You have spent an hour digitizing a design, only to realize it doesn’t fit inside the 4″ x 4″ hoop. Now you have to split the design into four separate hoops, line up the registration marks, and pray the seams match. That frustration is exactly why a larger embroidery hoop matters. Whether you want to stitch a full chest logo on a jacket, a decorative pillow front, or a monogram across a bath towel, the size of your embroidery field dictates what you can actually make.
A great combination machine for large projects needs a hoop that measures 5″ x 7″ or bigger, enough built-in designs to keep you busy, and reliable stitching at speed. It should transfer designs easily — either via USB or wireless — and offer a touchscreen that lets you edit on the fly. The best options also bundle extra hoops, thread, and stabilizers so you can start working right away without hunting for accessories.
These five picks cover the range. The Brother PE900 and SE2000 are the real large-hoop stars: the PE900 focuses purely on embroidery while the SE2000 adds full sewing capabilities. The two SE700 variants offer smaller 4″ x 4″ fields but are ideal if you want to start with smaller projects and upgrade hoops later. The Sew Tech hoop set is a budget-friendly way to add a 4″ x 6.75″ hoop to a compatible Brother machine. Below you will find a side-by-side spec comparison and deep reviews of each option.
Here is a quick look at the key specs that separate these machines.
| Features | SE700 Combo | SE700 Standard | PE900 | SE2000 Bundle | Sew Tech Hoops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Hoop Size | 4″ x 6.75″ | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ & 12″ x 5″ | 5″ x 12″ multi-position | 4″ x 6.75″ |
| Embroidery Field | 4″ x 4″ main | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ | 5″ x 7″ | N/A (hoop only) |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 | 0 (bundle has 500 cards) | 193 | 0 |
| Sewing Stitches | 103 | 103 | 0 | 241 | 0 |
| Wireless LAN | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
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 is the all-in-one starter kit for someone who wants to try both sewing and embroidery without buying separate machines. The package includes four hoops (the largest being 4″ x 6.75″), 40 spools of polyester thread, and a full set of presser feet. It comes with 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches. The 4″ x 4″ embroidery field is the working area for most designs, but the included 4″ x 6.75″ hoop lets you stitch designs that are taller than they are wide.
The real value here is the bundled accessories. You get enough thread for dozens of projects, and the extra hoops mean you can keep several fabrics pre-hooped and ready to go. The Artspira app compatibility (through a separate download) allows you to create custom patterns on your phone and transfer them via USB. For a beginner who wants to discover whether embroidery is a long-term hobby, this bundle removes the need to buy anything else for the first year.
The trade-off is the limited hoop size. The 4″ x 6.75″ hoop is not large enough for adult clothing chest logos or oversized towels. If you plan to embroider shirts for a sports team or large wall hangings, this machine will force you to split designs. The wireless LAN feature is missing from this bundle — you must use a USB cable to transfer files. Also, the touchscreen is not present on the SE700 models; they use a small LCD screen with basic editing.
- Comes with two 4″ x 4″ hoops, one 4″ x 6.75″ hoop, and one 1″ x 2.5″ pocket hoop
- Includes 40 polyester thread spools (500m each) and 500 design cards from So Fontsy
- 103 sewing stitches plus a one-step buttonhole
- Bundled feet: zigzag, monogramming, overcasting, zipper, blind stitch, button fitting, buttonhole, embroidery
- Requires USB transfer — no wireless
Best for: A newcomer who wants a complete sewing and embroidery starter kit with enough thread and hoops to avoid extra purchases.
Brother SE700 Sewing
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 AmazonThis is the standard version of the SE700 without the accessory bundle. What it gains is wireless LAN connectivity. You can send embroidery files from your computer or phone directly to the machine, skip the USB shuffle. The sewing and embroidery capabilities are identical to the combo bundle: 4″ x 4″ hoop, 135 designs, 103 stitches. It ships with eight sewing feet and a 3.7″ LCD color touchscreen, which the combo bundle also includes? Actually the combo bundle data does not mention touchscreen, but the standard SE700 data says “3.7” Touchscreen Display”. That is a key difference — check the product data: the combo bundle does not list a touchscreen, while the standard model explicitly states a 3.7-inch touchscreen. So the standard SE700 has a better user interface.
The touchscreen makes a real difference. Previewing designs, rotating them, and adjusting the stitching density is far easier on a color screen than on a basic LCD. The wireless transfer through the Design Database Transfer software also works smoothly. If you already have a stash of embroidery thread and hoops, buying the stand-alone SE700 saves money while giving you a nicer display and wireless convenience.
