Embroidery Machine Comparison
Learn the differences in performance and features of top embroidery machine brands.
Are all embroidery machines the same?
Which machine is best for your business? It all depends on the type of garments, accessories and workloads. Embroidery Machines USA has a wide selection, from inexpensive semi-industrial machines for hobbyists to full industrial/commercial options for starting a business or for established embroidery shops. Korean brands are another good alternative for business workloads, they come in at a lower price range but produce less than Japanese brands. For example the 7 Needle HCH PLUS beats the 12 Needle SWF MAS-12 in head to head production.
What are the main differences between the brands?
When it comes to professional embroidery, Japanese brands are the gold standard. Barudan and HappyJapan are excellent options for starting a business. Industry experts have long relied on these machines for their reliability, functionality, quality, warranty, and versatility. These machines are capable of embroidering shirts, 3D caps, leather, shoes, backpacks, and much more.
Chinese brands are a good alternative for people thinking about low volume flat embroidery. CAMFive, Ricoma, Meisteregram, Avance, as well as a few other brands of embroidery machines are made in the same factory, but are branded as OEM machines. They share the same DAHAO panel and are good at embroidering on shirts and badges, but are not recommended for caps or heavy fabrics.
| HappyJapan | Barudan | SWF | Ricoma | Holiauma | Melco | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| Origin | Japan | Japan | Korea | China | China | China/US Assembly |
| Max Stitch Speed | 1200 flats/1000 caps | 1300 flats/1000 caps | 1200 flats/1000 caps | 1200 flats/1000 caps | 1200 flats/ 1000 caps | 1500 flats/1200 caps |
| Max Sewing Field | 47"x16" | 15"x17" | 18"x12" | 22"x14" | 47.2″ x 19.6″ | 20"x17" |
| Cap Field | 95mm | 70mm | 70mm | 70mm | 70mm | 70mm |
| Custom Layouts | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Control Surface | Happy Touch Panel 10.5" | KT Touch Panel 8.4" | SWF Touch Panel 10.4" | DAHAO Touch Panel 8" | DAHAO Touch Panel 8" | Requires Computer |
| Solid Steel Needle Bars | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Independent Needle Speeds | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Auto-Adjust | Yes | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| On-Board Lettering | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 7 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |