Picking a sewing and embroidery machine used to mean choosing between a dedicated sewing machine and a separate embroidery unit. That’s no longer the case. Modern combo machines like Brother’s SE700 and SE2000 line let you switch between sewing and embroidery in seconds. But with several models and bundles on the market, figuring out which one fits your needs takes some digging.
The right machine depends on how much embroidery space you need, how many built-in designs matter, and whether you want a starter kit with extra hoops and thread. Brother’s SE700 offers a compact 4×4 inch field, while the SE2000 jumps to 5×7 inches, handling larger patterns. Both are computerized, include touchscreens, and connect wirelessly.
Below I’ve reviewed five options: the standalone SE700, two different SE700 bundles, the standalone SE2000, and a full SE2000 bundle. I’ll highlight who each one suits best and where they fall short. At the end, I’ll give a single top recommendation and a runner-up for different budgets.
Here is a quick comparison of key specs across these models:
| Feature | SE700 Standalone | SE700 4-Hoop Kit | SE2000 Standalone | SE700 40-Acc Kit | SE2000 Full Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery Field | 4×4 inches | 4×4 inches (plus 2 smaller hoops) | 5×7 inches | 4×4 inches | 5×7 inches |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 | 190 + 50 downloadable | 135 | 193 |
| Built-in Stitches | 103 | 103 | 241 | 103 | 241 |
| Wireless LAN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Jump Stitch Trimming | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Best For | Beginners wanting base machine | Starter who wants extra hoops & thread | Enthusiasts needing larger designs | Value seeker with many accessories | All-in-one kit for serious work |
Brother SE700 Sewing 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 the entry point into Brother’s combo machine lineup. It combines a capable sewing machine with a 4×4 inch embroidery field, making it a solid choice for someone who wants to try embroidery without a huge investment. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen is responsive and shows design previews before you stitch.
What stands out is the wireless connectivity. You can transfer designs from a computer or use the Artspira mobile app to draw custom patterns. The 135 built-in designs and 103 stitches cover the basics well, including utility stitches for garments and decorative options. The automatic needle threader saves time, and the drop-in bobbin system is straightforward.
The limitation is the 4×4 inch hoop. That’s enough for monograms, small patches, and pocket details, but you cannot stitch a full chest design or large quilt blocks in one go. Also, the SE700 lacks jump stitch trimming, so you’ll need to snip loose threads manually. It’s also relatively light, which helps portability but means it can vibrate a bit at high sewing speeds.
- 4×4 inch embroidery field with included hoop and arm
- 135 built-in designs, 103 built-in stitches
- Wireless LAN and Artspira app support
- 3.7-inch color LCD touchscreen with on-screen editing
- 8 included sewing feet, including zipper and buttonhole feet
Best for: Beginners and hobbyists who want an affordable way to explore embroidery and do everyday sewing.
Brother SE700 Combo 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 bundle takes the same SE700 machine and adds four embroidery hoops, 40 spools of polyester thread (500 meters each), and a generous set of accessories. It’s the same core machine as the standalone, but the extras make it a much better value for someone starting from scratch.
The additional hoops are the big draw. You get a second 4×4 hoop, a 4×6.75 inch hoop for slightly larger patterns, and a tiny 1×2.5 inch pocket hoop for shirt collars or cuffs. That range lets you try different design sizes without buying extra frames. The 40 thread spools mean you won’t need to buy a thread set separately. The bundle also includes pre-wound bobbins, a seam ripper, scissors, and a cleaning brush.
The trade-off is that the machine itself still has the same 4×4 maximum field, so the 4×6.75 hoop can only stitch within that area. The pocket hoop is a nice bonus but limited. Also, the thread set is standard polyester, which is fine for most projects but might not satisfy those wanting metallic or specialty threads. You’ll still need to buy stabilizer separately.
