Best Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines in 2024

If you are serious about starting your own at-home embroidery business, you are going to need a multi-needle embroidery machine that fits your scope.

What kind of volume do you expect to complete each day? How many design options do you want to offer? What size area do you want to be able to cover? These are all questions you will need to consider.

Whether you are looking for a professional embroidery machine or one to use at home for personal use, this article is here to guide you.

• Juki Tajima Sai
• BAi Mirror 1501
• Baby Lock Array
• Bernina E16 Pro
• Janome MB-4S

There are many advantages to using a multi-needle embroidery machine. Those advantages include less threading and rethreading, easier hooping, more reliable tension, speed, and of course, better-looking stitches.

However, embroidery machines with multiple threads can be expensive. There are numerous brands, makes and models on the market and it can be overwhelming. How do you know which machines will be the most reliable and fit within the scope of what you will need?

In this article, we are here to help you make a big decision that will affect every facet of your at-home embroidery business. Below are our top favorite multi-needle embroidery machines for starting your own at home embroidery business.

Best Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine Reviews of 2024

For a more in-depth embroidery machine review that is more than just the bullet points, check out our full detailed guide below.

#1 – Best Overall: Juki Tajima Sai 8 Needle Embroidery Machine

Embroidery Machine Review

You might be already familiar with Juki sergers and sewing machines. Now, Juki has introduced one of the highest-quality multi-needle embroidery machines available. This is one of the best multi-needle embroidery machines on the market due to having some of the largest hoops available. This Juki multi-needle embroidery machine would be perfect for any embroidery business.

Some of the best features of the Juki Tajima Sai 8-needle embroidery machine are the countless advanced technological features it contains. The Tajima Writer Plus software package comes complete with over 1,000 built-in designs.

The laser pointer allows you to ensure all your designs will be accurately stitched allowing for efficiency. Last, the ability to find patterns on the internet and import them into the machine is an ingenious feature of this machine.

Another one of those technological features is the font capabilities. Not only does the machine have 6 built-in fonts and 30-plus fonts built into the Tajima Write Plus software package, but you can load any font of your choice directly from your PC. That gives you unlimited capacity when it comes to font capabilities.

And if you still are not impressed with the technological features of this Juki embroidery machine, the underlay options included in the software allow for parallel, perpendicular, and contour capabilities.

For the more mechanical features, you have incredible thread breakage detection. If any of the eight threads break, the machine automatically stops. Once the string is replaced or repaired, the auto-save function continues exactly where it left off.

One of the negative aspects of the Juki Tajima Sai 8-needle embroidery machine is even though it may come in a compact package, it still weighs a blustering 82 pounds. However, if you are not planning on moving the machine around the shop, then it really will not be an issue.

Overall, we highly recommend this machine for embroidery shops that want to be blown away by a machine’s technological capabilities and still be provided with all the mechanical necessities to turn out products efficiently.

If you are looking for the best multi-needle embroidery machine that is going to give you insane production speed, countless technological features and is covered by the best warranty in the industry, then the Juki Tajima Sai 8-needle embroidery machine is for you.

#2 – Best Value: BAI Mirror 1501 Multi Needle Embroidery Machine

BAI (stylized as BAi) is a Chinese manufacturer of heavy-duty industrial embroidery machines. It mostly exports to the US and Europe. BAi is best known for its industrial-grade machines and superb customer support.

Embroidery Machine Review

When you’re buying a 15-needle embroidery machine, you don’t want to cut corners. You just need one strong machine that you can rely on for decades. That’s why we think BAi’s Mirror series of industrial embroidery machines should be the first choice of everyone. An all-in-one, heavy-duty embroidery machine, the 1501 series is the stuff of dreams.

The first thing you’ll notice with BAi Mirror 1501 is the large embroidery area. Measuring 350 mm by 500 mm, it’s perhaps the largest working area we have seen in multi-needle embroidery machines for beginners. This is an important feature because larger space means unhindered embroidering on almost all types and forms of items. T-shirts, hats, denim, jackets, shoes, and even leather sheets can be easily accommodated in the work area and embroidered using the computerized function. BAi claims you can even embroider on luggage bags if you want and that goes to show the confidence it has in its product.

