Four-Item Production
Run the same design across up to four garments, caps or flat items at once—ideal for repeat branding and uniform orders.
Commercial four-head embroidery production
Embroider Four Matching Items in the Same Production Run
The Ricoma CHT2-1204 is a four-head commercial embroidery machine with 12 needles per head, a large 10.4-inch touchscreen and onboard lettering. It is built for businesses ready to move efficiently through repeat uniform, workwear, cap and branded apparel orders.
Includes commercial hoops, a four-head cap system, Chroma embroidery software, a startup kit and hands-on training from Direct Sewing.
4
Embroidery heads
12
Needles per head
1,000
Maximum stitches per minute
400 × 450 mm
Maximum embroidery area
10.4"
HD colour touchscreen
Built for growing embroidery businesses
Move from Individual Jobs to Organised Commercial Production
When the same logo or design is required across multiple garments, the four-head CHT2-1204 can embroider up to four matching items together. This reduces the number of separate machine runs required for repeat orders and helps create a more efficient production workflow.
Onboard Lettering
Create simple personalised text directly at the touchscreen for names, wording and other straightforward lettering jobs.
12 Needles per Head
Keep up to 12 thread colours ready on each head and let the machine automatically follow the programmed colour sequence.
Cap Embroidery Capability
The included cap rings, drivers and hooping station provide a complete four-head setup for embroidered headwear.
Large Embroidery Field
A maximum 400 × 450 mm embroidery area supports a wide range of garment, bag, panel and flat embroidery applications.
Commercial Automation
Automatic colour changes, thread trimming and thread-break detection reduce repetitive operator tasks during production.
10.4-inch HD control panel
Job Control and Lettering Directly on the Machine
The high-definition true-colour touchscreen gives the operator a clear central place to load, preview, position and manage embroidery jobs. Frequently used controls are available directly at the machine, helping keep everyday production organised.
- Create straightforward personalised lettering on the machine
- Preview the loaded embroidery design before sewing
- Review and manage the programmed colour sequence
- Use preset hoop parameters for easier job preparation
- Trace the design area before embroidery begins
- Access one-step appliqué functions from the control panel
- Save frequently used designs in the machine memory
A practical advantage for personalised work
Complete Simple Lettering Jobs Without Preparing Every Name as a Separate Design
Onboard lettering is especially useful when an order requires straightforward names, numbers or wording. Text can be created and arranged at the machine before the job is embroidered.
Type the required name or wording using the lettering function on the touchscreen.
Select the lettering settings and arrange the text for the available embroidery area.
Preview and trace the job to confirm its position before embroidery begins.
Embroider the prepared lettering across up to four matching items in the production run.
Important distinction
Onboard lettering is designed for simple personalised text. Customer logos, detailed artwork and complex branded designs still need to be converted into a suitable embroidery file through digitising software or a professional digitising service.
The Four-Head Advantage
Produce matching embroidered items together instead of repeating the entire machine cycle one garment at a time.
4 heads
Working on the same production job
Up to 4 items
Embroidered during the same run
12 colours
Ready on each embroidery head
Efficient commercial operation
Designed to Reduce Repetitive Production Tasks
The CHT2-1204 combines multi-head capacity with automated embroidery functions that help the operator manage repeat jobs efficiently and respond quickly when attention is required.
- Automatic colour changes follow the programmed design sequence
- Automatic thread trimming reduces manual trimming between colour changes
- Thread-break detection alerts the operator when a thread needs attention
- Automatic memory retention helps protect job information
- One-step design tracing helps confirm placement before sewing
- USB input provides a straightforward method for loading designs
- Front work lighting improves visibility around the sewing area
Job storage and file handling
Keep Frequently Used Designs Ready
The listed machine configuration provides storage for up to 20 million stitches or 200 designs. It reads common commercial embroidery formats including DST and DSB, with additional supported formats available.
USB design transfer
Prepare the embroidery file, save it to a compatible USB drive and load it through the machine’s USB input.
