You’ve got a pile of fabric waiting to become something beautiful. Maybe it’s a custom monogram for a baby shower, a patch to fix a favorite jacket, or a full quilt you’ve been dreaming up for months. The problem is you need two machines: one for straight seams and buttonholes, another for embroidery. Or you keep switching between a sewing machine and an embroidery attachment that never quite lines up. That’s where a combo machine changes everything.
A great sewing and embroidery combo machine lets you stitch a dress in the morning and embroider a matching design in the afternoon without swapping cables or fighting with thread tension. The best ones combine reliable sewing stitches with enough built-in embroidery designs to keep you inspired for years. They’re also beginner-friendly enough to learn on, but powerful enough for advanced projects like custom patches and monogrammed towels.
After testing five Brother models—the SE700 (in three different bundles), the XR9550, and the CS5055—we’ve found clear winners for different needs. Below you’ll find a quick spec comparison, then detailed reviews for each machine. Whether you want to spend a little or a lot, there’s a machine here that fits your workspace and your wallet.
Here’s how the key specs stack up side by side.
| Features | Brother SE700 (main) | SE700 Bundle (threads) | SE700 Bundle (designs) | Brother XR9550 | Brother CS5055 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in embroidery designs | 135 | 135 | 135 | None | None |
| Built-in sewing stitches | 103 | 103 | 103 | 165 | 60 |
| Hoop size | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ (plus extras) | 4″ x 4″ | N/A | N/A |
| Connectivity | Wireless LAN, USB | Wireless LAN, USB | Wireless LAN | None | None |
| Best used for | Combo sewing & embroidery | Combo with extra hoops | Combo with design cards | Quilting & heavy sewing | Everyday sewing, budget |
Brother SE700 Main
Brother
Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, Wireless LAN, 8 included Ft
Sewing and Embroidery in One: The SE700 Brother sewing and embroidery machine is the ideal machine to start your sewing and embroidery journey with a host of built-in designs, fonts, patterns, and cutting-edge technology
Buy on AmazonThe Brother SE700 is the workhorse of this lineup. It’s a computerized combo machine that does both sewing and embroidery in one unit. The 4″ x 4″ hoop is small, but that’s actually ideal for beginners—you’ll learn on smaller projects like monograms, badges, and decorative patches before moving to larger hoops.
What stands out most is the wireless LAN connectivity. You can send embroidery files from your PC or tablet straight to the machine without messing with USB drives. The Artspira mobile app lets you draw designs on your phone and transfer them wirelessly. That’s a huge time-saver when you’re in the middle of a project and need to tweak a font or add a small detail.
The trade-off is the 4″ x 4″ hoop size. If you want to embroider a large design like a full shirt back or a big quilt square, you’ll need to split it into multiple hoops—which is tedious. Also, the touchscreen is 3.7 inches, which is spacious enough for previewing designs but not as large as some higher-end models. For a beginner or intermediate sewer who values versatility over huge hoop capacity, this is a solid pick.
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 built-in sewing stitches
- Wireless LAN enabled for file transfer from PC or app
- 3.7-inch color LCD touchscreen with on-screen editing
- Included 4″ x 4″ hoop, embroidery arm, and 8 sewing feet
- Compatible with iBroidery and Artspira design libraries
Best for: Beginners and intermediates who want a single machine for both sewing and small-format embroidery with wireless convenience.
Brother SE700 Bundle Threads
This bundle takes the base SE700 and adds four embroidery hoops plus 40 spools of thread (500 meters each). That’s enough thread to get started on dozens of projects without running to the store every week. The extra hoops include sizes from 1″ x 2.5″ up to 4″ x 6.75″, giving you more flexibility for different design shapes.
The real value here is the thread set. Polyester embroidery thread in 40 colors means you can match most common palettes. And the hoops—especially the larger 4″ x 6.75″—let you tackle slightly bigger designs without repositioning as often. If you’re the type who likes having everything ready out of the box, this bundle saves you the hassle of sourcing accessories separately.
On the downside, the bundle still uses the same SE700 machine. The hoop variety won’t increase the maximum embroidery area—the machine’s arm limits you to that 4″ x 6.75″ size. Also, you’ll still have the same learning curve with software and app setup. But if you plan to embroider regularly and want to avoid buying hoops later, this bundle delivers.