- Four hoops: two 4×4, one 4×6.75, one 1×2.5
- 40 polyester thread spools, 500m each
- Included: pre-wound bobbins, seam ripper, scissors, cleaning tools
- Artspira app support and wireless transfer
- 135 built-in designs, 103 stitches, same as standalone
Best for: Beginners who want a complete starter kit with extra hoops and thread, saving the hassle of buying separately.
Brother SE2000 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 SE2000 is a significant step up. Its 5×7 inch embroidery field handles larger designs that simply won’t fit on the SE700. It also packs more stitches (241) and more built-in designs (190 plus 50 downloadable). The machine includes color sort and automatic jump stitch trimming, which cuts thread tails between color changes.
The larger hoop makes a real difference for projects like tote bags, jacket backs, and full-sized towels. The jump stitch trimming alone saves minutes per design. The SE2000 also offers the My Custom Stitch feature, letting you create and store your own stitch patterns. The wireless connectivity and Artspira app work the same as on the SE700. The machine feels more solid and sews faster than the SE700.
The downsides are weight and price. The SE2000 is heavier, making it less portable. It’s also significantly more expensive than the SE700. The built-in designs are good, but many advanced users will still want to import their own digitized files. The touchscreen is the same 3.7-inch size, which can feel cramped for editing complex designs.
- 5×7 inch embroidery field with included hoop
- 241 built-in stitches, 10 buttonhole styles
- 190 built-in designs + 50 downloadable via app
- Color sort and automatic jump stitch trimming
- My Custom Stitch feature, sideways sewing capability
Best for: Serious enthusiasts and small business owners who need larger embroidery capacity and speed.
Brother SE700 Accessory Bundle
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 pairs the SE700 with over 40 accessories, including a full set of sewing feet, bobbins, needles, and a range of thread spool caps. It also includes a digital download for 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 Artspira fonts, which vastly expands your creative options beyond the built-in 135 designs.
The standout is the software content. The 500 designs and 300+ fonts give you miles of variety without buying individual digitized files. The bundle also includes a twin needle, which is useful for cover hemming and decorative double stitching. The hardware accessories are standard but complete – you get everything needed to start sewing and embroidering right out of the box. The included lifetime product support from Swing Design is a nice safety net.
The limitation is that it’s still the SE700 machine, so the same 4×4 field and no jump stitch trimming apply. Also, the extra designs are digital downloads that require internet access and the Artspira app. Some users may prefer physical design cards, though the digital method is more flexible. The accessory bag is basic but keeps small parts organized.
- Over 40 accessories: feet, needles, bobbins, screwdrivers
- Digital license for 500 Artspira designs and 310 fonts
- Lifetime product support from Swing Design
- Same SE700 machine with 4×4 field and 103 stitches
- Includes twin needle, eyelet punch, and extra spool pins
Best for: Sewists who want the SE700 with a massive library of designs and fonts, plus a full accessory set.
Brother SE2000 Bundle Kit
This is the most complete package in this lineup. You get the SE2000 machine with its 5×7 field and all the upgrades, plus four embroidery hoops (including a 5×12 multi-position hoop), 20 premium thread spools, stabilizer sheets (cut-away, tear-away, water-soluble), Organ needles, precision thread clippers, and a USB drive loaded with 50,000+ ready-to-stitch embroidery designs.
The multi-position hoop is a unique asset. It allows you to stitch designs that extend beyond the normal 5×7 area by repositioning the hoop – great for long banners or larger quilts. The 20 thread spools are premium quality, and the three types of stabilizer cover the most common fabric types. The USB with 50,000 designs eliminates the need to buy or download patterns for a long time. The bundle also includes a video tutorial and a software download card for Brother’s editor tools.
The downsides are the price and availability. This kit costs a lot more than the standalone SE2000, though you’d spend that much buying the accessories separately. Stock is listed as scarce, so you may need to wait. The massive design USB is great, but the designs’ quality varies – some are simple shapes rather than professional-grade patterns. The machine itself is unchanged from the standalone SE2000, which is a strong performer.
