Top Computerized Embroidery Sewing Machines – Expert Reviews

You finally have time to make that personalized tote bag for your friend, or you want to monogram a stack of kitchen towels. But your old sewing machine can only sew straight lines. Upgrading to a computerized embroidery machine feels like a big leap. Which model actually delivers without a steep learning curve?

Computerized embroidery sewing machines combine standard sewing stitches with automated embroidery. They let you import designs, resize them on a screen, and stitch them out with precision. The best ones balance stitch quality, hoop size, software features, and ease of use. Most serious home crafters start with a combo machine that does both sewing and embroidery.

This roundup covers five Brother machines that span from entry-level sewing to large-field embroidery. Two of them are full sewing-and-embroidery combos. The other three are computerized sewing machines with advanced stitch capabilities but no embroidery arm. I will explain which one suits a beginner, a quilter, or someone who wants to make 5×7 inch embroidered designs. Check current prices on Amazon before buying.

Here is how the five models compare on the specs that matter most.

Brother SE700 Sewing

1st Pick

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

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The SE700 is a sewing and embroidery combo machine with a 4×4 inch hoop and a 3.7 inch color touchscreen. It targets people who want to try embroidery without spending over a thousand dollars. You get 135 built-in designs and 103 sewing stitches, which covers monograms, decorative borders, and basic garment sewing.

The wireless LAN and free Artspira mobile app set it apart. You can draw a design on your phone or tablet and send it to the machine. No need to sit at a computer. The touchscreen lets you rotate, resize, and preview designs before stitching. That removes a lot of guesswork for a beginner.

The trade-off is the 4×4 inch hoop. It limits you to small motifs. If your dream project is a large back-of-jeans design or a quilt block, you will need to rehoop multiple times. The sewing stitches are ample for most home projects, but the machine is slower than dedicated embroidery machines. It also does not have automatic jump stitch trimming or color sort. Those features appear only on the larger SE2000.

• 4×4 inch embroidery hoop (one included)
• Wireless file transfer via Design Database Transfer software
• Artspira mobile app for custom pattern drawing
• 8 sewing feet included (zigzag, monogramming, overcasting, etc.)
• 103 built-in sewing stitches plus 135 embroidery designs

Best for: A first-time embroidery buyer who wants a combo machine with wireless convenience and does not need a large hoop.

Brother SE700 Bundle

This is the same SE700 machine but packaged with extra equipment: four additional embroidery hoops (including a 4×6.75 inch and a 1×2.5 inch), 40 spools of polyester thread, and a set of accessories like scissors, bobbins, and a seam ripper. It also includes a design card with SVG/JPG files for commercial use.

The bundle solves a practical headache. Buying hoops and thread separately adds cost and hassle. The 4×6.75 inch hoop lets you stitch longer designs (like a row of text across a towel) without rehooping. The thread set covers 40 colors, so you can start multi-color projects immediately.

The downside is that the machine itself is still the SE700. You get the same 4×4 inch primary hoop limitation for larger single motifs. The extra hoops are useful for linear designs but do not expand the embroidery field beyond 4 inches in height. Also, the thread quality is decent but not top-tier; some users report more lint from the included polyester spools compared to premium brands like Madeira.

• Comes with 2 additional hoops (4×6.75 in and 1×2.5 in)
• 40 polyester thread spools (500 m each)
• Design card with 30+ design files (commercial use)
• All standard SE700 accessories plus extra bobbins and tools
• Artspira app and wireless transfer still included

Best for: A beginner who wants a hassle-free kit with hoops and thread, and plans to stitch linear designs on towels or pillows.

Brother SE2000 Machine

The SE2000 is the step-up combo machine with a 5×7 inch embroidery field, 190 built-in designs plus 50 downloadable via Artspira, and 241 sewing stitches. It also adds two professional-grade features: Advanced Color Sort and automatic jump stitch trimming.

Color Sort reorders the stitching sequence to minimize needle changes. For a three-color design, it might stitch all red elements first, then blue, then yellow, even if the original file jumps around. This saves time. Jump stitch trimming cuts the loose threads between elements automatically, reducing manual cleanup. These features matter if you plan to sew multiple embroideries in one session.

The 5×7 inch hoop fits standard quilt blocks and most shirt backs. You can stitch a full name in a single hoop without realignment. The trade-off is price – the SE2000 costs roughly double the SE700. It is also heavier and takes up more desk space. Beginners who only need small monograms might find the SE2000 overkill.

• 5×7 inch embroidery field with large hoop
• 190 built-in designs + 50 more from Artspira
• 241 sewing stitches including utility, decorative, and heirloom
• Advanced Color Sort and automatic jump stitch trimming
• Wireless LAN, USB port, and full Artspira support

Best for: A crafter who regularly embroiders items larger than a 4×4 hoop and values time-saving automation features.

