I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Embroidery Machine For Hats And Shirts (2023)

The Janome MB 4S is a highly efficient and easy-to-use embroidery machine. It comes with a pre-filled bobbin, and an extra bobbin is provided as well. The inclusion of stock photos adds a touch of enjoyment to the machine. Threading, bobbin installation, and design transfer directions are all straightforward and can be easily understood. In case of any difficulties, a quick Google search can provide all the necessary explanations.

One user mentioned receiving a machine that seemed refurbished rather than brand new, as there was a pre-wound bobbin in the bobbin holder and random pictures of a dog and a grandmother as the screensaver. However, it's important to note that the screensaver and pre-loaded images are standard features and do not indicate that the machine is refurbished. The machine allows you to change the pictures using a zip drive. Similarly, pre-testing is done before sending out the machines, so the bobbin being pre-filled is part of the quality control process.

The Janome MB 4S is a compact and lightweight machine that doesn't take up much space and can easily be placed on a standard table or desktop. While manual threading may initially be a bit of a hassle, once the thread is set up, it's easy to tie off the new thread and pull it through without having to rethread the machine. It's worth mentioning that most issues reported by users are often due to user error rather than a fault in the machine itself.

One unique aspect of this machine is the quality control process, where each machine is evaluated by a worker who uses it for a month for free. This ensures that the machine meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

In terms of file import, one user mentioned having trouble importing files from a USB on a MAC computer. If anyone has any suggestions or solutions for this issue, it would be greatly appreciated. The files in question are in both DST and JEF formats.

I recently invested in this machine and I must say it is a great investment. The stitching quality is excellent, surpassing my expectations. Having used various brands of machines over the years, I understand that there is always a learning curve involved. However, this machine provides clear instructions and helpful videos that make the learning process much easier. I also received exceptional training from Fish, who was amazing.

The shipping time was quick, and the machine was packaged well to ensure its safety during transportation. The customer service provided was outstanding, with Fish and the team going above and beyond to assist me with any technical queries I had. Considering the outstanding price and excellent quality, I believe this machine is an awesome investment.

As someone who recently added embroidery to my small business, I can confidently say that this machine is a game-changer. The customer service was top-notch, and the machine was delivered promptly. The setup process was a breeze, making it perfect for beginners. I highly recommend this machine to anyone who is just starting out in the embroidery industry.

I must say, this machine is truly wonderful. While I am still learning and experiencing a learning curve, I am already impressed with its capabilities. I stitched out a design and the finished project, a Christmas Angel on a black towel, turned out beautifully. What's even more impressive is that I used gold and silver metallic thread without any thread breaks.

Compared to my Baby Lock BMP6, this 12-needle machine offers more accessories at a fraction of the price. It is fast and quiet, making the embroidery process efficient and enjoyable. The videos and support staff provided exceptional assistance whenever I needed it.

The Brother embroidery large bed embroidery machine is a highly recommended choice for anyone interested in embroidery. With its user-friendly interface and efficient performance, this machine is perfect for both beginners and experienced users.

One of the standout features of this machine is its ease of set up. Users have reported that they were able to get started within minutes of opening the box. Even those who have never used an embroidery machine before found the setup process to be quick and painless. The included manual provides clear instructions, making it easy to figure out the various functions of the machine.

The machine's digital touch screen is another highlight. Unlike other machines that have limited displays, the Brother embroidery machine boasts an actual screen that can display graphics. This feature adds a level of convenience and allows users to easily navigate through different designs and settings.

In terms of performance, this machine delivers exceptional results. Users have praised its speed and accuracy, with many reporting that it has significantly reduced the time it takes to complete embroidery projects. Whether you're working on a small business or simply enjoy creating personalized items, this machine is a must-have.

Additionally, the machine is compatible with a wide range of designs, allowing for endless possibilities. Users can easily import their own designs or choose from the extensive collection available online. This flexibility ensures that you can personalize your projects to your liking.

