You finally decided to take your embroidery projects to the next level. Maybe you want to monogram towels, create custom patches, or stitch intricate designs on quilts. The moment you search for a machine, you run into a wall of model numbers, hoop sizes, and price tags that range from moderate to jaw-dropping. Bernina machines are legendary for precision and durability, but not every model fits every person or every project.
A great embroidery machine does more than just stitch patterns. It offers reliable thread tension, a smooth feed system, and software that doesn’t make you want to throw your laptop out the window. You also need accessories that actually work with your machine—needles, thread, oil, and hoops. Without the right supporting gear, even the best machine can feel frustrating.
This roundup covers five products that support Bernina embroidery workflows. We include the Brother SE700 combo machine for beginners who want a lower-cost entry point, the Bernette B35 as a durable mechanical companion, and essential accessories like high-quality sewing machine oil and polyester embroidery thread. Our top recommendation depends on your experience level and budget. Read on for full details.
Here is a quick comparison of the key specifications that matter most for embroidery work:
| Features | Brother SE700 | Brother SE700 Bundle | Bernette B35 | Lange & König Oil | New brothread Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Type | Sew & embroidery combo | Sew & embroidery combo | Mechanical sewing only | Accessory (oil) | Accessory (thread) |
| Hoop Size | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ + extra hoops | No embroidery hoop | N/A | N/A |
| Built-in Designs | 135 embroidery, 103 stitches | 135 embroidery, 103 stitches | 23 stitches (no embroidery) | N/A | N/A |
| Connectivity | Wireless LAN, USB, Artspira app | Same + bonus design cards | None | N/A | N/A |
| Best For | Beginners wanting embroidery | Enthusiasts needing extra hoops | Heavy-duty sewing tasks | Machine maintenance | Multi-color projects |
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 a computerized combo machine that handles both sewing and embroidery. It targets people who want to try embroidery without spending Bernina-level money. The 4″ x 4″ hoop limits design size, but that’s fine for monograms, small patches, and decorative borders on clothing or bags.
What stands out is the wireless LAN connectivity. You can send embroidery files from your PC or use the Artspira mobile app to draw patterns on your phone and transfer them directly. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen lets you preview and edit designs before stitching. That ease of use makes it a strong pick for anyone who finds Bernina’s software steep to learn.
Honest trade-off: the 4″ x 4″ field feels cramped once you outgrow small projects. You cannot embroider across the front of a T-shirt in one pass—you’ll need to re-hoop and realign. Also, the machine lacks the heavy-duty metal frame that Bernina is known for. It’s plastic-bodied and lighter, which means more vibration at higher speeds.
- Wireless LAN and USB file transfer
- 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches
- 8 included presser feet plus embroidery foot
- Free Artspira mobile app for custom pattern creation
- Drop-in bobbin with clear cover
Best for: Beginners and hobbyists who want an affordable, easy-to-use combination machine for small embroidery projects and everyday sewing.
Brother SE700 Bundle with Hoops
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 Brother SE700 machine but packaged with four embroidery hoops, 40 spools of polyester thread, and a box of accessories. If you know you will want to embroider different sizes—from tiny 1″ x 2.5″ designs to medium 4″ x 6.75″ layouts—this bundle saves you from buying hoops separately.
The thread set includes 40 colors in 500-meter spools, which covers most common shades. The bundle also throws in pre-wound bobbins, a seam ripper, scissors, and design cards with hundreds of additional patterns. That makes it a nearly complete starter kit. You only need fabric and stabilizer.
One problem: the included thread is not top-tier. Some users report more lint and occasional breakage compared to higher-end brands like Madeira or Sulky. It works fine for learning, but if you plan to sell your embroidered items, consider upgrading to a premium thread later. Also, the extra hoops are plastic—they flex under heavy tension, which can cause registration shifts on dense designs.
- Includes 2 small hoops (4″ x 4″ and 1″ x 2.5″) plus a 4″ x 6.75″ hoop
- 40 spools of polyester thread (500m each) with color chart
- Sofontsy design cards with over 500 embroidery patterns
- Full set of presser feet and cleaning tools
- Carrying case and operation manuals
Best for: Home embroiderers who want a turnkey package with multiple hoop sizes and enough thread to start dozens of projects immediately.
Lange & König Sewing Machine Oil
Lange & König
Lange & König 3.4 Oz Sewing Machine Oil Set Including 1" & 1.5" Precision Oil Applicators & 5X Specialized Deep Cleaning Brushes - Sewing Supplies, Sewing Products (Crystal Clear)
KEEPS MACHINES RUNNING SMOOTH - Crystal-clear, non-staining light oil (ISO VG-10) made from highly refined mineral oil; odorless, resists gumming; quiets hook/bobbin, shafts & bearings.
