A Comprehensive Guide to the Difference Between Embroidery and Monogram Machines

Best Monogram Machine

An embroidery machine is a specialized machine that is used to create decorative designs on fabric using a process called embroidery. It typically consists of a large arm that holds a needle and thread, and a small computer that controls the movement of the arm to create the desired pattern. Embroidery machines can be used to create a wide variety of designs, from simple monograms to complex, detailed images.

A monogram machine, on the other hand, is a type of embroidery machine that is specifically designed for creating monograms. Monograms are designs that consist of letters or initials, often used to personalize clothing or other items. Monogram machines are generally smaller and simpler than full-fledged embroidery machines, and are often more affordable as well. They may not have the same range of features or capabilities as an embroidery machine, but they are still able to create high-quality monograms.

In summary, the main difference between an embroidery machine and a monogram machine is the type of designs they are capable of creating. Embroidery machines are more versatile and can create a wide range of designs, while monogram machines are more specialized and are only able to create monograms. Both types of machines can be used to add decorative elements to fabric, but they differ in terms of their capabilities and the types of designs they are best suited for.

This article will let you choose the best embroidery machine for monogramming.

Monogram machines enable you to embellish things you use every day such as pajamas, towels, handkerchiefs, and bags by converting them into beautiful gifts.

We have shortlisted then reviewed the machines that we loved the best and we’ve created this guide to help you whenever you are ready to make a purchase decision.

Our Top Picks

Brother PE800

Best Monogram Machine

  • 138 Built-in Designs & 11 Fonts
  • Large 5×7 inch Embroidery Field
  • Large 3.2 inch Colored LCD Screen

Brother SE1900

SE1900 Monogram Machine

  • 138 built-in designs & 11 fonts.
  • 240 built-in sewing stitches
  • Large 5×7 inch embroidery hoop

Best Monogram Machines 2022

Product Image Products Rating Price
PE800 Monogram Embroidery MachineBrother PE800
("Best All-in-one" and Editor's Choice)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SE1900 Monogram MachineBrother SE1900
("Best Value")
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SE600 Embroidery MachineBrother SE600
("Best Affordable Combo")
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Singer 9960 Quantum StylistSinger 9960
("Best Quality Sewing")
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PE535 Monogramming MachineBrother PE535
("Best Monogram Machine for home use")
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best Monogram MachineBrother PE550D
("Best for Awesome Designs")
⭐⭐⭐⭐

1. Brother PE800

“Best All-in-one”

Selecting a Brother embroidery machine is an exceptional choice when you are looking for matchless performance, multiple features, and complex designs (including monogramming).

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, the PE800 is an all-in-one machine that will meet your every need!

Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

Pros
Large 5″ X 7″ embroidery field
138 built-in embroidery designs
11 embroidery fonts for monogramming
Simple editing features
Additional design import option
Pre-built LED light
Easy Readable user manual
Cons
Doesn’t cut jump stitches
Can’t use for sewing

monogram machine infographic

Features

Monogramming is fun with Brother PE800 as this machine provides a large variety of 138 built-in designs including the florals, scrollworks & 11 monogramming fonts that are sufficient for any letter or alphabet embroidery adding elegance to your fabric.

With its large 7″ X 5″ embroidery field you can comfortably work on any large design without wasting time in rehooping.

The Brother PE800 sports an LCD screen that enables on-screen editing & preview of your designs right on the LCD screen before embroidering.

For adding more variety to your fabrics, you can also purchase additional designs and import them through the built-in flash drive port. Brother provides ultimate access to iBroidery.com where their customers can explore and buy new patterns.

Other features include an automatic needle threader which eliminates manual threading by passing a thread through the needle automatically. The built-in LED lights illuminate the workspace around the needle, enabling you to work comfortably even in low light and help you out through miniature designs.

Last—but not least—to efficiently deal with the machine, there are also built-in tutorials on various topics which are hugely helpful to you while using the device.

Verdict:
The Brother PE800, with so many possibilities of pattern & font choices, lets you add variation to your embroidery projects. Whether a home embroiderer or running an embroidery business, this Brother model has everything your need for perfect monogramming.

2. Brother SE1900

“Best Value”

If you are looking for the best monogram machine that embroiders and supports your sewing projects, then the Brother SE1900, another masterpiece from Brother, is the best choice.