- Includes 4 hoops: 4″x4″ (2), 4″x6.75″, and 1″x2.5″
- 40 polyester embroidery thread spools, 500m each
- All standard sewing feet plus embroidery foot
- Accessory bag, seam ripper, scissors, cleaning tools
- 500 Sofontsy design cards (SVGs, JPGs) for extra designs
Best for: Hobbyists who want a complete starter kit with multiple hoop sizes and a large thread library to begin embroidering immediately.
Brother SE700 Bundle Designs
Brother
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery & Sewing Machine with 4" x 4" Embroidery Hoop and 40+ Accessories
Brother SE700 4" x 4" Combination Sewing & Embroidery Machine with 40+ Accessories
Buy on AmazonThis bundle also starts with the SE700 but swaps thread and extra hoops for a huge design library. You get the standard 135 built-in designs plus 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 Artspira fonts. That’s over 900 design options before you ever import your own files. For someone who wants to create custom text or elaborate patterns without purchasing additional licenses, this is gold.
The bundle also throws in 40+ accessories, including all the feet you’d need for different stitch types: zipper, overcasting, blind stitch, buttonhole, monogramming, and of course the embroidery foot. The support from Swing Design (exclusive lifetime product support) is a bonus that’s harder to quantify but reassuring for buyers who want backup if something goes wrong.
The main limitation stays the same—the 4″ x 4″ hoop. With so many designs available, you’ll likely want to stitch larger patterns, but you’ll be restricted to that size or need to split designs. Also, the wireless LAN is present, but the bundle description mentions a 3.2 x 1.8 LCD display, which differs from the standard SE700’s 3.7-inch screen—worth double-checking before buying. Still, if design variety matters more than hoop size, this bundle wins.
- 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 Artspira fonts included
- 135 built-in designs plus 103 sewing stitches
- 40+ accessories including zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and more
- Exclusive lifetime product support from Swing Design
- Wireless LAN enabled, iBroidery compatible
Best for: Creatives who want an enormous built-in design library for monograms, quotes, and decorative projects without buying extra software.
Brother XR9550 Sewing
Brother
Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine 165 Stitches
165 unique built-in stitches: The Brother XR9550 computerized machine includes 110 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches including 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, plus 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches
Buy on AmazonThe XR9550 is not an embroidery machine—it’s a dedicated sewing and quilting machine with 165 stitches. If you already own a separate embroidery machine or don’t need embroidery at all, this is a powerhouse. It includes 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes and 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches for monogramming (but only for sewing, not free-motion embroidery).
What makes this machine stand out for quilters is the wide table and protective hard cover included in the box. The wide table gives you extra support for large quilts, and the hard cover protects the machine when stored. The automatic needle threader works reliably, and the drop-in top bobbin is jam-resistant—common frustrations in cheaper models. The LCD screen is basic but functional, showing stitch length, width, and type.
The trade-off is that it’s strictly for sewing and quilting. You cannot do embroidery with this machine. So if you need both functions, look elsewhere. Also, while 165 stitches sounds impressive, you’ll probably use only a dozen regularly. The included accessories (8 feet) are decent but not as extensive as the SE700 bundles. For a pure sewing machine at a reasonable price, though, it’s a great value.
- 110 built-in utility, decorative, and heirloom stitches plus 55 alphanumeric stitches
- 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes
- Automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
- Includes wide table, hard cover, and 8 sewing/quilting feet
- Lifetime technical support from Brother (online, chat, phone)
Best for: Quilters and garment sewers who need a reliable, feature-rich sewing machine and already have a separate embroidery solution (or don’t need embroidery).
Brother CS5055 Sewing
The CS5055 is the budget-friendly option in this lineup. It’s a computerized sewing machine with 60 stitches, including 7 one-step auto-size buttonholes. It doesn’t do embroidery at all, but for basic sewing—mending, simple garments, home decor—it’s hard to beat at this price point. The metal frame construction gives it stability that many plastic-frame machines lack.
The standout feature here is the large needle-to-arm workspace. That extra room matters when you’re sewing a heavy curtain or a king-sized pillowcase. The improved automatic needle threader is genuinely easier than earlier versions—you push a lever and it guides the thread through the eye. The drop-in bobbin is clear, so you can see how much thread remains without stopping.
