Eager to turn your love for embroidery into a full-time career? You’re in the right place – it’s kind of our thing, here. 😉
The first thing you’ll need? An embroidery machine for beginners. This should be able to work for years to come, even as you grow and scale your business. Here’s exactly what you need to look for in a good embroidery machine for beginners so your business can start on the right foot!
Features to Look for in a Beginner’s Embroidery Machine
It all starts with a good machine. But what does “good” really mean? Here are things to think about:
Ease of Use
As a beginner, you’ll want an embroidery machine for beginners that’s easy to operate. Look for machines that have intuitive controls and a clear display. This not only simplifies the learning process but lets you focus more on your creativity than trying to navigate confusing operations.
You’ll also want to consider what you can do automatically. Features like automatic thread cutting, and auto-color change can significantly ease the embroidery process. These can greatly reduce your manual work and prevent machines.
No more struggling with threading the needle incorrectly or struggling with thread tension. The right embroidery machines for beginners will help you out!
A good embroidery machine for beginners will come equipped not just with a paper manual, but training videos and courses. Our free Ricoma TV YouTube channel can help you get started even before you purchase your machine. Ricoma also offers free training and free lifetime support 7 days a week and after-hours.
We have dozens of videos covering embroidery machines and prepping your business. Visual learners, this one’s for you!
Build Quality and Reliability
The build quality of your embroidery machine is crucial. A well-built machine can handle continuous use without frequent breakdowns. Look for machines made with robust materials that promise longevity and endurance.
And like any large investment for your business, you’ll want a good warranty and responsive customer support (especially if you’re a beginner).
And don’t just take the manufacturer’s word for it – ask around! Send in a question on your crafting Facebook group, Google Reviews, and look on third-party websites and YouTube channels for recommendations on the machine build that aren’t biased.
Versatility
A machine with a variety of built-in designs gives you plenty of creative options to start with.
It’s also best if your machine lets you adjust settings, like:
- Size
- Orientation
- Thread colors
- Speed settings
- Thread tension
So, we’ve got the deets on what to look out for. What’s a good embroidery machine for beginners that covers all these bases?
Embroidery Machines for Beginners
EM-1010
The EM-1010 is the perfect entry-level, single-head embroidery machine for hobbyists, startups, or new custom apparel businesses. Here are some of its fan-favorite features:
- 10 needles and a cap attachment
- Great for clothing, caps, children’s items, gifts, and more
- High-definition true-color 7″ LCD touchscreen panel for easy operation
- Memory capacity of 20 million stitches or 200 designs
- Networkable with USB input or direct transmission from PC via LAN port
- Automatic color change, multiple hoop sizes, automatic thread trimmer, and more
Marquee 2001
The Marquee 2001 is an excellent embroidery machine for beginners who need a simple embroidery machine without too many bells and whistles. Here are some of our favorite features:
- Large clearance area for bulkier items
- 10.1-inch High-Definition Touchscreen Panel for easy operation
- High-res view of designs with realistic background options to see what your design will look like before you start
- Intuitive control panel with multiple design management tools
- Is able to shape to caps, flats and finished garments
- Wi-Fi compatible for automatic software updates
- 5-year limited warranty included with the machine
Accessories: Machine Embroidery for Beginners
Accessories facilitate the embroidery process and expand the range of projects you can tackle with your new machine. Here’s what you should consider:
Hoops and Stabilizers
A variety of hoop sizes allows you to undertake different projects, from tiny monograms to larger decorative pieces on tablecloths or garments.
Having multiple sizes at your disposal means you can always choose the right hoop for the job. This will help you maintain fabric tension and avoid puckering.
Stabilizers provide the necessary support for your fabric, preventing movements that could ruin your design. There are 3 main stabilizers crafters use:
- Cutaway stabilizers: These stay on the fabric and are trimmed away as close as possible to the embroidery. They’re excellent for stretchy fabrics.
- Tearaway stabilizers: These are temporary and can be gently torn away from the embroidery after stitching. They’re great for more stable fabrics.
- Water-soluble stabilizers: These dissolve completely in water and are perfect for delicate fabrics or when no stabilizer should be visible after the project is completed.
Embroidery Threads
The thread is the centerpiece of embroidery, providing color and texture to your designs.
As a beginner, go ahead and experiment with different thread types to understand their properties.
- Rayon is known for its high sheen and smooth finish.
- Polyester is colorfast and durable.
- Cotton gives a soft, matte appearance.
Whichever you choose, invest in some good, high-quality threads, as they are less prone to breaking or fraying.
Digitizing Software
Digitizing software allows you to create custom embroidery designs, turning your artwork into stitch files that your machine can interpret. Ricoma’s Chroma Digitizing Software is perfect for beginners or seasoned embroidery pros for an easy-to-use, seamless process.
Tips for Getting Started
Watch the Ricoma Crafts YouTube Channel
We pride ourselves in giving you as much training as possible so your embroidery business can thrive. We have everything from the basics to teaching you exactly how to to embroider pet sweaters!
Chroma Courses
Our Chroma Courses offers a series of detailed instructional videos and tutorials.
The courses cover a wide spectrum, from the basics of machine setup and operation to more advanced techniques in design and digitization.
Get Your Crafting Journey Started Today with Ricoma!
No matter how you’re starting, we’d love to be a part of your journey. Take a look at our full embroidery machine comparison to find the embroidery machine for beginners!
