The 6 Best Embroidery Machines for Hats in 2023 (October)

Best for Hem Stitches

SINGER Professional 14T968DC

1
A versatile serger machine suitable for hat hem embroidery, high speed, automatic tension control, various stitch options, and handles hats and shirts.
Best Computerized

Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

2
Computerized sewing and embroidery machine, spacious embroidery area, user-friendly LCD screen, extensive built-in designs, and high embroidery speed.
Best Professional

SWF MAS 12

3
Industrial-strength embroidery machine specifically designed for professional hat embroidery, 12-needle system, cap driver and frames included, versatile and adaptable, and high-quality construction.

best embroidery machines for hats

In the vivid tapestry of creative arts, the craft of embroidery weaves a mesmerizing thread of beauty and ingenuity. From delicate floral patterns adorning a wedding dress to bold geometric designs enlivening a piece of modern art, the artistry of embroidery brings forth a symphony of color and texture.

And when it comes to embellishing hats with intricate stitchery, the quest for the best embroidery machine takes center stage. The realm of hat embroidery demands precision, finesse, and versatility—an endeavor where the right machine can transform a simple cap into a stunning work of wearable art.

The Best Embroidery Machines for Hats

With innovation thrumming through the very fabric of modern technology, the market abounds with choices that stitch enthusiasts find both exhilarating and bewildering. Whether you are an embroidery virtuoso seeking to elevate your designs or a novice artist yearning to bring your creative musings to life, join us as we thread together the intricate tapestry of hat embroidery and immerse ourselves in the realm of the best embroidery machines available for this art form.

You’ll be amazed at the precision, speed, and quality of the embroidery these machines can produce. No more painful pricked fingers or wonky stitches – these cutting-edge technologies will ensure that your hats stand out from the crowd.

Gone are the days of limited design options – with these machines, you’ll have access to an extensive library of pre-programmed patterns, fonts, and motifs, as well as the ability to create your very own custom designs with ease. Whether you’re in the business of selling hats or just enjoy making personalized gifts for your loved ones, these machines will take your creativity to new heights.

Say goodbye to the tedious process of sewing by hand and say hello to the world of limitless possibilities that these embroidery machines offer. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into our detailed reviews, compare the features and functionalities, and find the perfect sewing machine that will elevate your hat-making game.

Do you need a special machine to embroider hats?

All in all, hat embroidery is a specialized embroidery process that often calls for a hat embroidery machine. Although it is possible to embroider a hat with standard embroidery machines, the curved surface of the item and the restricted space for maneuvering the fabric make it a more difficult task and leave a lot of room for error.

The cylindrical or tubular shape of a hat embroidery machine, also known as a cap embroidery machine, typically incorporates a hoop or clamp to hold the headwear in place for the duration of the embroidery process.

In order to keep the hat in place while the embroidery is being done, the machine comes with a few different hoops or attachments. With these add-ons, an embroidery machine can easily and precisely move the hat around to embroider intricate motifs on its rounded surface.

If you want to create embroidery designs on caps on a regular basis, it’s probably worth it to invest in a machine designed specifically for that purpose. If you just need to embroider hats occasionally, though, you may want to look into alternate ways or consider hiring a professional embroiderer. A normal sewing machine with a cap hoop or even an embroidery machine with special accessories will suffice for most people and small businesses. 

The Best Embroidery Machines for Hats

Selection Criteria for the Best Hat Embroidery Machine 2023—Buying Guide

Embroidery is a revered art form, creating intricate designs using needle and thread. However, embroidery machines have taken this traditional craft to new heights with advanced technology.

Whether you’re a professional designer or a hobbyist, investing in a specialized sewing and embroidery machine can greatly enhance your creative pursuits. But how do you choose the right one? With numerous options on the market, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices.

That’s why we have compiled a comprehensive list of key features to consider when buying an embroidery machine. 

Type of machine: 

Make sure the sewing machine you choose comes with accessories that are made specifically for embroidering on hats. Check that it has secure mechanisms, like hoops or clamps, to hold the hat in position while sewing or even a cylindrical or tubular shape that the hat can fit around. 

Size and Setup of Hat Hoops:

Before buying a machine, make sure you know what sizes of hoops it can accommodate. To embroider hats, you’ll need a hoop designed specifically for that purpose. Be sure the machine has hoops in the right sizes for the various hats (both structured and unstructured) you plan to embroider. In addition, it’s a good idea to make sure the machine can accommodate a variety of hat hoop styles, in case you want to broaden your horizons later on. 

