Designs | 80 included |
Stitch Options | 103 stitches, 10 buttonhole options |
Maximum Sewing Speed | 710 stitches per minute |
USB Connection | Built-in USB port |
The Brother SE600 combination machine is the best sewing and embroidery machine for beginners on a budget. It’s an affordable way to start exploring your new hobby and a reliable, feature-rich combination made by Brother.
(I started learning to embroider with the Brother SE625 sewing and embroidery machine, the near-identical twin of the Brother SE600. It’s the Walmart version of the SE600 and is a different color with an extra CD of designs. You can check out my full Brother SE625 review for more information or read my Brother SE600 vs. SE625 comparison post if you want to know more!)
Sewing Features
The Brother SE600 is easy to set up thanks to easy bobbin winding, a top-drop, quick-set bobbin, and advanced needle threading. Reminders for set-up are included on the body of the machine.
It comes with seven presser feet for sewing and many other accessories.
As a computerized 2-in-1 machine, sewing can happen with the included foot pedal or buttons on the front. Use these, along with the variable speed slider, to stitch efficiently.
You’ll get a slightly larger throat space, useful for quilting, and a built-in free arm to assist with sewing small cylindrical items.
One con to this machine is the maximum sewing speed is 710 stitches per minute (sewing, not embroidering), which is a little slower than many Brother sewing machines. However, this shouldn’t be too much of a game-changer unless you’re routinely piecing quilts or pushing your machine to the max.
Embroidering
A large LCD screen assists the user with the selection of a stitch or embroidery pattern. You can choose a built-in pattern or import one you’ve purchased or created yourself via jump drive.
The color touchscreen allows you to edit and preview the pattern. Move it around, change the size or thread colors, change lettering, or even place letters on arcs. So much can be done on the screen without needing your computer!
While 4″x4″ is a small embroidery field compared to other machines here, you can split designs and use a repositional hoop or rehoop if you want to create larger designs. There’s a great Facebook group called Little Hoops – Big Ideas that inspired me when I first started embroidering with my 4″x4″ space.
Feel free to read my full Brother SE600 review for more information on features and how easy to use it is.
UPDATE: The Brother SE700 and SE725 have entered the market, with the main differences over their predecessors being wireless design transfer and compatibility with Artspira.
2. Bernette B79 Combination Machine
The Bernette B79 features a 6″x10″ maximum hoop size and has several features that these other machines don’t. It’s twice the price but might be a great fit if you always wish you had that larger hoop.
In terms of sewing, the B79 has a whopping 500 built-in stitches, including 17 buttonhole stitches, 35 quilting stitches, and 133 decorative stitches. The maximum stitching speed is an impressive 1,000 stitches per minute, including a dual-feed to help feed fabric evenly.
There’s a semi-automatic needle threader, though this is not as easy to use as the one on the Brother machines. You also get a knee lifter and the ability to program automatic seam finishing and thread cutting with the tap of your heel!
One of the best embroidery machines on this list, the B79 comes with 108 built-in embroidery designs and seven alphabet fonts. The LCD screen offers basic editing capabilities and works great with BERNINA Cloud and ToolBox.
The B79 also reads most embroidery file formats, which is a huge plus if you switch from a different machine brand to this Bernette. However, it’s not quite as easy to use, and there are not as many online tutorials available, so make sure you have some experience with machines first or are a quick learner!
This machine also sells on Sewing Machines Plus.
3. Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Feature | Specs |
---|---|
Embroidery Field | 5"x7" |
Embroidery Designs | 138 designs, 11 fonts, 10 frames with 14 borders |
Stitch Options | 240 stitches, 10 buttonhole options |
Maximum Sewing Speed | 850 stitches per minute |
USB Connection | Built-in USB port |
A little more of an investment than the SE600, the Brother SE1900 is one of the best Brother sewing and embroidery machines for the money. This is the machine I now use at home, and I LOVE it!
It’s an upgrade to the Brother SE600 in several ways. You’ll get an enlarged field size (5″x7″ compared to 4″x4″) and significantly more built-in stitches and built-in embroidery designs.
As you can see from the handy chart above, in addition to the 138 patterns, there are 11 fonts included (7 English) and 10 frames that each have 14 border options. Import any additional designs you want via USB. (Here’s a list of where to find free embroidery designs if you’re interested!)
This sewing and embroidery combo is still very beginner-friendly due to automatic functions, including advanced needle threading, automatic reinforcement/reverse stitching, automatic tension, and a quick-set, top-drop bobbin where the bobbin thread is automatically drawn up with the first stitch.
The maximum sewing speed is a faster 850 stitches per minute, so your projects will be completed a little quicker. The maximum embroidery speed is 650 stitches per minute.
Seven presser feet are included, although I recommend purchasing a walking foot if you like to sew knit fabrics or multiple layers.
The Brother SE1900 also has a knee lifter, which was the wildest experience for me at first, but holding two pieces of elastic together while lowering the presser foot with my knee was so fun!
The same LCD screen assists with pattern preview and allows for extensive editing, including combining patterns and designs.
(Learn more about this machine in my Brother SE1900 review.)
