Finding the right embroidery machine for hats can significantly enhance your ability to produce clean, professional designs on caps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned embroiderer, the ideal machine simplifies the process and delivers consistent, high-quality outcomes. As of 2025, the market offers a wide variety of machines equipped with features like high stitching speeds, multi-needle setups, and cap-specific frames.
These machines are built to save time and provide excellent results across different hat styles.
This guide will help you identify the best embroidery machine for hats to suit your specific needs, whether for personal use or commercial production, so you can start creating impressive hat designs effortlessly.
Types of Embroidery Machines for Hats
To select the best embroidery machine for hats, it’s important to know the available types and their suitability for different usage levels.
Home Embroidery Machines
Commercial Embroidery Machines
Below, we explore the top models in each category, highlighting their standout features, pros, cons, and pricing.

Home Embroidery Machines for Hats
Home embroidery machines are ideal for individuals and small businesses looking for an affordable and accessible solution. These machines typically feature intuitive controls, built-in designs, and the ability to handle various materials, perfect for hobbyists or side hustlers looking to personalize caps and garments.
Top Home Embroidery Machines for Hats in 2025:
Brother SE600
Brother PE800
Brother SE1900
1. Brother SE600
The Brother SE600 is a combination sewing and embroidery machine for hats, offering an excellent entry point for hobbyists and beginners. It’s a 3.2-inch color touchscreen that lets you preview and edit designs with ease. With 80 built-in embroidery patterns and six fonts, this model provides plenty of personalization options.
It features a 4″ x 4″ embroidery area, ideal for basic hat designs, and includes sewing capabilities with 103 built-in stitches. Other highlights include an automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin, and a USB port for design import.
Pros:
Beginner-friendly interface
Combining sewing and embroidery functions
Includes useful built-in features
Cons:
Limited embroidery area
May need extra accessories for hat-specific projects
Price Range: $400 – $600
2. Brother PE800
If you’re seeking a dedicated embroidery machine for hats, the Brother PE800 is a strong option. It boasts a 5″ x 7″ embroidery field—ideal for more detailed cap designs—and offers 138 built-in embroidery patterns and 11 fonts.
Its 3.2-inch LCD color touchscreen allows for easy design preview and editing. The machine features an automatic needle threader and advanced editing tools like resizing, rotating, and mirroring.
Pros:
Spacious embroidery area
Rich design library and editing tools
Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons:
Embroidery-only (no sewing function)
Additional tools may be required for cap embroidery
Price Range: $600 – $800
3. Brother SE1900
The Brother SE1900 is a versatile option that combines high-end embroidery features with excellent sewing capabilities. It offers a large 5″ x 7″ embroidery area, 138 embroidery patterns, and 240 sewing stitches.
Its standout feature—My Custom Stitch™—allows users to create and save their sewing patterns. It’s a powerful embroidery machine for hats and other garments, offering both creativity and convenience.
Pros:
Wide embroidery area
Large library of designs and stitches
Custom stitch creation
Cons:
May require extra accessories for optimal hat embroidery
Focuses more on embroidery than advanced sewing
Price Range: $800 – $1,000
Commercial Embroidery Machines for Hats
For businesses needing high-volume production, a commercial-grade embroidery machine for hats is the best choice. These machines are engineered for durability, precision, and speed, making them ideal for professional settings.
Best Commercial Embroidery Machines for Hats:
Melco EMT16X
Ricoma CHT2 Series
Avancé 1501C
1. Melco EMT16X

The Melco EMT16X is a powerful embroidery machine for hats built for speed and accuracy. It features 16 needles and can achieve up to 1,500 stitches per minute.
Its advanced Acti-Feed™ system auto-adjusts thread tension, reducing thread breaks. With a generous 15.7″ x 16.1″ embroidery area and modular scalability for multi-head setups, it’s a top-tier solution for businesses handling large orders.
Pros:
Extremely fast and efficient
Modular design allows scalability
Outstanding stitch quality
Cons:
High price point
Steeper learning curve
Price Range: $15,000 – $20,000
2. Ricoma CHT2 Series

Ricoma’s CHT2 Series is another excellent commercial embroidery machine for hats. Available in configurations from 4 to 12 heads, it’s perfect for scaling your business. It includes a 270° cap system and supports 15 needles per head
Its 10.4-inch touchscreen interface, onboard lettering, and USB transfer options streamline workflow, while the 50 million stitch memory allows for complex projects without interruption.
Pros:
Multi-head versatility
Cap-specific embroidery system
Huge design memory
Cons:
High upfront cost
Requires training to unlock full potential
Price Range: $10,000 – $25,000
3. Avancé 1501C

A great mid-range commercial embroidery machine for hats, the Avancé 1501C offers 15 needles and speeds up to 1,200 stitches per minute. It’s a 14″ x 20″ embroidery field that suits both small and large designs.
It includes automatic thread trimming and a 7-inch HD touchscreen. Multiple hoop sizes make it flexible for various garments and hat styles.
Pros:
Smooth multi-color stitching
User-friendly controls
High durability and tested performance
Cons:
Some training required
Cost may be a barrier for new businesses
Price Range: $5,500 – $8,000
Key Features to Look for in a Hat Embroidery Machine
When investing in an embroidery machine for hats, prioritize features that enhance productivity and design quality:
Large Embroidery Area – Supports detailed and complex designs
High Stitch Speed – Speeds up project turnaround
Touchscreen Interface – Simplifies operation and editing
Auto Thread Trimmer – Increases efficiency
Adjustable Hoops – Fits various cap sizes
Built-in Designs/Fonts – Speeds up start time
Durable Construction – Ensures long-term performance
Choosing a machine with these capabilities ensures a smooth and professional embroidery experience.
Conclusion
Selecting the best embroidery machine for hats in 2025 depends on your goals—whether you’re personalizing a few hats at home or launching a full-scale production line. From user-friendly home models to high-speed commercial machines, there’s a perfect match for every level of need. With the right machine, you’ll be equipped to bring your creative ideas to life and produce eye-catching hat designs with confidence.
FAQs
What is the best embroidery machine for hats?
The best embroidery machine for hats typically includes features like cap frame compatibility, multiple needles, and a spacious embroidery area. Top choices include models like the Brother PE800, Ricoma EM-1010, and Janome MB-7, all of which are designed to handle hat embroidery with precision.
What type of embroidery works best for hats?
Machine embroidery using a cap frame is the most effective technique for hats. This method is ideal for applying logos, monograms, and detailed designs with accuracy and durability.
What’s the best software for embroidery digitizing services?
Top options include Wilcom, Hatch, Brother PE-Design, and Embrilliance for detailed editing and quality control.
How do I improve my embroidery digitizing quality?
Use proper stitch types, adjust density, and test the design before production. Professional embroidery digitizing services often produce better outcomes.