Best Embroidery Machines for a Home Business

The best embroidery machines for a home business include the Poolin EOM 15-Needle Embroidery Machine for caps and multi-color orders, the Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine for a shop that also sews, and the Smartstitch S-1201 Plus 12-Needle Embroidery Machine for the largest flat area.

On this page (11 sections)

1. How we picked these seven machines
2. The best embroidery machines for a home business in detail
3. Do you need more than one needle for a home business?
4. How much hoop area does a home business need?
5. Which of these machines can stitch caps?
6. How much space does a home business machine need?
7. Which files and software do these machines use?
8. How do warranty and support compare?
9. What supplies should you plan for in the first month?
10. Who should skip which type of machine?
11. Which embroidery machine for a home business should you pick?

A single-needle machine holds one thread color at a time, so you stop and rethread for every color change. A multi-needle machine keeps several colors ready and switches between them on its own.

This roundup compares seven machines for a home business: three multi-needle machines from Smartstitch and Poolin, three single-needle machines from Brother and Poolin, and one Brother sewing and embroidery combo.

If you're new to embroidery, start with embroidery machines for beginners, then come back once you know the jobs you want to take on.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for caps and multi-color orders

   Poolin EOM 15-Needle Embroidery Machine

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a shop that also sews

   Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for the largest flat area

   Smartstitch S-1201 Plus 12-Needle Embroidery Machine

   9.0/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Smartstitch S-1001 10-Needle Embroidery Machine

   Best for 10 needles with cap parts in the box
   Check it
5. 5

   Brother PE900 Wireless Embroidery Machine

   Best for a light single-needle machine with Wi-Fi
   Check it
6. 6

   Poolin EOC07 Single-Needle Embroidery Machine

   Best for a long single-needle hoop
   Check it
7. 7

   Poolin EOC06 Single-Needle Embroidery Machine

   Best for a single-needle start with a big hoop
   Check it

How we picked these seven machines

We compared needle count, hoop area, cap support, file transfer, included supplies and size across all seven, then scored each one for the job it fits. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

Needle count comes first, because it sets how often you stop to change thread. Hoop area, caps and floor space come next.

The Brother SE2000 ties the Poolin EOM at the top because it pairs sewing and embroidery in a 38-pound machine with a 25-year chassis warranty. Its 5 x 7 in field is small for big logos, so it suits a shop that also sews better than one built around large designs.

The best embroidery machines for a home business in detail

The machines run from the highest score to the lowest. Each write-up gives the specs, who the machine suits and one drawback.

1

Poolin EOM 15-Needle Embroidery Machine

Best for caps and multi-color orders

9.2/10Our score

• 15 needles
• 14.2 x 9.5 in flat area
• Cap station and two cap hoops in the box
• Auto color change and thread trimming
• Wi-Fi and USB transfer

Fifteen needles and a cap system make this the most complete pick for caps and multi-color repeat orders. Poolin says flat embroidery runs up to 1,200 stitches per minute.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Cap station and two cap hoops in the box
• Five flat hoops and starter supplies included
• Laser alignment for repeat logos, Poolin says

Cons

• 165 pounds and 59 in tall, so it needs a sturdy table
• A big step up from a first machine

The best pick for caps and multi-color repeat orders is the Poolin EOM, with 15 needles and a 14.2 x 9.5 in flat area.

It changes colors and trims thread on its own, and Poolin says flat embroidery runs up to 1,200 stitches per minute. Poolin also says its laser alignment helps place repeat logos in the same spot.

Poolin says the cap system covers the front, side and back of structured and unstructured caps, plus raised 3D puff designs with foam. It gives up to 850 stitches per minute for cap work.

The box holds five flat hoops (the largest is 14 x 7.9 in), two cap hoops, a cap station, 25 pre-wound bobbins, four spools of thread and 50 sheets of 12 x 12 in cut-away stabilizer.

