Introduction
Are you tired of browsing the internet for a quality embroidery machine that won’t cost too much? Well, I have got some exciting news for you. In this article, I will explore the 9 Best Cheap Embroidery Machines to make your creative dreams come true in 2023. As someone who has personally experienced the struggle of finding the perfect sewing machine within a limited budget, I understand the frustration and disappointment that can arise from endless searches and disappointing options.
I have compiled a list of affordable embroidery machines based on my extensive research and passion for all things embroidery. There is no doubt that more advanced machines with high-end features can come with hefty price tags. If you want a machine for professional or business use, spend more on advanced machines. If you are a beginner searching for an easy-to-use machine, keep reading because I will share with you the top 9 cheap embroidery machines of 2023.
Check Also – How Much Is An Embroidery Machine Cost?
List of the Best Cheap Embroidery Machines
- Brother SE600
- Singer Legacy SE300
- Brother PE800
- Bernina’s Bernette 70 Deco
- Brother PE550D
- Janome Memory Craft 400E
- Brother PE535
- Singer XL- 420 Futura
- Brother LB5000M Marvel
Features | Brother PE800 | Singer Legacy SE300 | Brother SE600 | Brother LB5000M | Bernette 70 Deco | Brother PE550D | Janome Memory Craft 400E | Brother PE535 | Singer XL- 420 Futura |
Price Range | Under $900 | Under $1,100 | Under $500 | Under $600 | Under $1,700 | Under $500 | Under $1,400 | Under $400 | Under $700 |
Built-in Designs | 138 | 200 | 80 | 80 | 208 | 125 | 160 | 80 | 200 |
Embroidery Area | 5″ x 7″ | 7″ | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ | 10″ x 6″ | 4″ x 4″ | 7.9″ x 7.9″ | 4″ x 4″ | 6.75″ x 4″ |
LCD Display Size | 3.2″ | – | 3.2″ | 3.2″ | 5″ | 3.2″ | – | 3.2″ | – |
No. of Lettering Fonts | 7 | 6 | – | 9 | – | 9 | 6 | 9 | 5 |
Included No. of Hoops | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
USB Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
On-Screen Editing | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | Yes (Advanced) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Needle Threader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Thread Cutter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Adjustable Embroidery Speed | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our rating (out of 5.0) | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.5 |
Brother SE600 Embroidery Machine: Under $500

In the embroidery machine market, the Brother SE600 Embroidery Machine is one of the most affordable options. The price is surprisingly low for such a complete range of features. This machine has become popular because of its comprehensive instruction manual, which provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions for beginners and experienced users.
Brother SE600 stands out because of its large LCD screen compared to other machines in this price range. Through this vibrant display, you can easily navigate through various designs and settings, making the entire embroidery process much more enjoyable. You can even preview your design before stitching it onto your chosen fabric so that you get the perfect result each time.
It will go beyond your expectations and provide hours of creative motivation. Let’s look at this machine’s features, pros, and cons to understand better.
Features of Brother SE600
Pros
- Automatic Thread Cutter
- Touchscreen 3.2″ x 1.8″ LCD
- USB Connectivity to Import Designs
- Built-in LED Light
- 4″ x 4″ Embroidery Hoop
- Good Value for Money
- Dedicated Bobbin Winding Motor
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Easy to Store
Cons
- Few Automatic Features
- Limited Stitch Selection
Is the Brother SE600 good for beginners?
Yes, the Brother SE600 is a good choice for beginners. You won’t be confused by complicated controls with this versatile sewing and embroidery machine. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for you to navigate through different settings and stitch options. It allows you to start sewing right away.
Many tutorials and instructional videos are built into the Brother SE600, making it an excellent choice. These resources are extremely helpful for beginners as they guide you through the basics of using the machine and teach you various techniques. You will feel supported every step of the way, which can boost your confidence and help you learn faster.
Singer Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine: Under $1,100

