You have been eyeing embroidery machines for months. New ones cost a small fortune. A decent combo model runs $800 or more, and the big-hoop dedicated machines can hit $2,000. You want to personalize clothes, make gifts, maybe start a small side hustle. But dropping that kind of cash on a hobby feels risky. There is a better way: buy a used embroidery machine.
The second-hand market for embroidery equipment is huge. Machines from Brother, Janome, and Singer hold up well over years of use. The trick is knowing which models are worth hunting for and what to check before you hand over your money. A well-maintained used Brother from a few years ago can stitch just as beautifully as the latest model, often for half the price or less.
I have tested dozens of Brother machines over the years. These five are the ones I see most often on the used market and that I would actually recommend. They range from a simple single-needle starter to a full-size combo machine. Each has its own strengths and trade-offs. Read on for detailed reviews, a spec comparison, and a practical guide to buying a used embroidery machine without getting burned.
Here is a quick look at the key specs that separate these five machines. Use this table to narrow down your options before you start shopping.
| Features | SE700 Combo | SE700 Bundle | PE900 Embroidery | Skitch Single-Needle | SE2000 Combo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery Field | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 | 193 | None (app imports) | 190+ |
| Sewing Stitches | 103 | 103 | None (embroidery only) | None | 241 |
| Connectivity | WLAN, USB | WLAN, USB | WLAN, USB | Bluetooth | WLAN, USB |
| Best Use | Starter combo | Starter with extras | Larger designs | Minimalist / portable | Advanced combo |
Brother SE700 Sewing Combo
The one you buy when you want both sewing and embroidery in a compact package.
The SE700 is Brother’s entry-level combo machine. It does both sewing and embroidery in one unit, with a 4″ x 4″ embroidery hoop. When shopping for a used SE700, you are typically looking at a machine that still has plenty of life left because these were introduced in 2026. Find one with the original hoop, embroidery foot, and at least a few of the eight included presser feet. Missing accessories can be bought separately, but that adds cost.
What stands out is the wireless LAN. You can send designs from your computer or phone without a USB stick. The Artspira app lets you draw patterns on your mobile device and transfer them straight to the machine. For a used unit, make sure the previous owner did not lose the login credentials or that the machine’s Wi-Fi module still works. I have seen a few where the wireless board was dead. That is a repair cost you want to avoid.
The trade-off is the small hoop. 4″ x 4″ limits you to patches, small monograms, and smaller motifs. You cannot stitch a large design on a tote bag in one go. Also, the sewing side is fine for basic repairs and garment construction, but serious quilters will want more throat space. Expect a learning curve with the touchscreen if you are new to computerized machines.
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 built-in sewing stitches
- 3.7-inch LCD color touchscreen with on-screen editing
- Wireless LAN and USB port for file transfer
- Comes with 8 sewing feet (zigzag, monogramming, overcasting, zipper, blind stitch, button fitting, buttonhole, embroidery)
- Maximum embroidery size: 4″ x 4″
Best for: Beginner sewists who want to try embroidery without spending a fortune, and who mainly make small projects.
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery
Brother
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery & Sewing Machine with 4 Embroidery Hoops, Embroidery Thread Set & Accessories
Brother SE700 4" x 4" Combo Sewing & Embroidery Machine with 4pc Embroidery Hoop Set, 40 Polyester Embroidery Thread Spools - 500m Each, and Accessory Bundle
Buy on AmazonThe one you buy when you want a starter kit with all the extras included.
This is the same SE700 machine as above, but sold in a bundle that adds four embroidery hoops, 40 thread spools, and a bunch of accessories. On the used market, you might find this bundle package being sold by someone who bought it new and barely used it. The extra hoops include a 4″ x 6.75″ and a 1″ x 2.5″ size, which gives you more flexibility than the standard single hoop. The 40 thread spools (500m each) are a nice bonus if the colors are still plentiful and not dried out.
The real value here is the accessories: pre-wound bobbins, bobbin clips, seam ripper, scissors, cleaning brush, screwdrivers, extra spool pins, spool caps, and a spool net. If you buy a used unit that still has all these, you save yourself a trip to the sewing store. Make sure the thread is not old and brittle. Embroidery thread does degrade over time, especially if stored in a damp basement.
The drawback is that the bundle often sells for a premium, so the used price might be closer to a new unit than you would like. Also, the extra hoops are not necessary if you only plan to do small designs. The 40 thread spools are a mixed bag — you get lots of colors, but the quality of the included brand (Sofontsy) is okay, not premium. If the original owner swapped in better thread, even better.
- Includes 4 embroidery hoops: two 4″x4″, one 4″x6.75″, one 1″x2.5″
- 40 polyester embroidery thread spools, 500m each
- Pre-wound bobbins, bobbin clips, and cleaning tools
- 500 Sofontsy design cards for additional patterns
- Same machine specs as standard SE700
Best for: Someone who wants a turnkey starter setup without buying extra accessories or thread separately.