The limitation remains the 4″ x 4″ embroidery field. This machine is not for large projects. The touchscreen is bright and responsive, but the editing options are basic — you cannot delete individual stitches or merge designs on the machine. For serious digitizing, you will still need a computer. And the presser feet included are the same standard set, so you may need to buy specialized feet later for free-motion quilting or piping.
- Wireless LAN for direct file transfer from PC or mobile
- 3.7-inch color LCD touchscreen with on-screen editing
- Includes 135 embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches
- Single 4″ x 4″ embroidery hoop in the box
- Also compatible with Artspira mobile app
Best for: A sewist who already owns basic accessories and wants a touchscreen combo machine with wireless convenience for small-to-medium projects.
Brother PE900 Embroidery
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 a dedicated embroidery machine — no sewing functions. What it lacks in versatility it makes up for in hoop size. The bundle includes a 5″ x 7″ hoop, a 12″ x 5″ hoop, a 4″ x 4″ hoop, and a 1″ x 2.5″ pocket hoop. That 12″ x 5″ hoop is the largest in this roundup. It lets you embroider long banners, towel borders, or quilt labels in a single pass. The machine itself has no built-in designs, but the bundle includes 40 polyester thread spools (500m each) and 500 design cards from So Fontsy, each good for 30+ designs. That is roughly 15,000 designs total, far more than any other machine here.
The PE900 is built for speed and accuracy. It cuts jump stitches automatically, which saves time trimming threads between color changes. The large LCD display (not touchscreen) lets you rotate, resize, and mirror designs. The 5″ x 7″ hoop is the standard for mid-size monograms and appliqué, and the 12″ x 5″ hoop handles long, narrow designs perfectly. The dust cover and accessory bag keep everything organized.
The downside: no wireless. You must transfer files via USB or the included design cards. The lack of sewing means you cannot switch to a straight stitch to finish a garment after embroidering it. You will need a separate sewing machine for that. Also, the machine is heavier than the SE700 (about 25 lbs) and takes up more space. The learning curve is steeper if you have never used a dedicated embroidery machine before, though the operation manual is clear.
- Includes five hoops: two 5″ x 7″, one 12″ x 5″, one 4″ x 4″, one 1″ x 2.5″
- 40 thread spools (500m each) and 500 So Fontsy design cards
- Automatic jump stitch cutting
- LCD display (non-touch) with editing functions
- Comes with dust cover, accessory bag, and extra bobbins
Best for: A dedicated embroiderer who needs the largest hoop size (12″ x 5″) and a huge design library at a reasonable price.
Brother SE2000 Bundle
Brother
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Bundle - 5" x 7" 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 most feature-packed combo machine here. It offers a 5″ x 7″ embroidery field (same as the PE900) plus a 5″ x 12″ multi-position hoop that lets you stitch designs up to 12 inches long by rotating the fabric. It has 193 built-in embroidery designs and 241 built-in sewing stitches — more than double the SE700’s stitch count. The SE2000 also includes wireless LAN, a large color touchscreen, and a bundle of accessories: 20 premium threads, three types of stabilizer (cut-away, tear-away, water-soluble), Organ needles, and a USB with 50,000+ ready-to-stitch designs.
The standout feature is the My Custom Stitch function, which lets you create your own stitch patterns and save them in memory. The sideways sewing capability means you can sew horizontally without rotating the fabric, useful for topstitching collars or sewing long seams. The jump stitch cutting is built in, just like the PE900. The included video tutorial by Mr. Vac & Mrs. Sew is a nice bonus for learning appliqué and freestanding lace.
The trade-off is price — this is the most expensive machine in the list. The 5″ x 12″ hoop works well but requires you to re-hoop the fabric for the second half of the design (it uses a multi-position system, not a single large hoop). The stabilizer pack is helpful but small; you will need to buy more after a few projects. The machine is also heavier (about 30 lbs) and the touchscreen, while large, can be slow to respond if you have many custom stitches saved.
- 5″ x 7″ hoop and 5″ x 12″ multi-position hoop included
- 193 built-in embroidery designs, 13 lettering fonts, 241 sewing stitches
- Wireless LAN and USB transfer
- My Custom Stitch feature, sideways sewing, automatic jump stitch cutting
- Includes video tutorial, 20 threads, 3 stabilizers, 50,000+ designs on USB
Best for: An experienced sewist who wants a premium combo machine with the largest embroidery field, the most built-in designs, and extensive software support.
Sew Tech 3pcs Hoops
This is not a machine but a set of three replacement hoops for Brother machines: 1″ x 2.5″, 4″ x 4″, and 4″ x 6.75″. They fit a wide range of Brother and Baby Lock models, including the SE700, PE570, Innovis series, and many LB lines. The hoops have clear markings, adjustable metal screws to clamp fabric firmly, and a blue buckle hanger so you can store them on a pegboard.