Sewing Speed:

Take a look at the machine’s stitching speed and quality. Embroidery that looks professional requires a machine that can create neat, accurate stitches. Yet, you should also think about the fastest possible stitch speed your machine can function in, as you need to increase output without sacrificing quality.

Software Compatibility: 

Make sure that the file formats and design applications you intend to use are supported by the embroidery machine of your choice. The .DST, .PES, and .EMB file extensions are frequently used for embroidery files, and so most sewing machines support them. However, more design freedom and possibilities are available when your product is compatible with widely used design programs like Wilcom, Embird, and Hatch.

Ease of Use:

Especially if you are a beginner, think about the machine’s user interface and how simple it is to use. Try to find a device that has an easy-to-navigate UI with well-marked buttons. Touchscreens and computer connectivity are available on some machines to facilitate the transfer and editing of designs. You certainly don’t want to be fumbling with manuals every two minutes while you are trying to embroider hats.

Extra Options: 

Consider the value embroidery machines nowadays will bring to your life compared to their cost, and then find one that fits your needs and your budget.

Look into any extras that may improve your stitching experience, such as these optional features and accessories. Automatic thread trimming, thread break detection, and USB connectivity are all examples of such functions; along with its ability to create even more products, a shirt embroidery machine can be a good option for those that have not decided yet on their niche. 

The availability and price of add-ons, such as specialized embroidery hoops or extra software, should be taken into account as well. 

Top Product Recommendations for the Best Embroidery Machine for Hats 2023

  1. Best Hat Embroidery Machine for Hem Stitches: SINGER Professional 14T968DC
  2. Best Computerized Embroidery Machine for Hats: Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine
  3. Best Professional Embroidery Machines for Hats: SWF MAS 12 Needle Embroidery Machine
  4. Best Hat Embroidery Machines for Beginners: Brother SE1900
  5. Best Embroidery Machine Kit for Hats: Brother PR680W
  6. Best Budget-Friendly Embroidery Machine for Hats: Brother Serger 1034D

1. Best Hat Embroidery Machine for Hem Stitches—SINGER Professional 14T968DC

SINGER Professional 14T968DC

Embroidery Machine Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 10/10
  • Type of machine – Sewing and embroidery machine 
  • Embroidery field – Not stated
  • Built-in Designs – 14
  • Embroidery speed – 1,300 spm
  • Extras and versatility – Sewing feet, automatic thread cutter, automatic needle threader, automatic thread tension, handles hats and shirts

About SINGER Professional 14T968DC

The SINGER Professional 14T968DC Serger is a high-quality device recognized for its adaptability, high-quality stitching, and user-friendly design. Despite the fact that it is essentially a serger machine, it can be quite helpful for hat embroidery as well. This machine’s capacity to stitch in three different directions at once makes it ideal for decorative hat embroidery. Whether you’re looking for simple stitches or elaborate ornamental ones, this machine will not let you down.

The maximum speed of this sewing machine is 1300 stitches per minute, ensuring quick and effective hem work for both large and small jobs, since it reduces the amount of time spent on each. Thanks to the hat embroiderer’s automated tension feature, your stitches will always be evenly spaced and uniform in length and width. This makes the machine easier to set up and use, particularly for beginners, as it eliminates the need to recalibrate the machine manually.

Embroidering hats is easy with this machine’s wide variety of stitch options and 2-3-4-5 stitch capacity to make hats with a variety of different hem designs, from conventional seams and hems to rolled hems, flat locking, and ornamental stitching. The freedom to play around with various stitch functions provides a wealth of new options for your embroidered work.

Although the SINGER Professional 14T968DC Serger Overlock is designed primarily as a serger, it’s high-quality stitching, fast speed, and user-friendly design make it a strong contender for hat hem embroidery. This machine’s several stitch options and automatic tension setting make it simple to sew intricately embroidered motifs onto headwear that appear like they were done by an expert. 

Pros:

  • Great for sewing projects and quilt patterns 
  • Sports an advanced needle threader 
  • 14 built-in stitches 
  • Great speed, of 1300 spm

Cons:

  • Ability to only complete hem designs
  • Sewing only machine
  • No LCD screen 

2. Best Computerized Embroidery Machine for Hats—Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

Embroidery Machine Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 10/10
  • Type of machine – Sewing and embroidery machine 
  • Embroidery field – 8.25 x 4.7 inches
  • Built-in Designs – 170
  • Embroidery speed – 1000 spm
  • Extras and versatility – Sewing feet, automatic thread cutter, automatic needle threader, automatic thread tension, auto-size buttonholes, handles hats and shirts

About Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine

The Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine is a high-powered, feature-packed, computerized sewing machine that may be best recognized for its ability to sew, but it is also a solid choice for embroidery tasks like personalizing hats. The stitching experience on this sewing machine is greatly improved by its sophisticated computer functionality. The integrated embroidery system makes it simple to upload and sew out unique patterns. This machine is great for both novice and seasoned embroiderers due to its user-friendly LCD screen and straightforward settings.