UPDATE: The Brother SE2000 is now on the market, and in addition to the WiFi design transfer upgrade, this machine also cuts jump stitches! This is a huge time saver, but the price of the SE2000 is MUCH more than the SE1900. I purchased the SE2000 and wrote more about it in my Brother SE2000 review.
Also, if you want a still larger combination machine, check out the Brother NQ3700D (6×10 hoop), Brother VM5200 (8×12 hoop), Brother XJ2 (9.5×14 hoop), or Brother Luminaire (10 5/8×16 hoop)
4. EverSewn Sparrow X2 Combination Machine
Feature | Specs |
---|---|
Embroidery Field | 4.75"x7" |
Embroidery Designs | 100 designs |
Stitch Options | 120 stitches |
Maximum Sewing Speed | 850 stitches per minute |
USB Connection | No, but add designs with EverSewn Pro App. |
While not as popular as Brother or Singer, EverSewn has its niche in the sewing market and provides consistent and technologically advanced machines.
The EverSewn Sparrow X Sewing and Embroidery Machine (predecessor to the X2) was one of the first machines to cater to tech-savvy users. Instead of importing designs to this 2-in-1 machine via USB or plugging in your computer, you could import designs via the EverSewn Pro app.
Available for your Apple or Android smart device (computer, tablet, or even phone), this free app allows users to transfer and edit designs on their large device screen! There is no need to fiddle with a small touchscreen on your sewing machine or sit next to it to know when to change thread colors.
This machine includes several helpful features, such as automatic thread trimming (and jump stitch trimming), automatic tension adjustment, and an automatic needle threader.
The Sparrow X2 includes two hoop sizes and has a maximum embroidery area of close to 5″ x 7.” It’s typically a little less expensive than the Brother SE1900, which is Brother’s comparable sewing and embroidery machine.
My Mom is a loyal EverSewn user (we love her EverSewn Sparrow 30 sewing machine!), so we love the brand.
Since EverSewn strives to be at the forefront of emerging sewing technology trends, make sure you’re tech-loving before purchasing such a machine. If you think you’ll have problems using an app on your device, you might be better off purchasing a Brother sewing machine that’s less tech-heavy.
5. Singer Legacy SE300 Combo Machine
Feature | Specs |
---|---|
Embroidery Field | 10 1/4" x 6" |
Embroidery Designs | 200 designs + 6 fonts |
Stitch Options | 250 stitches |
Maximum sewing speed | 800 spm |
USB Connection | Built-in USB port |
If you’re a Singer sewing machine lover, the Singer SE300 is the best Singer combination option. And, most users will like the 10 1/4″ x 6″ field size!
In addition to the large selection of built-in stitches, this sewing machine comes with ten presser feet. You’ll also get an automatic needle threader, common on most machines these days.
While it has a leg up on the Brother sewing and embroidery machines above due to the extra-large embroidery area, the fact that the LCD touchscreen isn’t color is a huge drawback, in my opinion.
It’s also not editing-friendly like the Brother machines above and not quite as easy to use for beginners. You’ll need to rely more on YouTube and your user manual for help.
Brother sewing and embroidery machines are more popular and widely available and, as such, have more support and warranty available. While Singer makes excellent sewing machines, I’m not convinced their computerized embroidery machines can compare to Brother’s.
6. Brother LB5000M Marvel Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Feature | Brother LB5000M Marvel | Brother LB5000S Star Wars |
---|---|---|
Embroidery Field | 4"x4" | 4"x4" |
Embroidery Designs | 80 included+20 Marvel and superhero designs | 80 included+ 20 Star Wars and intergalactic designs |
Stitch Options | 103 stitches, 10 buttonhole options | 103 stitches, 10 buttonhole options |
USB Connection | Built-in USB port | Built-in USB port |
If you’re a massive fan of Marvel and want to create superhero embroidery patterns frequently, consider the Brother LB5000M Marvel sewing and embroidery machine.
It’s very similar to the Brother SE600, but it’s pricier since it gives the user exclusive rights to 10 Marvel and ten additional superhero embroidery designs. Even if you don’t like the 80 built-in designs or these extra 20, you can still easily import your own designs through the USB port on the side of the machine.
The machine comes with four interchangeable faceplates that give your machine character. Pick from Iron Man, Captain America, the Avengers, or the Hulk.
With the 103 built-in sewing stitches and seven presser feet, you’ll be able to complete sewing tasks with no problems. The expanded throat space and automatic drop feed make this an excellent sewing machine for quilting and embroidery too.
Like the Brother SE600, this machine includes an automatic needle threader, easy bobbin winding, and computerized sewing controls.
In terms of embroidery, the 3.7″ color touch screen allows for editing and previewing your embroidery designs.
7. LB5000S Star Wars Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
This sewing and embroidery machine is identical to the Brother LB5000M–instead of Marvel, it’s geared toward Star Wars fans.
Sewing features between the two machines are identical. In terms of embroidery, only the extras are different. You’ll get 10 Star Wars designs and ten more intergalactic designs. The four interchangeable faceplates to give your machine pizazz are R2D2, a Star Wars logo, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader.