I recently purchased the Embroidery Hoop set for my Brother PE535 sewing machine, and I must say, it has been a game changer. There seems to be some confusion regarding the purpose of these hoops, especially for machines that can only sew patterns up to 4×4. Let me clarify.

Firstly, the larger hoop does not magically enable your machine to sew larger patterns. However, what it does allow you to do is hoop a larger area, eliminating the need for re-hooping. This is particularly useful for projects like monograms, where you can simply reposition the hoop after each section. With at least 3 positions to connect to the machine, I am now able to embroider larger patterns on my machine by separating the sections into separate files.

I want to emphasize that I do not suggest trying to match stitches for continuous designs. However, for separate entities such as letters, this larger hoop has been a game changer. No more discovering that initials are slightly off, as I now have the space to accurately position each section.

It is worth noting that the smallest hoop that comes with the machine does work, as it is listed as an option in the manual. In fact, the smaller the hoop, the better the result, as there is less to immobilize. So, the larger hoop is not meant to replace the smaller one, but rather to provide additional flexibility for larger designs.

In terms of quality, I am very impressed with these hoops. They are sturdy and easy to screw open and tight. They are as well-made as the original 4-inch square hoop that came with my machine, and they fit perfectly. Although I haven't tried embroidering with them yet, I see no reason why they wouldn't work just as well as the original manufactured ones.

If you're looking to embroider large designs on your shirts or other garments, this Embroidery Hoop set is a great choice. It allows for approximately 50% larger designs than the standard hoop, but keep in mind that you will need software like PE-Design or an existing pattern divided into two parts. Manual repositioning of the hoop is required when moving from one part of the design to the next.

The Brother PE545 embroidery machine is a versatile and user-friendly option for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. With its compact and lightweight design, it is also a great choice for those who need a portable machine for travel.

One of the standout features of the PE545 is its extensive built-in design library. With 135 embroidery designs and 10 lettering fonts, you have plenty of options to choose from for your projects. The 3.7" LCD display makes on-screen editing easy and allows for quick customization of your designs.

Setting up the machine is a breeze, thanks to the advanced needle threading system and automatic thread cutter. These features not only save time but also ensure clean and precise stitching. The machine also offers embroidery speeds of up to 400 spm, allowing you to complete your projects efficiently.

The PE545 also comes with the convenient Embroidery Drag and Drop function, which allows you to easily move embroidery patterns with a simple touch of your finger. This feature simplifies design positioning and ensures accurate placement.

One notable aspect of the PE545 is its wireless capabilities. When connected to a wireless network, you can transfer design files from your PC to the machine using the Design Database Transfer. Additionally, the Artspira App provides you with access to a wide range of embroidery patterns that can be downloaded directly to your machine. You can even create your own designs by drawing on your mobile device and wirelessly transferring them to the PE545.

To help you get started, the machine includes tutorial videos and an easy needle threading system. These resources are invaluable, especially for beginners who may be new to machine embroidery. The clear instructions and visual aids make it easy to understand and follow along.

I recently had the opportunity to try out this sewing machine and I must say, I was quite excited. As someone who loves experimenting with different sewing machines, I was hopeful that this one would live up to its reputation. Thankfully, it did not disappoint.

Firstly, I was impressed with the packaging and delivery. Despite the fact that it arrived late in the evening, my son was considerate enough to bring it inside to protect it from the freezing temperatures outside. This showed me that the company takes care in ensuring their product is well-handled.

Before even setting up the machine, I took the time to read through the manual. I was blown away by the capabilities of this machine. Compared to my previous sewing machine, which cost me a small fortune, this one offers so much more at a fraction of the price. The manual was clear and easy to understand, which made the setup process a breeze.

Once I had everything set up, I encountered a minor issue with threading. However, I attribute this to my own eyesight, as I wear bifocals and sometimes struggle to see small details. With practice, I'm confident that I'll improve in this area. Aside from that, I experienced no jams or broken threads during my sewing session, which was a pleasant surprise.

