You’ve been hunting for a used embroidery machine. You scroll through Facebook Marketplace, check Craigslist, read forum posts about someone’s five-year-old Brother that jams every third stitch. The prices look tempting — until you factor in missing parts, worn needles, and the nagging fear that the previous owner never oiled it. There has to be a better way.
There is. New embroidery machines have dropped in price while gaining features that used ones simply can’t offer: wireless file transfer, app-based design editing, color sort automation, and warranties that cover your investment. For the cost of a questionable used machine you often get a brand-new Brother with more built-in designs, a touchscreen, and the ability to stitch right out of the box.
This roundup covers five Brother embroidery machines that rival or beat the value of any used model. Whether you need a simple 4×4 hoop for monogramming or a larger 5×7 field for detailed quilting, one of these will save you the headache of second-hand. Below is a quick spec comparison to help you zero in.
Here’s how the five models stack up on the specs that matter most to used-machine shoppers.
| Features | Brother SE700 | SE700 Bundle | Brother PE900 | Brother PE545 | Brother Skitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Type | Sew + embroidery combo | Sew + embroidery combo | Embroidery only | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Hoop Size | 4×4 inch | 4×4 inch + extras | 5×7 inch | 4×4 inch | 4×4 inch |
| Built-in Designs | 135 embroidery, 103 stitches | 135 embroidery, 103 stitches | 193 embroidery, 0 stitches | 135 embroidery, 0 stitches | 0 built-in, uses Artspira |
| Wireless / App | WLAN + Artspira | WLAN + Artspira | WLAN + Artspira | WLAN + Artspira | Bluetooth + Artspira |
| Best For | Sewists wanting both functions | New embroiderers needing full kit | Large designs & multi-color projects | Simple monograms & kids’ patterns | Minimal space & app-only users |
Brother SE700 Sew and Embroidery
Brother
Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, Wireless LAN Connected, 135 Built-in Designs, 103 Built-in Stitches, Computerized, 4" x 4" Hoop Area, 3.7" Touchscreen Display, 8 Included Feet, White
SEWING and EMBROIDERY IN ONE: The SE700 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 a combo machine — you can sew shirts and embroider pockets without switching machines. It’s best for someone who does both garment construction and decorative stitching and doesn’t want two separate units cluttering a small room. The 4×4 hoop covers most monograms, small logos, and patchwork accents.
What stands out is the wireless LAN. You send files from your computer or phone straight to the machine without USB sticks. The Artspira mobile app lets you draw a pattern on your phone and stitch it minutes later. That immediacy matters when you’re in the middle of a project and need a quick custom design.
Trade-off: the 4×4 hoop limits you. If you plan to embroider towels or quilt blocks larger than a coaster, you’ll feel cramped. Also, 103 sewing stitches is generous for a combo, but dedicated sewing machines offer more. Still, for the price of a decent used sewing-only machine, you get both functions new.
- 4×4 inch embroidery hoop
- Wireless LAN file transfer
- 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches
- 3.7-inch color touchscreen with on-screen editing
- 8 sewing feet included
Best for: Home sewists who want one machine that handles daily sewing and occasional embroidery without the risk of a used unit.
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery Bundle
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 AmazonThis is the same SE700 machine but packed with accessories. It’s perfect for someone buying their first embroidery machine and doesn’t own any hoops, thread, or tools. The bundle includes four hoops (1×2.5, 4×4, and 4×6.75), 40 spools of polyester thread, and a full accessory set — seam ripper, scissors, screwdrivers, bobbins, and more.
The extra hoops are the real value here. That 4×6.75 hoop opens up larger designs than the standard SE700 can handle alone. You also get 500 Sofontsy design cards with commercial-use rights, which is handy if you plan to sell embroidered items. Starting from zero, this bundle saves you about $150 in separate purchases.
Limitation: you’re still on a 4×4 hoop for most of what the machine does unless you swap to the larger one. And the thread spools are 500m each — good start but not professional grade. But for a beginner or hobby embroiderer, it’s everything you need in one box.
- 4 hoops including 4×6.75 inch
- 40 polyester thread spools (500m each)
- 500 commercial-use design cards
- Full accessory kit (bobbins, scissors, screwdrivers)
- Same SE700 machine with wireless and touchscreen
Best for: First-time buyers who want a complete setup and don’t want to chase down extras later.
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 PE900 is a dedicated embroidery machine with a 5×7 inch hoop — almost double the area of the SE700. It’s for people who want to embroider larger items like throw pillows, baby blankets, or jacket backs. The 193 built-in designs include scrollwork, florals, and quilt patterns, plus 13 fonts (including Japanese and Cyrillic).
Two features make it a workhorse: Color Sort and automatic jump stitch trimming. When you stitch a multi-color design, it groups colors to minimize thread changes. The machine trims loose threads between color changes, so you don’t have to snip each one by hand. That saves hours on complex projects.
Downside: it’s embroidery-only. No sewing capability. If you need to sew a seam, you’ll need a separate machine. Also, at this price point, a used industrial embroidery machine might tempt you — but the PE900 comes with a warranty and doesn’t require a heavy table or professional installation.
- 5×7 inch embroidery hoop
- 193 built-in designs, 13 fonts
- Color Sort and automatic jump stitch trimming
- Wireless LAN and Artspira app
- 7.4 inches from needle to arm
Best for: Serious embroiderers who need a larger hoop and hate trimming jump stitches by hand.