With these licensed characters, you can only embroider for personal, not commercial, use.
How much should you spend?
Combination machines run from the low $300s to well into the 6-digits.
The sewing machines for embroidering I’ve included here are affordable yet still feature-rich. They’ll be reliable machines for sewers who want to spend less than $2000. Typically, Brother, Singer, and EverSewn have the most budget-friendly machines that still provide a great user experience.
If you have several thousand dollars, you can’t go wrong with a higher-end Janome, Baby Lock, Husqvarna, Bernina, or Brother combination machine. They are phenomenal, but some may cost more than a year’s mortgage–like my Brother Luminaire XP2.
When spending that much on a machine, I recommend commuting to a local sewing shop to try it out first. And if you’re a beginner, just make sure such an investment will be worth it for you first.
I was at a local store and saw a Brother LB5000 selling for $400 – not a S or a M. Do you know anything about this model? I can’t find any reviews on it. Wondering if it’s SE600 selling under a different name for this particular store.
Hi! While I’d recommend reading the specifics on the LB5000 box to make sure, I imagine it would be the same as the LB5000S and LB5000M just without the Star Wars or Marvel designs. (Thus essentially like the SE600 but with a different name at that store. The SE625, for instance, is Walmart’s version of the SE600.)
My 35year old singer has finally bit the dust. I would like to replace it with a good all-around machine, but have always wished I could do monogramming. Is there a machine you would recommend that can also do letters, but not necessarily a fancy expensive embroidery machine?
Hi! Here’s a list of machines that have a lettering font or two for monogramming built in that you can check out: https://www.sewingmachinefun.com/best-sewing-machine-for-monogramming/
Of course, embroidery machines have MUCH more flexibility in what you can monogram, but as you mentioned, they are fancier and cost much more, too!
Hello!!! This was BEYOND helpful. I think I’ve narrowed it down to either Bernette 79, Eversewn Sparrow X2 Embroidery and Sewing Machine, Brother SE1900
and Brother SE625 and would love your thoughts. I will be doing small custom embroidery so will be designing and uploading designs. Also, I am definitely a beginner so user friendly is a must. Will be doing sewing as well and tweaks on tees mostly.
Thanks!
I’d say pick the machine based upon the size design you plan to stitch. If you only plan to do small designs less than 4″x4″, the SE625 is a great option. However, if you regularly plan to stitch greater than 4″x4″, I recommend instead choosing the B79 or SE1900 (or even NQ3600D, which is the Brother 6″x10″ hoop option.)
I think all of these machines are fairly easy to learn for beginners. The hardest part of embroidery for me as a beginner (as I was only somewhat graphics-savvy at the time) was learning to digitize embroidery designs to upload. Choosing and mastering software had a much steeper learning curve than figuring out how to work my machine!
What do you use to digitize designs? It is hard to compare the various packages and figure out which to go with. Do you have any criteria or suggestions on what to look for?
I now use Hatch Digitizer, which was my preference after trying all the trials. I started with SewArt, but it had limitations for what I wanted to do. I also like Sierra software because it has a monthly subscription option.
If you haven’t already seen these posts, I have written some of my criteria and how to differentiate different software features: https://www.sewingmachinefun.com/best-embroidery-software/ and https://www.sewingmachinefun.com/best-free-embroidery-software-digitizing/.
My best recommendation is to try every free trial you can get your hands on to see which you like and don’t like!
Thank you so much I am the begginner so I’ ve learnt a lot.
Thanks so much for this post! This has been very helpful. I have a question about quilting with an embroidery machine. I would not do the whole quilting with it, but I saw examples where some blocks had an embroidered design. Do you have any advice on which machine would be able to embroider through the quilting sandwich?
All of these should be able to embroider through a quilt sandwich as long as there’s room for you to roll the quilt in the throat space to access the area you want to embroider.
If you’re adding an applique or other design to just the quilt top while piecing, I’ve never had issues with space on any quilt size on my SE1900. But, if you’re adding stippling stitches or other quilting stitches to a large quilt (king size, etc.) with a high-loft batting, you will have difficulty getting to the center of the quilt with one of the smaller hoop machines.
I do recommend a magnetic hoop, though, as you can embroider directly on a quilt sandwich without having to use stabilizer or worry about hooping it!
Hope that answers your question!
My Artista 180 embroidery unit has finally given up the ghost. The dealer offered me a really good deal on a Bernina 780. It was recently refurbished by Bernina. It is a discontinued machine, so I have been able to find out much about it. I found some reviews, some good, some bad. It is a lot of money, so I don’t want to make a huge mistake.
Hi thanks for the info on combo machines, I have low vision and want to do quilting and embroidery but gave up sewing because threading etc b came too hard, would you recommend a good machine that is easiest to use and working from iPad is good as i can see that with minimal human interaction thanks di
What’s your budget look like for a new machine? Because the more you are willing to spend, the more helpful automatic features and tech capabilities (ex: using iPad apps or huge touchscreens) you’ll find. For instance, my top-of-the-line Luminaire has an easy-to-use auto needle threader to use and a screen on it the size of an iPad mini. It also links to my computer for design transfer, and I have two apps I can use with it.