It suits a home shop that runs hats, logos and team orders in volume. The drawback is size: at 165 pounds and 59 inches tall, it needs a sturdy table and help moving it.

2

Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Best for a shop that also sews

9.2/10Our score

• Sewing and embroidery in one
• 241 built-in sewing stitches
• 8 sewing feet
• 5 x 7 in embroidery field
• Wi-Fi and USB transfer

A sewing and embroidery combo for a home business that also sews bags, garments or alterations. It has a 5 x 7 in embroidery field and 241 built-in stitches.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Sews and embroiders in one machine
• 8 sewing feet, including a buttonhole foot
• Brother backs the chassis for 25 years

Cons

• The 5 x 7 in field is small for large logos
• 38 pounds, and caps need a separate cap hoop

The Brother SE2000 is the pick for a shop that also sews, since one machine does both jobs.

It has a 5 x 7 in embroidery field, 241 built-in sewing stitches, 193 built-in embroidery designs and 13 fonts. The eight sewing feet include a buttonhole foot, a zipper foot and a monogramming foot.

Files arrive over Wi-Fi with Brother's free Design Database Transfer software, or by USB. Color Sort adjusts the stitching order of multi-color designs to reduce color changes.

It also has 10 styles of one-step buttonholes and My Custom Stitch, which lets you save sewing stitches you design yourself.

Pick it if bags, garments or alterations are part of the work. The drawbacks are the 5 x 7 in field, the same as the PE900, and the 38-pound weight.

Caps need a separate cap hoop that lists your model.

3

Smartstitch S-1201 Plus 12-Needle Embroidery Machine

Best for the largest flat area

9.0/10Our score

• 12 needles
• 12 x 16 in flat area
• 10-inch touchscreen
• Auto color change, trim and thread break detection
• USB and Wi-Fi transfer

The largest flat area in this roundup, 12 x 16 in, on a 12-needle machine. Smartstitch says its direct vertical guiding system keeps the machine stable and quiet.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest flat area in this roundup
• Auto trim, color change and thread break detection
• Memory for up to 100 million stitches, Smartstitch says

Cons

• A learning curve for a 12-needle machine
• Smartstitch doesn't say which cap parts come in the box

The Smartstitch S-1201 Plus has the largest flat area in this roundup, 12 x 16 in, on a 12-needle machine.

It has a 10-inch touchscreen, auto color changing, auto thread trimming, thread break detection and laser positioning. Smartstitch says its direct vertical guiding system keeps the machine stable and quiet.

Its V7 control system holds up to 100 million stitches in memory, Smartstitch says. Designs go in as DST or DSB files by USB, and the machine has Wi-Fi.

It suits a home shop with room for a dedicated machine that stitches large flat pieces such as bags and team logos. The drawbacks are the learning curve of a 12-needle machine and its 29-inch height, so measure the spot first.

Smartstitch doesn't say which cap parts come in the box or what the machine weighs, so ask before you order.

4

Smartstitch S-1001 10-Needle Embroidery Machine

Best for 10 needles with cap parts in the box

8.8/10Our score

• 10 needles
• 9.5 x 14.2 in flat area
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Up to 1,200 stitches per minute, Smartstitch says
• USB and Wi-Fi transfer

Ten needles on a 9.5 x 14.2 in area suit a home shop that has outgrown one needle but doesn't need the 15-needle size. The box includes cap embroidery devices, T-shirt frames and a starter kit.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Cap embroidery devices in the box
• Auto trim, auto color change and laser positioning
• Starter kit and training videos

Cons

• 93 pounds, so it needs its own table
• A learning curve for a multi-needle machine

The Smartstitch S-1001 is the pick for 10 needles with cap parts in the box, at a lower weight than the 15-needle EOM.

It has a 9.5 x 14.2 in flat area, a 7-inch touchscreen and USB or Wi-Fi transfer. Smartstitch says it runs up to 1,200 stitches per minute, and it has auto trimming, auto color changing, thread break detection and laser positioning.

