Perfectly placed eyes are the soul of any plush toy. Whether you make amigurumi for friends or run an Etsy shop, hand-stitching eyes can be time-consuming and uneven. The best embroidery machines for plush eyes solve this by creating crisp, consistent facial features at the push of a button. For a broader look at machine options, visit our sewing and embroidery guides.
In this guide, we evaluated six products that help you embroider eyes on fabric, from compact home models to commercial multi-needle machines. We also looked at a dedicated software tool for designing your own eye patterns. As of October 2026, these are the options we recommend for plush makers of every skill level.
We focused on machines that offer reliable stitch formation, adjustable tension, and enough hooping depth for stuffed fabric. Each product below was assessed for its design library, field size, ease of use, and ability to handle small-scale details like eyes.
Product Comparison
Pros
- Massive 24x16 inch embroidery area for oversized designs and commercial applications.
- Excellent cap embroidery performance with upgraded carbon-fiber driver and 270-degree rotation.
- Fast 1200 stitches per minute with automatic color change and laser positioning.
- User-friendly 12 inch touch screen and smart control system with large memory.
- Strong customer support with online training, community, and local technical assistance.
Cons
- Heavy machine weighing 187 pounds requires a sturdy workbench and may need professional installation.
- High price point makes it a significant investment, best suited for commercial operations or dedicated hobbyists with budget.
- Learning curve for advanced features like cap embroidery and software settings, despite available training.
The Smartstitch S1501 Plus Beast is a professional-grade 15-needle embroidery machine designed for commercial use and serious enthusiasts. With its giant 24x16 inch embroidery area and specialized cap embroidery system, it directly targets businesses that need to produce large designs, hats, and a wide variety of garments efficiently.
Its standout features include a lightning-fast 1200 stitches per minute, automatic color change, and laser positioning that eliminates guesswork. The upgraded cap driver made from reinforced nylon and carbon fiber ensures stable, high-speed embroidery on curved surfaces. The 12 inch touch screen and smart control system with 100 million stitch memory make complex projects manageable.
Build quality is robust, with a metal and plastic construction weighing 187 pounds, ensuring stability during operation. The self-lubrication system and thread break detection add reliability, reducing downtime. However, the machine's size and weight require a dedicated workspace.
Potential drawbacks include the high initial cost and the need for some learning, especially for cap embroidery. The included training materials and community support help, but beginners may find the advanced features challenging at first.
Overall, the Smartstitch S1501 Plus Beast is an excellent investment for embroidery businesses looking to expand into large-format and cap embroidery. Its combination of speed, precision, and support makes it a top choice in its class.
Pros
- Extensive built-in designs and stitches provide ready-to-use options for various projects
- Wireless connectivity simplifies transferring designs from a computer
- Touchscreen interface makes editing and navigation easy for all skill levels
- Comprehensive bundle includes threads, hoops, and accessories, so little extra purchase needed
- Excellent customer feedback highlights its ease of use and quality stitching
Cons
- Embroidery field limited to 4x4 inches, restricting larger designs
- Does not include embroidery stabilizer, which beginners may need to buy separately
- Some users may find the learning curve steep for advanced features
The Brother SE700 is a powerful combination sewing and embroidery machine designed for hobbyists and beginners who want to explore both crafts without investing in two separate machines. Replacing the popular SE600, this model boasts a refined modern look and a larger workspace while keeping the compact footprint of its predecessor. It comes bundled with four embroidery hoops, a 40-spool thread set, and a variety of presser feet, making it a turnkey solution for anyone starting their sewing and embroidery journey.
With 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches, the SE700 offers ample creative options for monogramming, decorative patches, and garment construction. The color LCD touchscreen allows for easy on-screen editing, including resizing, rotating, and combining designs. Wireless LAN connectivity enables direct transfer of designs from a PC using free Design Database Transfer software, eliminating the need for USB drives. Real-world users praise the quiet operation and consistent stitch quality across both sewing and embroidery modes.
The machine feels solid with a metal internal frame and plastic housing, weighing 15 pounds for stability during use. The included accessories bundle adds significant value: snap-on feet for various techniques, bobbins, needles, and a detailed manual. The 4x4 embroidery field is the standard for home machines, suitable for most DIY projects like tote bags, pillowcases, and shirts. The foot controller and thread spool net are thoughtful touches that enhance usability.
One drawback is the 4x4 embroidery hoop size, which limits the area for larger designs without re-hooping. Additionally, the SE700 does not include embroidery stabilizer, a necessary consumable for best results. Beginners may need to research stabilizer types and practice hooping technique. The sewing machine interface, while intuitive for embroidery, has its own learning curve for those transitioning from basic mechanical machines.