Brother SE1900 Embroidery Machine

Pros
Multifunctional embroidery and sewing machine
138 embroidery designs
11 built-in fonts
Wide variety of decorative stitches
Large 5 X 7 embroidery hoop
Large touch screen
Additional designs import availability
Automatic thread cutter
Beginner Friendly
Cons
Might be expensive for some users

Features

The Brother SE1900 is a professionally engineered combo that comes with 138 built-in designs & 240 built-in stitches that enable you to work on any project from scratch. Moreover, you can design customized stitches, depending on your project.

The built-in 3.2″ LCD screen comes with multiple editing options so that you can perform various functions like combining different designs, uploading design-ready patterns, changing colors, aligning, and resizing patterns. You can also change thread colors from the screen color pallets and preview changes on the LCD screen.

Need more embroidery space to work?

With its ample 7″ X 5″ embroidery space, you can easily handle work on large designs and lettering and can combine designs with less rehooping.

Like the PE800, the Brother SE1900 also has a unique computer connectivity feature that makes it easy to import your purchased or custom designs using the built-in USB port.

A 25-year limited warranty is also available for Brother SE1900 with a free product lifetime phone & technical support.

Verdict:
Brother SE1900 is an easy-to-use, versatile, embroidery sewing combo, that offers exceptional embroidery and sewing features at an affordable price. This Brother monogram sewing machine is an outstanding choice for you to buy whether you are monogramming on hats, shirts, or embroidering names or alphabets on any other clothes, etc.

Also Read: Brother PE800 vs SE1900 Comparison or our PE800 Review.

3. Brother SE600

“Best Affordable Combo”

If you are short on space, or money, or you are looking for a fantastic monogram embroidery machine—but not ready or willing to buy the SE1900 combination monogramming sewing machine then you might want to consider the Brother SE600 combination embroidery and sewing machine.

The price of this machine is lower and the device also has many of the same feature that even the best embroidery features have.  as it has excellent characteristics that most of the embroidery machines provide after and demand a heavy budget.

The Brother SE600 is one of the top-selling machines on Amazon.

Brother SE600

Pros
Extremely Smooth & Quiet
High-quality stitching
Best value at such affordable price
Electronic thread cutter works awesomely
Easily convertible from embroidery to sewing
80 embroidery designs & 6 monogram fonts
103 sewing stitches
Easy to import Designs purchased
Cons
The embroidery area is only 4×4
Low Performance as compared to Industrial models
Not included built-in software for designs

Features

Brother SE600 is multi customizable and has the latest technology features that will make embroidering on the fabric more smooth and easy. Its 3.2″ large LCD screen paves way for multiple screen edit functions and enables you to preview edited designs on the screen before sewing.

The available editing features include changing thread colors, aligning lettering in a row, resizing patterns and moving your designs quickly with your finger, and many more.

Additional features include the 80 built-in designs, 103 sewing stitches including ten auto-size buttonholes that provide a lot of options to personalize your project creatively according to your choice.

Not enough designs?

Brother offers exclusive access to it’s website where you can buy unlimited designs for your project. You can easily install these on your device using the built-in USB port.

The built-in 4″ X 4″ embroidery field may not be enough to facilitate large projects, but can easily handle small fabrics with high precision and can even tackle designs that are quite small. The enlarged 6.4″ x 4.1″ needle-to-arm workspace provides more space for folding quilts & massive projects for easy sewing.

The Brother SE600 also comes with a jam-proof drop-in top bobbin that relieves you from thread jamming, making it easy for you to work on any fabric.

What’s included

The Brother SE600 has everything you needed to jump start your project. The box contains seven sewing feet including monogramming, overcasting, buttonhole, blind stitch, zigzag, button sewing, and zipper feet.

Verdict:
Brother SE600, with its low price is a perfect choice for beginners to start their monogramming journey. With easy-to-use features, including an extensive collection of designs, sewing stitches, and monogramming fonts, it’s a perfect choice for the one who wants embroidery sewing devices at an affordable price.

4. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

“Best Quality Sewing”

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is one of the versatile & best-selling sewing embroidery machines from SINGER, which is a reputable name in the market. This advanced singer model has loads of easy-to-use features that fit whether you are a starter or a professional crafter.

Adding more to the extensive collection of fundamental and decorative stitches and a variety of alphanumeric fonts impart more elegance to quilting, monogramming, sewing, and crafting projects.