Speaking of sewing, the machine performed flawlessly. I tested out various straight and utility stitches and the results were impeccable. The stitching was clean and precise, leaving me extremely satisfied with the quality of my work. I'm eager to continue exploring all the features of this machine and will update my review as I delve deeper into its capabilities.

One aspect that particularly stood out to me was the ability to adjust the lengths and widths of many stitches. While the machine is advertised as having 103 built-in stitches, this is actually an understatement. With the flexibility to modify stitches, the options are virtually endless. Gone are the days of purchasing expensive memory cards for additional designs, as this machine offers a more affordable and accessible way to expand your embroidery library.

I recently purchased the 360 IQ hat press and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. After experiencing press marks on my caps with my previous press, I decided to give this one a try and I'm glad I did. The press is amazing and I haven't encountered any issues with it damaging my hats. I even added two layers of 1/2 inch Vapor heat foam for extra support and it has worked wonders.

One of the standout features of this press is the interchangeable platens. This allows me to easily switch between different hat styles, making my production process much more efficient. I can easily press a couple hundred hats in a day without any creasing issues, which is a huge plus.

The only minor drawback I found with this press is the inaccurate thermocouple in the platen. It's off by about 50 degrees from the set temperature, so I recommend having an infrared thermometer to ensure accurate heat readings. However, this is a small inconvenience compared to the overall performance of the press.

I absolutely love the full silicon hat pads that come with this press. They provide a better fit and customization options compared to the machined aluminum pads with a silicone pad that most other presses have. I may even consider molding my own pads in the future. The two pads provided are suitable for both old-school trucker hats and modern contoured flat caps. The hat capture lever is also superior to other presses I've owned.

Although there may be a slight shape imprint on some unique hats, overall, this press has performed flawlessly. I ran about 75 hats through it on the first night and I couldn't be happier with the results. The value for the money is incredible, making it a worthy investment for anyone in the hat pressing business.

I rarely write reviews unless a product exceeds my expectations, and this hat press definitely did. I was initially considering purchasing a more expensive press for $1,800, but I decided to give this one a try due to its affordable price. I have pressed hundreds of hats, including DTG transfers and leather patches, and this press has exceeded my expectations. The only caveat is the inaccurate platen heat, but with the addition of an infrared heat thermometer, everything works perfectly.

The Singer Legacy SE300 is a versatile sewing and embroidery machine that offers a wide range of stitch choices for both sewing and embroidery projects. As a beginner, I found the manual to be straightforward and easy to follow, allowing me to create a variety of handmade clothes with ease.

One of the standout features of this machine is the 250 built-in stitches, which include basic stitches for mending clothes, stretch stitches for added durability, decorative stitches for creative embellishments, quilting stitches for quilted projects, and heirloom stitches for delicate garments. There are also one-step buttonhole stitches and satin stitches for a polished finish. Switching between stitches is a breeze thanks to the included snap-on presser feet that are specifically designed for each stitch.

I appreciate the automatic thread tension adjustment, which makes sewing a hassle-free experience. The built-in threader is a time-saver, eliminating the need to struggle with threading the needle. Operating the machine is made even more convenient with the start and stop button, allowing me to sew without using the pedal. The five speed levels can be easily adjusted depending on the project, giving me full control over the sewing speed.

The embroidery unit of the Singer Legacy SE300 is a standout feature. The LCD monochrome touchscreen provides automatic directions, making it easy for even young children to follow along. With 200 built-in embroidery designs and 6 alphabet font options, the possibilities for customization are endless. The machine comes with 2 snap-on embroidery hoops in different sizes, allowing for various embroidery sizes. Additionally, the machine is compatible with USB sticks, giving access to even more embroidery designs. The ability to save patterns designed online through downloadable software is a great bonus.

