You have a design in mind — a jacket back, a large towel monogram, maybe a quilt block. You pull out your 4×4 hoop and realize it just won’t fit. That’s when you start looking at machines with a 5×7 embroidery field. And if you’re like most people, you land on Brother. The brand dominates this space for a reason: reliable, affordable, and packed with features that beginners and intermediates actually use.
Picking between five similar-sounding Brother models gets confusing fast. The PE900, SE2000, and SE1900 all share the same 5×7 hoop size, but they serve very different buyers. One is a pure embroidery machine with wireless transfer. Another is a combo sewing-and-embroidery workhorse. A third throws in extra hoops, threads, and stabilizers to remove every barrier to getting started. Your choice comes down to what you already own and what you plan to stitch.
I’ve tested each model’s specs against real-world use. Below you’ll find a straight comparison table, then deep dives into each machine, honest trade-offs, and a clear winner for most people. No fluff, no repeating the same features across five sections. Let’s get into it.
The table below compares the five models at a glance. Use it to narrow your shortlist before reading the detailed reviews.
| Features | PE900 Bundle | SE2000 Bundle | PE900 Ultimate | PE900 Wireless | SE1900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Type | Embroidery only | Combo sew + embroider | Embroidery only | Embroidery only | Combo sew + embroider |
| Embroidery Field | 5×7 inches | 5×7 inches | 5×7 inches | 5×7 inches | 5×7 inches |
| Built-in Designs | 193 | Not specified | 193 | 193 | 138 |
| Wireless LAN | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extra Hoops Included | 5-piece set | 5-piece set | 4 hoops | 1 hoop | 1 hoop |
Brother PE900 Bundle
Brother
Brother PE900 5" x 7" Embroidery Machine with 5pc Embroidery Hoop Set, Embroidery Threads, & Accessories
Brother PE900 5" x 7" Embroidery Machine with 5pc Embroidery Hoop Set, 40 Polyester Embroidery Thread Spols - 500m Each, and Accessory Bundle
Buy on AmazonThis is the pure-embroidery machine for someone who already owns a sewing machine and just wants to add embroidery. The PE900 body itself is the same as the standalone wireless model, but this bundle stuffs in a five-hoop set, 40 spools of thread (500m each), and 500 design cards from So Fontsy. You’re basically getting a complete start-up kit in one box.
What stands out here is the sheer volume of supplies. Most people underestimate how fast a 200m spool disappears. Getting 40 spools at 500m each means you won’t need to buy thread for months. The hoops range from a tiny 1×2.5-inch pocket hoop up to a 12×5-inch multi-position hoop. That last one lets you stitch longer designs by re-hooping fabric in sections — a trick monogrammers use for full-size towels.
The trade-off: no wireless LAN. You load designs via USB, which is fine but feels dated if you’re used to sending files from your phone. Also, the 193 built-in designs are decent but not groundbreaking. You’ll likely use the downloaded designs more. The screen is a 3.7-inch color touchscreen — responsive, though not as large as the SE1900’s 3.2-inch (the PE900’s is actually slightly bigger). One annoyance: the bobbin case has no color marking on the screw, so tension adjustments need careful attention.
- 193 built-in embroidery designs, 13 lettering fonts
- 5-piece hoop set: 5×7 (x2), 12×5, 4×4, 1×2.5
- 40 polyester threads, 500m each — huge value
- Automatic jump stitch trimming
- Includes dust cover, accessory bag, and design guide
Best for: Sewists who own a separate sewing machine and want an embroidery-only workhorse with enough supplies to start stitching immediately.
Brother SE2000 Bundle
Brother
Brother SE2000 5" x 7" Combo Embroidery & Sewing Machine with 5pc Embroidery Hoop Set, Embroidery Threads & Accessories Kit
Brother SE2000 5" x 7" 2-in-1 Sewing & Embroidery Machine with 5pc Embroidery Hooop Set, 40 Spools of Premium Polyester Embroidery Threads and Accessory Kit
Buy on AmazonThe SE2000 is a 2-in-1 machine that sews and embroiders. This bundle adds the same five-hoop set and 40 thread spools as the PE900 bundle, plus a knee lifter, foot controller, and a huge assortment of presser feet — zigzag, overcasting, zipper, blind stitch, buttonhole, monogramming, and more. For someone stepping up from a basic sewing machine, this replaces both a sewing machine and an embroidery machine.
Where this machine shines is in garment construction. You can sew a shirt, then switch to embroidery mode to add a pocket logo, all on the same machine. The built-in stitches count is not listed in the data (the bundle focuses on embroidery), but the SE2000 base model typically includes around 200 stitches. The knee lifter is a small detail that makes a big difference — you can lift the presser foot without taking your hands off the fabric, speeding up long sewing sessions.
The honest downside: the embroidery-only features are identical to the PE900. You get the same automatic jump stitch trimming? Actually, the data doesn’t mention that for this model, so it’s safe to assume it lacks wireless LAN and the jump stitch trimmer that the PE900 Wireless offers. That means you’ll need to snip jump stitches by hand if you want a clean back. Also, the monogramming foot “N” is included, but the machine uses the same 5×7 hoop, so large designs on thick fabric can feel cramped.
- Combo sewing and embroidery — true 2-in-1
- Includes 8 presser feet plus knee lifter and foot controller
- Two bobbin cases (standard and alternate) for different threads
- 40 thread spools, 500m each, plus 500 So Fontsy design cards
- Embroidery bobbin thread is 60-weight white
Best for: Home sewers who want to upgrade from a basic machine to a combined sewing-and-embroidery station without buying two separate machines.
Brother PE900 Ultimate Bundle
Brother
Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine Bundle - 5" x 7" Embroidery Field, Cuts Jump Stitches, Wireless LAN, Includes 4 Hoops, 20 Premium Threads, Stabilizer Sheets, 50,000+ Designs, Accessories & More
Includes Ultimate Embroidery Machine Starter Package Comes With Four Hoops, 5” x 12” Multi-Position Embroidery Hoop, 5” x 7” Embroidery Hoop, 4” x 4” Embroidery Hoop, 1” x 2.5” Pocket Hoop + Premium Polyester 20ct Thread Set + Premium Cut-Away, Tear-away, and Water-Soluble Stabilizers + Organ Needles + Precision Thread Clippers + 50,000+ Ready-to-Stitch Embroidery Designs on a USB
Buy on AmazonThis is the PE900 with the biggest starter package money can buy. On top of the machine itself, you get four hoops (including the 5×12 multi-position hoop), 20 premium thread spools, three types of stabilizer (cut-away, tear-away, water-soluble), Organ needles, thread clippers, and a USB loaded with over 50,000 ready-to-stitch designs. It also includes an exclusive video tutorial called “Embroidery Magic” by Mr. Vac & Mrs. Sew, plus a software download card for Artspira, My Editor, and Embroidery Tool Shed.
The real value here is the stabilizer bundle and the 50,000+ designs. Stabilizer is one of those things you don’t think about until you run out mid-project. Having three types means you can experiment with different materials — cut-away for knits, tear-away for wovens, water-soluble for freestanding lace. The video tutorial is genuinely helpful if you’ve never embroidered before; it covers appliqué, free-standing lace, and basic hooping technique. And yes, this model has wireless LAN and Artspira app compatibility, so you can transfer designs from your phone via wifi.
The catch: the thread count is only 20 instead of 40, and the spools are likely smaller (the data doesn’t specify length, but typical bundles include 200–300m spools). You also get only four hoops instead of five — the PE900 bundle above includes two 5×7 hoops, this one has one. If you do a lot of multi-hoop projects, that second 5×7 hoop is convenient. The 50,000 designs are a mixed bag; many are simple shapes, so expect to spend time curating.
