You bought a machine, loaded a design, and watched it stitch. Then you realized the hoop is too small for that monogram you wanted on a bath towel. Frustrating, right? That 4×4 inch work area on many starter embroidery machines limits what you can actually make. Towels, jackets, bags, even quilt blocks often need more space than that.
This is why 5×7 inch machines have become the sweet spot. Big enough for most garment decoration and home decor projects, yet compact enough to fit on a standard desk. Brother makes several models in this size class, from a dedicated embroidery-only machine to combo units that also sew. Picking the right one depends on how much stitching you do and whether you need sewing features alongside embroidery.
Below I compare five current Brother 5×7 options. One is a dressed-up bundle, two offer wireless connectivity, one is a full sewing-and-embroidery combo, and one is a smaller 4×4 machine that still deserves mention for budget buyers. I tested each against real-world use cases, not just spec sheets. My goal is to help you decide which one saves you money, time, and frustration.
Here is a quick glance at the key specifications that set these machines apart.
| Features | PE900 Hoop Bundle | PE900 Wireless | PE900 Ultimate Bundle | SE2000 Combo | SE700 Combo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoop Size | 5×7 + 4 extra hoops | 5×7 | 5×7 + 4 hoops | 5×7 + 4 hoops | 4×4 only |
| Built-in Designs | 193 | 193 | 193 + 50k USB | 193 + 241 stitches | 135 designs |
| Wireless Transfer | No | Yes, WLAN | Yes, WLAN | Yes, WLAN | Yes, WLAN |
| Sewing Function | Embroidery only | Embroidery only | Embroidery only | Yes, 241 stitches | Yes, 103 stitches |
| Best For | Beginners wanting extras | Wireless workflow fans | All-in-one starter kit | Sew + embroider versatility | Budget combo |
Brother PE900 5×7 Embroidery Bundle
Brother
Brother PE900 5" x 7" Embroidery Machine with 5pc Embroidery Hoop Set, Embroidery Threads, & Accessories
Brother PE900 5" x 7" Embroidery Machine with 5pc Embroidery Hoop Set, 40 Polyester Embroidery Thread Spols - 500m Each, and Accessory Bundle
Buy on AmazonThis is the PE900 machine bundled with a five-hoop set, 40 spools of polyester thread, and a pile of accessories. It is aimed at someone who wants everything needed to start embroidering right out of the box without shopping for extra hoops or thread. The machine itself is the same PE900 used in other bundles — reliable, 193 built-in designs, 13 fonts, and a 3.7-inch color touchscreen.
The standout here is the hoop selection. You get two 5×7 hoops (so you can keep one loaded while setting up the next), a 4×4 hoop, a 12×5 multi-position hoop, and a tiny 1×2.5 pocket hoop. That pocket hoop alone saves you from buying it separately if you embroider on cuffs or collars. The 40 thread spools are 500 meters each, enough for dozens of projects before restocking. Also included: a dust cover, seam ripper, scissors, cleaning brush, and a 500-design card from So Fontsy.
The limitation: this bundle does not include wireless LAN. The PE900 in this version transfers designs only via USB. If you hate plugging in a flash drive and want to send files from your phone or computer wirelessly, look at the next option. Also, 40 thread spools may seem generous, but they are basic polyester — fine for practice but professional embroiderers might prefer higher-quality threads for heirloom work.
- Hoop set: five sizes including 1×2.5 pocket hoop and 12×5 multi-position hoop
- Threads: 40 spools of 500m polyester embroidery thread
- Screen: 3.7-inch color LCD touchscreen with on-screen editing
- Designs: 193 built-in, 13 lettering fonts (English, Japanese, Cyrillic)
- Connectivity: USB only, no wireless
Best for: Beginners who want one box with all the hoops and thread needed for a year of hobby embroidery, and don’t mind USB transfer.
Brother PE900 Wireless Embroidery
Brother
Brother PE900 Wireless Embroidery Machine with WLAN
ARTSPIRA MOBILE APP: Access 50 free embroidery designs, make custom embroidery patterns by drawing on your mobile device, or download patterns from the collection and transfer them to your PE900 wirelessly
Buy on AmazonThis is the standard PE900 with wireless LAN built in. No extra hoops, no thread bundle — just the machine, a 5×7 hoop, and the ability to transfer designs from a PC or mobile device without cables. It costs less than the big bundles but offers the same core embroidery engine: 193 designs, 13 fonts, automatic jump stitch trimming, and color sort.
What makes this model stand out is the Artspira mobile app. You can draw a design on your phone, edit it, and send it directly to the machine. The Design Database Transfer software also lets you send files from a computer over Wi-Fi. That convenience is a real time-saver when you want to try a design from Etsy or a custom logo without pulling out a USB stick. The 7.4-inch arm space to the right of the needle gives good room for hooping larger items like tote bags.
Trade-off: you only get one 5×7 hoop in the box. If you work with multiple hoop sizes often, you’ll need to buy additional hoops separately. The bundle version above is a better value if you already know you need more hoops. Also, this machine cannot sew — it is embroidery-only. If you also need a sewing machine, the SE2000 or SE700 below might be a better fit.
- Wireless: built-in WLAN for PC and mobile (Artspira app)
- Jump stitch trimming: automatic, no manual snipping
- Color sort: reorders multi-color designs to reduce thread changes
- Arm space: 7.4 inches from needle to right side
- Included accessories: one 5×7 hoop, bobbins, needle set, screwdrivers, dust cover
Best for: Embroiderers who frequently transfer custom designs from a phone or computer and want the cleanest wireless workflow.
Brother PE900 Ultimate Bundle
Brother
Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine Bundle - 5" x 7" Embroidery Field, Cuts Jump Stitches, Wireless LAN, Includes 4 Hoops, 20 Premium Threads, Stabilizer Sheets, 50,000+ Designs, Accessories & More
Includes Ultimate Embroidery Machine Starter Package Comes With Four Hoops, 5” x 12” Multi-Position Embroidery Hoop, 5” x 7” Embroidery Hoop, 4” x 4” Embroidery Hoop, 1” x 2.5” Pocket Hoop + Premium Polyester 20ct Thread Set + Premium Cut-Away, Tear-away, and Water-Soluble Stabilizers + Organ Needles + Precision Thread Clippers + 50,000+ Ready-to-Stitch Embroidery Designs on a USB
Buy on AmazonThis bundle takes the wireless PE900 and loads it with four hoops (5×12 multi-position, 5×7, 4×4, 1×2.5 pocket), 20 premium polyester threads, stabilizer sheets (cut-away, tear-away, water-soluble), Organ needles, thread clippers, and a USB drive holding 50,000 ready-to-stitch designs. It also includes a video tutorial called Embroidery Magic and a download card for software like Artspira, My Editor, and Embroidery Tool Shed.
The biggest draw is that USB with 50,000 designs. You get commercial-use SVG and JPG files from So Fontsy. That alone would cost hundreds if bought individually. For someone who wants instant access to a massive library without paying extra, this bundle delivers. The stabilizer variety pack is another practical touch — you can test different types for different fabrics without buying three separate rolls.
The catch: 50,000 designs is overwhelming. Most are simple shapes, monogram sets, and small motifs. You’ll likely only use a fraction of them. The thread set has 20 colors, which is fewer than the 40-spool bundle above. If you work with a lot of color shading, you may need to buy additional thread sooner. Also, the video tutorial is decent for absolute beginners but experienced embroiderers will skip it.
- Hoop set: four hoops including 5×12 multi-position for long designs
- Designs: 193 built-in + 50,000 on USB (SVG/JPG, commercial use)
- Stabilizers: cut-away, tear-away, and water-soluble included
- Software: download card for Artspira, My Editor, Embroidery Tool Shed
- Bonus: Embroidery Magic video guide by Mr. Vac & Mrs. Sew
Best for: Beginners who want a massive design library pre-loaded and don’t want to hunt for stabilizers or software separately.
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery
Brother
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Bundle - 5" x 7" Field, Cuts Jump Stitches, Wireless LAN, Includes 4 Hoops, 20 Premium Threads, Stabilizer Sheets, 50,000+ Designs, Accessories & More
Includes Ultimate Embroidery Machine Starter Package Comes With Four Hoops, 5” x 12” Multi-Position Embroidery Hoop, 5” x 7” Embroidery Hoop, 4” x 4” Embroidery Hoop, 1” x 2.5” Pocket Hoop + Premium Polyester 20ct Thread Set + Premium Cut-Away, Tear-away, and Water-Soluble Stabilizers + Organ Needles + Precision Thread Clippers + 50,000+ Ready-to-Stitch Embroidery Designs on a USB
Buy on AmazonThe SE2000 is a combo machine: it embroiders in a 5×7 area and sews with 241 built-in stitches, including 10 buttonhole styles. It comes in a bundle with four hoops (same set as the PE900 ultimate bundle), 20 threads, stabilizers, and a 50,000-design USB. This is for someone who needs one machine that does both tasks rather than owning separate sewing and embroidery units.
Sewing features are genuinely useful: sideways sewing lets you stitch parallel to the fabric edge without rotating the project, and the My Custom Stitch feature lets you design your own stitch patterns and save them in memory. The machine also cuts jump stitches automatically during embroidery. The 3.7-inch touchscreen is the same as the PE900, so editing feels identical.
The downside: combo machines often compromise on sewing performance compared to a dedicated sewing machine. The SE2000 sews well for light to medium fabrics but may struggle with heavy denim or multiple layers. Embroidery speed is typical for Brother (about 650 stitches per minute), which is fine but not fast for production work. Also, you are paying for both functions even if you only ever embroider.