Singer 9960

Pros
600 Sewing Stitches
Five monogramming fonts
User Friendly
Easy load drop-in bobbin
Automatic thread tension
Smooth threading system
Built-in extension table
Affordable
Backstitch option
Easy speed control
Cons
Not Easily Movable
110-volt sewing machine specially designed to use in Canada and the USA only

Features

The Singer 9960 features a wide variety of 600 sewing stitches, including five monogramming fonts that make it possible to achieve your artistic dreams. Moreover, it included 13 one-step buttonholes to provide a unique look to your fabrics.

The included stitches can easily be accessed through the machine’s LCD screen. You can select the stitch directly by just touching the button. Additionally, the most popular stitches can easily be viewed on the screen’s front and can access through direct selection.

Machine Threading is very easy with Singer 9960, as it allows you to thread your machine entirely in just a few seconds from the bobbin to the needle’s hole. Its built-in electronic needle threader will facilitate you to a huge extent, resulting in eliminating eye strain, and offering more convenience.

For working on large projects, the Singer 9960 features a built-in extension table that provides an extended work area specifically for quality or other big projects. The sewing machine is made of durable metal that perfectly aligns the device processes for perfect sewing and embroidery.

The 13 built-in buttonhole styles also assist you in creating a perfect-sized decorative buttonhole by placing the button in buttonhole feet.

Verdict:
With its multifunctional and versatile features, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 has a distinctive edge over other Singer models. The large selection of unique stitches, monogramming fonts along the 850 per minute sewing speed makes it possible to finish your creative projects in time.

5. Brother PE535

“Best Monogram Machine for home use”

If your real motive is to buy a machine for embroidery or monogramming only instead of sewing, but you aren’t looking for the more expensive model?  The Brother PE535 is a very good alternative, it is easily operated, and perfect for both beginners and experienced embroiders.

Whether you are monogramming on shirts, hats, napkins, or personalizing any daily use items, the Brother PE535 will be an ultimate partner in turning plain fabrics into absolutely stunning creations.

Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine

Pros
Easy to set up
Best for beginners
80 embroidery patterns
9 Monogramming Fonts
Four by four embroidery field
Computer Connectivity
Super Color Screen
Simple built-in tutorials
Lightweight
Cons
The four by four embroidery size is not enough for large projects.
Not for Sewing purpose

Features

Some of the best things about the Brother PE535 is that it is effortless to maneuver, weighs just 14 pounds, and is backed by a 25-year warranty. This best-in-quality machine is going to deliver long-lasting performance.

With so many fabulous features, the Brother PE535 has always been a source of embroiders attention. Having a broad set of 80 embroidery patterns (children, vacation, flower designs), including ten frame designs, inspiring the embroidery lovers to start stitching immediately after they buy the machine.

With the nine different monogramming font styles ( 6 English, 3 Japanese), you can customize your projects by adding attractive captions in English and Japanese language.

The Brother PE535 has an incorporated internal memory with significant storage space to store your  designs. Like the other embroidery machines mentioned in this article, you can also purchase new patterns for this machine (from external websites) and then import them via the built-in USB port.

Note: The Brother embroidery machines only support .pes, .dst, .phc, .pen design’s format, it means if you have a pattern in another form, then first you have to convert it to required one then you can install it on your device.

The colorful LCD screen makes embroidery easy and exciting. It lets you preview the pattern’s live progress right on the screen while embroidering.

Furthermore, the design editing features for the Brother PE535 are straightforward; you can change or edit a design with just a few screen clicks.

There are easy-to-follow tutorials on various topics that can be watched on the screen to help you better understand the many functions of this embroidery machine.

Verdict:
The Brother PE535 has made embroidery easy and straightforward. You can easily embroider your costumes with impressive embellishments, or personalize napkins, shirts, or jeans with amazing lettering. Whether you want to take monogramming as a hobby or start your own applique business, the Brother PE535 monogram machine is an excellent choice.

6. Brother PE550D

“Best for Awesome Designs”

Are you looking for an embroidery machine with an impressive collection of embroidery fonts & designs (especially Disney characters), and with unique functionalities for crafting magnificent embroidery?

The Brother PE550D lets you add beautiful images to your garments, T-Shirts, and Accessories.

PE550D Embroidery Machine

Pros
125 embroidery designs plus 45 Disney characters
Nine initials fonts
Absolute Affordable
User-oriented
Perfect for learners
New designs download opportunity
Friendly touchscreen
Extensive embroidery space
Best for Small or Medium Projects
Cons
4″ X 4″ embroidery area limited to small projects
Not for sewing

Features

The Brother PE550D is an easy-to-use and inexpensive monogram machine that gives its users plenty of friendly features even if you are a true beginner or a hobbyist.

