You finally signed up for that machine embroidery class. Excitement mixes with a bit of overwhelm. The classroom machine is provided, but you need your own supplies to practice at home. A great machine and reliable thread make the difference between frustration and fun.
The Brother SE700 combo machine offers both sewing and embroidery in one unit. It’s perfect for students who want to learn both skills without buying two machines. And you’ll need prewound bobbins to keep your projects moving. Winding your own bobbins eats into valuable practice time.
We picked the Brother SE700 as the top machine for learners. For bobbin thread, we compared four packs from New brothread, Simthread, and ilauke. Each serves a different need. Read on to see which set fits your class demands.
Here is a quick comparison of the key specs for each product in this roundup.
| Product | Type | Key Spec | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother SE700 | Combo Machine | 4×4 hoop, 135 designs | Learner wanting sewing + embroidery |
| New brothread 25pcs | Prewound Bobbins | White, 60wt, plastic sides | Quick white bobbin refills |
| Simthread 144pcs | Prewound Bobbins | 144 white bobbins | High-volume class projects |
| ilauke 210 pcs | Prewound Bobbins | 36 colors, 210 total | Color variety for patches |
| Simthread 25pcs | Prewound Bobbins | White, storage case | Portable class kit |
Brother SE700 Combo Machine
This machine is for the student who wants to sew and embroider without juggling two separate units. You can stitch a seam then switch to embroidery without rethreading. The 4×4 hoop size handles most beginner projects like towels, bags, and small patches.
What stands out is the bundle. You get four embroidery hoops, 40 spools of polyester thread, and a full set of presser feet. The Artspira app lets you transfer designs wirelessly. With 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches, you have plenty to practice before buying additional designs.
The trade-off is the hoop size. 4×4 inches limits you to small designs. If you later want to embroider larger items like jacket backs, you’ll need a machine with a bigger hoop. Also, combo machines have more moving parts than a dedicated embroiderer, so basic maintenance matters.
- 4×4 inch embroidery hoop area (standard for beginners)
- 135 built-in embroidery designs
- 103 built-in sewing stitches
- Includes Artspira app for wireless design transfer
- Comes with 40 spools of polyester thread (500m each)
Best for: student embroiderers who also sew and want a single machine for both.
New brothread 25pcs Bobbins
Perfect for the student who only needs white bobbin thread for class demos and simple projects. If you are just starting and haven’t bought colored threads yet, this small pack gets you going without overspending.
The plastic sides on these bobbins don’t absorb machine oils. That means consistent tension over time. The 60wt polyester filament is strong and reduces friction. You get 25 bobbins in a clear box, enough for several practice sessions.
The limitation is obvious: white only. For colored designs, you either change bobbins frequently or buy additional packs. Also, 25 bobbins run out fast if you stitch large designs daily. It’s a starter pack, not a bulk solution.
- White, 60wt polyester filament
- Plastic sides resist oil absorption
- Size A Class 15 (SA156) – fits most Brother machines
- 25 bobbins per pack
- Clear storage box included
Best for: beginners who want a small, reliable set of white bobbins for class.
Simthread 144pcs Bobbin Pack
Simthread
Simthread 144pcs Size A SA156 Embroidery Prewound Bobbin Thread - White
✔ PREMIUM QUALITY - 144 pcs Prefilled Prewound Bobbins Thread as a pack. Do not distort or absorb machine oils.
Buy on AmazonIf you plan to stitch a lot of embroidery projects during your class, this bulk pack is for you. 144 white bobbins mean you rarely have to stop and switch. That is valuable when you are in the middle of a complicated design.
Simthread has been making thread since 1990. Their 60wt polyester filament provides steady tension. The bobbins are size A Class 15, so they fit Brother, Babylock, Janome, and most home machines. The pack also comes in a clear case that keeps bobbins organized.
The main trade-off is color. All white. If your class projects use different bobbin thread colors, you’ll need to buy additional packs or wind your own. Also, 144 bobbins is a big upfront purchase for someone who only stitches occasionally.
- 144 prewound white bobbins
- 60wt high tenacity polyester
- Size A Class 15 (SA156)
- Compatible with Brother, Babylock, Janome, others
- Clear storage case included
Best for: heavy class users who stitch multiple designs daily and want a long-lasting supply.
ilauke 210 pcs Bobbins
This pack solves a different problem: color variety. You get 36 colors, plus extra white and black bobbins. That is a total of 210 prewound bobbins. For patchwork or projects that switch thread colors frequently, this is a time saver.
The thread is 40/2 weight (60wt), soft but sturdy. It works with most home sewing and embroidery machines. The bobbins are reusable after the thread runs out. That means you can rewind them later if you prefer your own thread.
