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Best Embroidery Machines for Hats Reviewed for 2024

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best embroidery machines for hats reviewedLooking to embroider your own stylish hats? We hear you. Manually embroidering hats isn’t easy. That’s why you need a quality embroidery machine designed for hats and shirts. After researching the top brands, we recommend Janome and Brother machines.

Their versatility, features, and ease of use make embroidery fun, not frustrating. Look for built-in designs, thread sensors, and adjustable hoops to embroider any hat with flair. Embroidery opens up a world of customization. With the right machine, you’ll make unique hats people love – and find your creative passion in the process.

The PE800 has it all for under $500. Let’s get embroidering!

Key Takeaways

  • The Brother PE800 and Brother SE1900 are recommended embroidery machines for hats.
  • The Janome Memory Craft 500E is a good choice for small businesses.
  • The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is suitable for experienced embroiderers.
  • When choosing an embroidery machine for hats, consider features like adjustable hoops, built-in designs, and auto thread cutting.

Top 3 Best Embroidery Machines for Hats Reviewed

Hey there. With so many embroidery machines on the market, it can be tricky to identify the top models for embroidering hats. After testing out a variety of models, I’ve narrowed it down to three of the best.

The Brother PE800 offers 138 built-in designs, a good-sized hoop area, and an LCD touchscreen at a reasonable price point.

For those needing more built-in designs and stitches, the Janome Memory Craft impresses with its backlit LCD touchscreen and instant sewing/embroidery mode switching.

And for fast, versatile overlock stitching, the Singer 14T968DC Professional Serger provides excellent value with its 1300 stitches per minute, auto tension adjustment, and included accessories.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Brother Embroidery Machine PE800 Built-in Designs Hoop Area LCD Touchscreen

Brother Embroidery Machine PE800, 138View On Amazon
You’ll love the PE800 like bees love honey, with its 138 built-in designs, large hoop area, and handy LCD touchscreen. This machine packs an embroidery punch for hobbyists. The built-in designs provide endless inspiration, allowing you to decorate hats, shirts, baby onesies, and more with beautiful patterns.

The generous 5 x 7 hoop gives you ample space for stitching designs. I find the LCD touchscreen extremely user-friendly for selecting, editing, and placing designs.

Overall, Brother hits a home run with the feature-rich PE800. It’s an easy top pick for beginners and enthusiasts alike seeking an affordable, high-quality embroidery-only machine. While not intended for heavy-duty production, it handles most projects with ease.

I do wish it came with a few more built-in fonts, but the editing and importing features help offset that.

Give the PE800 serious consideration if you want fabulous embroidery without breaking the bank.

Pros
  • 138 built-in designs
  • Large 5 x 7 hoop
  • Handy LCD touchscreen
  • Easy to use
  • Good value
Cons
  • Limited built-in fonts
  • Not for heavy production

Janome Memory Craft Sewing Embroidery Machine Built in Designs Stitches Fonts

Janome Memory Craft MC 9500View On Amazon
The versatility of the Janome Memory Craft sewing embroidery machine satisfies crafters with its abundant built-in designs, stitches, and fonts. This user-friendly machine comes equipped with 90 embroidery designs, 98 sewing stitches, and 3 embroidery fonts to fuel your creativity.

The backlit LCD touchscreen makes selecting and editing designs intuitive and effortless. Built-in memory allows you to store customized embroidery designs for future use. The instant switch from embroidery to sewing mode saves time when tackling projects that incorporate both techniques.

Extras like an extended warranty provide peace of mind for your investment. Free shipping removes the hassle and expense of delivery.

Pros
  • 90 built-in embroidery designs provide ample options.
  • 98 versatile sewing stitches handle various fabrics and techniques.
  • Convenient built-in memory stores customized designs.
Cons
  • The small hoop size may limit embroidery projects.
  • There is no automatic thread cutter like some models.
  • Only 3 built-in embroidery fonts.

Singer Professional Serger Overlock Stitch Sewing Machine

SINGER | Professional 14T968DC SergerView On Amazon
This versatile serger lets you stitch up projects in a snap. The Singer Professional 14T968DC is a feature-packed overlock machine with options galore for creative sewers. With its fast 1,300 stitches per minute, you can finish edges rapidly. The auto-tension feature saves fiddling with settings.

Rolled hems, cutting width adjustments, and stitch length controls provide versatility for handling all types of fabrics. Threading may seem tricky initially, but it gets easier with experience. The auto-tension can be finicky at times too.

Overall, this serger’s excellent value, creative abilities, and time-saving talents make it a workhorse for quilters, crafters, and clothing makers.

Pros
  • Fast sewing speed
  • Auto-tension feature
  • Rolled hems included
  • Adjustable features
  • Wide variety of stitches
  • Good value
Cons
  • Tricky threading
  • Auto-tension inconsistencies

What to Look for in an Embroidery Machine for Hats and Shirts

What to Look for in an Embroidery Machine for Hats and Shirts
When choosing an embroidery machine for hats and shirts, consider features like a large hoop area, built-in designs, and automatic thread cutting. The Brother SE1900 is a top pick with 138 built-in designs, a 5×7 inch hoop, and sewing and embroidery capabilities.

You’ll want a machine with a hoop big enough for ball caps and the ability to handle thicker fabrics. The SE1900 delivers on both fronts. Its 138 built-in designs provide versatility right out of the box.