The box holds T-shirt frames, flat and cap embroidery devices, a bobbin winder, a stand, a toolbox and a starter kit. Smartstitch says you don't need extra accessories to begin.

It suits a home shop that wants multi-needle work and caps without the EOM's size. The drawback is weight: at 93 pounds and 34 inches wide, it needs its own table and help moving it.

Smartstitch says its engineers help with setup online, and it also offers training videos and an online club.

5

Brother PE900 Wireless Embroidery Machine

Best for a light single-needle machine with Wi-Fi

8.7/10Our score

• Embroidery only
• 5 x 7 in field
• Wireless LAN and USB
• 193 built-in designs
• 3.7-inch touchscreen

A 5 x 7 in field and wireless transfer make the PE900 a simple Brother for smaller designs. It's embroidery only, with 193 built-in designs and a 3.7-inch touchscreen.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Wireless transfer and a USB port
• Color Sort cuts down on color changes
• 21 pounds, far lighter than the larger machines

Cons

• A 5 x 7 in field is small for large logos
• Caps need a separate cap hoop that lists your model

The Brother PE900 is the pick for a light single-needle machine with Wi-Fi transfer, for designs up to 5 x 7 in.

It's embroidery only, with 193 built-in designs, 13 fonts and a 3.7-inch touchscreen. Color Sort reduces color changes by adjusting the stitch order, and Jump Stitch Trimming cuts excess thread jumps within a color.

Files arrive over Wi-Fi with Brother's free Design Database Transfer software, or by USB. The Artspira app adds 50 free designs once the machine runs firmware 1.51 or above.

At 21 pounds, it's far lighter than the Poolin EOM and the Smartstitch S-1001. The drawbacks are the 5 x 7 in field, which is small for large logos, and the need for a separate cap hoop that lists your model.

For more detail, read our Brother PE900 review.

6

Poolin EOC07 Single-Needle Embroidery Machine

Best for a long single-needle hoop

8.5/10Our score

• Single needle
• 15 x 7.9 in area
• Four hoops, including a 7.9 x 15 in hoop
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Wi-Fi and USB transfer

A 15 x 7.9 in area and four hoops cover long lettering and rows of names with fewer rehoops. It's a single-needle machine, so each color change is a manual stop.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Long 7.9 x 15 in hoop
• Thread, stabilizer, bobbins and a thread rack in the box
• Free one-on-one help after the sale, Poolin says

Cons

• Single needle, so color changes are by hand
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

The Poolin EOC07 is the pick for a long hoop on a single-needle machine, with a 15 x 7.9 in area and four hoops.

The 7.9 x 15 in hoop suits long lettering and rows of names, and Poolin says the large area means fewer rehoops. The other hoops are two 5.5 x 5.5 in squares and a 7.9 x 7.9 in square.

A 7-inch touchscreen runs Poolin's InStitch OS3 system, and designs arrive over Wi-Fi or USB. The box also holds six rolls of thread, 20 pieces of cut stabilizer, 25 bobbins and a thread rack stand.

At 40 pounds, it's far lighter than the multi-needle machines, and Poolin says its engineers give free one-on-one help after the sale. The drawbacks are the single needle, so every color change is a manual stop, and a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Poolin says it handles structured caps, but no cap hoop is in the box, so find one that lists your model before you plan on hats.

7

Poolin EOC06 Single-Needle Embroidery Machine

Best for a single-needle start with a big hoop

8.0/10Our score

• Single needle
• 11 x 7.9 in area
• Four hoops
• 7-inch touchscreen
• 200 built-in designs

An 11 x 7.9 in area with four hoops suits a first single-needle machine that needs more room than a 5 x 7 in field. It ships with thread, bobbins and stabilizer.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four hoops, including a 7.9 x 11 in hoop
• 200 built-in designs and 8 fonts
• Automatic needle threader and thread trimming

Cons

• Single needle, so color changes are manual
• Smaller area than the EOC07 and the multi-needle machines

The Poolin EOC06 is the pick for a single-needle start that needs more room than a 5 x 7 in field, with an 11 x 7.9 in area and four hoops.