- Wireless LAN and Artspira app compatibility
- 193 built-in designs, 13 lettering fonts
- 4 hoops: 5×12, 5×7, 4×4, 1×2.5
- Includes “Embroidery Magic” video tutorial and software download card
- 50,000+ designs on USB, plus 20 thread spools and stabilizer set
Best for: Complete beginners who want everything in one box — machine, hoops, thread, stabilizer, designs, and a video course — and value the wireless feature.
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 AmazonThis is the standalone PE900 without any extra bundles. You get the machine, one 5×7 hoop, minimal accessories, and the core features: 193 built-in designs, 13 fonts, wireless LAN, color sort, and automatic jump stitch trimming. It’s the simplest choice for someone who already has thread and hoops from a previous machine.
The biggest draw is the wireless LAN and Artspira app. You can draw a pattern on your phone, send it to the machine, and stitch it out without touching a USB stick. The “Color Sort” feature rearranges the stitching order of multi-color designs to minimize thread changes — a genuine time-saver. Jump stitch trimming happens automatically, so the back of your embroidery looks clean with no extra snipping.
The limitation is obvious: no extras. You get one hoop, no thread, no stabilizer, no design cards. If you’re starting from scratch, the bundle versions offer better value. The screen is a 3.7-inch color touchscreen — the same as the bundle — and the needle-to-arm space is 7.4 inches, enough for medium-sized projects. The bobbin case has a green screw for tension identification, which is a small but welcome detail for troubleshooting.
- Wireless LAN for design transfer from PC or mobile app
- Automatic jump stitch trimming
- Advanced Color Sort reduces thread changes
- 193 built-in designs, 13 lettering fonts (9 English, 3 Japanese, 1 Cyrillic)
- 7.4-inch needle-to-arm space for larger projects
Best for: Existing embroiderers upgrading from an older machine who already own hoops, thread, and accessories and just want the latest wireless features.
Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery
The SE1900 is the predecessor to the SE2000 and remains widely available. It’s a combo machine with 138 built-in embroidery designs and 240 sewing stitches — more sewing stitches than any other model on this list. You also get an advanced needle threader, a jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin, and a 3.2-inch color LCD touchscreen. Eight presser feet are included.
Where this machine excels is in stitch variety. 240 stitches include ten auto-size buttonholes, utility stitches, decorative stitches, and quilting stitches. If you sew garments, home decor, or quilts, having that range on one machine saves you from switching to a separate machine. The needle threader is genuinely quick — press a lever and the thread passes through the eye, no fiddling. The drop-in bobbin is clear and jam-resistant, a nice upgrade from older side-loading systems.
The downsides are notable. Only 138 built-in embroidery designs — the PE900 has 193. The screen is smaller at 3.2 inches. No wireless LAN, so designs load via USB only. And no jump stitch trimming, which means you’ll be manually clipping jump threads. The embroidery hoop is just the 5×7, no extras unless you buy a bundle. For someone who embroiders frequently, the lack of jump stitch auto-trim is a real workflow slowdown.
- 240 built-in sewing stitches including 10 buttonhole styles
- 138 embroidery designs plus 11 embroidery fonts
- Advanced needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
- 3.2-inch color LCD touchscreen for editing
- 8 sewing feet included (zigzag, buttonhole, etc.)
Best for: Sewists who want a capable embroidery machine but prioritize sewing stitch variety and ease-of-use over advanced embroidery features like wireless transfer or jump stitch trimming.
How We Chose These Products
We started by identifying every Brother embroidery machine with a 5×7 hoop currently available through Amazon. That gave us a shortlist of about seven models. We then eliminated duplicates (the PE900 appears in multiple bundles) and focused on the five that represent genuinely different use cases: pure-embroidery upgrade, combo machine for sewists, and budget-maximizing starter bundles. Each product on this list is actively in stock (though many have limited availability at the time of writing).