Buy on AmazonLange & König 3.4 oz sewing machine oil is a maintenance essential for any machine, including Bernina models. The bottle comes with two precision applicator tips (1″ and 1.5″) that let you place a single drop exactly where needed—around the hook race, bobbin case, and presser bar linkage.
The oil is ISO VG-10 weight, crystal clear, and odorless. It resists gumming and won’t stain light-colored fabrics if you accidentally over-oil. The kit also includes five brushes: a double-ended metal detail brush and four silicone lint brushes. You can clean out lint before oiling, which extends the life of your machine’s feed dogs and shuttle hook.
A genuine limitation: this oil works for home sewing and embroidery machines, but industrial machines (like some Bernina longarms) may require a different viscosity. Also, the bottle is small. If you oil your machine after every 8 hours of stitching, you will need to reorder within a few months. That said, the precision tips reduce waste, so you get more drops per bottle than with a standard pour-top container.
- ISO VG-10 highly refined mineral oil, non-staining
- Two pointed applicator tips for drop-by-drop control
- Double-ended detailing brush plus 4 silicone lint brushes
- Soft squeeze bottle with induction seal to prevent leaks
- Compatible with Bernina, Brother, Juki, Singer, and most home machines
Best for: Anyone who owns a Bernina or other home embroidery machine and wants a clean, mess-free way to lubricate moving parts and remove lint regularly.
Bernette B35 Sewing Machine
Bernette
Bernette B35 Sewing Machine Swiss Design with 23 Stitches, 7 Presser Feet, Automatic Buttonhole, Quilting, Heavy-Duty Build, LED Light, Portable
DURABLE MECHANICAL SEWING MACHINE: The Bernette B35 is a reliable, heavy-duty sewing machine with a sturdy build, designed for quilting, embroidery, and crafting. With manual stitch selection, threader, and winder, it allows for precise adjustments. The LED light enhances visibility, while the extension table provides extra workspace. This machine includes essential accessories like bobbins, presser feet, and a portable design for convenience.
Buy on AmazonThe Bernette B35 is a mechanical sewing machine from Bernina’s subsidiary brand. It’s not an embroidery machine—it has 23 built-in stitches, no embroidery module, and no hoop. So why is it on this list? Because serious embroidery often requires a second machine for sewing tasks: piecing quilt tops, attaching zippers, doing buttonholes, or sewing heavy fabrics that strain an embroidery machine’s feed system.
This machine is built tough. The metal frame keeps it stable at high speeds, and the 1-step automatic buttonhole works reliably even on thick layers of denim or canvas. The drop-in bobbin system is smooth, and the LED light illuminates the sewing area well. It includes 7 presser feet, an extension table, and a manual thread tension dial.
But note what it lacks: no embroidery capabilities at all. If you only want one machine for both sewing and embroidery, you will be disappointed. Also, this is a purely mechanical machine—you set stitch length and width with dials, not a screen. That means no memory, no pattern combinations, no start/stop button. It’s a workhorse, not a luxury cruiser. Ideal as a backup or dedicated sewing companion to your main embroidery machine.
- 23 built-in stitches including utility and decorative options
- Automatic 1-step buttonhole with consistent results
- Adjustable stitch length and width manually
- Heavy-duty metal frame for stability
- Includes extension table, 7 presser feet, bobbins, and foot pedal
Best for: Experienced sewers who need a durable mechanical machine for construction and finishing work while using a separate embroidery machine for decorative stitching.
New brothread 40-Color Thread Kit
New brothread
New brothread 40 Colors Compatible with Brother Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread Kit 500M (550Y) Each Spool Compatible with Brother Babylock Janome Singer Pfaff Bernina Embroidery & Sewing Machine
★ 40 SPOOLS PER KIT + COLOR CHART - 40 spools great assorted bright and beautiful colors Polyester Embroidery Machine Thread to brighten and beautify all sort of your embroidery projects. Using Color Chart to find compatible with Brother Color No. and name, Conversion Chart of Madeira is also available.
Buy on AmazonNew brothread’s 40-spool polyester embroidery thread kit covers the spectrum of colors you need for most projects. Each spool holds 500 meters (550 yards) of 40-weight thread. The color chart includes conversion numbers for Brother and Madeira, so you can match colors to popular design files.
Polyester thread offers better strength and colorfastness than rayon. It resists fading after repeated washing, making it suitable for items like uniforms, aprons, and baby blankets that get laundered often. The tensile strength reduces breakage during high-speed embroidery—a common frustration with cheap thread. The spools are wound evenly to prevent tangling on the cone.
The honest downside: this is not the finest thread on the market. Some spools produce more lint than premium brands like Floriani or Isacord, especially on dense satin stitches. You may need to clean your machine’s tension discs more frequently. Also, the kit does not come with a wood rack—you will need to buy or make something to hold the spools. But for the price per spool, it is an excellent value if you work through many colors quickly.
