We do get asked this quite regularly, and it really does depends on the embroidery machine.
Some embroidery machines are embroidery-only, while others are combined sewing and embroidery machines that can handle both normal sewing and machine embroidery.
What Is an Embroidery-Only Machine?
An embroidery-only machine is designed specifically for creating embroidered designs. You place the fabric into an embroidery hoop, select or load a design, and the machine automatically stitches the design, often using a motorised hoop that moves the fabric to build up the pattern.
These machines aren’t designed for everyday tasks such as sewing seams, making buttonholes, inserting zips, hemming or general dressmaking. You would normally use a separate sewing machine for these jobs.
The Brother Innov-is F540E is a perfect example of an Embroidery Only Machine – Currently £1199 and includes a free magnetic frame and Madeira starter pack worth £279
What Is a Combination Sewing and Embroidery Machine?
A combination embroidery machine gives you both sewing and embroidery functions in one machine. You can use it as a normal sewing machine for dressmaking, quilting and general projects, then attach the embroidery unit when you want to embroider.
Depending on the model, you may get features such as utility stitches, decorative stitches, automatic buttonholes, lettering, embroidery designs, USB or wireless design transfer, and automatic thread cutting.
It’s worth knowing the trade-offs before you buy. A combination machine typically has a smaller embroidery area than a dedicated embroidery-only machine, and you can’t sew and embroider at the same time, since it’s one mechanism doing both jobs. What you gain is space saved and, often, a lower overall cost than buying two separate machines.
Which Type Of Embroidery Machine Should I Buy?
If you already have a sewing machine you’re happy with and mainly want to add embroidery, an embroidery-only machine can make sense.
If you’re buying your first advanced machine and want both functions, a sewing and embroidery combination machine may be more convenient.
The Brother Innov-Is M380 is a great example of a sewing and embroidery machine – Currently £899.00
Can I Make Clothes With a Combination Machine?
Absolutely. When used in sewing mode, a combination machine works much like a normal sewing machine. You can make dresses, shirts, trousers, quilts, bags and home furnishings, then add personalised embroidery to the same projects.
Is a Combination Machine Better?
Not necessarily.
Having separate machines means you could continue sewing while an embroidery machine is working on a long design, and a dedicated embroidery machine usually gives you a larger embroidery area to work with. A combination embroidery machine, on the other hand, saves space and gives you both functions in one unit, generally for less than buying two machines would cost.
The best choice depends on your budget, available space and how much embroidery you plan to do.
Sewing and Embroidery Machines
You’ll find both dedicated embroidery machines and combination sewing and embroidery machines on the market, so it’s worth checking the machine description carefully before buying.
An embroidery-only machine means embroidery, not normal sewing. A combination machine means normal sewing plus embroidery. If you want one machine capable of doing both, make sure you’re specifically looking for a combined sewing and embroidery machine.
If you need help making the decision of what machine is best just give us a call and we would be glad to offer expert help and advice.