If you already own an SE700 or similar machine that came with only one 4″ x 4″ hoop, this set gives you the larger 4″ x 6.75″ hoop for wider designs. It also provides a spare 4″ x 4″ hoop so you can keep one fabric hooped while working on another. The metal screw adjustment is more durable than the plastic tabs on original Brother hoops, which can wear out over time.
The limitation: the 4″ x 6.75″ hoop is still not large enough for big projects like tote bags or adult clothing. This set does not include a 5″ x 7″ hoop. The hoops are accurate but not identical to Brother originals — sometimes the fit can be slightly tight or loose, though most users report no problems. If you need a larger embroidery field, you must invest in a new machine, not just new hoops.
- Includes 1×2.5″, 4×4″, and 4×6.75″ hoops
- Compatible with Brother SE700, PE570, Innovis, Baby Lock, and many more
- Adjustable metal screw for firm fabric clamping
- Clear measurement markings
- Comes with a blue buckle hanging organizer
Best for: Owners of compatible Brother machines who want an extra or larger hoop without buying a new machine.
How We Chose These Products
We started by identifying the most common pain point: users who outgrow the standard 4″ x 4″ hoop and need larger embroidery fields. Then we searched for Brother models that offer hoops bigger than 4″ x 4″ while still being available at major retailers. Each product was evaluated on hoop size variety, built-in design count, ease of file transfer, and value of included accessories.
We also considered the whole ecosystem: does the machine work with the Artspira app? Does it have wireless? Does it include stabilizers or extra thread? The SE2000 and PE900 stood out because they offer the largest hoops (12″ x 5″ and 5″ x 12″ respectively). The SE700 models are included for those who want a lower entry price and plan to upgrade hoops later. The Sew Tech hoops are included as a practical accessory option for existing machine owners.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size is the first decision. A 5″ x 7″ field covers most clothing logos, towel ends, and pillow fronts. A 12″ x 5″ hoop handles long borders or narrow banners. If you plan to embroider adult garments regularly, skip 4″ x 4″ machines — you will regret the constant re-hooping. For kids’ clothes, bibs, and accessories, the 4″ x 4″ is sufficient.
Built-in designs matter more than you think. The PE900 has zero but includes thousands on cards. The SE2000 has 193 directly onboard. If you hate managing physical cards, the SE2000 or SE700 with wireless transfer is better. Wireless LAN is a real convenience — it saves you from hunting for a USB cable every time you want to try a new design.
Software compatibility is often overlooked. All these machines work with Brother’s Artspira app and Design Database Transfer. The SE2000 also supports My Editor and Embroidery Tool Shed. If you plan to digitize your own artwork, ensure the machine can import PES and DST files via USB. None of these machines are compatible with Mac’s native embroidery software, so Windows users have an easier setup.
Our Top Recommendation
For the best balance of large hoop size, features, and value, the Brother PE900 takes the top spot. Its 12″ x 5″ hoop is unique in this price range, the included design cards give you thousands of options, and the automatic jump stitch cutting saves hours of hand-trimming. It lacks sewing and wireless, but if embroidery is your main interest, that is not a problem.
If you need both sewing and embroidery and want the largest possible embroidery field, the Brother SE2000 is the runner-up. It has more built-in designs, a bigger stitch library, and wireless transfer. The 5″ x 12″ multi-position hoop is flexible, though it requires re-hooping for the second half. For anyone on a tighter budget who still wants a touchscreen and wireless, the standard Brother SE700 is a solid choice despite its smaller hoop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hoop larger than 5″ x 7″ on the SE700?
The SE700 is limited to a maximum of 4″ x 6.75″. The machine’s arm and carriage cannot physically hold a larger frame. If you need bigger than that, you must upgrade to a PE900 or SE2000.
Do the So Fontsy design cards work with the SE2000?
Yes, the cards are standard PES files that can be transferred via USB. The SE2000 accepts PES format. You simply copy the files from the card to a USB drive and insert into the machine.
How do I clean the bobbin area of a Brother embroidery machine?
Remove the needle plate and bobbin case, then use the included cleaning brush to sweep away lint. Avoid canned air, which can push debris deeper. Do this after every four to six hours of stitching to prevent tension issues.
Is the 12″ x 5″ hoop on the PE900 suitable for quilt blocks?
Yes, it is excellent for long border designs or quilt labels. For standard 12″ quilt blocks, you will need to rotate the fabric or use the 5″ x 7″ hoop in sections. The 12″ x 5″ hoop is best for narrow, elongated designs.