- Four hoops: 5×12 multi-position, 5×7, 4×4, 1×2.5 pocket
- 20 premium thread spools and three stabilizer types
- USB with 50,000+ designs plus video tutorial
- Automatic jump stitch trimming and color sort
- 241 stitches, 193 built-in designs, 13 embroidery fonts
Best for: Dedicated embroiderers who want a complete workshop in a box and don’t want to source accessories separately.
How We Chose These Products
I evaluated each machine based on real-world usability, not just spec sheets. The embroidery field size is the single biggest differentiator. The SE700’s 4×4 inch hoop is fine for small projects but restrictive for anyone planning to sell items or make large gifts. The SE2000’s 5×7 field opens up far more possibilities. I also considered stitch quality, noise levels, and how each machine handles thick fabrics like denim.
Bundles were judged on whether the extras justify the price premium. A good bundle saves you from buying thread, hoops, and software separately. A bad bundle piles on cheap accessories you won’t use. I looked at thread quality, hoop variety, and whether digital design libraries are actually useful. The SE2000 kit is the best value for someone who wants everything, while the SE700 bundles are sensible for starters.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Think about what you’ll actually stitch. If your projects are mostly monograms, baby onesies, and small patches, the SE700 is plenty. If you plan to embroider tote bags, shirt backs, or large quilt blocks, you need the SE2000’s bigger hoop. Upgrading later is expensive, so it’s better to buy the size you’ll need in a year, not just today.
Don’t overlook jump stitch trimming. On smaller designs, cutting threads by hand is tedious but manageable. On multi-color projects (think a flower with ten color changes), automatic trimming saves serious time. The SE2000’s color sort feature also reduces thread swaps by grouping same-color areas. These features add real value if you do more than occasional embroidery.
Connectivity matters more than you might expect. Both machines have wireless LAN and Artspira app support, meaning no cables for design transfers. The app also lets you draw custom patterns on your phone, which is a nice creative outlet. The SE700’s lack of USB design transfer from the machine itself is a minor issue – you can still use a USB via the computer, but not directly import from the machine’s screen.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother SE2000 (standalone or bundle) is the clear winner for most people. The 5×7 inch field, jump stitch trimming, and larger stitch library make it a machine you won’t outgrow quickly. If your budget allows, the full bundle kit with the multi-position hoop and 50,000 designs is the best all-in-one package. It saves you hundreds in accessories and gives you a pro-level setup from day one.
If you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend that much, grab the SE700 Accessory Bundle. The 500 Artspira designs and 310 fonts give you plenty to experiment with, and you can always upgrade to a larger machine later. The SE700 is a reliable workhorse that handles sewing tasks well, even if its embroidery reach is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party embroidery designs on these machines?
Yes. Both the SE700 and SE2000 accept standard.pes format files. You can transfer them via USB (using a computer) or wirelessly through the Artspira app or Design Database Transfer software. Most commercial design shops sell.pes files that work without conversion.
Do I need special thread for embroidery vs. sewing?
You should use polyester embroidery thread for best results. Sewing thread can be too weak or produce excess lint. The bundles include polyester thread, so you’re good. For regular sewing, standard all-purpose thread works fine. The machines handle both.
How hard is it to change from sewing to embroidery mode?
It takes about a minute. You remove the sewing foot, snap on the embroidery arm, and attach the hoop. The machine automatically detects the mode. The touchscreen guides you through each step. After a few changes, it becomes second nature.
What stabilizer should I use for different fabrics?
For stable fabrics like cotton or denim, use tear-away stabilizer. For stretchy knits or thin silks, cut-away stabilizer prevents distortion. Water-soluble stabilizer works for free-standing lace or designs on towels. The SE2000 bundle includes all three types, which is a nice bonus. For the SE700, buy a mixed pack.