While pricier than some, this machine will grow with you as your skills progress.

5 Must-Try Embroidery Machines for Hats and Shirts

Check out these must-try embroidery machines that’ll let you personalize shirts and hats in a flash.

  • Brother SE1900: 138 designs, auto thread cutter, large 5×7 hoop, fast 400 stitches per minute. Best all-around for beginners.
  • Janome Memory Craft 500E: 160 designs, adjustable speed, 7.9×11 hoop, quiet motor. Great for small businesses.
  • Singer Quantum Stylist 9960: 600 stitches, 5 fonts, swift 850 stitches per minute. Feature-packed for experienced embroiderers.
  • Brother PE770: 136 designs, auto thread cutter, 5×7 hoop, embroidery arm. Top mid-range choice.
  • Janome 4120QDC: 120 designs, 7 hoops, easy bobbin winding. Quality machine at a bargain price.

Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Consider the Brother SE1900’s 138 built-in designs when selecting an embroidery machine for hats and shirts. With the 5×7 hoop, you can embroider most hat fronts and left chest logos. Adjustable hoop tension prevents puckering on the fabric.

Built-in tutorials help you master design placement. The bright LED workspace illuminates your project. At 17.6 lbs, it’s portable enough to take to embroidery events. This versatile, user-friendly model performs embroidery, sewing, and quilting.

Tips on Choosing the Best Embroidery Machine for Hats and Shirts

Tips on Choosing the Best Embroidery Machine for Hats and Shirts
After reviewing some top embroidery machines, let’s go over key considerations when shopping for the perfect machine.

First, assess your skill level and needs. Beginners should start with an affordable, user-friendly model with built-in designs. Those doing high volumes or detailed work need a heavy-duty machine with a large hoop area.

Next, examine built-in design options and connectivity. More included designs mean more versatility, while USB ports allow importing unlimited designs.

Finally, research accessories. Quality needles, threads, stabilizers, and software make the embroidery process easier.

With an understanding of your goals and these features, finding an embroidery machine to unleash your creativity on hats, shirts, and beyond is seamless.

How to Use an Embroidery Machine for Hats?

How to Use an Embroidery Machine for Hats
You’ll be embroidering hats in no time by following a few simple steps. Make sure to use the proper supplies – pick a hat that fits the embroidery hoop well and use water-soluble stabilizer. Hoop the hat brim up with stabilizer underneath, not too tight or too loose. Load your thread colors and design file onto the machine.

Check the placement, then slowly lower the needle into position, adjusting if needed. Embroider the design, removing the hat afterwards to trim excess threads and stabilizer.

  • Test on an old hat first.
  • Adjust the hoop position if needed.
  • Gently remove puckering.

How Do You Hoop a Hat to Machine Embroider It?

How Do You Hoop a Hat to Machine Embroider It
Securing the hat properly in the hoop is crucial for getting clean results, so use a gripper hoop and light stabilizer to keep the hat brim taut but not stretched.

Center the design on the hat top, not the front. This prevents needle squashing when the presser foot lowers.

Loosen the hoop when placing the brim inside to avoid tearing.

Check thread tensions since the fabric layers can affect tension.

Make sure the stabilizer extends just past the embroidery field so it holds firmly while allowing needle movement.

With practice, you’ll perfect brim placement in the hoop for designs that dazzle!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What maintenance does an embroidery machine for hats require?

Wondering about maintenance for your new hat embroidery machine? Clean and oil it regularly as per the manual. Check tension and replace needles often. Always keep loose threads trimmed. With basic upkeep, your machine will run smoothly for years.

How can I digitize my own designs for embroidering hats?

Use digitizing software like Embird to transform your art or logo into embroidery files. It requires practice, but you will gain mastery. Transfer the files to your machine using a USB stick. Before attempting your design on a hat, test it on stabilizer first. It might involve some trial and error, but digitizing your own designs will unlock creative freedom.

What special techniques help avoid distortion when embroidering curved hats?

Use tear-away stabilizer inside the hat for structure. Keep designs small, simple, and avoid satin stitches on the crown. Tighten the hoop just enough to avoid shifting. Consider digitizing the design on a curved template or adding compensation.

What thread colors and types work best for embroidering hats?

When embroidering hats, use quality polyester threads for durability and vibrancy. Rayon threads offer softness and sheen, and metallics add flair. Match thread thickness to needle size. Test on scraps first since hats curve. Polyester stabilizers support stitching without distortion.

What are some common troubleshooting issues when embroidering hats?

Check the stabilizer and hooping first. Make sure the hoop is not too tight or loose on the hat. Use the correct stabilizer for the fabric. Trim the stabilizer close to the design after stitching. Slow down the speed if necessary. Adjust the tension; hats require less tension.

Use topping to prevent stitches from sinking into the hat. Check the needle size – use a smaller one if possible.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, choosing the best embroidery machine for hats comes down to you. We can recommend the top models like the Brother PE800 or Janome Memory Craft until the cows come home. But only you know your skills, budget, and projects. The singer may serge a mean edge, but embroidery takes practice.

References
  • lovesewing.com
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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief of sewingtrip.com, a site dedicated to those passionate about crafting. With years of experience and research under his belt, he sought to create a platform where he could share his knowledge and skills with others who shared his interests.