The 1501 BAi Mirror is a computerized embroidery machine, making it easy to use, unlike other affordable multi-needle embroidery machines that you see in small shops. Equipped with most accessories that you need – hoops, cap stations, and winder – you can plug and play right out of the box. This is not a common feature in most multi-needle machines as they often require some level of skill in the operator.

Still, if you’re new to multi-needle machines, BAi’s extraordinary customer support will guide you through the setup to your first successful stitch. It also has impeccable after-sales support, where an engineer is assigned to every customer to help set up and troubleshoot. And all this for life. Yes, you read that right, BAi’s after-sales servicing is free for life.

With a maximum speed of 1,200 stitches a minute (it reaches this speed within 5 minutes), you are looking at a work beast suitable for large-scale embroidering. We’re talking hundreds of garments embroidered in a matter of a few hours. You can use a USB to transfer designs, automate color changes, and even set up automated embroidering for a large batch.

It’s amazing how loaded with features this cheap multi-needle embroidery machine is. However, this can become a disadvantage for beginners who’ll need extensive practice to master some of its advanced features. In that regard, this is truly an artist’s machine.

When you’re investing in a high-end machine like this, you ought to get the best. And we think that this BAi 1501 Mirror series machine is the best of the lot at a comfortable price.

Tips and Hacks

• Join the Bai Embroidery Machine Family group on Facebook to share information with fellow BAi machine owners. As of January 2024, it had nearly 7,000 members.
• BAI TV on YouTube is another great resource to learn multi-needle embroidering.
• Use DSB or DST file formats for better design output (compared to image files).
• Bai recommends Wilcom or Embrilliance software for designing.

#3 – Top Quality: Baby Lock Array 6 Multi Needle Embroidery Machine

It’s a misconception that Baby Lock products are mostly for beginners or kids. Although, the name “Baby Lock” is derived from the tiny size of one of its original sewing machines. Owned by Tacony Corporation, the American company has been around for more than 5 decades and specializes in sewing machines in the US and Canada.

Embroidery Machine Review

If the BAi model reviewed above is heavyweight, the Baby Lock Array is a single-head multi-needle embroidery machine with just 6 needles. This means you are looking at a restricted embroidery area for compact yet colorful designs.

Suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and boutique startup owners, this top-of-the-line embroidery machine offers 126 built-in designs, an HD touchscreen display with editing support, and a crosshair positioning laser. The latter is a common feature among intermediate embroidery machines which acts as a directing device for better placement of your embroidering. For example, if you’re embroidering on a hat’s visor or crown, you need to ensure that the design is at the right spot. The crosshair laser guides you to that right spot.

What we love the most is its beta mobile app called IQ Intuition Monitoring. Through the app, you can monitor your batch projects and get alerted for actions such as bobbin changes and thread breaks. It’s a great tool for business owners who multitask and do not have the luxury to concentrate on the process.

The color management tool within the display is also a good addition. You can use it to edit your designs more cleverly as the tool will show what shades and hues to go for the best output. Baby Lock’s proprietary software Palette 11 is another addition that makes this one of the best 6-needle embroidery machines at this price. However, we have to admit that the price tag is a tad higher for an intermediate model like this, especially when compared with affordable options like the BAi models.

Tips and Hacks

• Baby Lock regularly offers deals and discounts on accessories.
• Download official tutorials and help guides from the Baby Lock website.
• Explore Baby Lock’s website for project guides and ideas.

#4 – Brother Entrepreneur PR680W 6-Needle Embroidery Machine

Giving good competition to Baby Lock is its American counterpart Brother. Widely popular among Americans and non-Americans alike, Brother has been a reputed name in the world of sewing and embroidery. Its business-centric embroidery machine is a bestseller.

Embroidery Machine Review

The PR680W is perhaps the easiest Brother multi-needle embroidery machine that you can find. With a compact design, it’s ideal for home stitchers and businesspeople starting out as a one-person operation. The 6-needle setup means you can work on beginner and intermediate projects with enough design variations on most fabrics.