The downside is that the color selection might not match every design. Some colors may be slightly different from your top thread. Also, the 40/2 weight is a bit heavier than standard 60wt, which could affect tension on some machines. Test a few bobbins before committing to a full project.
- 36 assorted colors plus extra white and black
- 210 total prewound bobbins
- 40/2 weight (60wt) polyester
- Size A Class 15 – fits Brother, Singer, Janome, etc.
- Bobbins are reusable
Best for: students who want a rainbow of bobbin colors for creative projects like patches and gifts.
Simthread 25pcs White Bobbins
Simthread
Simthread 25pcs Size A SA156 60WT Prewound Bobbin Thread - White
✔ 25 PCS WHITE COLOR - White Prewound Bobbin Thread for embroidery and sewing. Clear Plastic Neat Storage Box Case helps you to work with embroidery thread effectively. No more mess!
Buy on AmazonIf portability matters, this set is your best choice. The clear plastic storage box is compact and keeps bobbins from rolling around your bag. It’s a neat solution for taking supplies to class without a mess.
The thread quality is the same as the larger Simthread packs: 60wt high tenacity polyester. The bobbins are size A Class 15. The brand is well-regarded and claims to be the #1 thread brand on Amazon, though we don’t verify that. The storage box lets you see at a glance how many you have left.
The limitation is availability – this item shows scarce stock. Also, you get only white bobbins. If you need multiple colors, you’ll have to buy separate packs. The 25 count is fine for a few sessions but won’t last through a full course.
- 25 white prewound bobbins
- 60wt high tenacity polyester
- Clear plastic storage box
- Size A Class 15 (SA156)
- Compatible with most home machines
Best for: students who need a portable, tidy pack of white bobbins for class.
How We Chose These Products
We looked at what students in machine embroidery classes actually need. The machine must be easy to learn on, with enough built-in designs to practice without buying extra software. The Brother SE700 fits that perfectly. It’s a combo machine, which is valuable for sewing skills too.
For bobbin thread, we focused on reliability. Prewound bobbins save time and reduce tension issues compared to winding your own. We selected packs that cover different needs: small starter packs, bulk white packs, and color variety. All are size A Class 15, the standard for Brother machines used in most classes. We prioritized value per bobbin and compatibility.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Fabric selection changes everything in machine embroidery. For beginners, choose tightly woven cotton or denim. Avoid stretchy knits until you are comfortable with stabilizers. Polyester blends work fine with the right backing. Your class will likely start with practice fabric like muslin or cotton twill.
Thread types matter too. Most class machines use polyester thread because it’s strong and has a nice sheen. Rayon is softer but weaker. For bobbin thread, 60wt is standard. Heavier threads like 40wt can cause tension issues on home machines. Stick to what your machine manual recommends.
Common mistakes beginners make include using the wrong needle, not changing the bobbin tension, and forgetting to stabilize fabric. Always use a sharp embroidery needle (size 75/11 or 90/14) and test tension on a scrap piece. Community support is huge – join online groups like Reddit’s r/MachineEmbroidery or Facebook embroidery groups. You’ll find free designs, troubleshooting tips, and project ideas that go beyond class material.
Latest trends in machine embroidery include digitizing your own designs, using metallic threads, and creating 3D puff patches. You don’t need to jump into those immediately, but knowing they exist helps you set learning goals. After your class, you may want embroidery software like Embrilliance or Hatch to digitize custom logos.
Our Top Recommendation
For the machine, the Brother SE700 is the clear winner. It combines sewing and embroidery, has enough built-in designs to keep you busy, and comes with a generous accessory bundle. It’s the most versatile choice for a student.
For bobbin thread, the Simthread 144pcs white pack offers the best value if you will embroider frequently. You pay less per bobbin and rarely have to stop mid-project. If you need colors for creative projects, the ilauke 210 pack is the runner-up. For absolute beginners on a tight budget, the New brothread 25pcs pack is a fine starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any bobbin thread in my Brother machine?
Stick to size A Class 15 (SA156) bobbins. Other sizes may not fit correctly and cause tension problems. Cheap no-name bobbins often have rough edges that snag the thread.
How many designs can I stitch before changing bobbin?
It depends on the design size. A typical small patch (3×3 inches) uses about 10-15 yards of bobbin thread. A 60wt bobbin holds roughly 100-120 yards, so you can stitch 6-10 small patches before switching.
Do I need embroidery software for machine embroidery classes?
Most classes start with the machine’s built-in designs. You don’t need software at first. Later, digitizing software lets you create custom designs. Many students buy it after finishing a beginner course.
What fabric is best for machine embroidery beginners?
Start with cotton twill, muslin, or denim. These fabrics hold stitches well and don’t shift much. Avoid stretchy knits, sheer fabrics, and heavy canvas until you learn proper stabilizer use.