- 40 polyester thread spools, 500m each, 40 weight
- Color chart with Brother and Madeira conversion numbers
- Strong colorfastness for commercial laundering
- Low breakage and fraying during stitching
- Compatible with Bernina, Brother, Babylock, Janome, Singer, Pfaff
Best for: Home embroiderers and small business owners who need a broad color palette at a reasonable cost and are willing to trade a bit of lint for big savings.
How We Chose These Products
We started by identifying the real needs of Bernina embroidery machine owners. Many people buy a Bernina for its precision and longevity, then realize they also need a second machine for sewing, better thread, or proper maintenance supplies. So we selected products that fill those gaps without conflicting with Bernina’s ecosystem.
Each pick had to serve a distinct purpose: one for entry-level embroidery (Brother SE700), one for heavy-duty sewing (Bernette B35), one for lubrication (Lange & König oil), and one for thread supply (New brothread). The bundle version of the SE700 earned a spot because it removes the hassle of buying hoops separately. We also prioritized user feedback about ease of use, durability, and actual stitch quality—not just marketing claims. Pricing was considered only in the context of value, not as a primary filter.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size is the first thing to decide. A 4″ x 4″ field works for monograms and small motifs, but if you want to embroider the back of a jacket or a full quilt block, you need at least 5″ x 7″ or larger. The Brother SE700 is stuck at 4″ x 4″, which limits your growth. Most Bernina models offer larger hoops, so if you plan to expand, skip this machine and look at the Bernina 500 series or the B 790 series instead.
Thread tension and bobbin system matter more than the number of built-in designs. A machine with adjustable upper tension and an easy-access drop-in bobbin saves hours of frustration. The Brother SE700 and the Bernette B35 both use drop-in bobbins, which are simpler than front-loading bobbin cases found on older Berninas. However, Bernina’s own hook system (the 9-series) is famously smooth—something to consider if you upgrade later.
Do not underestimate the cost of accessories. A good set of hoops, stabilizers, needles, and thread can easily add a few hundred dollars to your initial setup. Buying a bundle like the Brother SE700 package can reduce that shock, but you still need to budget for ongoing supplies like bobbin thread, spray adhesive, and replacement needles. The oil and thread kit we recommend cover the basics, but you will want to buy specific stabilizer types (tear-away, cut-away, wash-away) depending on your fabric.
Our Top Recommendation
If you are just starting with embroidery and want to keep costs down, the Brother SE700 is the clear winner. It offers wireless design transfer, a decent stitch library, and a friendly touchscreen interface. The bundle with extra hoops and thread is worth the extra money because it saves you from hunting down accessories later. Pair it with the Lange & König oil to keep the machine running smoothly and the New brothread kit for color variety.
For those who already own a Bernina embroidery machine, skip the Brother and invest in the Bernette B35 as a sewing companion. It handles the tough jobs your Bernina is not designed for, like sewing through multiple layers of denim or creating buttonholes on heavy canvas. The oil and thread are universal additions. If you have a larger budget and plan to embroider full-size garments, however, none of these machines replace a genuine Bernina with a 5″ x 7″ or bigger hoop—look at the Bernina 770 QE or the B 590 model for that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate embroidery machine, or can a combo unit like the Brother SE700 do everything?
A combo machine works for small to medium projects, but the sewing side is often less powerful than a dedicated sewing machine. The Brother SE700 sews well for light to medium fabrics, but it struggles with thick materials like denim or canvas. Many embroiderers eventually buy a dedicated sewing machine for construction and use the combo only for embroidery.
Will the Lange & König oil work on my Bernina 770 QE?
Yes. The ISO VG-10 weight is suitable for most home Bernina machines, including the 770 QE, 880, and B 790 series. Apply one drop to the hook race and one drop to the bobbin case area after every 8–10 hours of stitching. Avoid over-oiling—excess oil attracts lint.
Can I use the New brothread polyester thread in my Bernina for commercial projects?
Yes, thread weight (40 wt) matches most Bernina tension settings. However, test a dense design on your fabric before production. Some users report more lint than premium brands, which may require cleaning the tension discs more often. For high-volume commercial work, consider Isacord or Floriani for lower lint.
How do I decide between the Brother SE700 and the Bernette B35 if I want both sewing and embroidery?
Choose the Brother SE700 if you need embroidery capabilities right away. The Bernette B35 cannot embroider at all. If you already own a Bernina embroidery machine, the Bernette B35 makes an excellent second machine for sewing tasks like zippers, buttonholes, and heavy fabrics. For a single machine, the SE700 offers better versatility despite its small hoop.