While the limited setup means you can’t add more detailing, Brother’s native operating system makes up for it. We’re talking 100 built-in embroidery designs, 18 monogramming font styles, 140 frame pattern combinations, 50 lettering fonts, and 10 buttonhole styles in 3 sizes. These preset designs are what make this a beginner-friendly free-arm embroidery machine.

The laser crosshair can be a game-changer for you, especially if you’re upgrading from a single-needle machine. The features being pigeonholed into the LCD touchscreen is a saving grace as you can set up your stitch first and then focus on your item as you embroider.

If you compare this with the Baby Lock Array, you’re unlikely to find many differences. Both are loaded with almost the same features and degree of functions. There’s the laser crosshair director, the My Stitch Monitor App for mobile alerts, and wireless connectivity. Though, Brother offers the Artspira Mobile App for the designer in you to explore designs and make your own embroidery stitches from scratch.

As you can notice, the price difference between 6-needle and 15-needle embroidery machines is stark, and that just reinforces why we ranked BAi models at the top. However, that doesn’t mean this Brother model is any lesser because it’s the best multi-needle embroidery machine for those starting up.

Tips and Hacks

• The Artspira app is free but has a premium version at $12.99 per month.
• Consider buying fast frames to embroider on fabrics or items that do not fit in the provided hoops.

#5 – Bernina E16 Pro Multi Needle Embroidery Machine For Professionals

Bernina is a Swiss manufacturer of professional quality embroidery machines and other related products. It has been around for more than a century, which is the first reason why you should consider it. “Swiss-make” is known for its precision and durability, and that’s what you can expect in this E16 Pro machine.

Embroidery Machine Review

The E16 Pro is the fastest and the only 16-needle embroidery machine in this list so far. It has a top speed of 1,400 stitches per minute, which it achieves with a steadfast pace. This means you can focus more on the designs and finishing work and less on the actual process. The high speed also ensures your batch orders finish faster.

With a 410 x 390 mm embroidery area, you are also looking at the widest embroidery area in a professional multi-needle embroidery machine. Large projects are easier to embroider and manage in the Bernina E16 Pro, which has a form akin to Apple products. As you can notice, Bernina’s products are beautiful, compact, and soft to touch and look at. Such design works on the psychological side, making us love the product and use it more.

The E16 Pro has automatic tension, support for all types and forms of fabrics, laser alignment, and a highly useful touchscreen. Unlike the machines reviewed above, we think Bernina’s touchscreen has a lot more utility. It’s full-color and has a host of controls such as design management and needle control that are missing in some of the above models. The display control has buttons and a directional stick for those of us who are better with our pincer grasp than tapping on the screen.

Overall, this is a device for merrymaking. The functions and form factor are bound to make you happy while you run your textile art business.

Tips and Hacks

• Bernina embroidery machines auto-download firmware updates, so make sure your machine is always connected to the internet.
• Register your machine to ensure warranty.
• Download the Bernina app for design inspiration.
• If you’re using DesignShop Editor, try its tutorial videos to get started.

#6 – Baby Lock Venture 10 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine

Another Baby Lock machine on this list, this time with more needles and additional features. All for an extra premium.

Embroidery Machine Review

The first thing we want to highlight in this 10-needle embroidery machine is its flexibility. The free arm and a large embroidery area mean you can stitch on any imaginable garment including handbags, turtleneck t-shirts, and even overalls and onesies. That’s why we highly recommend it as the best multi-needle embroidery machine for entrepreneurs and hobbyists.

Compared to the Baby Lock Array, this has 4 more needles that will aid in your quest to make your designs more vivid and lively. What’s more? The Venture is a real upgrade from Array all thanks to its built-in camera that works more effectively than a laser crosshair. You get a bird’s-eye-view of the exact spot you want to embroider on, giving you more control and finesse. This NeedleCam Digital Camera alone is worth the extra premium you pay for.

The IQ designer and design auto-split function are the other 2 features that make the Venture the best 10-needle embroidery machine in the market right now. In other brands, you have to depend on external software to design your own creations, which are often expensive and cumbersome. But with Venture, you can design within the display touchscreen and also turn your hand-drawn designs into embroidery files. And if your design is large (say, for a quilt or large leather sheet), the system automatically splits it for easier stitching.