Commercial embroidery applications
Suitable for Repeat Branding Across a Wide Range of Products
The four-head format is well suited to businesses producing matching branded items, customer merchandise and uniform programmes.
Workwear and uniforms
Shirts, polos, jackets, safety garments and team uniforms.
Caps and headwear
Branded caps using the included four-head cap embroidery system.
Clubs and schools
Repeat crests, names and identification across matching garments.
Promotional products
Bags, merchandise, patches and other suitable flat items.
Corporate apparel
Consistent company branding across staff clothing and uniforms.
Personalised clothing
Names, wording and small production runs for individual customers.
Contract embroidery
Repeat commercial jobs for clothing companies and local brands.
Retail embroidery
Branded product ranges and made-to-order embroidered merchandise.
A comprehensive machine package
Commercial Hoops and Four-Head Cap Equipment Included
The included hoop selection supports small, medium and larger embroidery placements. The cap package supplies the rings and drivers needed to prepare all four heads for cap production.
40 Included Hoops
Two hoops of each listed size per embroidery head, plus one sash frame for larger flat work.
Four-Head Cap System
Eight cap rings, four cap drivers and one stable cap hooping station.
Technical information
Ricoma CHT2-1204 Specifications
Key specifications for planning your embroidery workflow and installation space.
| Model | Ricoma CHT2-1204-10.4S |
|---|---|
| Embroidery heads | 4 |
| Needles | 12 needles per head |
| Maximum speed | Up to 1,000 stitches per minute |
| Maximum embroidery area | 400 × 450 mm |
| Head interval | 400 mm |
| Control panel | 10.4-inch high-definition true-colour LCD touchscreen |
| Onboard lettering | Yes—create straightforward personalised text at the machine |
| Listed memory capacity | Up to 20 million stitches or 200 designs |
| Design input | USB input |
| Design formats | DST, DSB and additional supported embroidery formats |
| Cap embroidery | 270-degree wide-angle cap system |
| Automatic functions | Colour change, thread trimming, thread-break detection and memory retention |
| Drive motor specification | 150 W servo motor |
| Machine dimensions | Approximately 2700 × 1230 × 1600 mm |
| Net weight | Approximately 650 kg |
| Gross weight | Approximately 700 kg |
Specifications and supplied equipment should be confirmed with Direct Sewing when ordering. Please discuss access, floor space, delivery and electrical requirements with our team before installation.
Packed with commercial equipment
What Is Included with the CHT2-1204?
A comprehensive starting package helps you prepare the machine, learn its operation and begin working across different embroidery applications.
Hoops and Sash Frame
- 8 × 90 mm round hoops
- 8 × 120 mm round hoops
- 8 × 160 mm round hoops
- 8 × 200 mm round hoops
- 8 × 290 mm square hoops
- 1 × sash frame
- 40 individual hoops in total
Cap Embroidery Equipment
- 8 × cap rings
- 4 × cap drivers
- 1 × cap hooping station
- Equipment for all four embroidery heads
- 270-degree wide-angle cap embroidery system
Software and Startup Supplies
- Chroma embroidery digitising software
- Embroidery thread for initial setup
- Bobbins and needles
- Embroidery backing
- Additional startup consumables
Training and Setup Equipment
- Hands-on machine training
- Toolkit for setup and routine maintenance
- Direct Sewing after-sales support
- Delivery and installation planning
- Purchasing and payment-plan enquiries
Product resources
Brochure, Embroidery Thread and Expert Advice
View the Ricoma CHT2 Brochure
Review the commercial features, machine configurations and
technical information.
Open brochure
Shop Madeira Polyneon Thread
Explore high-quality embroidery thread for professional,
colourfast commercial embroidery.
Shop embroidery thread
Discuss Your Production Requirements
Talk with Direct Sewing about capacity, training, delivery,
installation and payment options.
