Professional embroidery machine: how to choose, with our models and prices

A "professional" embroidery machine is not necessarily a ten-needle industrial machine. For a personalisation workshop, a designer who embroiders her own pieces, a dressmaker adding embroidery to her services or a teacher, the right machine is a high-level single-needle embroidery machine: large hoop, speed, consistency, software and service. This is the family we sell, adjust and repair at Verotex, BERNINA and bernette dealer, in our collection of embroidery machines. This guide explains how to choose, with the models and their prices.

Embroidery-only machine or sewing and embroidery machine?

This is the first decision. An embroidery-only machine (embroidery module only) lets you embroider while you sew on another machine: this is the choice of a workshop that produces. A sewing and embroidery machine combines both in a single unit, with a module that attaches for embroidery: this is the choice of a designer who alternates, or of anyone who does not have room for two machines. High-end combination machines embroider just as well as embroidery-only machines; the difference is in how you organise your work, not in quality.

The criteria that make a professional embroidery machine

The embroidery area

This is the criterion that limits your projects. A 260 × 160 mm hoop is enough for logos, monograms, and designs on polo shirts, tote bags and cushions. For jacket backs, large designs and tablecloths, you need a large hoop, up to 400 × 260 mm on the BERNINA 7 series and on the 700 PRO. Check the maximum area, not the area of the hoop supplied.

Speed and consistency

A professional embroidery machine embroiders between 850 and 1,000 stitches per minute with constant quality, on a design of 5,000 stitches as on one of 80,000. What matters as much as speed: positioning precision, thread-break detection, and picking up exactly where you left off after a stop.

Production comfort

Automatic thread cutter, automatic threading, touchscreen to place, rotate and resize the design, precise positioning of the design on the piece (pinpoint, camera or laser depending on the model), memory functions. These are the details that mean you embroider ten pieces in a morning instead of six.

Formats and software

All embroidery machines read the common formats (.exp, .dst, .pes, .jef…). To create your own designs, you need software: BERNINA Toolbox or BERNINA Embroidery Software for BERNINA and bernette, or third-party software such as Hatch and Embird. Transfer is by USB or Wi-Fi depending on the model.

Service

A professional embroidery machine requires an introduction (hooping, stabilisers, tensions) and an annual service. At Verotex, every machine comes with a 5-year warranty, is adjusted and walked through with you at handover, and our workshop handles maintenance. We also sell the appropriate stabilisers and embroidery threads.

Our professional embroidery machines

Embroidery-only machines

The BERNINA 700 PRO (€3,644) is the production embroidery machine of the range: very large embroidery area, high speed, touchscreen, precise design positioning, latest-generation embroidery module. This is the machine of a personalisation workshop that embroiders all day long.

The BERNINA 500 (€1,979) offers BERNINA embroidery quality in a more accessible format: a very good choice for a designer who wants a dedicated embroidery machine without the budget of the 700 PRO.

The bernette 70 DECO (€1,349) is the most affordable embroidery-only machine in our range: hoop up to 260 × 160 mm, touchscreen, built-in designs and Toolbox software included. To start a personalisation business (logos, names, tote bags), it is the best value for money.

Sewing and embroidery machines

The bernette 79 (€1,889) combines a full computerised sewing machine and a 260 × 160 mm embroidery machine: ideal for a dressmaker adding embroidery to her services. At BERNINA, the BERNINA 540 (€2,429) and the BERNINA 570 QE (€2,879) are the reference combination machines for garment making and quilting; the BERNINA 770 QE PRO (€5,029) and the 790 PRO (€8,729) add the large hoop, the large working area and full automation for intensive professional use.

Comparison: which embroidery machine for which activity

Activity	Machine	Price	Why
Starting out in personalisation (logos, names, tote bags)	bernette 70 DECO	€1,349	Affordable embroidery-only machine, 260 × 160 mm, software included
Sewing and embroidery in a single workshop	bernette 79	€1,889	Complete combination machine, good value for money
Dedicated embroidery machine, BERNINA quality	BERNINA 500	€1,979	BERNINA precision and consistency, accessible format
Garment making with embroidery	BERNINA 570 QE	€2,879	High-level sewing, quilting and embroidery
Personalisation workshop in production	BERNINA 700 PRO	€3,644	Large hoop, speed, precise positioning, embroiders all day long
Intensive professional use, all-in-one	BERNINA 770 QE PRO	€5,029	Large working area, large hoop, full automation

What about multi-needle embroidery machines?

Industrial machines with 6, 10 or 15 needles change thread automatically and embroider on caps: these are series-production machines, from €8,000 to €10,000 upwards, sold by industry specialists. They make sense when you embroider hundreds of identical pieces a month. Below that volume, a high-end single-needle embroidery machine is quicker to set up, more versatile and much cheaper. If your business grows towards series production, we will tell you so honestly.

Getting started and maintaining your embroidery machine

The quality of an embroidery depends as much on the stabiliser, the hooping and the thread as on the machine. The basics: choose the stabiliser according to the fabric (tear-away for stable wovens, cut-away for knits and jersey, water-soluble for fine fabrics or towelling), stretch the piece in the hoop without distorting it, use an embroidery needle and quality embroidery thread, and do a test on a scrap before the final piece. For the machine: dust out the bobbin compartment after every session, oil according to the manual, change the needle every 8 to 10 hours, and have an annual service at the workshop. We offer classes and introductions in the shop to get to grips with your embroidery machine.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best professional embroidery machine?

For a personalisation workshop, the BERNINA 700 PRO; for a designer who sews and embroiders, the BERNINA 570 QE; to start out, the bernette 70 DECO. The right choice depends on the embroidery area you need and your volume.

What is the difference between a home embroidery machine and a professional one?

The embroidery area, the speed, the positioning precision, thread-break detection and the ability to embroider for hours without losing quality. Build and service do the rest.

What budget should you plan for?

From €1,350 for an entry-level professional embroidery-only machine to €3,600 for a BERNINA production embroidery machine; from €1,900 to €8,700 for a sewing and embroidery combination machine. Add the design software, stabilisers and threads on top.

Can you create your own designs?

Yes, with embroidery software (BERNINA Embroidery Software, Toolbox, Hatch, Embird) that turns a drawing or a logo into an embroidery file. The machines also read designs bought online.

Can you embroider caps?

Single-needle embroidery machines embroider caps flat (peak removed or soft models) with a suitable hoop; embroidery on structured caps requires a multi-needle machine with a cap hoop.

Is training necessary?

An introduction is enough to get started; we do it with you when the machine is handed over. Mastering stabilisers and hooping comes with practice, and our in-shop classes support those who want to get there faster.