Brother XR9550 Quilting

4th Pick

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

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The XR9550 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine with 165 stitches and an automatic needle threader. It does not have any embroidery capability. No hoop, no design screen, no embroidery arm. It is included here for sewists who want a strong stitch selection but do not need embroidery.

What stands out is the 165 stitches, including 8 styles of one-step buttonholes and 55 alphanumeric stitches. The wide table and hard cover case are helpful for quilting. The LCD screen lets you select stitches easily. The drop-in top bobbin is jam-resistant and simple to load.

The limitation is obvious: no embroidery. If you later decide you want to monogram or stitch out a logo, this machine cannot do it. You would need to buy a separate embroidery machine or upgrade. Also, the 165 stitches are great for quilting and garment sewing, but they are all standard sewing stitches – no built-in embroidery patterns at all.

• 165 built-in stitches (utility, decorative, heirloom, buttonholes)
• Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
• Included wide table and hard cover case
• LCD display with stitch selection
• 8 sewing feet included

Best for: A quilter or garment sewer who wants a wide stitch library and does not need embroidery functions.

Brother CS5055 Sewing

The CS5055 is an entry-level computerized sewing machine with 60 stitches and a metal frame. It is the most affordable option here. It has no embroidery capability, no LCD touchscreen, and no USB connectivity.

It does have an improved automatic needle threader that is more reliable than older models. The fixed needle bar helps maintain consistent stitch quality. The metal frame gives it stability for everyday sewing tasks like hemming, mending, or light garment construction.

The biggest drawback is the limited stitch count – 60 stitches may feel restrictive if you want decorative borders or multiple buttonhole styles (it has 7 types). The needle-to-arm space is larger than some budget machines, but still tight for bulky quilts. There is no embroidery function, so you cannot use it for any monogramming.

• 60 built-in stitches including 7 one-step buttonholes
• Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
• Metal frame and fixed needle bar for durability
• 7 sewing feet included
• Larger needle-to-arm workspace for its class

Best for: A beginner on a tight budget who only needs basic sewing stitches and values a sturdy machine.

How We Chose These Products

I focused on Brother machines because Brother dominates the home embroidery market. Their models share similar interfaces and accessory compatibility. That makes comparing them straightforward. I selected machines that cover different price points and feature sets – from the basic CS5055 to the larger SE2000.

I evaluated each machine based on what a real buyer would care about: hoop size, number of built-in designs, sewing stitch variety, connectivity options, and ease of use. I also considered whether the machine has features that save time (like automatic thread trimming or color sort). The XR9550 and CS5055 are included for readers who may not need embroidery but want a good computerized sewing machine.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Start by deciding whether you need embroidery at all. If you only sew garments or quilts, a machine like the XR9550 gives you far more stitches for less money. But if you want to monogram towels or stitch out small logos, get a combo machine.

Hoop size is the next big factor. A 4×4 inch hoop fits most small projects but forces you to rehoop for larger designs. A 5×7 inch hoop costs more but handles standard sizes without frustration. For most home decor and apparel, 5×7 is the sweet spot.

Connectivity matters if you plan to use custom designs. Machines with Wi-Fi or USB let you transfer files from a computer or phone. Machines without connectivity require you to buy design cards or use only built-in patterns. Wireless models also support mobile apps for drawing on the go.

Finally, consider automation features. Jump stitch trimming and color sort are time-savers, not luxuries. If you will stitch multiple embroidery projects in a row, those features cut your active time by half. Beginners can skip them initially but may want them later.

Our Top Recommendation

The Brother SE2000 is the best overall for most people. Its 5×7 inch hoop handles the widest range of projects, and the Color Sort and jump stitch trimming save real time. The 241 sewing stitches cover nearly every home sewing need. It is more expensive, but the price difference pays for itself in fewer frustrations.

If your budget is tighter and you only need small embroidery, the standard SE700 is an excellent starter. Pair it with the Artspira app for wireless design transfer. For sewists without embroidery needs, the XR9550 gives you a huge stitch library and quilting accessories at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import my own designs into the SE700 or SE2000?

Yes. Both machines accept.pes and.dst files. You can transfer them via USB drive or wirelessly using the Design Database Transfer software on a PC. The Artspira app also lets you draw a design and send it directly.

Do I need a computer to use the Artspira app?

No. The app runs on an iOS or Android tablet or phone. You draw or select a pattern in the app, then push it to the machine over Wi-Fi. No computer required for basic designs.

Can the XR9550 do monograms?

No. The XR9550 is a sewing and quilting machine only. It has no embroidery arm, no hoop, and no built-in monogramming function. It can sew alphanumeric stitches for labeling, but not in an embroidery format.

What maintenance does a computerized embroidery machine need?

Clean the bobbin area after every three to four hours of use. Use the included brush to remove lint. Oil the hook race only as directed in the manual (usually every 8-10 hours of sewing). Avoid compressed air, which can push debris deeper. Cover the machine when not in use.