When it comes to comfortable sewing, this Brother unit has an exclusive 4″ x 4″ embroidery space that’s enough to manage any medium or small-scale projects. Included with it is a grid sheet and a combination of alignment tools that can position your designs and the needle for perfect or accurate arrangement on your fabrics.

The Brother PE550D is well known for its embroidery designs. The embroidery machine features 125 embroidery patterns, including 45 Disney designs, and nine applique fonts that transform your ordinary-looking fabrics into majestic creations.

The touch screen enables watching machine tutorials to clear any ambiguity about the device functionalities. The PE550D, due to its flexible nature manages your designs directly on the LCD screen and it displays you the real picture of a design before implementing it on the fabric or any embroidery item.

Besides the extensive set of embroidery built-in patterns, frames & fonts, this Brother product can be upgraded with your favorite designs.

The User Manual is clear and thorough, providing complete information about using the device. However, you can still watch the built-in tutorials or Youtube videos to clear your doubts.

The computerized needle threading, including the and free Customer support makes this monogram machine the best choice to consider.

Verdict:

The Brother PE550D plays a significant role, whether adding more boost to your monogram business, utilizing your free time in resourceful embroidery, or creating professional gifts for your friends and family. In short, it’s a perfect choice for home use.

The only point of concern is the machine’s sewing speed, and size doesn’t fit in for facilitating large-scale businesses, but for small projects, it’s a worthy choice.

Things to consider while buying the Best Monogram Machine

With the advancement of technology, embroidery, or monogramming tasks by hand, working on a single project for weeks is now gone. With the evolution of modern monogram machines, you can complete your massive projects in days or even hours.

Whether monogram backpacks, handkerchiefs, pillow-cases, towels, shirts, or pants, these advanced models allow embellishing a variety of extensive patterns, turning homely fabrics into appealing embroideries.

With the advancement in technology, embroidery machines vary from features to features for performing specific tasks efficiently.

So, how to select the perfect one for you?

We’ve compiled a list of significant factors that you shouldn’t ignore when considering a purchase of your perfect monogram machine.

1. Machine functionality

The first factor to keep in mind is the machine type, whether you are buying an embroidery machine just only for monogramming or you want to sew as well. It’s our (obvious) suggestion to go for a dedicated monogram machine if you already have a sewing machine available. If both will take up too much space or you are looking to replace it, then a multi combo device is a perfect choice.

2. Objective of purchasing

Embroidery machines vary each other in terms of features, speed, platform size, available built-in patterns, accessories, and other features.  Many people go for the lowest price and compromise the size of the embroidery field and underestimate the limits on the number of built-in designs.

We also wouldn’t recommend buying a combination model just to replace your sewing machine.  Unless you can afford it and you absolutely need the space; many often become frustrated with the additional steps to convert from embroidery to sewing.

Also, if you thinking about a machine for commercial use, then you shouldn’t compromise on its features and functionality as many of the additional features will reduce your work time significantly.

Usually, there are three types of monogram machines based on their price, available patterns & capabilities.

Primary monogram machines are limited to small-scale embroidery tasks having fewer embroidery patterns & fonts. These models are the best alternatives for beginners with prices not more than 300$. The primary cons, in this case, is you are restricted to the in-built designs as there are no import options for you.
Intermediate-level monogram machines. These monogram machines work perfectly for home use whether decorating your pure fabric or even the expensive one. It contains more than 100 patterns with a large embroidery field in price up to 600$. Other than that, some of the models also support flash drive connectivity that will add more variety.
Advanced-level monogram machines. These are dedicated to professional or commercial use for any embroidery business where time efficiency is required to tackle the recurring customer orders. Having more than 100+ embroidery designs, extensive font collection, and broad working areas make these models supportive of massive projects. These models cost you approximately more than 1000$.

3. The monogramming area

Monogram machines consist of embroidery areas of different sizes depending upon the nature of tasks you will perform.

Most machines come with at least a 4″ x 4″ working space and are aligned to small-level jobs and a perfect option for beginners. Some larger projects (or running your monogram business) might require a high-end model that can manage projects up to 8″ x 12″.

4. Number of needles

Monogram machines are not just confined to a single needle; rather, the professional applique models have up to 12 needles on a single head.