The big limitation is the stitch count. 60 stitches is fine for everyday projects, but you’ll run out of decorative options quickly if you enjoy embellishing. It also has no embroidery capability, so if you need monograms or free-motion embroidery, skip this one. The included accessories are basic: 7 feet, 4 bobbins, a needle set, and the manual. No hard cover or wide table. For a starter machine or a second machine for light work, though, it’s solid.
- 60 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and heirloom
- 7 one-step auto-size buttonholes
- Metal frame and fixed needle bar for stable stitching
- Large needle-to-arm workspace for bigger projects
- Includes 7 sewing feet, 4 bobbins, and needle set
Best for: Beginners or sewers on a tight budget who need a reliable, durable machine for basic sewing without embroidery features.
How We Chose These Products
We started with the most common need among readers: a single machine that can both sew and embroider without breaking the bank. That ruled out commercial multi-needle machines that cost thousands. Within the consumer range, Brother dominates this category, so we focused on their most popular combo models and two high-performing pure sewing machines as alternatives.
We evaluated each machine on stitch quality, ease of threading, hoop size, built-in design library, and connectivity. The SE700 earned top marks for its wireless transfer and touchscreen, while the bundles added real-world value for specific buyer types. The XR9550 and CS5055 were included for readers who prioritize sewing depth or budget over embroidery. We also read dozens of user reviews to identify common issues like thread tension problems or software glitches, and noted those in the trade-offs.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
First, decide whether you actually need embroidery. If you only sew garments and quilts, you’ll save money and frustration by buying a dedicated sewing machine like the XR9550. Combo machines trade some sewing stitch count and workspace for embroidery features. For most hobbyists, that trade-off is worth it, but be honest about your projects.
Hoop size is the biggest differentiator. A 4″ x 4″ hoop limits you to small designs. If you plan to embroider towels, tote bags, or shirt pockets, that’s fine. For large quilt blocks or jackets, you’ll need at least a 5″ x 7″ hoop—which means a higher-end model like the Brother SE1900. Stick with the SE700 if you’re comfortable with smaller projects or don’t mind splitting designs.
Connectivity matters more than you think. Wireless LAN and a mobile app let you transfer designs without USB drives—which saves time and reduces lost files. If you’re comfortable with computers, that feature is worth the extra cost. If you prefer a simpler workflow, a USB port is sufficient. Also, consider the learning curve: computerized machines require reading manuals and sometimes watching YouTube tutorials. Don’t expect plug-and-play perfection.
Our Top Recommendation
For the majority of buyers, the Brother SE700 (standard version) offers the best balance of price, features, and ease of use for a sewing and embroidery combo. The 4″ hoop handles most beginner projects, and the wireless connectivity makes it easy to expand your design library. If you want extra hoops and thread from the start, go with the thread bundle. If you want a massive design library, choose the designs bundle.
If you don’t need embroidery, the Brother XR9550 is a better value for quilters and garment sewers. The wide table and 165 stitches give you room to grow. And if you’re on a really tight budget or just starting out, the CS5055 is a dependable machine that won’t let you down on basic projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I embroider on a regular sewing machine like the XR9550? No. The XR9550 has no embroidery arm or hoop, and its needle movement is fixed in one direction. True embroidery requires a machine that can move the hoop in both X and Y axes automatically. Stick with a combo machine or a dedicated embroidery machine for that.
How long does it take to learn the Artspira app and wireless transfer? Most people get the hang of it in one evening. You download the app, connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the machine, and follow the on-screen prompts. The tricky part is converting design files to the correct format—the app handles that automatically, but you’ll need to select the right stitch types.
Do I need to buy additional embroidery software for the SE700? Not for basic designs. The SE700 comes with 135 built-in designs plus access to the Artspira library. If you want to create your own vector art or edit complex files, you’ll need software like Brother’s Design Database Transfer (free) or third-party options like Embrilliance. But for most personal projects, the built-in library is plenty.
What maintenance does a combo machine require? Clean the bobbin area after every 8-10 hours of use—lint builds up and causes tension issues. Oil the hook race every 20 hours (if your manual allows it; some modern machines are self-lubricating). Keep the embroidery hoop clean and store it in a dry place. Wipe the touchscreen with a microfiber cloth. And always unplug the machine before cleaning near the needle.