Overall, the Brother SE700 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, feature-rich combo machine without a huge investment. The bundle saves money and time, and the wireless connectivity adds modern convenience. Whether you are personalizing gifts, starting a small business, or just exploring a new hobby, this machine delivers impressive value and performance. We recommend it for its ease of use, comprehensive features, and strong customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 machine saves space and money compared to buying separate units.
- Wireless design transfer is quick and convenient, no USB hassle.
- Large touchscreen makes editing and selecting designs intuitive.
- Built-in stitches and designs cover a wide range of projects, from repairs to decorative sewing.
Cons
- Embroidery area is limited to 4x4 inches, which may be too small for larger projects.
- Some users report the touchscreen can be slow to respond at times.
- The included manual lacks detailed instructions for advanced embroidery techniques.
The Brother SE700 is a computerized sewing and embroidery combo machine designed for crafters who want to explore both sewing and embroidery without buying two separate machines. It is an excellent choice for beginners stepping into embroidery as well as intermediate sewists looking for a reliable upgrade.
With 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches, and wireless LAN capability, the SE700 offers great creative freedom. The wireless feature works seamlessly with the Artspira app and Design Database Transfer software: you can send patterns from your phone or PC directly to the machine. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen allows you to edit, rotate, and preview designs on the fly.
Build quality is typical Brother: sturdy metal frame with durable plastic casing, weighing 15.6 pounds. The automatic needle threader and jam-resistant bobbin are time-savers. The included 8 sewing feet and 4x4 inch embroidery hoop cover most common projects like monogramming, patches, and home decor items.
One drawback is the 4x4 inch embroidery field, which can be limiting for larger designs without a larger hoop accessory. Also, the touchscreen can feel a bit laggy compared to higher-end models. The user manual could be more detailed for advanced embroidery techniques.
Overall, the Brother SE700 delivers excellent value for its price point. It is a versatile, user-friendly machine that grows with your skills. For anyone wanting a reliable sewing and embroidery combo with modern connectivity, the SE700 is a top recommendation.
Pros
- Spacious 5x7 inch hoop for larger designs.
- Wireless LAN connectivity for convenient file transfer.
- Extensive built-in design library with 193 patterns and 13 fonts.
- User-friendly touchscreen with editing capabilities.
- Reliable Brother quality backed by a 25-year warranty on the chassis.
Cons
- Embroidery-only machine, does not function as a sewing machine.
- Requires firmware update and USB drive (not included) to access free Artspira designs.
- Designed for 120V US electrical systems; use elsewhere may void warranty.
The Brother PE900 is a dedicated embroidery machine that focuses solely on stitching beautiful designs. It is perfect for home embroiderers who want a reliable, easy-to-use machine for larger projects like jackets, bags, and quilts. With its 5x7 inch embroidery field, you have plenty of room to create impressive pieces without being limited to small hoops.
Standout features include wireless connectivity via WLAN, which lets you transfer designs from your PC or the Artspira mobile app without needing a USB drive. The 193 built-in designs and 13 fonts give you a great starting point, and the 50 free bonus designs from the app expand your options. The large 3.7 inch color touchscreen makes editing intuitive: you can rotate, resize, mirror, and combine designs before stitching. Real-world performance is excellent, with users praising the automatic needle threader, color sort function, and jump stitch trimming that save time and reduce frustration.
Build quality is solid, typical of Brother machines. The machine is lightweight at 21 pounds and easy to set up. The included accessories like multiple bobbins, needles, and a dust cover add value. The 25-year warranty on the chassis and lifetime technical support provide peace of mind.
One drawback is that the PE900 is an embroidery-only machine, so if you need a sewing machine as well, you will need a separate unit. Also, to access the free Artspira designs, you must update the firmware using a USB drive (not included) and download the app. Some users might find the initial setup slightly involved, but the on-screen tutorials help.
Overall, the Brother PE900 offers an excellent balance of features, ease of use, and value for home embroiderers. It is a workhorse that can handle frequent use and larger projects. If you are looking for a dedicated embroidery machine with wireless convenience and a generous hoop size, the PE900 is a top choice.