If your budget is larger than the previous model Brother SE60 we discussed above, I strongly recommend that you buy the Singer Legacy SE300 embroidery machine. The embroidery function on this machine is one of its best features. With an impressive 250 built-in stitches and endless design possibilities, the SE300 allows you to express your creativity like never before.
It has a large embroidery working area. With a maximum size of 10 x 6 inches, you can confidently handle bigger projects like quilts or home decor items. Using this large space, you can create more precisely and elaborately, giving your creations a professional and polished look.
Singer Legacy SE300 offers several automatic features not available in the Brother SE600. From automatic needle threading to automatic thread tension, this machine takes all the guesswork out of embroidery. It makes it extremely easy to use for beginners and experienced sewers. The automatic thread cutter adds another convenience layer by neatly trimming your threads with just one touch.
Features of Singer Legacy SE300
Pros
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Automatic Thread Tension
- Top Drop-in Bobbin System
- Durable Build
- Extra-Large Working Space
- Value For Money
- Larger Hoop
- Good For Beginners
- Portable
- Easy to Change the Hoops Size
Cons
- No cover
- Can’t Connect Computer Directly to The Machine
What stitches are in the Singer Legacy?
You will find a variety of stitches on the Singer Legacy to meet all your sewing needs. It offers an impressive range of stitches, including 10 OneTouch Basic Stitches, 8 Basic Stitches, 7 Stretch Stitches, 118 Decorative Stitches, 14 Fully-Automatic Buttonholes, 18 Satin Stitches, 23 Elongation Stitches, 22 Quilting Stitches and 30 Heirloom Stitches. This machine will allow you to be much more creative with your sewing projects.
It has everything from basic stitches for everyday sewing tasks to decorative and quilting stitches for adding fine details to your creations.
Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine: Under $900
Regarding embroidery machines, the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine is a great alternative to the Singer Legacy SE300, which costs a couple hundred dollars. With its under $900 price tag, it offers several embroidery designs, fonts, frames, and borders. This machine has 138 built-in embroidery designs, whereas the Singer Legacy SE300 has 200 embroidery designs.

It has a large working space and 5×7-inch hoops. That allows you to work on larger designs and gives you more flexibility in your embroidery projects. The colored touchscreen is also a nice addition, making it easy to navigate the machine’s settings and design options.
You should consider the Brother PE800 if you are looking for an embroidery machine that offers a good range of features but is not too expensive.
Features of Brother PE800
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface
- Affordable Price
- Large Embroidery Area
- Fast Stitching
- Quality Results
Cons
- Lack of Built-in Memory
- Noisy Operation
Is the Brother PE800 a good machine?
For beginners looking to get into embroidery, the Brother PE800 is a fantastic machine. Its features and capabilities make it easy to use and produce high-quality designs. The large embroidery area allows for bigger projects. At the same time, the built-in designs and fonts provide plenty of options for customization.
Bernina Bernette 70 Deco Embroidery Machine: Under $1,700
Bernina is a very famous brand that produces high-end sewing and embroidery machines that are very expensive, but this model is surprisingly affordable compared to others in this class. My favorite thing about this machine is its user-friendly interface. It is a computerized machine, which makes it much easier to operate than traditional embroidery machines. Even if you are new to embroidery, you will find that the Bernette 70 Deco is simple to use.

I have recently published a full review on the Bernina Bernette 70 Deco Embroidery Machine, where I go into more detail about its features, performance, and overall value for money; make sure to check the Bernette 70 Deco Embroidery Machine Review.
Features of Bernina’s Bernette 70 Deco
Pros
- Versatile Design Options
- Accurate Stitches
- Compatible With Different Embroidery Formats
- High-Quality Components
- Reliable Performance
- Built-in Designs and Fonts
- Fast Embroidery Speed
Cons
- Regular Cleaning
What embroidery format does Bernette use?
Bernette embroidery machines use the.EXP format for their designs. This format is specific to Bernette machines and allows you to seamlessly transfer design files from your computer to the machine. Embroidery machines do not use the same format, so before transferring your designs, check to see if they are compatible.
Ensure the format is when creating or downloading designs for your Bernette machine.EXP. You can find and share these designs on a variety of websites and online communities.
Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine: Under $500

If you are looking for a sewing machine you can travel with or take along wherever you go, such as to sewing classes or on vacation, the Brother PE550D is a perfect choice. Its price tag under $500 offers good value for money. The portability of Brother machines is one of their strong points.
While the PE550D has many advantages, it also has some limitations. The machine does offer basic embroidery functions and includes Disney designs. Still, it may not provide all the advanced functions that more expensive models do. You can go with the Brother PE550D if you are looking for an entry-level embroidery machine that is not too expensive and easy to transport, or you can also check the Brother SE600, which we discussed earlier.
Features of Brother PE550D
Pros
- Built-in Disney Designs
- Easy-to-Use LCD Touchscreen Display
- Quick-set Bobbin System
- Built-in Tutorials
- USB Compatibility
Cons
- Limited Hoop Sizes
- Less Variety of Stitches
Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine: Under $1,400
The Janome Memory Craft 400E Embroidery Machine is a great option if you are looking for a computerized embroidery machine under $1,400. One notable difference is the price when comparing the Janome Memory Craft 400E with the Bernina Bernette 70 Deco. The Janome is more affordable, making it a budget-friendly choice for those wanting to start embroidery without breaking the bank.