The single needle machines work perfectly for a solo thread color design, but if you want to work on a multicolor plan, then, in this case, it will take some time to change the thread for each color.

If you are running a business or designing for some other professional purposes, this multicolor design can’t be managed under a single needle machine. So, a multi-needle device might be the best option to consider. With its various needles, you can thread each with a different thread color without any time wastage.

5. User-Friendly Features

The user-friendly features of any useful product play a decisive role in increasing work productivity. They also save you time and minimize frustration.

Some of the most prominent user-friendly features include:

Electronic needle threading

Most modern monogram models include a dedicated electronic needle threader that relieves you from time-consuming manual threading, allowing utilizing time in some other meaningful purpose.

Computerized thread trimming

Another fabulous feature of modern machines is automatic thread cutting which also acts as a real-time savior, especially when working on professional or advanced projects.

On-Screen Editing

We recommend you choose a monogram machine with a built-in LCD screen that not only helps you to select a design of your choice but also enables on-screen editing that require no special editing skills or training.

Tips to use Monogram Machine Efficiently

  • For the best results, make sure to position your material accurately, including using a good quality and a required weight of a bobbin thread.
  • Go through the manual thoroughly before starting your first embroidery project as it will help you to deal with any machine errors.
  • To get maximum benefits from the machine, be sure to change embroidery needles after every 2 to 3 projects.
  • If you want to add more variety of designs to your projects, making them more professional? A lot of websites over the internet offering free or low price embroidery patterns that can easily be downloaded to use.
  • Verify that the thread goes smooth while threading and also add a little tension in the thread.
  • If working on your first embroidery project, then it’s our suggestion to perform a test stitch on the same type of fabric. It will help more when embroidering some expensive material.

FAQs of Best Monogram Machine

What is the best monogram machine for beginners?
Here is the list of top 6 best monogram machines for beginners.

  1. Brother PE800
  2. SE1900 Embroidery Sewing Machine
  3. Brother SE600
  4. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
  5. Brother PE535
  6. Brother PE550D
How much does a monogram machine cost?
A monogram machine’s price depends upon the number of tasks it will perform and varies each other in multiple things, including designs & fonts, workspace size, editing features, and several needles, etc. We categorized these machines into three levels with different prices and features.

  1. Primary monogram machines feature nearly 30 to 50 embroidery designs with 4-by-4 working fields and cost up to 300$.
  2. Intermediate-level monogram machines include nearly up to 100 patterns with 5″ x 7″ workspace and are priced up to 600$.
  3. Advanced-level monogram machines have up to 300 patterns with an 8″ x 12″ monogram area and are priced nearly to 1000$.
  4. Multi-needle models have multiple needles (from 4 to 12) and cost you around 2000$ to 9000$.
What’s the difference between embroidery and monogramming?
A Monogram is the collection of letters or alphabets that are arranged creatively that gives them a unique look. It is a small pattern or design that acts as a logo or initials. Whereas when talking about embroidery, is the craft of creating significant and intricate designs.

In monogramming, you are limited to creating small patterns ( logo or initials) to show your brand image or ownership. While embroidery is a process to create or design your products, or adding embellishments, making them more unique and superior.

Monogramming and embroidery are not entirely different terms. You can intermix these two techniques to promote your products as a trustworthy brand.

Can you monogram with a regular sewing machine?
Yes, you can also monogram with a sewing machine in the absence of an embroidery machine. But, it cannot be as easy as done with a specific monogramming model.

Steps

  1. Draw your favorite design over the fabric with the help of a pencil.
  2. Select a suitable thread for stitching.
  3. Attach a stabilizer with the opposite side of the fabric in an embroidery hoop.
  4. Start sewing the monogram and fill out all the stitches.
  5. The stitches will be automatically filled out when you move the hoop always around the needle.
How to start your own monogram business?
Starting a monogram business is a profitable investment that enables you to earn right from your home.
Here are the steps to follow to launch your own monogramming business.

  1. Buy an efficient & professional letter Embroidery machine
  2. Polish your skills
  3. Choose a product niche to sell
  4. Arrange necessary items or materials to design your products
  5. Allocate prices to your products
  6. Make a strategy to reach your target customers.

Conclusion 

We recommend the Brother PE800 as the perfect option for most readers. But if you are a real novice looking for a monogram only machine, then the Brother PE535 is the one that will best meet your needs.

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