Brand: Brother
Model: PE900
Machine Type: Dedicated embroidery machine
Embroidery Field: 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm)
Built-in Designs: 193 (including 10 frame designs) plus 50 free from Artspira app
Built-in Fonts: 13 (9 English, 3 Japanese, 1 Cyrillic)
Display: 3.7 inch color LCD touchscreen
Connectivity: Wireless LAN, USB port
Special Features: Automatic needle threader, color sort, jump stitch trimming, on-screen editing
Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 12 inches (DxWxH)
Weight: 21 pounds
Power: 120V, 60Hz (US only)
Warranty: 25 years on chassis, 2 years on electronics, 1 year on parts and labor
Pros
- Large embroidery field accommodates sizable projects
- Comes with valuable software and magnetic hoop
- Wireless design transfer eliminates need for cards or USB drives
- Automatic thread trimming saves time and reduces manual work
- User-friendly touchscreen with intuitive editing options
Cons
- Software may have a learning curve for beginners
- Some users report occasional software compatibility issues
- Plastic construction may feel less premium than metal machines
The Brother NQ1700E is a single-needle embroidery machine designed for crafters and small business owners who need a larger work area. With a 6x10 inch embroidery field, it can handle projects that smaller machines cannot, such as jacket backs, tote bags, and quilt blocks. It comes bundled with the BES Blue software (valued at $399) and a magnetic sash frame hoop (valued at $299), making it a comprehensive package for serious embroiderers.
Standout features include a 4.85 inch full-color LCD touchscreen that allows you to position, rotate, reflect, and trace designs directly on the screen. The wireless connectivity lets you send designs from your computer without cables or memory cards. The automatic thread trimming function cuts both upper and lower threads at each color change, reducing manual trimming and saving time. The machine includes 258 built-in designs and 199 fonts, with access to additional licensed patterns via iBroidery.
Real-world performance is strong: users report precise, even stitches and a relatively easy learning curve for those familiar with sewing or embroidery. The magnetic hoop simplifies hooping of materials up to 2mm thick, making it great for delicate fabrics. The machine is quiet and operates smoothly, though some users note that stitch quality depends on the digitized design file.
Build quality is solid but the machine is constructed primarily of plastic, which may not feel as durable as metal-framed competitors. The included BES Blue software is powerful but has a learning curve, and one user expressed frustration with its complexity. The machine is also relatively heavy at 27 pounds, so it is not highly portable.
Overall, the Brother NQ1700E is an excellent choice for embroiderers who need a large field and value the included software and accessories. It offers professional-grade features at a competitive price point, making it a smart investment for those ready to expand their creative capabilities.
Brand: Brother
Model: NQ1700E
Embroidery Field: 6 x 10 inches
Built-in Designs: 258
Built-in Fonts: 199
Display: 4.85 inch full-color LCD touchscreen
Connectivity: Wireless (WiFi)
Thread Trimming: Automatic jump stitch cutting
Included Software: BES Blue (retail value $399)
Included Hoop: Magnetic Sash Frame SAMF180 (5 x 7 inch, retail value $299)
Weight: 27 pounds
Dimensions: 17.62 x 29.3 x 13.87 inches
Power Source: Battery powered
Color: Blue
Material: Plastic
Pros
- Very short learning curve, ideal for embroidery beginners.
- Wireless design transfer simplifies machine connectivity for Brother/Baby Lock users.
- Cross-platform compatibility works on both Mac and PC with no extra setup.
- Includes free designs and lettering software to expand your creative options.
- Affordable pricepoint for a feature-packed software package.
Cons
- Cannot create original stitch types; only merges and edits existing designs.
- One reported defective USB installer may require downloading instead.
- Limited advanced digitizing features for professional designers.
The Embroidery Tool Shed PLUS from DesignsinMachineEmbroidery is a budget-friendly machine embroidery editing software targeted at hobbyists and beginners. It brings lettering, design merging, editing, and view capabilities in one tidy package, offering full compatibility with both Mac and Windows operating systems. At just over a hundred dollars, it aims to lower the entry barrier into customizing embroidery designs without overwhelming users with complexity.
Standout features include the ability to merge multiple designs together and apply various fonts for monogramming or text embellishments. The software also supports wireless transfer to Brother and Baby Lock machines, eliminating the need for cables or USB sticks. Users in customer reviews praise the short learning curve and find the manuals and support channels helpful. The included free design library gives newcomers plenty of material to practice and recombine.
Design and build wise, the software interface is straightforward and clean, focusing on accessibility. Installation via the included USB drive is straightforward overall, though one reviewer received a defective copy that wouldn't load. The software is often available with bonus freebies during sale periods, which adds value. The cross-platform native support is a major convenience for Mac users who may be hesitant about virtual machines.
Drawbacks to consider: you cannot create your own stitch patterns from scratch, only combine pre-existing designs. Advanced users seeking parametrics or digitizing tools will find limitations. Additionally, reliance on wireless transfer only works with compatible Brother and Baby Lock machines, not universal. One defective unit was reported, indicating some quality control issues, but the majority of experiences are positive.