Our only major gripe is with the possible degree of automation in this machine. While its 10-needle setup can cover large projects, the automated batch processing is questionable. Our tests yielded a few errors that needed manual intervention and fixes. However, in its defense, if you use a pure embroidery file and a fabric that doesn’t ignite a lot of surface tension, you should be good.

Tips and Hacks

• Buy the Venture if you’re upgrading from a Baby Lock machine. This will aid in the transition because some of the advanced features in this machine have a complex learning curve.

#7 – Janome MB-4S Inexpensive Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine

Embroidery Machine Review

If you are looking for the best multi-needle embroidery machine under $5000, then the Janome MB-4S is for you. The Janome four-needle embroidery machine is one of the cheapest multi-needle embroidery machines on the market.

It is lightweight weighing only 20.5 kilograms but still contains many of the same features found on the larger machines. This machine is professional, seamless, and versatile.

Some of the best features include resizing options ranging from 80% – 120%, an auto thread cutter for efficiency, and a total of four available Janome hoops. If you are looking to expand your creativity, you also have the option of six industrial-standard Tajima hoops.

The backlit LCD screen is there for easy control and visibility and for you to see all of your uploaded design options. Design options include 50 pre-set fonts, 10 monogramming of two and three letters, and the efficient editing and placement of your design with the Drag and Drop technology.

Feel free to explore all the different color-changing options for your favorite threads Janome, Robinson-Anton, Madeira, and Mettler. Easily switch between any color your design requires with a different color on each of the standard Janome hoops. Or load a single color on multiple needles to increase speed for designs and patterns that require a lot of surface area to be filled with a single color.

The rotation capabilities of the Janome MB-4S four-needle embroidery machine allow you to move by 1% increments from one to 90-degree increments, both clockwise and counterclockwise.

The only real downside of this machine is the fact that it only has four needles. So, if you are working on big projects, or want to put out a large number of products, it may be a bit more time-consuming. However, for smaller projects, the Janome MB-4S four-needle embroidery machine is ideal and we highly recommend it.

#8 – BAI VISION V22 Multi Needle Computerized Embroidery Machine

BAI is a global favorite when it comes to industry-grade embroidery machines. Its after-sales support is so renowned that its machines are coveted beyond the US and EU. Not to mention you get guaranteed lifetime service from BAi for all of its machines, including this Vision series model.

Embroidery Machine Review

The BAi Vision V22 commercial embroidery machine is a slightly more advanced version of the 1501 Mirror model we reviewed above. The major difference, during our testing, turned out to be its silent operation. Most heavy-duty machines – not just meant for stitching – make loud noises. Not Vision V22, which comes with a suspension guide rail design that minimizes even the nimble cling-clang that you hear in regular multi-needle embroidery machines.

The Vision V22 is also known for its stride jump functions and batch production capabilities. While BAi uses the examples of hat embroidery to showcase the machine’s prowess, it’s applicable to all fabrics and forms that you can imagine. The stride function is especially notable as it not only gives a real 3D look to your artistic creations but also the perfect finish. It’ll be almost like your digital design is carved exactly as is into your fabric.

For the extra dollars you pay here, compared to the 1501 Mirror model, you get automatic oiling, a more intuitive stand with large storage space, a quick threading guide, and a dust-proof visual rotary hook. These smaller features are what add value to this work beast which makes it the best multi-needle embroidery machine for the money.

All the other advantages we specified for the Mirror series above are also applicable to the Vision V22. Notably, the learning curve is easier in the Vision V22 compared to more affordable models. That makes this a better choice for beginners starting out their small business at home.

The only major drawback for us was the LCD touchscreen, which isn’t groundbreaking to any extent. When you’re paying for advanced features, one would expect a bit of extra bells in the display. BAi uses the same display technology on all its devices. While we’re happy it’s not using capacitive buttons that attract moisture and wear off in a few years, we expected a bit more innovation.

Nonetheless, with all the other features that BAi has brought into the mix, we’re not complaining.