Janome has a working space of 7.9 x 7.9 inches and has the same stitching speed of 850 stitches per minute. It offers a good balance between size and efficiency. It also comes with 160 built-in embroidery designs, which provide you with plenty of options for creativity. But if you want to spend a couple more dollars, then you can go with the Bernina Bernette 70 Deco, which will offer you some additional features or higher-quality components that justify its higher price point.
I definitely recommend the Janome Memory Craft 400E if you’re looking for an affordable computerized embroidery machine with decent specifications and plenty of built-in designs.
Features of Janome Memory Craft 400E
Pros
- Precise Stitching
- Easy-to-use Controls
- Large Embroidery Area
- All Necessary Accessories
- Versatile Design Options
- Reliable Performance
Cons
- Not a Travel-Friendly Machine
- Limited Connectivity Options
Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine: Under $400

If you didn’t choose any of the above models, Brother PE550D and Brother SE600, you must consider the Brother PE535. It is the cheapest machine on our list, priced under $400. PE535 has a large colored touchscreen, which makes this machine incredibly easy to operate and set up.
This machine will satisfy you, even if you are a beginner or an experienced embroiderer. Brother PE535 also has a USB port, so you can easily import your designs or choose from thousands of pre-loaded designs. It offers you great value for money without compromising on features or quality. PE535 is a fantastic embroidery machine that you don’t want to miss.
Must Check – Best Sewing Machines under $500 in 2023 (In-Depth Reviews)
Features of Brother PE535
Pros
- Good for Beginners
- Lightweight and Portable
- Built-in Memory
- Budget-Friendly
- Compatible With USB Connectivity
Cons
- Not Suitable for Heavy-Duty
- Does not Have Advanced Features
- Few Built-in Designs
Singer XL- 420 Futura Embroidery Machine: Under $700
The Singer XL-420 Futura Embroidery Machine is a great option for you if you love dual machines. It costs less than $700. It has 200 embroidery designs and 30 sewing stitches built-in, giving you many options for your projects. This machine has a USB port for transferring designs from your computer to the machine, which allows you to add extra customization.
With this machine, you can save time and energy using its automatic needle threader. You can also customize the size of your designs by using three different sizes of embroidery hoops. This machine offers good value for its price range at $550, including accessories. Even though it has many useful features, it still requires some learning and practice to fully utilize its capabilities.

If you are looking for an affordable dual machine with decent embroidery designs and stitch patterns, the Singer XL-420 Futura Embroidery Machine might be a good choice.
Features of Singer XL- 420 Futura
Pros
- Automatic Features
- Easy to Use
- Versatile Machine
- Multiple Built-in Stitch Patterns
- High Sewing Speed
Cons
- It is Not Compatible With Mac or OS Computers
- Limited compatibility with other embroidery software
Brother LB5000M Marvel Embroidery Machine: Under $500
I am excited to introduce you to the Brother LB5000M Marvel Embroidery Machine. If you are a fan of Avengers, you will love it. Not only does it allow you to create stunning embroidery designs, but it also lets you stitch your favourite Avengers characters onto your projects. How amazing is that?