Having enough room to work on while embroidering hats is essential. You can easily position headwear within the Janome Skyline S5’s spacious embroidery area, so you can embroider beautiful patterns on hats of all shapes and sizes with pinpoint accuracy. Its extensive library of preloaded embroidery patterns and typefaces allows you to express your individuality in your hat embroidery projects. You can modify and adapt the hat designs to match your needs by choosing from a variety of decorative patterns and wording possibilities. 

The Janome Skyline S5’s maximum embroidery speed of up to 1,000 stitches per minute guarantees quick and effective embroidery manufacturing. Along with its high-tech features, like automatic thread tension management, it guarantees even and uniform stitches, giving embroidered headwear a polished appearance. 

Pros:

  • 10 One-Step Buttonholes
  • 4 Built-In Alphabets
  • 6 LED Lights in 3 Convenient Locations
  • 11 Standard Feet and Accessories Included

Cons:

  • High initial cost
  • Not specifically made for embroidered hats 

3. Best Professional Embroidery Machines for Hats—SWF MAS 12 Needle Embroidery Machine

SWF MAS 12 Needle Embroidery Machine

Embroidery Machine Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 10/10
  • Type of machine – Embroidery machine 
  • Embroidery field – 13 x 8 inches
  • Built-in Designs – Not stated
  • Embroidery speed – 1,000 spm
  • Extras and versatility – Sewing feet, automatic thread cutter, hat hoop, automatic needle threader, USB port, automatic thread tension, frame shapes, color LCD touchscreen, handles thicker hats and shirts

About SWF MAS 12 Needle Embroidery Machine

The SWF MAS 12 Needle Embroidery Machine is an industrial-strength embroidery machine made for stitching on caps. This machine’s sturdy build, 12-needle system, and many accessories that come with it make it ideal for the varied requirements of professional hat embroidery.

These hat embroidery machines use a 12-needle system, so you can embroider many colors at once, opening up a world of design possibilities for headwear. Due to this upgrade from the rest of the machines on our list, professional-quality embroidery that conforms to the highest requirements may be made in a fraction of the time.

Included with the SWF MAS are the needed tools for hat embroidery: a cap driver and cap frames. The cap driver keeps the hat in place for precise embroidery every time; while ensuring that the fabric may move freely and without snagging, the frames for caps are contoured to meet the cylinder shape of hats. These attachments improve the machine’s hat embroidery capabilities, letting you quickly and easily produce professional-quality results.

This embroidery machine gives you a wide variety of options for personalizing your hat embroidery, making it both versatile and adaptable. Its many needles make it easy to quickly and smoothly change the thread color for unique and eye-catching hat patterns. Multiple design formats are accepted, allowing you to use either your own designs or those from the machine’s huge design library. This adaptability helps you fulfill the specific needs of your customers and bring their hat embroidery designs to life, with little to no limitations. 

Even though it has professional-level features, the SWF MAS is made to be easy to use by anyone. The machine’s straightforward interface and well-designed control panel make it simple to use. In addition, however, the machine is accompanied by detailed instructions and round-the-clock customer service.

The MAS is made by SWF, a company known for producing high-quality embroidery machines. This machine is sturdy and well-engineered enough to withstand the rigors of daily professional use. Professional hat embroiderers can put their faith in this machine because of its high-quality build and dependable performance.

Pros:

  • A photo can be turned into embroidery data in an instant with the help of the Smart Embroidery System
  • The Free Hand Stitch Function lets you create, alter, and stitch digital drawings in real-time right on the screen
  • Detection of thread breaks both above and below the stitching area, automatically
  • Sports a 40 million stitch memory and 400 design slots, so you may keep a wide variety of patterns on hand; large memory system 

Cons:

  • Instructions and manual are not up to par with the rest of the machine’s potential
  • High initial cost
  • Solely professional hat embroidery machine, not for beginners