Contact Direct Sewing
More Than 30 Years of Industry Experience
Direct Sewing supplies and supports commercial sewing and embroidery equipment for New Zealand businesses. Our involvement continues beyond the initial machine purchase.
Local knowledge and after-sales support
Commercial Embroidery Support from Direct Sewing
A multi-head embroidery machine is a significant production investment. Our team can help you assess the machine against your expected work, prepare for delivery and understand its everyday operation through practical, hands-on training.
- Help selecting equipment for your production requirements
- Hands-on training with the machine and supplied equipment
- Local after-sales assistance when questions arise
- Advice about delivery access and installation preparation
- Auckland showroom and workshop for ongoing industry support
- Purchasing and payment-plan enquiries welcomed
Visit: 138 Railside Avenue, Henderson, Auckland
Phone: (09) 838 8674
Mobile: 021 274 2910
Email: info@directsewing.co.nz
Frequently asked questions
Ricoma CHT2-1204 Questions and Answers
Helpful information for businesses considering a four-head commercial embroidery machine.
How many heads and needles does the Ricoma CHT2-1204 have?
The CHT2-1204 has four embroidery heads with 12 needles on each head. That allows up to 12 thread colours to remain prepared on every head for the programmed design.
What is the advantage of a four-head machine?
A four-head machine can embroider the same production design on up to four matching items during the same run. This is particularly useful for repeat workwear, uniform, cap and merchandise orders.
Can each head embroider a completely different design?
A commercial multi-head machine is primarily designed to run the same job across its heads. Its main advantage is producing several matching embroidered items together, rather than operating four unrelated designs simultaneously.
What can I do with the onboard lettering?
Onboard lettering lets the operator create straightforward personalised text directly at the machine. It is useful for names, simple wording and similar lettering jobs without preparing every piece of text as a separate design file.
Does onboard lettering replace logo digitising?
No. Onboard lettering is intended for simple text. Logos, detailed artwork and complex branded graphics still need to be professionally converted into an embroidery design file.
Do I need a computer to operate the machine?
Routine job selection, positioning, colour management, tracing and simple lettering can be handled through the machine’s touchscreen. A computer is still useful for digitising logos, editing complex artwork and preparing embroidery files.
How are embroidery designs loaded onto the machine?
Compatible embroidery files can be transferred to the CHT2-1204 using its USB input. The machine reads commercial formats including DST and DSB, along with other supported formats.
Can the CHT2-1204 embroider caps?
Yes. It has a 270-degree wide-angle cap system and includes eight cap rings, four cap drivers and one hooping station for preparing all four heads for cap production.
What is the maximum embroidery area?
The maximum embroidery area is 400 × 450 mm. The usable area for an individual job will also depend on the selected hoop, item and embroidery placement.
What happens if a thread breaks during embroidery?
The CHT2-1204 includes thread-break detection to alert the operator when a thread requires attention. This helps the operator respond before allowing the job to continue.
What embroidery thread do you recommend?
Direct Sewing stocks Madeira Polyneon embroidery thread , a professional polyester thread suited to commercial embroidery, workwear, uniforms and items that require durable colour.
Does Direct Sewing provide training and support?
Yes. The machine package includes hands-on training, and Direct Sewing provides local after-sales support. The team has more than 30 years of industry experience and operates from its Auckland showroom and workshop.
What should be checked before delivery?
The machine is approximately 2700 × 1230 × 1600 mm and has a net weight of approximately 650 kg. Doorways, site access, floor space, handling arrangements and electrical requirements should be discussed with Direct Sewing before delivery.
Can I enquire about purchasing or payment plans?
Yes. Contact Direct Sewing to discuss purchasing arrangements and available payment-plan options. Any finance or payment arrangement remains subject to the relevant terms and approval.
Plan your next production step
Is a Four-Head Ricoma Right for Your Business?
Talk with Direct Sewing about the garments you produce, your typical order quantities, available space and future production plans. We can help you compare commercial embroidery options and prepare for installation and training.