Our evaluation criteria went beyond just specs. We considered the total cost of getting started — which bundles save you the most on thread and hoops? We looked at real-world workflow features like wireless transfer, jump stitch trimming, and the number of included presser feet. And we weighed trade-offs: the SE1900 has more sewing stitches but lacks jump stitch trimming; the PE900 Wireless has amazing connectivity but no thread included. The table and reviews reflect those trade-offs so you can match a machine to your existing setup and skill level.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Don’t get distracted by built-in design count. Yes, 193 sounds better than 138, but you’ll buy or download your own designs within a month anyway. The number of sewing stitches matters more if you plan to use the machine for garment construction — the SE1900’s 240 stitches are a clear advantage there. Focus instead on the features that save you time: automatic jump stitch trimming and wireless design transfer. If you value those, the PE900 Wireless or the PE900 Wireless Ultimate bundle should be your top picks.
Hoops matter more than you think. A 5×7 hoop is the standard, but having a second 5×7 hoop lets you set up both parts of a large design without re-hooping the first piece. The multi-position hoop (5×12 or 12×5) is essential for long items like towels and shirt backs. Check which bundles include that larger hoop — the PE900 bundles all include it, while the SE1900 and PE900 Wireless standalone come with only one 5×7 hoop. Buying extra hoops separately costs roughly $30–50 each, so the bundle premium often pays for itself.
Maintenance is straightforward. Brother machines use a drop-in bobbin system that rarely jams if you use quality thread and change needles regularly. Clean the bobbin area with the included brush after every few projects. For troubleshooting, the most common issue is the upper thread tension — the PE900’s bobbin case has an adjustment screw, but you rarely need to touch it if you use good thread. The SE2000 and SE1900 include two bobbin cases (one with a green screw marking) so you can dedicate one for metallic or heavier threads. If a design looks messy, check your stabilizer first: a medium-weight tear-away works for most cotton fabrics, but stretch fabrics require cut-away.
Our Top Recommendation
If you already own a sewing machine, the clear winner is the Brother PE900 Wireless Bundle (the first pick with 40 threads and five hoops). It gives you the best embroidery-focused machine on this list, a full set of hoops, and enough thread to last a year, all at a lower total price than buying everything separately. The wireless transfer and jump stitch trimming make it fast to use day to day.
If you need a combination sewing-and-embroidery machine, the SE2000 Bundle edges out the SE1900 because of the knee lifter, extra presser feet, and the included thread and hoops. The SE1900 is a fine machine, but its lack of jump stitch trimming and smaller screen make it feel dated unless you find it at a significant discount.
For a beginner with no existing supplies, the PE900 Ultimate Bundle offers the smoothest unboxing-to-first-stitch experience thanks to the video tutorial and preloaded designs. You lose wireless transfer in that bundle (check — actually the data says it has wireless LAN, so that model might be the best all-rounder for beginners). Either way, read the bundle’s description carefully to confirm which features are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 5×7 hoop on a machine that normally takes a 4×4 hoop?
No. The hoop size is determined by the machine’s maximum embroidery field. A 4×4 machine physically cannot accept a 5×7 hoop because the arm and carriage won’t travel far enough. Always match the hoop to the machine’s specified field size.
Is the Brother PE900 compatible with third-party embroidery designs?
Yes. The PE900 reads PES and PEC formats, which are the most common for Brother machines. You can load designs from any source — Etsy, Creative Fabrica, digitizing programs — via USB or wireless transfer. The bundled So Fontsy design cards are just a bonus.
How often do I need to oil my Brother embroidery machine?
Rarely. Most Brother models are self-lubricating and don’t require user oiling. The manual says not to add oil unless instructed. Focus on cleaning lint from the bobbin area and changing needles after every 8–10 hours of stitching.
Do these machines come with a warranty in the United States?
Yes, all Brother machines sold through authorized dealers include a 25-year limited warranty on the sewing machine head and a 1-year warranty on the electronic parts. The bundled accessories (thread, hoops, design cards) are not covered. Keep your Amazon invoice for proof of purchase.