4. Best Hat Embroidery Machines for Beginners—Brother SE1900

Brother SE1900

Embroidery Machine Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 10/10
  • Type of machine – Sewing and embroidery machine 
  • Embroidery field – 5 x 7 inches
  • Built-in Designs – 138 embroidery designs (and 11 fonts), 240 sewing stitches
  • Embroidery speed – 850 spm
  • Extras and versatility – Sewing feet, automatic thread cutter, automatic needle threader, USB port, automatic thread tension, frame shapes, 10 auto-size buttonholes, color LCD touchscreen, handles hats and shirts

About Brother Hat Embroidery Machine SE1900 

The Brother SE1900 Embroidery Machine is an advanced, user-friendly computerized sewing and embroidery machine. If you’re just getting started with hat embroidery, this is a great option thanks to its wide variety of preloaded embroidered designs, convenient built-in stitches, and intuitive UI. 

The SE1900 comes with 138 preloaded embroidery designs, giving you plenty of room to express your creativity while personalizing your hats with embroidery. Beginners can release their inner artists by trying out a wide variety of designs, from decorative patterns to monograms and letters. The machine’s 240 built-in stitches also make it possible to add creative embroidered designs to your hats.

The Brother SE1900 has a large enough embroidery area to accommodate the stitching of hat patterns adequately. This roomy area gives you plenty of space to move around while you learn how to position and align your designs on hats for the best possible outcome.

Its 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen display and the device’s intuitive controls make it a great choice for beginners. The stitching procedure is simplified by the touchscreen interface, which allows for easy selection and tweaking of embroidery designs and stitches. The machine’s built-in help guide and on-screen lessons make it ideal for novices interested in exploring the world of cap embroidery.

You may connect the SE1900 to your computer and import your own designs and patterns thanks to its networking features. With this option, you can embroider whatever you can imagine onto a hat, giving you complete creative control. 

The SE1900 is not only an embroidery machine, but also a fully functional sewing machine. In addition to hat embroidery, you may experiment with the machine’s 240 built-in sewing stitches and eight included sewing feet, such as a buttonhole foot, zipper foot, and blind stitch foot. The machine’s adaptability makes it a good buy for beginner sewers who want to learn new techniques. 

Pros:

  • Perfect embroidery machine for beginners
  • User-friendly interface
  • Large number of preloaded designs for easy learning of embroidery design 
  • Eight sewing feet 
  • Good for regular sewing as well 

Cons:

  • Only for sale in the USA, warranty is void if you move it abroad 
  • Single needle machine 

5. Best Embroidery Machine Kit for Hats—Brother PR680W

Brother PR680W

Embroidery Machine Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 10/10
  • Type of machine – Embroidery machine 
  • Embroidery field – 8 x 12 inches
  • Built-in Designs – 100 built-in embroidery designs, 18 monogramming font styles, 140 frame pattern combinations, 50 lettering fonts, and 50 built-in utility stitch designs
  • Embroidery speed – 1,000 spm in 7 seconds
  • Extras and versatility – Automatic thread cutter, hat hoop, automatic needle threader, remote computer screen, automatic thread tension, frame shapes, 10.1-inch color LCD touchscreen, handles hats and shirts

About Brother PR680W

The Brother PR680W Embroidery Machine and Accessory Bundle is a full package tailored to those interested in embroidery for hats. This package has everything you need to start embroidering hats professionally, with its high-end features, high-quality performance, and included equipment. Stitching with up to six needles at once is possible thanks to its sturdy build and effective multi-needle system, so you can quickly and accurately embroider elaborate motifs onto hats, just like the pros.

The PR680W’s huge built-in library of embroidery designs and fonts provides a wealth of opportunities for individualized hat embroidery. This device allows for the creation of a wide variety of hat designs, including beautiful patterns, monograms, and text. Further creative freedom is afforded by the inclusion of a USB connector for importing user-created designs and by the availability of software upgrades.

The Brother PR680W comes with a hat hoop and cap frame set, both of which are necessary for hat embroidery, as part of its accessory bundle. The hat hoop keeps the hat in place for steady and precise needlework. With the cap frameset, you can embroider precisely where you want on the hat’s curved surface every time. These attachments improve the machine’s hat embroidery capabilities, making it simpler to create embroidered hats with a professional finish.

Brother is known for its high-quality sewing and embroidery machines, and the PR680W does not disappoint. This machine was made with professional use in mind, thus it is constructed with high-quality components and has a solid build. Because of its dependability, users can be assured that their hat embroidery projects will turn out beautifully and last for years to come.