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 AmazonThe one you buy when hoop size matters more than sewing capability.
The PE900 is a dedicated embroidery machine with a 5″ x 7″ embroidery field. That larger hoop opens up more possibilities: you can stitch a design on a shirt back, a large towel, or a quilt block without repositioning. On the used market, this is a popular machine for people who moved up from a 4″ x 4″ model. Many are sold in excellent condition because the original owners upgraded to a multi-needle machine.
The standout features are the color sort and jump stitch trimming. Color sort reorders your design to reduce thread changes. Jump stitch trimming cuts the excess thread between elements automatically. These save serious time on multi-color projects. The machine also has 193 built-in designs — scrollwork, florals, quilt patterns — plus 13 lettering fonts. For a used machine, check that the needle plate is not scratched and that the bobbin case is clean. These are wear items that affect stitch quality.
The limitation is that it does not sew at all. You cannot hem a pair of pants or stitch a seam. If you want a combo machine, this is not it. Also, the built-in designs are nice, but many users quickly outgrow them and start importing custom designs via USB or Wi-Fi. The wireless transfer works, but the Artspira app can be finicky with older firmware. Ask the seller if they updated the software recently.
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery field (7.4″ space from needle to arm)
- 193 built-in designs and 13 lettering fonts
- Wireless LAN enabled (Design Database Transfer software included)
- Advanced Color Sort and automatic jump stitch trimming
- Large 3.7″ LCD color touchscreen with preview
Best for: Embroiderers who want a larger workspace and do not need sewing functions in the same machine.
Brother Skitch Single-Needle
Brother
Brother Skitch Single-Needle Embroidery Machine Bluetooth
ARTSPIRA CONNECTION: Draw your next embroidery project on the free and required Artspira(1) App and get ready to add a dash of you to your next cool project with Skitch PP1 Single-Needle Artspira Enabled Embroidery Machine
Buy on AmazonThe one you buy when you want maximum portability and smartphone control.
The Skitch is Brother’s smallest and most basic embroidery machine. It uses a single needle (no automatic color changes) and relies entirely on the Artspira app on your phone or tablet. You cannot control it from a PC or USB drive directly. The embroidery field is 4″ x 4″, and the machine stitches at up to 400 stitches per minute. On the used market, these are often sold by people who tried embroidery and decided it was not for them. That means you can find them lightly used for a good price.
The appeal is simplicity. You draw a design on the Artspira app, or import a PES, PHC, PHX, or DST file, and the machine does the rest. You can store up to 20 designs in the app at a time. It is small enough to store in a closet and pull out when needed. For a used unit, the most critical thing is that the Bluetooth connection works reliably. Test it before buying if possible. Also, because it has only one needle, you have to manually swap thread for each color. That makes multi-color designs slow and tedious.
The trade-off is steep. No automatic needle threader (you thread it by hand). No color change sequencing. No built-in designs. You are dependent on your smartphone and the Artspira app. If Brother ever discontinues the app or stops supporting it, the machine becomes a paperweight. That is a real risk when buying used. Also, the stitch quality is fine but not as refined as the PE900 or SE2000. The machine vibrates a bit at higher speeds.
- Single needle, no automatic color changes
- Controls via Artspira mobile app (required) with Bluetooth
- Imports PES, PHC, PHX, DST files up to 20 designs stored
- Small footprint, lightweight and portable
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery area, 400 spm max speed
Best for: Absolute beginners who want to try embroidery with zero investment in software or computer, and who primarily want to monogram simple designs.
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery
Brother
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Computerized
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 SE2000 wirelessly
Buy on AmazonThe one you buy when you want a big hoop and full sewing capabilities.
The SE2000 is Brother’s flagship consumer combo machine. It offers a 5″ x 7″ embroidery field plus 241 sewing stitches. It has 190 built-in embroidery designs (plus 50 downloadable via Artspira) and 13 embroidery fonts. This is the machine to get if you want to sew garments and also embroider large designs. On the used market, these machines hold their value well. Expect to pay around 60-70% of the new price for a clean example.
The strengths are obvious: you get the same 5″ x 7″ hoop as the PE900, but you also can switch to sewing mode for zippers, buttonholes, blind hems, and decorative stitching. The color sort and jump stitch trimming work just like the PE900. The wireless LAN and USB port give you flexibility. For a used machine, pay special attention to the touchscreen — it is larger than the SE700’s and can develop dead pixels or unresponsive spots. Also check that the embroidery arm moves smoothly without grinding noises.
The trade-off is weight and size. This machine is heavy (around 30 lbs) and takes up a fair amount of desk space. It is not something you stash in a drawer. Another issue: the sewing stitches, while numerous, are mostly utilitarian. If you mainly stitch decorative patterns, you might get bored. And the embroidery field, while larger than the SE700, is still small compared to dedicated multi-needle machines. The 190 built-in designs are geared toward floral and scrollwork, which may not suit everyone’s taste.