Verdict: Embroidery Tool Shed PLUS offers excellent value for novices and intermediate crafters who want to expand their design library with merging and lettering. It is not a professional digitizing program, but it serves as a practical creative workspace. If you are new to embroidery editing or want a simple way to customize projects, this software. Trust its positive user feedback despite a couple of hiccups.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Plush Eye Embroidery Machine
Embroidery Field Size
The embroidery field determines how many eyes you can stitch in one pass. Larger fields like the 24″ x 16″ area on the Smartstitch S1501 Plus Beast Embroidery Machine let you cover a big plush face or run multiple eye patterns at once. For smaller projects, a 4″ x 4″ field is usually enough for a single eye, while the 5″ x 7″ or 6″ x 10″ fields on Brother models give you more placement freedom.
Think about the typical size of your plush patterns. If you make keychains or tiny dolls, a compact field keeps hooping simple. If you sew large teddy bears or decorative pillows, a bigger field reduces repositioning and saves time.
Hoop Options and Fabric Handling
Plush fabrics are thick and stretchy, so the right hoop matters. Some machines include multiple hoop sizes, and the Brother NQ1700E even includes a magnetic sash frame that can hold materials up to 2mm thick. A solid feed system and drop-in bobbin help prevent jams when stitching through fluffy fleece.
Stabilizers also play a key role. A tear-away or cut-away stabilizer placed behind the eye area keeps stitches from sinking into the pile. Machines with adjustable presser foot pressure let you control how firmly the fabric is held during embroidery.
Built-in Designs and Editing Features
If you want ready-made eye motifs, look for machines with a rich built-in library. The Brother PE900 includes 193 embroidery designs, and the Brother NQ1700E bundles BES Blue software and over 800 designs. For entirely custom eyes, the Embroidery Tool Shed software lets you edit and personalize patterns on your computer.
Ready-made eye motifs often include cartoon eyes, sleeping eyes, and simple black circles with highlights. You can scale, rotate, and combine them on the touchscreen. More advanced users can bring in SVG or JPG files and convert them to stitch data with the bundled software.
Connectivity and App Support
Wireless options make design transfer easy. The Brother SE700 and PE900 both support WLAN and the Artspira mobile app, so you can send eye designs from your phone or computer without connecting a cable. The Smartstitch machine can import DST files over USB or Wi-Fi, which is essential for professional workflows.
If you enjoy drawing your own eye shapes, Artspira lets you create custom patterns on a tablet and beam them to the machine. For Windows and Mac users, the Embroidery Tool Shed offers native software with wireless sending to compatible Brother and Baby Lock models.
Before you choose, also check out our other product guides. For workshop air quality, see our furnace filter roundup, and for sizing tips explore our inch furnace filter reviews. You will also find more home and hobby inspiration in our home and hobby projects and machine comparisons on our furnace filter comparisons.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right machine depends on your production speed and workspace. For serious plush makers who need a dedicated embroidery system with a huge field and multi-needle efficiency, the Smartstitch S1501 Plus Beast Embroidery Machine is a powerhouse. If you prefer a versatile home model with wireless design transfer and a generous 5″ x 7″ field, the Brother PE900 Wireless Embroidery Machine is an excellent all-around choice. Both deliver the stitch quality you need for polished plush eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best embroidery machine for small plush eyes?
For small plushies and amigurumi, a machine with a 4″ x 4″ field and precise stitch control, like the Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, works well. Its automatic needle threader and color touchscreen make quick work of tiny eye designs. It also works as a standard sewing machine, so you can assemble the plush and embroider eyes in one place. If you plan to scale up later, the Brother PE900 offers a larger field without taking up too much space.
Can I embroider eyes on thick pile fabric?
Yes, but you need a machine with a strong feed system and appropriate hoops. The Brother NQ1700E includes a magnetic sash frame that holds materials up to 2mm thick, and the Smartstitch S1501 Plus Beast Embroidery Machine is built to handle denim, canvas, and even caps. In our review, a medium-weight stabilizer worked best on polyester minky. Use a stabilizer behind the eye area to prevent puckering.
Do I need embroidery software to design plush eyes?
Not always. The Brother machines come with built-in eye-like motifs and lettering, while the Embroidery Tool Shed adds advanced editing on PC or Mac. If you want fully customized eye shapes or expressions, software is worth the investment. The Embroidery Tool Shed also sends designs wirelessly to compatible Brother and Baby Lock machines.
Which machine is best for making plushies in bulk?
The Smartstitch S1501 Plus Beast Embroidery Machine is your best bet for serial production in 2026. Its 15-needle setup, automatic color change, and large 24″ x 16″ area let you stitch multiple eyes in one pass. For a smaller operation, the Brother NQ1700E with its 6″ x 10″ field and included BES Blue software is a capable mid-range workhorse.
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