Pros:

  • WLAN capability
  • Comes with a PR stand
  • Included are an 8″ x 12″ frame, a 5″ x 7″ frame, and a 4″ x 4″ frame
  • Sports Crosshair Embroidery Droplight Laser, so you can always see where the needle will drop
  • Color grouping, which allows multiple regions to be selected at a time for editing color
  • Color Management for easy design customization
  • Color Sort, which helps to cut down on thread changes when combining designs

Cons:

  • Steep initial price point
  • Warranty only applicable in the US 

6. Best Budget-Friendly Embroidery Machine for Hats—Brother Serger 1034D

Brother Serger 1034D

Embroidery Machine Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 9/10
  • Type of machine – Sewing machines 
  • Embroidery field – Not stated
  • Built-in Designs – None
  • Embroidery speed – 1300 spm
  • Extras and versatility – Sewing feet, automatic thread cutter, automatic needle threader, automatic thread tension, handles hats and shirts

About Brother Serger 1034D

The Brother Serger 1034D is an affordable, versatile, and dependable serger machine. Though its intended use is for serging and overlocking, it might also be a good choice for embroidery on hats, especially for beginners. Despite its price, it does not compromise on quality. This machine’s sturdy metal construction guarantees years of dependable service, as it will not flex or shake throughout the embroidery process.

While the Brother 1034D is best used as a serger, it does offer a wide variety of stitches for a variety of projects. Even while it doesn’t have as many stitch options as professional embroidery machines, it will still help your hat designs stand out. Also, the Brother 1034D is created with user-friendliness in mind, making it excellent for beginners entering into hat embroidery. It is easy to set up and use because of its color-coded threading system and comprehensive documentation. 

The Brother 1034D’s maximum sewing speed of 1,300 stitches per minute means that it can produce embroidery quickly and efficiently. This high-speed capability makes embroidery projects on hats go quickly, which is great for urgent or low-volume orders as well. Also, it is a lightweight and compact option for embroidering hats on the go. Users with limited space or who need to move regularly will appreciate its portability and tiny footprint. 

Despite its price point, this machine includes three different accessory feet: a blind stitch foot, a gathering foot, and a piping foot. These feet were created for serging and regular sewing, but they can be used for hat embroidery as well. Example uses include the blind stitch foot for adding understated embellishment to hat designs and the gathering foot for making one-of-a-kind textures and ruffles.

Pros:

  • Even though this is a cheap hat embroidery machine, it does not lack in quality and speed
  • Good for creating custom caps
  • Can make a wide variety of stitching designs and dress forms
  • Good for a small business or home use to create custom design hats
  • Complete package, with a variety of feet

Cons:

  • Lack of touch screen, has a dial selection
  • Primarily a serger machine 

Conclusion

The embroidery machine industry is growing with innovation and creativity. These advanced machines have transformed hat embroidery by offering a range of features and capabilities.

They improve speed and precision, provide extensive design libraries, and have user-friendly interfaces. Selecting the right machine can be overwhelming, with so many options available.

Factors such as specific needs, budget, and expertise should be considered. Investing in a high-quality machine may seem costly, but it is a worthwhile long-term investment.

In particular, when it comes to computerized embroidery, especially cap embroidery, the Janome Skyline S5 Sewing Machine is a trustworthy and flexible solution. Its sophisticated computer features, large embroidery area, and adaptable design possibilities allow for the creation of elaborate and unique hat embroidery projects. Hat embroidery enthusiasts will also appreciate the machine’s fast embroidery speed, fine stitching, and sturdy build. 

Also, the SWF MAS 12 Needle Embroidery Machine excels as a high-end commercial option for hat embroidery. Its 12-needle system, built-in cap driver and cap frames, adaptability, user-friendliness, and ease of use make it ideal for producing high-quality, individualized hat embroidery. Professional hat embroiderers who value accuracy, efficiency, speed, dependability, and longevity will find this machine to be an excellent tool for their trade.

The Brother Embroidery Machine SE1900 is a great alternative for individuals just getting started with embroidery and sewing, and is especially well-suited for hats. Beginners can experiment with their imagination and create one-of-a-kind hats with the help of this machine’s flexible embroidery designs, large work area, intuitive interface, and computer connectivity. The SE1900’s value is elevated by its dependable performance, sturdy construction, and comprehensive set of sewing functions, which allows beginners to get a machine that can adapt to their needs as they gain experience with embroidery and other techniques.

The final decision depends on individual preferences and requirements. Whether a professional or hobbyist, there is an embroidery machine that can bring hat designs to life.

We hope you found our analysis of the best embroidery machine for hats of 2023 to be helpful. Consult our associated guides for further sources of comparable items for the artistic lifestyle.