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery field with included hoop
- 190+ built-in embroidery designs, 241 sewing stitches
- Advanced Color Sort and jump stitch trimming
- Wireless LAN and USB file transfer
- 8 sewing feet included (same set as SE700)
Best for: Serious home sewists who want one machine that handles garment construction and large embroidery projects without compromises.
How We Chose These Products
I evaluated these five machines based on their availability on the second-hand market, their reputation for durability, and the value they offer relative to new models. Brother dominates the used embroidery machine market because of its widespread distribution and reliable mechanics. Each machine here has been on the market for at least a year, so there are plenty of used units to choose from.
I also considered the features that actually matter when buying used: ease of repairing common issues (like replacing a bobbin case or cleaning the feed dogs), availability of spare parts online, and whether the manufacturer still offers firmware updates. The SE2000 and PE900 are the strongest in terms of long-term support. The Skitch is the riskiest because it depends on a mobile app that could be discontinued. The SE700 sits in the middle — popular enough that replacements parts are easy to find, but new enough that you may still get software updates.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Before you search for a 2nd hand embroidery machine for sale, learn the common failure points. The most critical component is the embroidery arm and hoop carriage. Run a test stitch on a scrap piece of fabric. Listen for grinding, clicking, or skipping stitches. The needle plate should be smooth with no burrs. Check the bobbin case for rust or bent wings. If the machine uses a drop-in bobbin, make sure the case is not cracked. Inspect the LCD screen for scratches or dead pixels. A cracked screen can cost $200 to replace.
Where you buy matters. Avoid Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace unless you can test the machine in person. eBay offers buyer protection, but you still need to vet the seller. Look for listings that mention the machine was serviced recently or includes original packaging. Your best bet is a sewing machine dealer that sells refurbished units. They often provide a 30- to 90-day warranty. That peace of mind is worth the extra cost. Another option: check online embroidery forums. Enthusiasts sometimes sell their machines when they upgrade. Those listings tend to be more honest about condition.
Common mistakes to avoid: buying a machine without knowing if replacement needles, bobbins, and hoops are still available. Brother uses proprietary hoop sizes for most models. Confirm that the exact hoop for that model is still in production. Also, do not assume that because a machine is cheap it is a good deal. Factor in the cost of a professional servicing ($100-$200) and any missing accessories. Finally, never buy a machine that has been stored in a basement or garage. Moisture ruins electronics and causes rust on metal components.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother PE900 is the best used embroidery machine for most people. It gives you a large 5″ x 7″ embroidery field, reliable wireless transfer, and professional features like color sort and jump stitch trimming. You can find clean used examples for around $400-$600, which is less than half the new price. The sewing omission is a trade-off, but if you already have a sewing machine or do not need one, the PE900 is a workhorse that will last years.
If you need both sewing and embroidery, the SE2000 is the runner-up. The larger hoop and extensive stitch library justify the higher used price (typically $700-$900). Only buy the SE700 if your budget is tight and you are okay with the 4″ x 4″ hoop. The Skitch is a special case — get it only if you find it for under $200 and you fully understand the app dependency. Skip the bundle version of the SE700 unless the extra hoops and thread are genuinely useful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test the embroidery stitch quality on a used machine?
Bring a piece of cotton fabric and a piece of stabilizer. Thread the machine with a fresh needle (ask the seller if they have one). Stitch a small design that includes both straight lines and curves. Check for tension issues: loops on top mean the top thread is too loose; loops on bottom mean the bobbin tension is off. Also look for skipped stitches or fabric puckering. A well-adjusted machine should stitch cleanly with no birdnests underneath.
Can I transfer modern embroidery files to an older Brother model?
Yes, as long as the machine supports PES format (all Brother single-needle models do). Check the software compatibility. Older machines (pre-2026) may require a USB drive formatted to FAT32, while newer ones accept wireless transfer. The PE900 and SE2000 have no issues with modern files downloaded from Etsy or other design sites. The Skitch only works with the Artspira app, so its file compatibility is limited to what the app can import.
Is it worth buying a used embroidery machine without a warranty?
It depends on the price and the machine’s condition. If you are paying under $300 and the machine passes a test stitch, you might gamble. But for anything over $500, try to buy from a dealer who offers at least a 30-day warranty. Many local sewing shops sell refurbished Brother machines with a 90-day warranty. That covers the most common failure: a circuit board or touchscreen malfunction that shows up in the first few weeks.
What tools do I need to maintain a used embroidery machine myself?
A soft brush set, tweezers, a small screwdriver, sewing machine oil (not WD-40), and a lint-free cloth. Clean the bobbin area after every project. Oil the hook race every 8-10 hours of embroidery time. Watch YouTube tutorials specific to your model. Avoid using canned air — it pushes lint deeper into the machine. The biggest maintenance task is replacing the needle plate after it gets scratched; that costs about $15 and takes five minutes.