It has a 7-inch touchscreen, 200 built-in designs, 8 fonts, an automatic needle threader and automatic trimming at the end of each color. Poolin calls its InStitch i3 system beginner-friendly.

The box holds six rolls of thread, 24 pre-wound bobbins, a stabilizer pack and a thread rack stand. At 35 pounds, it's easy to move next to the multi-needle machines.

The drawbacks are the single needle, so color changes are manual, and an area smaller than the EOC07 and the multi-needle machines.

If you're still learning, our Poolin EOC05 review covers Poolin's smaller machine, which Poolin says is for personal projects and not commercial mass production.

Do you need more than one needle for a home business?

You need more than one needle when your designs use many colors and you stitch the same logo again and again. A logo with eight colors means at least seven thread changes on a single-needle machine, and a multi-needle machine that is already threaded avoids them.

Color changes add up on repeat orders, since each stop repeats on every piece.

Single-needle embroidery machines for a home business

A single-needle machine suits a home business with short color lists and little floor space. Each new color means a stop, a thread change and a restart.

The Brother PE900, the Poolin EOC06 and the Poolin EOC07 work this way, and the PE900's Color Sort cuts down the number of changes.

Multi-needle embroidery machines for a home business

A multi-needle machine suits steady repeat orders, because it keeps several colors threaded and switches between them automatically. The Poolin EOM and both Smartstitch machines also have thread break detection, which stops the run when a thread snaps.

Top speed matters less than stops. Poolin and Smartstitch both give up to 1,200 stitches per minute for flat work, but a machine that stops at every color can't use that speed.

For the full trade-off, read single needle vs multi needle embroidery machines.

How much hoop area does a home business need?

Match the hoop to your usual job, not to the biggest design you can imagine. A 5 x 7 in field covers names and small logos, and the 11 x 7.9 in and 15 x 7.9 in areas handle wider lettering with fewer rehoops.

The 9.5 x 14.2 in, 14.2 x 9.5 in and 12 x 16 in areas suit larger pieces. Poolin names polos, jackets, tote bags and towels for the EOM's area.

Check the hoops in the box too. The EOM's largest included hoop is 14 x 7.9 in, even though Poolin gives its area as 14.2 x 9.5 in.

Which of these machines can stitch caps?

Only the Poolin EOM and the Smartstitch S-1001 come with cap parts in the box, so caps are an open question for every other machine here.

Single-needle machines need a matching cap hoop

Home single-needle machines are flat-bed, so a cap needs a cap hoop that lists your exact model. Check the model name on the hoop, because the fit changes from one machine to the next.

Best hat embroidery hoops and cap frames covers what each hoop fits, and can a home embroidery machine stitch hats answers the basics first.

Multi-needle machines with cap parts

The Poolin EOM includes a cap station and two cap hoops, and the Smartstitch S-1001 includes cap embroidery devices. For machines picked for hat work, read best embroidery machines for hats.

How much space does a home business machine need?

Published weights run from 21 to 165 pounds, so measure the spot before the box arrives. The Poolin EOM stands 59 inches tall and the Smartstitch S-1001 weighs 93 pounds, so both need a sturdy table.

The Smartstitch S-1201 Plus is 22 in deep, 17 in wide and 29 in tall.

Needles are sharp, so keep your fingers clear of a running machine and unplug it before you change a needle.

Which files and software do these machines use?

The Poolin and Smartstitch machines read DST and DSB files, and the Brother machines take files through Design Database Transfer software over Wi-Fi or by USB.

Smartstitch suggests Wilcom, EmbroideryStudio or Hatch for making DST files, and Poolin includes InStitch digitizing software.

Use designs you have the right to stitch. Brother says the embroidery patterns it offers are for personal, non-commercial use only.