Tips and Hacks

• Based on your location, BAI will send you a free oiler pen to help lubricate tough-to-reach areas in your machine. Send them a note here to claim it.
• Beginners can make use of an engine lift during assembly. Alternatively, contact BAi support for guidance.

#9 – Janome MB-7 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine For Home Use

Embroidery Machine Review

Janome has outdone themselves with this seven-needle embroidery wonder! Janome has taken everything that we love about their equipment and given us seven times as much production capacity with their patented seven-needle embroidery system. The Janome MB-7 showcases all the features of the Janome MB-4S.

The best about the Janome MB-7 embroidery machine is the fact it seamlessly integrates professional industry-standard formatted file designs such as. jef, .jef+, and .dst. You can use the 50 built-in embroidery designs and 10 fonts or upload your own into your machine with the handy USB port. With these kinds of capabilities, your design opportunities and options are only limited by your imagination.

With the additional needles, by having seven rather than four, you can easily obtain a maximum stitch speed of 800 stitches per minute. That stitch speed is ideal for your larger projects or if you are in a crunch to make a deadline.

And who could forget about the EZ frames? Multi-needle embroidery machines with EZ frames are ideal for those difficult-to-hoop items. The adhesive on the backing easily holds your intended embroidered item in place while the machine is working. To apply the EZ frames, simply apply the adhesive backing to the underside of the frame. Make sure you apply the EZ frames with the sticky side facing up.

The Janome MB-7 Embroidery Machine is the best multi-needle embroidery machine for home use and we strongly recommend it, especially if you are a beginner to embroiery.

Multi-needle vs Single-needle Embroidery Machines, Which is Right for Me?

Single Head, Single-needle Machines

This kind of embroidery machine looks strikingly similar to a traditional sewing machine. Much like your grandmother’s sewing machine, it has a flat bottom, removable embroidery unit, one head, single needle, thread, and bobbin.

The modern versions are computerized and programmable. These types of machines only have one point of hoop attachment and its hoop capacities are much smaller than most multi-needle units. Its user-friendliness, availability and affordability keep this classic in the market as a good entry-level machine.

However, these machines are not industrial and as such, are limited in efficiency and capacity from their multi-needle counterparts. Specifically, the main drawback of a single needle is it can only hold one color at a time. Therefore, each time your design calls for a color change, you must manually replace the thread which makes your embroidery work much slower, cumbersome, and time-consuming.

Furthermore, embroidering things like pants pockets requires that you remove the pocket first from the pants, embroider it and then reinstall or attach the pocket in its proper position on the pants.

Single Head, Multi-needle Embroidery Machines

These former industrial beasts feature anywhere from 4 to 16 needles. The more needles, the more options of colors and threads. Unlike their single-needle counterparts, the multi-needle machines allow for simultaneous applications of color which allows for faster design work.

The fact that you do not have to manually change the thread to change colors makes this an incredibly versatile and efficient process. As the old saying goes, “Time is money”.

These machines produce a more precise finished product, faster and therefore more efficiently. A single-head multi-needle embroidery machine comes with a larger hoop size which allows for embroidery work on things like pockets without having to remove the said pocket.

These multi-needle units also often come with a special frame which allows for easy embroidery of hats and baseball caps. This typically is an embroidery machine for small businesses.

The major downside of multi-needle embroidery machines is cost and size. The impressive capabilities come with a larger price tag and can be quite heavy or bulky.

What Brands of Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines Should You Consider?

They say that “Cream rises to the top”. The sewing and embroidery world is a tight-knit community who are educated and knowledgeable consumers, and they talk! One might be tempted to stray away from well-known, tried and true brands in an effort to save a few dollars.

However, there was a reason that your grandmother had a Singer sewing machine. Brands that we have come to know, and trust do so with producing a reliable and consistent product.

Here are the major players in the market that have proven themselves to be a solid trustworthy brand.

Janome

Founded on the 16th of October in 1921 in Tokyo Japan, Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd. has been around the block. Janome in Japanese means, “Eye of the snake.” Janome sewing and embroidery machines have a good reputation and are not usually considered cheap.