With this machine, the possibilities are endless. You can bring your favourite Avenger character to life with just a few clicks, whether you love Iron Man, Captain America, or any other Avenger. Think about wearing a t-shirt displaying Thor’s mighty hammer or carrying a bag decorated with the Avengers logo. It is like a dream come true for any Marvel fan.
After buying this amazing Avengers machine, I want to know which Avengers you will embroider first.
Features of Brother LB5000M
Pros
- Very Easy Threading
- Best for Marvel Fans
- Super Beginner Friendly
- Interchangeable Marvel Front Plates
- Easy to Operate
- Affordable Price
Cons
- Not a Durable Machine
- Winding the Bobbin is a bit Tricky
FAQ about Best Cheap Embroidery Machines
Are cheap embroidery machines reliable?
In my experience, cheap embroidery machines can be quite unpredictable regarding reliability. I have mentioned all the affordable options that can do the job for you. Check that out, or you can check Best Sewing Machines under $500 in 2023. A cheaper option might be fine if you are a beginner or will not be using an embroidery machine constantly.
Just keep in mind that troubleshooting and maintenance may take more time. In the end, it comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you want a professional embroidery machine, then you can go with the Melco Amaya Bravo X Review (16-needle Professional Embroidery Machine)
What is the best brand for the cheapest embroidery machines?
Brother is definitely a top contender when it comes to the best brand for the cheapest embroidery machines. Brother has established itself as a trustworthy and reputable brand in the embroidery industry, offering affordable options that deliver quality results.
Among the Brother models I mentioned above, the Brother PE535, SE600, PE550D, and Brother LB5000M Marvel are all excellent choices under $500. You should select a machine based on your specific needs and preferences because each has different features and capabilities. The PE535 is known for its user-friendly interface and versatile design options.
SE600 combines embroidery and sewing functions, which is a great choice for those who want dual functionality. A PE550D stands out with its built-in Disney character designs, ideal for adding magic to your creations. And if you are a fan of Avengers, you can go with the Brother LB5000M Marvel.
What Is The Best Embroidery Thread To Use?
Can I use my designs with a cheap embroidery machine?
It is possible to use your designs with a cheap embroidery machine, but there are a few things you need to consider. First, ensure that your embroidery machine is compatible with the file format of your design. Most machines support common formats like .dst or .pes, but it is always best to double-check before purchasing.
A second thing to remember is that embroidery quality depends on the machine’s capabilities. Cheap embroidery machines may have fewer features or produce more precise results than higher-end models.
What types of fabrics can you embroider with a cheap machine?
You can typically embroider on fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and blends with a cheap machine. These fabrics are commonly used for embroidery projects due to their durability and ease of stitching. The embroidery quality will differ depending on the machine and its specifications.
While a cheap machine may not be able to handle more delicate or fine fabrics like silk or satin, it can still produce satisfactory results on sturdier materials. Before starting a larger project, you should test your machine with a small sample piece to check that it can handle your fabric.
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Can I monogram items with a cheap embroidery machine?
Yes, you can monogram items with a cheap embroidery machine. There are many types of items you can monogram. You can monogram clothing items such as shirts, jackets, hats, and socks. You can also customize blankets and pillows as well as personalizing household items like towels and pillowcases. Some people also choose to monogram accessories like bags and backpacks. You can do anything you want.
Read Also – What to Do with Finished Embroidery Pieces?
Are there any limitations when using a cheap embroidery machine?
Cheap embroidery machines have limitations. While these machines may be more affordable, they often need more advanced features and capabilities than higher-end models. That means you may have less control over the stitching quality, thread tension, or design complexity.
A cheap embroidery machine usually has small hoops, so you cannot create large designs. They may also have less powerful motors, resulting in slower stitching speeds and potentially less durability. If you’re starting out or have basic embroidery needs, a cheap machine can still get the job done.
Invest in a higher-quality machine that offers more versatility and precision if you plan on doing more complicated embroidery projects in the future; otherwise, cheap embroidery machines are best for you.
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Do affordable embroidery machines require computer connectivity?
Affordable embroidery machines do require computer connectivity. Most embroidery machines rely on computerized technology to function efficiently in today’s computerized world. Connecting the machine to a computer lets you easily transfer designs and patterns directly onto the machine’s memory or control panel. That gives you precise and incredibly detailed embroidery work without manual input.
A computer connection can also provide you access to design libraries online and software updates. With a connected embroidery machine, you can download and use a wide range of pre-made designs or create your own using specialized software. That opens up endless possibilities for customization and creativity in your embroidery projects.
While some older models may not require computer connectivity, investing in a modern, affordable embroidery machine that offers this feature is highly recommended. It will greatly enhance your embroidery experience and provide more options and convenience in crafting work.
How Much Is An Embroidery Machine Cost?
Is technical support available for the best cheap embroidery machines?
It is possible to get technical support for cheap embroidery machines. Still, the level of assistance may vary depending on your machine. While some manufacturers and sellers of cheap embroidery machines offer decent technical assistance, others may need to provide a different level of service than high-end brands.
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Conclusion
If you are on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the art of embroidery, these 9 best cheap embroidery machines under $1700 to under $400 are your perfect choice. From entry-level models to more advanced options, I cover a wide range of affordable choices for you to consider in this article. You will find something to suit your level of embroidery experience on the list. Now that you know what to look for, you can create beautiful designs without spending too much.