A Buyer’s Guide on Hat Embroidery Machine With Pros and Cons

Find the best hat embroidery machine to start your home-based embroidery business!

Sewing was an essential part of housewives, but with the demand for inexpensive clothes, it just faded away. Thanks to the growing initiatives of reusable, homemade clothes or sewing have become a hobby. 

You can sew many clothing items at home, but people often overlook hats. The hat industry is booming, with more than 2 billion dollars in revenue each year. Embroidery hats are one fashionable trendsetter of all time. Men and women both love to wear unique fashion statements.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert, embroidering shirts, hoodies, hats, denim, towels, or any other project will be a great DIY project. 

With the best embroidery machines, you can make a beautiful hat at home. You can create a decorative hat loop using a hat embroidery machine. 

Are you in search of the best, affordable hat embroidery machine? Don’t know what to consider while buying the one? Then this article is for you.

In this article, we will cover,

    • Importance or need for a professional hat embroidery machine
    • Features to consider while buying a hat embroidery machine for beginners
    • Five best embroidery machine for hats
    • Comparison between the best embroidery machines for hats and shirts
    • Tools Your Hat Embroidery Machine Will Need
    • FAQs for an embroidery machine that does hats

Let us make your journey into the world of finding the best embroidery machine for hats as smooth and exciting as possible. 

Importance or the Need for Professional Hat Embroidery Machine

Have you ever wondered why hats are so popular and why you need a professional hat embroidery machine?

Fun hat embroidery project
Image Source: Brother 

People love to welcome embroidery ideas and anything that has embroidery. One of the most popular embroidery items is hats but Hats are difficult to embroider. Here is a couple of reason behind that:

    • Accessing the area inside of the hat is a real challenge as the opening is pretty small.
    • Baseball caps are rigid, and they are challenging to flatten them for a hooped stabilizer.
    • Applying traditional embroidery hooping techniques on hats is impossible.
    • Placing the design on the curve of the hat is difficult.

Hat embroidery machines are well-equipped and designed for specific purposes. One of the biggest advantages of a hat embroidery sewing machine is that it saves lots of time. 

They make it easier to do repetitive designs, which is excellent for small business owners. Because of all these reasons, opting for a professional hat embroidery machine is essential. 

Hat embroidery machines are accurate, fast, and easy to use, which makes them a great investment for anyone looking to create unique hats. Using a hat and cap embroidery machine, you can also create thousands of hats in less time. 

7 Features to Consider While Buying a Hat Embroidery Machine for Beginners

Now that you know the importance of a hat embroidery machine, you might be wondering about buying one machine for yourself. A hat embroidery machine for beginners is one of the best ways to showcase embroidery skills and start a successful clothing line.

How to embroider a hat
Image Source: Pinterest 

Hat embroidery machines are expensive but designed to help you make custom caps and hats.

If you want to start your home-based embroidery business to showcase your embroidery skills to the world, then you should buy a hat embroidery machine. Buying an embroidery machine is a tough decision.

There are different factors you need to consider when it comes to choosing the right cap and hat embroidery machine for beginners.

If you want to make an informed decision, then don’t forget to consider the below-listed important features. 

Variable Speeds

The embroidery machine for hats and shirts comes with suitable needles. Thicker hats need special needles, and thin hats require regular needles. Different types of hats require different embroidery threads

The hat’s look and design rely upon the thread used. A high-quality embroidery machine should come with various features. It should feature a 270-degree wide sew field and allow you to sew hats and caps at 1200 stitches per minute. 

Make sure you choose a machine with a patented Acti-Feed(TM) embroidery thread system that adjusts the thickness of the fabric. 

Advanced Needle Threading System

One of the biggest challenges in embroidery is guiding the thread into the needle. Embroidery machines nowadays come with a color LCD touchscreen. 

Hat embroidery machine
Image Source: EverSewn

It allows you to pull the lever that threads your embroidery needle and lets you stitch without any hassle. 

Wide Sewing Field

This is another useful feature you should consider while buying a cap embroidery machine. Embroidery machines do wonders when it comes to sewing large caps. 

The wide sewing field is the area that can be four to 14 inches wide. The wider the sewing field, the more hat designs you can put. Many embroidery machines come with LCDs that allow you to move your design on the embroidery fabric with utmost ease. 

Programmed Color Stops

Programmed color stops are a must-have feature when doing 3D embroidery. It is a 1501Cs neatest trick designed to stop adding the 3D foam. You can then start from the same spot where you left. 

Built-in Designs and Fonts

The best embroidery machine should allow you to choose from many built-in designs and fonts. For instance, the Brother SE600 lets you choose from nine embroidery fonts and 80 designs, while Brother PE800 provides 11 fonts and 138 designs. 