I found the overall embroidery experience with the Singer Legacy SE300 to be exciting and enjoyable. The machine allows for seamless embroidery by starting from where it left off if the bobbin runs out, preventing the need to restart the design.

The only downside I found with this machine is its bulky size and design. I felt that the design could have been more streamlined and compact.

The hat embroidery accessory I purchased was very sturdy and came with step-by-step directions with pictures, which made the embroidery process much easier compared to using a regular hoop. I'm glad I made this purchase.

However, it's important to keep in mind that this accessory is meant for machines that were not designed to embroider hats, which is why brands like Brothers and Baby Lock do not make hoops for hat embroidery. This means that using this accessory may be difficult, especially when it comes to getting the hat to lay flat on a machine that wasn't designed for hats. The accessory clamps onto an existing hoop, which then fits onto your machine. While it does a fine job embroidering a couple of hats, it is not suitable for production runs.

The quality of the hoop is very good, but it seems that it's common for the accessory to not come with instructions. In such cases, a simple Google search of the accessory's name will provide videos of other people using it, which can serve as a helpful guide.

The item arrived in a timely manner, and although it was hard to use, it did successfully embroider the hat I wanted. However, I do have some concerns about the instructions provided. The font size of the instructions is much larger, which is appreciated for easier reading, and some editing has been done to improve content clarity. However, the instructions lack important details such as what size metal hoop should be attached and what the available embroidery area is. As a new embroidery hobbyist, this information would have been helpful, as it's difficult to guess the intended specifications of the manufacturer/product designer. As of now, I haven't used the unit because I don't have the necessary sizing information. On a positive note, the product appears sturdy and attaches nicely to the side of the Embroidex 200 x 260mm metal hoop.

The PE550D is a user-friendly machine that is perfect for beginners in machine embroidery. While it may have a smaller maximum hoop size of 4 x 4, it still offers great functionality and value for its price.

One of the main reasons I chose this machine was because it came with Disney designs preloaded and had a cheerful Mickey and Minnie design on the exterior. It added a touch of fun to my embroidery projects.

For those new to machine embroidery, I would highly recommend watching YouTube tutorials for beginners. Although there may not be specific tutorials for the PE550D, there are plenty of general tutorials that can help you get started.

Experimenting with different designs is a great way to learn and improve your skills. I started with the Minnie Mouse face design and turned it into a cute face mask for a 6-year-old, who absolutely loved it.

It's important to familiarize yourself with stabilizers and threads when using this machine. I recommend purchasing prewound bobbins from Amazon as they work wonderfully.

Downloading designs from online sites and transferring them to the machine via USB stick is a convenient feature of the PE550D. However, I advise always making a practice piece first to ensure the design stitches out the way you want it to.

I did encounter some issues initially with the bobbin thread pulling to the top of a preloaded design, but adjusting the thread tension resolved the problem.

In terms of embroidery threads, I have tried Madeira, Gutermann, and Hobby Lobby threads, all of which worked well with this machine. I have also used Coats & Clarks Rayon from a previous project, and it stitched up nicely too.

It's essential to remember that the largest design you can make with this machine will be slightly less than 4 x 4. If you don't plan on working on large projects, this limitation shouldn't be a major concern.

For those looking for 4 x 4 designs and in the hoop projects, I recommend checking out Sweet Pea and Kreative Kiwi sites. They offer a nice selection that is compatible with the PE550D.

I've had a lot of fun with my PE550D since I got it in January 2021. If you're looking for stabilizers and scissors, Walmart offers options that work well with this machine. Additionally, using coupons at stores like Hobby Lobby and Jo Ann's can help you save money on embroidery supplies. Keep an eye out for half-price sales on Hobby Lobby's Sewology Embroidery Thread.

Lastly, there are several online embroidery design sites that offer free designs, which can add an extra element of fun to your embroidery adventure. Enjoy exploring and creating with your PE550D!