How do warranty and support compare?

Brother's warranty runs 25 years on the chassis, 2 years on electronic components and 1 year on parts and labor. Poolin gives a 1-year warranty on the EOM, EOC06 and EOC07.

Keep the receipt, since Brother counts the warranty from the original purchase date on it.

Smartstitch points new owners to manuals, training videos and an online club, and Poolin says its engineers help after the sale. For manuals and firmware, start at Brother, and for the two brands head to head, read Poolin vs Brother embroidery machines.

What supplies should you plan for in the first month?

Plan for thread, bobbins and stabilizer first, since every box holds a different amount.

The Poolin EOM includes four spools of thread, 25 pre-wound bobbins and 50 sheets of cut-away stabilizer, while the EOC07 includes six rolls of thread, 20 pieces of cut stabilizer and 25 bobbins. The Smartstitch S-1001 includes a starter kit.

The Brother PE900 box holds bobbins, a needle set and bobbin thread, so plan to buy stabilizer and top thread.

Stabilizer is the item you'll restock most, since most hooped pieces use some. If you're unsure which kind to start with, do you need stabilizer for embroidery explains the basics.

Who should skip which type of machine?

Skip a multi-needle machine if most of your work is single-color names or small patches, since extra needles save little time on those jobs. These machines also take the most floor space and weight, so they only help when color changes slow the work down.

Skip a single-needle machine if your designs use many colors and you stitch the same logo often. Each color change adds a stop, and those stops add up across a run.

A first-time owner who wants a light machine with Wi-Fi may pass on the EOM even with repeat orders coming, since the weight, the height and the learning curve all add up.

Which embroidery machine for a home business should you pick?

Pick the machine that matches the orders you take now, then check the cap plan and the space before you buy. Here are the best matches for seven kinds of home shop.

• Pick the Poolin EOM if caps, multi-color logos and repeat orders are the main work, and you have room for a 165-pound machine.
• Pick the Brother SE2000 if sewing is part of the business and a 5 x 7 in field covers your designs.
• Pick the Smartstitch S-1201 Plus if the largest flat area matters most, and you're ready for a 12-needle learning curve.
• Pick the Smartstitch S-1001 if you want 10 needles and cap parts in the box at a lower weight than the EOM.
• Pick the Brother PE900 if you want a light single-needle machine with Wi-Fi transfer for smaller designs.
• Pick the Poolin EOC07 if long lettering and rows of names call for a 15 x 7.9 in area.
• Pick the Poolin EOC06 if you want a single-needle start with an 11 x 7.9 in area.

For the decision steps in order, read how to choose an embroidery machine for small business.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for caps and multi-color orders

   Poolin EOM 15-Needle Embroidery Machine

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a shop that also sews

   Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for the largest flat area

   Smartstitch S-1201 Plus 12-Needle Embroidery Machine

   9.0/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best embroidery machine for a home business?

The Poolin EOM 15-needle is our top pick for caps and multi-color repeat orders, with 15 needles, a cap system and a 14.2 x 9.5 in flat area. If you want something lighter to start, the Brother PE900 weighs 21 pounds and sends designs over Wi-Fi.

Do I need a multi-needle machine for a home business?

Not if most of your work is single-color names or small patches, since a single-needle machine handles those with one thread change per color. A multi-needle machine helps when your designs use many colors and you stitch the same logo often, so count the colors in your usual design first.

Can a home embroidery machine stitch hats?

Yes, if you add a cap hoop that lists your exact model, since home single-needle machines are flat-bed. The Poolin EOM and the Smartstitch S-1001 come with cap parts, so they don't need a separate cap hoop to start, but check the fit for any other machine.

How much space does a 15-needle embroidery machine need?

The Poolin EOM is 21.3 inches deep, 28.4 inches wide and 59 inches tall, and it weighs 165 pounds. Plan a sturdy table that can carry that weight, with clear height above the machine and room to reach the cap station and hoops.