If you are unsatisfied with the built-in designs and machines, you can buy a USB stick, download free embroidery software, and customize your art. 

Hat Hoop

Hats are made on rounded fabrics, so using a standard embroidery hoop is not helpful. Make sure you choose a hat embroidery machine that is designed to keep the hats stable. 

Hat embroidery hoop Hat embroidery
Image Source: WeAllSew

Warranty

An embroidery machine is a huge investment that lasts for years. Make sure you choose a machine that comes with a warranty. 

For example, the EverSewn Hero 400 stitch embroidery machine comes with a one-year warranty, while Brother SE1900 and other Brother machines offer a 25 years warranty period. Choose a machine with a longer warranty period to avoid unforeseen circumstances. 

10 best embroidery machines for hats 

For many old crafters, embroidery often means spending long hours needling through pieces of the fabrics.

Traditional embroidery methods were relaxing, but it is worth investing in an embroidery machine. The embroidery machines for hats, shirts, hoodies, and towels give hands a break and let you save more time.

Fix stitch quality problems
Image Source: Sew Essential

These kinds of machines allow you to create and transfer designs with decorative embroidery stitches on the fabric. You can also get more precise results than the traditional embroidery methods. 

Finding the best embroidery machine for hats and shirts is challenging as traditional machines don’t work on it. You need a sewing machine that is made for embroidering hats.

Whether you are a new or expert embroidery enthusiast, we have covered you. In this section, we have handpicked some of the best embroidery machines for hats. All of these sewing machines are tried and tested so that you can get the best outcomes. 

Let’s start exploring the list. 

Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

If you are looking for a regular-use embroidery machine, then look no further than the Brother PE800 embroidery machine. This #1 bestselling embroidery machine comes with many embroidery designs, frames, borders, and fonts. 

Brother embroidery machine for hats
Image Source: Pinterest

Its amazing feature of transferring designs from computer to embroidery machine lets you use your creativity at best and bring unique designs to life. The flexibility and functions make it easy to embroider, and no complicated steps are required.

The best thing about the Brother hat embroidery machine is that it is 100% computerized, so you can monitor everything from the embroidery process to sewing speed. 

It also comes with many automatic features such as automatic thread cutter and needle threader to give you the utmost convenience.

Pros Cons
The great learning curve for beginners Overheats
Good price and good quality Can’t sew
Affordable  
Hassle-free importing  
138 built-in designs  

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Brother SE600 sewing and embroidery machine is best if you are on a low budget. This embroidery machine offers great features for under $600. 

If you want to start your small business from the comfort of your home, then this brother embroidery machine is great. With its automatic needle threader, you can get picture-perfect designs on hats and other clothing items.

This multi-purpose machine is used for both embroidery and sewing projects. The great LCD screen allows you to control the embroidery process, and it is light so that you can also use it at night.

Pros Cons
103 built-in stitches Just one hoop
80 built-in embroidery design Small embroidery field
Automatic thread cutter  
Speed of 710 Stitched per minute  
Affordable  
Color touch screen  

Brother SE1900 Embroidery Machine

You will find everything you want to make an embroidery hat in Brother SE1900 embroidery machine. With this brother embroidery machine, you will get a huge package of accessories. 

Embroidery machine for hats and shirts
Image Source: Medium

It comes with 138 built-in designs and 11 lettering fonts to choose from.

If you are unsatisfied with the built-in designs, you can download embroidery designs from the internet or create your own design. Save those designs on a USB drive and plug them into your embroidery machine.

The Brother SE1900 embroidery machine is pretty expensive, but it is worth every penny. This complete package features eight sewing feet, including a monogramming foot and a zigzag foot.

If you are still not convinced, then a 25 years warranty will convince you. 

Pros Cons
All-in-one embroidery machine for beginners No free arm
Lightweight and portable  
Perfect for a home-based business  
Free motion quilting  

Singer Futura XL – 580 Embroidery Machine

The singer is a popular hat embroidery machine suppliers and manufacturer. If you’re looking for the perfect embroidery machine for hats and shirts, the Singer Futura XL-580 machine is perfect.

The LED display is clear and easy to use. It allows you to choose from 215 built-in stitches and 250+ built-in designs. You can use a USB port to transfer designs straight from the computer system to the embroidery machine if you need more designs. 

The best thing about Singer Futura XL-580 is that it is easy to use, and you can play around with it with ease. 

It also uses all the latest technology to give you a futuristic feel.  With an additional purchase, you can fit the hat hoop.