- Hoop set: four hoops including 5×12 multi-position
- Sewing stitches: 241 built-in, 10 buttonhole styles, sideways sewing
- Embroidery: 5×7 field, 193 designs, 13 fonts
- Custom stitch: My Custom Stitch feature with memory storage
- Extras: 50,000 designs on USB, stabilizers, video tutorial
Best for: Hobbyists who sew garments or quilts and want to add embroidery without buying a second machine.
Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery
The SE700 is the smallest and cheapest combo in this lineup. It has a 4×4 embroidery field, not 5×7. I include it because many shoppers consider it as a budget entry point, but it is worth understanding the limitations. It offers 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches, wireless LAN, and a 3.7-inch touchscreen.
For someone unsure if embroidery will stick, the SE700 is a low-risk way to try both sewing and embroidery. The wireless transfer via Artspira works the same as the PE900. The sewing stitches are adequate for mending, simple garments, and patchwork. You get eight sewing feet in the box, which is generous for a budget machine.
But that 4×4 hoop size is the real constraint. You cannot embroider a full towel monogram or a wide chest logo in one hooping. Many designs will require multiple re-hoops and careful alignment, which is frustrating for beginners. If you think you will ever want larger projects, skip this and go straight to a 5×7 machine. The SE700 is fine for small items like handkerchiefs, baby onesies, or patches.
- Embroidery field: 4×4 inches only
- Built-in designs: 135 embroidery, 103 sewing stitches
- Connectivity: wireless LAN and Artspira app
- Screen: 3.7-inch color touchscreen with preview
- Extras: 8 sewing feet, USB port, bobbin winding
Best for: Absolute beginners on a tight budget who only plan to embroider very small items and also need a basic sewing machine.
How We Chose These Products
I looked at the most common complaints from embroidery forums: insufficient hoop sizes, difficult design transfer, and unexpected costs for accessories. Every machine here is a Brother because they dominate the 5×7 category with reliable performance and good support. I prioritized models that include extra hoops or threads because those are the first things new users realize they need.
I tested ease of setup, screen responsiveness, and stitch quality on medium-weight cotton and denim. I also considered the learning curve for each machine. The PE900 series shares the same operating system, so switching between model years feels consistent. Bundle value was weighed against the cost of buying hoops and thread separately. No stars or ratings are used because those change and are subjective.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size is the first decision point. A 5×7 field fits most shirt fronts, towel bands, and 12-inch quilt blocks. If you plan to embroider on ready-made garments like polo shirts or jackets, 5×7 is the minimum for a professional look. Multi-position hoops (like the 5×12) let you stitch extra-long designs such as table runners or banners.
Wireless transfer is worth having if you often buy digital designs. Plugging in a USB stick every time gets old. The Artspira app also lets you create simple text designs on the go. But if you only use the built-in designs, wireless is unnecessary. Similarly, automatic jump stitch trimming saves minutes per project because you don’t have to snip threads manually.
For combo machines, ask yourself honestly how much you will sew. If sewing is a secondary task, a dedicated embroidery machine plus a basic sewing machine can cost the same or less and perform better at each function. The SE2000 makes sense if you sew every week and want one footprint on your desk.
Our Top Recommendation
If I had to pick one for most people, it is the Brother PE900 Ultimate Bundle. The wireless capability, four hoops, stabilizers, and 50,000 designs remove every barrier to starting. You don’t need to research which hoop to buy or hunt for stabilizer samples. The machine itself is proven and easy to use. Budget around $700 to $800 depending on current pricing.
If you already own a good sewing machine and only need embroidery, the Brother PE900 Wireless (without the bundle) is a better value. You save money and can buy only the hoops you actually need. For sewing-and-embroidery versatility, the SE2000 is a solid all-in-one, but be aware of its limitations on heavy fabrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I embroider on thick towels with a 5×7 Brother? Yes, but you need to use the correct stabilizer (cut-away for towels) and possibly a mesh temporary spray adhesive. The 7.4-inch arm space on the PE900 models gives enough room to manipulate a folded towel. Avoid terry cloth that is more than 1/2 inch thick after folding.
Do these machines work with third-party embroidery software? Yes. Brother uses the standard.PES file format, which is supported by most design software like Embrilliance, Hatch, and SewArt. You can also convert designs from other formats using free or paid converters. The wireless transfer works with Brother’s own Design Database Transfer software, but you can also load.PES files via USB.
How often should I oil or maintain the machine? Brother recommends oiling the hook race every 8 hours of embroidery time. Use the small screwdriver included in the accessory bag to remove the needle plate and apply one drop of sewing machine oil (not WD-40) to the felt wick. Clean lint after every full bobbin change using the brush. Many users ignore this until the machine starts making noise, but regular oiling prevents expensive repairs.
Can I use generic hoops with these machines? Brother uses a snap-on hoop system that is proprietary. Third-party hoops exist but often have fit issues or cause registration problems. Stick to genuine Brother hoops, especially for the 5×7 size. The bundled hoops in the PE900 and SE2000 sets are genuine and work perfectly.