As our grandmothers used to say, “A stitch in time saves nine.”, or “A penny saved is a penny earned.” The Janome machines not only save stitches but also pennies. Janome multi-needle embroidery machines are an investment that will last years, and possibly generations.

Juki

Another Japanese company, this one founded in 1938 in Tokyo. They have traditionally been a manufacturer of industrial sewing and embroidery machines. However, in recent years they have taken their experience, reputation, and expertise to the home consumer market. They have worked hard to maintain a sterling reputation and are notorious for good consumer reviews and ratings.

Their research and development departments have gone to great lengths to make their designs “intuitive”. They have stated that if you know how to use a computer and you know how to use a sewing machine, then with a little time, patience and practice their machines will come to life for you.

Their strength of design sews through multiple layers of fabric and even leather. Their stitching is smooth, and their thread very rarely jams or breaks, but if it does, then their smart re-start technology will have you right back on track in no time. Juki multi-needle embroidery machines are world-class and worth every penny.

Bernina

The company was founded in Steckborn, Switzerland in 1893. This Swiss company named after a local mountain in the Alps is one of the biggest and most trusted European brands around. They produce one of the most high-end products around and are famous for being passed down for generations. Bernina multi-needle embroidery machines are built to last!

Brother

Brother is an international corporation started in Japan in 1908. Today their headquarters are in New Jersey, USA. They have a global infrastructure that boasts a million-square-foot distribution center in Tennessee. Their sewing machines are arguably the most popular brand in the United States of America. For that reason, many people think it is an American company, but it is a Japanese company.

Their quality and reliability are world-renowned when it comes to sewing machines, embroidery machines, sergers, cover stitch sergers, and cross-overs. Brother multi-needle embroidery machines are first-class in every way.

Babylock

Founded in 1946 in Japan, Babylock’s claim to fame is for manufacturing the world’s first-ever serger designed for home use. A little-known secret is the fact that Brother Company sells its machines to Babylock and they, in turn, put their name on them and market them differently.

Therefore, these days, the roots of Babylock’s quality are found in the Brother brand. They are not known for being as affordable as they have not targeted the lower end of the market. Babylock multi-needle embroidery machines are a beauty to behold.

Husqvarna Viking

In 1689…yes you hear us correctly…1689, a royal arms factory was born in Huskvarna, Sweden. Husqvarna Viking is a worldwide organization that still designs high-end sewing and embroidery machines in Sweden. Their fan base is worldwide and is often extremely passionate about their favorite brand, for good reason. Highly rated among professionals and hobbyists alike.

Today the Husqvarna brand is owned by Singer and is the most-sold brand in places like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. All of the above are world-renowned for both design and craftsmanship. Husqvarna Viking multi-needle embroidery machines are hard to beat.

Melco

Melco has established itself as the leading embroidery machine in the world. Founded in Arbon, Switzerland, today Melco is a multi-national company with a proven track record for quality and reliability. Their professional-grade embroidery machines are more expensive than their home-use counterparts. Melco multi-needle embroidery machines have a great balance of quality and reliability.

Pfaff

Ah Pfaff… how we love you. Founded in 1862 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. What do you get when you combine German engineering, European quality, and a track record that you can trust? Pfaff.

Their machines are made to last years and give a near faultless stitch which yields a superior finished product. Some of their deserved advantages are due to their “Integrated Dual Transportation” or IDT system. This unique patented system gives dual fabric feeding with near-flawless performance.

Today Pfaff US is owned by Singer and they have a reputation for being one of the strongest sewing and embroidery machines on the market today. Pfaff multi-needle embroidery machines are a treasure to be inherited and passed down for generations.

Brands to Avoid

Vof, Toahine, Oemer, and Jukky. These are cheap Chinese models that are not built to last. When you have the option, always go with a well-known brand as the ones mentioned above or you will spend your time and money waiting for your machine to come out of the repair shop.

Multi Needle Embroidery Machine FAQs

Conclusion

We have come to the end of our journey together. What have you decided? Which is the best multi-needle embroidery machine for your specific needs? Hopefully, this article has helped you to make a clear and informed decision.

We trust that your path has been made straight and you are one step closer to fulfilling your dreams of owning a multi-needle embroidery machine for home or professional use.