What is a digital embroidery machine? The complete guide for beginners and enthusiasts.
Digital embroidery, also known as machine embroidery , has become indispensable for modern designers, seamstresses, and craftspeople. Thanks to a digital embroidery machine , it is now easy to create complex, precise, and fully personalized designs—whether created from a digital file or purchased from a specialized designer.
In this article, discover what a digital embroidery machine is, how it works, and what the most popular brands and models are in North America and Europe .
⭐ What is a digital embroidery machine?
A digital embroidery machine is an embroidery machine capable of reading a digital design (PES, DST, EXP, JEF, VP3, etc.) and automatically reproducing it on fabric using a set of threads and needles.
It works like a printer… but with wire!
✔️ How a digital embroidery machine works:
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You import an embroidery design onto the machine (via USB, Wi-Fi, SD card).
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You place your fabric in an embroidery hoop .
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The machine reads the file and automatically embroiders each color.
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The result is a precise, professional, clean and durable design.
⭐ Why use a digital embroidery machine?
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Personalization : clothing, gifts, accessories, decoration…
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Professional creations : logos, uniforms, monograms.
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Superior precision compared to hand embroidery.
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Speed : ideal for producing multiple parts.
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Access to thousands of digital designs (like those in your Shopify store).
⭐ Types of digital embroidery machines
🔹 1. Single-needle (domestic) embroidery machines
Ideal for beginners or for personal use.
They require a manual thread change for each color.
🔹 2. Multi-needle embroidery machines (professional)
From 6 to 16 needles.
They allow for multiple colors to be embroidered without human intervention.
Perfect for businesses, small shops or advanced creators.
⭐ The most popular digital embroidery machines in North America
Here are the best-selling models in the United States and Canada — a very active market in machine embroidery:
🏆 Brother — the absolute leader in North America
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Brother SE600 / SE1900 (beginners)
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Brother PE800 / PE900 (very popular for custom designs)
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Brother Stellar XE1 / XJ1 (high-end)
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Brother Entrepreneur 6-Plus PR670E (professional multi-needle)
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Brother PR1055X (professional 10-needle model)
🏆 Janome
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Janome Memory Craft 500E / 550E
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Janome Skyline S9 (sewing + embroidery)
🏆 Baby Lock (extremely popular in the USA)
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Baby Lock Pathfinder
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Baby Lock Meridian
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Baby Lock Array (6 needles)
🏆 Bernina (Swiss, but very popular in the USA)
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Bernina 700 / 500
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Bernina 790 Plus
⭐ The most popular digital embroidery machines in Europe
The European market is more focused on high-end and robust brands:
🏆 Brother (Europe)
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Brother Innov-Is M280D (small drum, very popular)
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Brother Innov-Is 800E
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Brother Innov-Is V3 / V3LE
🏆 Pfaff (Germany)
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Pfaff Creative 1.5
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Pfaff Creative 3.0
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Pfaff Creative Icon
🏆 Husqvarna Viking
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Husqvarna Designer Jade 35
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Husqvarna Designer Epic 2
🏆 Bernina
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Bernina 500
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Bernina 700
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Bernina 790 Plus
🏆 Janome
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Janome 500E / 550E (highly regarded by European embroiderers)
⭐ Conclusion
A digital embroidery machine is a revolutionary tool that brings embroidered designs to life with exceptional precision. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, there's a machine to suit your needs—from small home models to professional multi-needle embroidery machines.
The most popular brands, such as Brother, Janome, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking, Bernina or Baby Lock , dominate the market in North America and Europe thanks to their reliability and the quality of their results.
