The best embroidery machines

Despite being a fairly large machine (weighing a respectable 8kg), the FS130QC is suitable for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. It comes with 10 presser feet, and has a quick set bobbin, as well as an automatic needle threader for ease of use. As with most good embroidery machines, this model also has an LCD digital display, albeit smaller and simpler than some of the others on offer.Pros: Free arm sewingFast bobbin windingSpeed controlCons: Limited LCD display functions

Brother's Innovis 800E is beginner-friendly, but equally has all the qualities an experienced user would need. The extension table has a great surface area, allowing you more flexibility with your designs, as well as an automatic needle threader, and full colour touch-screen to bring your work to life. This machine is embroidery-only, but it's well worth it for anyone looking for a reliable machine for life. But note, you might want to have a good hoard of craft supplies, as it doesn't come with some basics such as embroidery needles and stabilisers. Pros: Pre-programmed designsDigital previewsSpeed Cons: ExpensiveEmbroidery-only

For both sewing and embroidery, this Bernette B79 has the best-in-class digital screen, so you can expect to be able to make edits such as rotations, mirroring, and resizing, either by using one of your own designs or one of the 500 built-in stitch selections including three sewing alphabets; plus on-screen stitch designer, 200+ embroidery designs and seven embroidery fonts. The screen also shows presser foot recommendations and for each foot additional information is available. However, some sewers have suggested you need to be careful with your thread choice, as the machine does have a tendency to snap it easily.Pros: Programmable and built-in walking for pedal: You can program the back kick to tie a knot and cut the thread at the end of your seams.Colour touchscreen to edit and choose designsBernina Toolbox embroidery software included with machineConvenient upper and lower thread sensorsCons: It is heavyIt takes a while for the Bernette b79 to turn on.Not beginner-friendly

If you do a lot of free-motion embroidery, this machine gives you plenty of space to work with thanks for its extendable table. While it comes with a good range of stitches (100), note that you can't import your own designs, and the sizing options are limited. If you're working with the letter stitches, they'll also only come out upper-case. However, for the price, it's definitely good value, and even comes with eight different presser feet. Pros: Reasonably pricedEmbroidery and sewing in oneLightweightCons: Can't import your own designsLimited options on the pre-programmed designs

Brother's iconic Innovis NV2650D is a classic example of how versatility can make all the difference to anyone looking for a new machine. Yes, it's on the more pricey side of embroidery machines, but its LCD display, 850-stitch per minute speed (as well as customised stitch settings) and adjustable embroidery frames, make it all the worthwhile for keen sewers looking for something that will last. Pros: Large screen for creating your own designsSpeed Sewing and embroidery in oneCons: Expensive

The Silver Viscount CH03 is great for anyone looking for range. It comes with 130 stitch patterns and 70 built-in embroidery patterns – not to mention that its WiFi system allows you to import your own too via the app. However, as there's no digital display screen, you'll need a smart phone to use many of its functions.Pros: Import designs easily via WiFiPerfect for beginners or more experienced embroiderers Cheap price for a high-tech machineCons: No digital screen