A home machine has a single needle, meaning you stop and manually change thread colours as you go. A commercial machine is multi-needle, typically 10 to 15 needles, so colour changes happen automatically mid-design. Commercial machines are also built with heavy-duty frames designed to run 8+ hours a day at speeds of up to 1,200 stitches per minute. If you’re starting a business, a commercial multi-needle machine is the right choice from day one. View our machines →

Most new embroidery businesses start with a single-head multi-needle machine. It’s versatile enough for custom one-off orders, like a single name on a bag, but fast enough to handle small batch runs like 12 caps for a local sports team. Once your order volume grows consistently, that’s the time to move up. View single head machines →

Chroma digitising software is included with every Ricoma machine purchase. Chroma lets you create, edit and transfer designs directly to your machine. While basic fonts and designs are built in, custom logos require digitising, which is the process of converting artwork into stitch data. You can’t simply convert a JPEG to a stitch file, but Chroma is designed to make the process as straightforward as possible. Learn more about Chroma →

The most popular starting products are caps, polo shirts, and tote bags, which are easy to source, have strong demand, and sell well. Each requires different stabilisers and hoops, but your machine comes with everything you need to get started on all three.

If your single-head machine is running flat out and you’re turning away orders or working late to keep up, it’s time to scale. A 2-head machine doubles your output with a single operator, and a 4-head quadruples it. View the MT series →

Yes, the MT and STM series feature open-arm designs with wide overhead clearance, making them well suited for heavy outerwear, jackets, bags, and other bulky items. The MT series offers an embroidery area of up to 500 x 360 mm, giving you plenty of space for larger designs. View MT and STM series →

Yes. All Ricoma machines support Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity, allowing you to send designs from a single computer to multiple machines at once, with no USB sticks required. As your operation grows, this makes managing a multi-machine setup significantly more efficient.

Advertised speeds reflect the machine’s maximum capability under ideal conditions. In practice, complex designs or cap embroidery may run more efficiently at slightly lower speeds to maintain stitch quality and avoid thread breaks. The STM-10S series is rated at 1,350 SPM and is engineered to sustain high speeds without compromising output quality. View STM series →

Single and dual-head machines run on a standard 90 to 240V self-adapting supply, so you can simply plug in and go. Larger multi-head machines (6 heads and above) draw more power, typically around 1 to 1.2 kW, and may require dedicated circuits depending on your premises. We recommend discussing your setup with our team before installation. Contact us →

Ricoma machines are built for longevity. Modern models feature intelligent self-lubrication systems that significantly reduce manual maintenance. Basic cleaning and periodic oiling keep the machine running at its best day to day. Ricoma South Africa provides lifetime technical support with qualified technicians available nationally. Book a technician →

Yes, all Ricoma machines come cap-ready, including a cap driver, cap rings, and a hoop station. The EM-10S features a 220° wide-angle cap system, while the MT and STM series offer a 270° cap system for full ear-to-ear embroidery on baseball caps. View our machines →

The general rule is simple: cut-away backing for knit or stretch fabrics, and tear-away backing for stable woven fabrics. Your machine comes with a starter kit to get you going, and our team is always happy to advise on specific projects. Contact us →

Thread breaks are the most common issue new embroiderers encounter, and they are almost always easy to fix. The usual causes are incorrect tension settings, a needle that needs replacing, or lower-quality thread. Start by checking your needle is sharp and correctly installed, ensure your thread tension is balanced, and use good quality embroidery thread. If the problem persists, our technical support team is available 7 days a week. Book a technician →

Yes, Ricoma machines support all major embroidery file formats including DST, DSB, and TBF. Any designs you’ve been using on your current machine will work seamlessly on a new one, so there’s no need to re-digitise your existing library.

Absolutely. All Ricoma machines support Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity, so adding a second or third machine to your existing network is straightforward. You can send designs from a single computer to all machines simultaneously, with no additional software required.

Yes, standard embroidery file formats like DST are compatible across most machine brands. Your Ricoma will work alongside machines from other manufacturers without any issues.

Yes, Ricoma South Africa offers lifetime training and support on all machines. Whether you want a refresher on the basics or want to explore more advanced techniques, our team is available to help. Contact us →

Yes, lifetime support covers both your machine and Chroma software. If you want to explore advanced digitising features or get more out of your software, our team is on hand to assist. Contact us →