Pros Cons
Easy to use an LED screen Problems with embroidery software
USB connections for thousands of new options  
Efficient needle threader and bobbin winder  

EverSewn Hero – 400 Stitch Embroidery Machine

Don’t forget to consider EverSewn Hero – a 400-stitch embroidery machine for home use. 

Cap embroidery machine
Image Source: Pinterest

This embroidery machine offers decorative 400 stitches and 40 built-in designs to help you create hat embroidery. Not happy with the built-in designs? Use a USB port to download or transfer your desired pattern.

Some of the best features of the EverSewn Hero – 400 Stitch embroidery machine include an automotive needle threader, automatic bobbin thread levels, and eight different presser feet. The machine’s control panel has a simple and easy-to-control LED screen.

This embroidery machine is a great option, but it has just one year warranty.

Pros Cons
Easy-to-use LED displays One year warranty
400+ stitches  
Premium machine in affordable range  

Janome MB-4S Four-Needle Embroidery Machine

If you are a professional embroiderer with a tight budget, then Janome MB-4S four-needle embroidery machine is the best match for you. 

This is a shorter machine that comes with loads of features. A wide range of built-in designs, remote computer screen, patterns, and a big embroidery area will fulfill your demands.

The 5.7-inch RCS (Remote computer screen) of this baseball cap embroidery machine will help you select, edit and create new designs with a range of colors. 

The Janome MB-4S machine also has a 3MB memory unit, which means you can make up to 100 designs and 1,500,000 stitches.

Another fantastic feature of this embroidery machine is that it has a motor for winding the bobbins. 

Working on large projects and looking for a professional embroidery machine? Just go for the Janome MB-4S four-needle embroidery machine.

Pros Cons
Versatile Expensive compared to others
Convenient and easy to use  
Create more than 800 stitches per minute  

Janome 500E Embroidery Machine

The Janome 500E embroidery machine is a powerhouse that will help you produce high-quality, mesmerizing embroidery designs. You will find it easy to embellish, customize, and monogram hats, home décor items, t-shirts, and other accessories.

Best embroidery machine for hats
Image Source: KimzSewing

The best thing about the Janome 500E embroidery machine is that it has a large area of 7.9 x 11 inches which means no stress for large designs. It also has a simple bobbin system. 

You will just need to follow the instructions and push the bobbin winding spindle to the right, and it will work.

The LCD touch screen of Janome 500E will allow you to combine, copy-paste, create, and convert different designs and help you use your creativity.

Whether you are looking for a hat or shirt embroidery machine, Janome 500E will be your go-to partner. 

Pros Cons
Simple and easy to use Bulky structure
4-way mirror imaging Embroidery machine
160 built-in designs More expensive
High-quality stitches  

Janome 2222 Sewing Machine for Beginners

Janome is every beginner’s favorite brand. This embroidery machine supplier and manufacturer think about people with little to no experience in embroidery. They make advanced yet easy-to-operate embroidery machines. 

The Janome 2222 sewing machine comes with a large stitch selection dial and reverses options. It also has an automatic needle threader, front-loading bobbin, and onboard accessories case.

The easy-to-follow threading guide and automatic needle threader make the setup of the Janome 2222 sewing machine as smooth as possible. 

One disadvantage of the Janome 2222 sewing machine is the problem with the selection dial. When you are in the middle of a sewing task, and you need darning, freehand sewing, and pressing at the same time, then this machine will not be useful. 

Brother Persona PRS100 – Single Needle Embroidery Machine

Not all embroidery machines can work on bags, shoes, hats, jeans, and shirts. Do you need an embroidery machine that is capable of reaching tiny spaces?

Hat embroidery machine for beginners`
Image Source: Brother

The Brother Persona PRS100 is your go-to embroidery machine for all needs. This versatile baby lock embroidery machine features a tabular free arm configuration, 405 built-in designs, 20 built-in fonts, and multiple needle configurations and provides a speed of 1,000 stitches per minute.

This embroidery machine is just 18-inches wide which saves you lots of space. 

Pros Cons
Tabular free-arm configuration High price tag
On-screen editing Single needle machine
The advanced needle threading system  
Large and small embroidery hoops  
Saves space  
Time-saving  

Singer I Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine

Do you want to create unique designs? Choose Singer 9960 Quantum Sewing machine. This embroidery machine features 600 built-in stitches, 13 automatic one-step buttonholes, and five alphanumeric fonts. 

It features a large LCD screen, preset stitch length/width settings, and easy threading to help you customize your desired specification. It is a must-have embroidery machine for all quilters and crafters.

When you are in the market looking for a professional embroidery machine, then don’t forget to consider the Singer 9960 Quantum embroidery machine’s unique features.