Brother PE545 Wireless Embroidery
Brother
Brother PE545 Wireless Embroidery Machine 4x4 Hoop LCD
WIRELESS LAN ENABLED: Transmit embroidery files from your PC to your embroidery machine via the free downloadable software Design Database Transfer(1), or connect via the built-in USB port
Buy on AmazonThe PE545 is a simpler, smaller version of the PE900. It uses a 4×4 hoop, has 135 built-in designs (kids, holiday, floral), and 10 fonts. It’s best for quick, small projects — monogramming towels, adding names to backpacks, or making patches. The touchscreen lets you drag and drop to position your design, and built-in tutorial videos help new users.
What makes it stand out is the ease of use. You don’t need a computer. Connect to the Artspira app on your phone, pick a design, and send it wirelessly. For someone who doesn’t want to learn complex software, this is the simplest path to embroidery. And because it’s new, you won’t fight with worn tension disks or a misaligned bobbin case.
It’s not for large projects. The 4×4 hoop feels restrictive once you’ve done a few towels. And like the PE900, it’s embroidery-only. But if your needs are small, it’s a reliable, low-stress alternative to a used machine that might need repairs.
- 4×4 inch embroidery hoop
- 135 built-in designs, 10 fonts
- 3.7-inch color touchscreen with tutorial videos
- Wireless LAN and Artspira app
- On-screen drag-and-drop design placement
Best for: Casual embroiderers and gift-makers who value simplicity and don’t need a large hoop.
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 Skitch PP1 is different — it’s a single-needle embroidery machine that relies entirely on the Artspira app. It has zero built-in designs. You create or import your own PES, PHC, PHX, or DST files through the app. It’s for people who want full creative control and don’t want a library of pre-loaded patterns they’ll never use.
The machine is small — it fits on a countertop or in a closet. The Bluetooth connection pairs with your phone or tablet, so you need no computer. Stitch speed goes up to 400 spm, faster than most home machines. And because it’s new, it avoids the reliability issues of a used single-needle model that might have bent needles or a worn feed mechanism.
Big limitation: no screen. Everything happens on your phone, and you must use the Artspira app. If your phone dies mid-project, you’re stuck. Also, single-needle means you swap thread for each color manually — no multi-color auto-change. It’s ideal for simple, one-color or two-color designs, not multi-layer portraits.
- 4×4 inch embroidery hoop
- Bluetooth connection (no Wi-Fi needed)
- 400 stitches per minute
- No built-in designs (uses Artspira app)
- Import PES, PHC, PHX, DST files
Best for: Tech-savvy crafters with limited space who want to create custom designs from scratch.
How We Chose These Products
We focused on machines that solve the real problems of buying used embroidery equipment: uncertain history, missing parts, lack of warranty, and obsolete connectivity. Each model here is new, in stock, and backed by Brother’s service network. We compared hoop size, built-in designs, wireless capability, and whether the machine sews or embroiders exclusively.
Price was not the sole factor — we looked at total value. A used machine might cost less upfront, but factoring in repairs, missing accessories, and the time spent troubleshooting, a new machine often wins. We also prioritized machines with mobile app integration because that’s a feature you simply cannot get on a used machine from even five years ago. The five picks cover different use cases from beginner to advanced, ensuring every buyer finds a match.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size is the biggest decision. A 4×4 hoop handles small monograms and patches. A 5×7 hoop fits larger designs like full towel embroidery or quilt blocks. If you plan to sell embroidered items, go bigger. If it’s just for gifts, 4×4 is enough. Used machines often come with only one hoop, and replacement hoops can be expensive — new machines include at least one.
Software compatibility matters. Older used machines may require a parallel port or software that only runs on Windows 7. New machines like these use wireless transfer or Bluetooth, working with modern phones and computers. Before buying any used machine, check if the software still exists and works on your OS. These new models eliminate that headache entirely.
Warranty and support are worth the price difference. A used machine might fail in a month with no recourse. A new Brother comes with a limited warranty and a network of authorized repair centers. If you’re not comfortable maintaining a machine yourself — oiling, tension adjustments, timing fixes — a new machine is the safer bet.
Our Top Recommendation
For most people, the Brother SE700 (standalone or bundle) is the smartest buy. It combines sewing and embroidery in one machine, includes wireless transfer, and costs about the same as a decent used combo machine — but without the risk. The bundle version is ideal if you’re starting from scratch. If you need larger designs and don’t care about sewing, the PE900 is the better pick. For pure simplicity, the PE545 is a great entry point. The Skitch is only for those who want total design freedom and a tiny footprint.
A close runner-up is the PE900 for anyone who does multi-color projects frequently. The jump stitch trimming alone saves hours compared to clipping by hand on a used machine. But for the broadest appeal, the SE700 bundle gives you the most value with the least hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buying a used embroidery machine always a bad idea? No — if you can inspect it in person, test every stitch, and verify the warranty transfer, a used machine can save money. But most online listings hide issues. New machines avoid that risk and include modern features like wireless connectivity.
Can I use these machines with my own digitized designs? Yes. All five support importing PES files (Brother’s native format) via USB or wireless. The Skitch also handles PHC, PHX, and DST. You’ll need digitizing software to create designs, but that’s separate from the machine.
How much thread does a new machine come with? Only the SE700 bundle includes thread (40 spools). The others come with a starter bobbin and maybe one spool. Factor in buying thread separately if you choose a non-bundle model.
What about maintenance on a new Brother machine? Minimal — clean the bobbin area after every project, oil periodically per the manual, and keep the machine covered when not in use. Brother provides video tutorials. A new machine should run reliably for years with basic care, unlike a used one that may need immediate servicing.