Pros Cons
Easy to use 600+ built-in stitches Hard to turn the level
Time-saving Doesn’t run with the foot pedal
A wide range of stitches caters to your requirement Plastic-made bobbins
Automatic needle threader  
100% satisfaction guaranteed  

Comparison Between the Best Embroidery Machines for Hats and Shirts

In the above section, we helped you get a deeper knowledge of the different types of embroidery machines available in the market.

Romantic roses embroidery design
Image Source: Enchanting Designs

Are you still confused? Can’t make a decision on buying the right embroidery machine to start your home-based small business? Don’t worry.

Here we have prepared a detailed comparison chart to give you an overview of each embroidery machine. This simplified version will help you make a more informed decision.

Features Brother SE1900

Brother PE800

Brother SE400/SE600 Brother PE550D Juki Tajima Sai 8 Needles

Janome

MB-4S and 4N

Brother PE770
Number of Needles One One One One Eight Four One
Cap hoop Buy one-by-one Buy one-by-one Included with SE600 only  Not included Yes Yes Buy as and when needed
Embroidery area 5″ x 7″ 5” x 7” 4″ x 4″ 4″ x 4″ 12” x 8” Standard M1 Hoop: 9.46″ x 7.88″ 5” x 7”
Speed (stitches per min.) 850 650 400 400 800 800 650
Easy to use Yes Yes Yes Yes Learning curve Learning curve Yes
Built-in embroidery stitches 138 138 70 in SE400 and 80 in SE600 125 200+ designs 50 136
Ability to sew as well Yes No Yes No No No No
Verdict Best embroidery machine #1 for beginners as it comes with color display feature SE600 is perfect for beginners with low budget PE550D is a basic machine that is ideal for Disney fans Expensive machine and suitable for professional embroider Not suitable for beginners Second best embroidery machine for beginners

Tools Your Hat Embroidery Machine Will Need

If you are a beginner, you will be surprised to gather all the extra accessories you need to get a good outcome. 

Cheap hat embroidery machine
Image Source: Crafts Selection

Once you have chosen your ideal hat embroidery machine, you will need the following tools and supplies to start your embroidery project:

    • The right embroidery design file suitable for your embroidery machine type
    • Multi-colored embroidery floss
    • The best stabilizer to prevent embroidery fabric from fraying or stretching during the embroidery process
    • The right size hoops for your design

FAQs for an Embroidery Machine That Does Hats

Do you still have questions about the embroidery machine that does hat? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. 

What Are the Basic Components of an Embroidery Machine?

Embroidery arm, needle bar, frame sash, embroidery frame, and cap frame are some of the physical components of the embroidery machine that makes hats. 

The electric components of the embroidery machine are a thread break detector, reader or box, LCD, memory cards, etc. 

Will a Cheap Hat Embroidery Machine Work on Leather?

Applying embroidery on leather fabric is one of the most challenging tasks. The standard embroidery machine is good for medium-thick fabric like fleece and cotton. For leather embroidery, you will need a commercial hat embroidery machine. 

Which is the Most Recommended Thread for Embroidery?

You should use 100% polyester thread for all DIY embroidery projects. They are durable and leave less tint than rayon thread. 

Best threads for hand embroidery guide
Image Source: Pinterest

What’s the Easiest Way to Change Thread on an Embroidery Machine?

You can clip the thread from the existing spool and add a new spool at that place. Now start creating a knot with two threads and grab the thread from the pressure foot. You will need to pull a new thread from the thread passage until it reaches the needle. 

Can You Embroider a Hat by Hand?

Yes. You can apply hand embroidery on hats. You will need stitching experience and sewing kits to start embroidering a hat by hand. The following items will be required to embroider a hat by hand:

    • Thread locker
    • Skinny eye needle to put a thread of three strands
    • 3mm thick crafting foam
    • Hand embroidery thread with a minimum of six strands of thickness

Conclusion

Embroider hats are popular among men and women. Various embroidery machines are available to create embroidery hats at home. These machines are essential for anyone who is looking to create hats.

The above listed are some of the best hat embroidery machines that small business owners should consider. Starting a small embroidery business at home is one of the best ways to use traditional sewing techniques with modern tools and techniques.

If you are interested in starting a REAL work-from-home business that allows you to showcase your creativity and be quick, then embroidery machines are best for you.

Don’t forget to give a professional touch to your embroidered hats. Head to Super Label Store and place your order for super customizable, easy-to-design, 

We encourage all small business owners to boost the professionalism of their homemade clothing items and start their own successful clothing lines. 

Happy sewing!