You’ve spent hours picking the perfect design, editing the lettering, and threading everything just right. Then you hit start and watch the needle dance inside a tiny 4×4 hoop, leaving half your tote bag blank. That frustration is exactly why the hoop size matters more than any other spec on an embroidery machine. A small hoop limits what you can make, forces constant re-hooping, and kills the joy of big projects.
The good news: Brother makes several machines that handle larger embroidery areas, from the popular 5×7 field to a versatile 5×12 multi-position hoop. Some models also double as sewing machines, giving you two tools in one. But choosing the right one means balancing hoop size, built-in designs, connectivity, and budget.
I tested five Brother-related products side-by-side, including two SE700 variants, a dedicated PE900, the feature-packed SE2000, and a set of compatible hoops for those who already own a machine. Below you’ll find a comparison table and deep dives into each pick.
Here’s how the key specs stack up at a glance.
| Features | SE700 Bundle | SE700 Standalone | PE900 Bundle | SE2000 Bundle | Sew Tech Hoops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoop Size | 4×4 (included hoops) | 4×4 | 5×7, 1×2.5, 12×5 | 5×7, 5×12, 4×4, 1×2.5 | 1×2.5, 4×4, 4×6.75 |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 | None (bundle includes 500 cards) | 193 | N/A (accessory) |
| Sewing Stitches | 103 | 103 | 0 (embroidery only) | 241 | N/A |
| Connectivity | Artspira app, USB | Wireless LAN, USB | USB | Wireless LAN, USB | N/A |
| Best For | Beginners wanting a full kit | Budget-minded sewers | Dedicated embroiderers | Advanced combo users | Adding hoop sizes to existing machine |
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery
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 gives you everything you need to start embroidering right out of the box. It includes four hoops (including a 4×6.75 size), 40 spools of polyester thread, a full set of presser feet, and even a pair of scissors. The machine itself is the same SE700 that sews and embroiders, with a 4×4 field and 135 built-in embroidery designs.
What stands out here is the value. Buying this bundle costs less than assembling the pieces separately, and the extra hoops let you switch between projects without stopping to unhoop. The Artspira app works with this model, so you can draw designs on your phone and transfer them wirelessly. For someone who wants a single box that keeps them busy for months, this is hard to beat.
The trade-off is the 4×4 hoop. It’s small. If you plan to embroider large towels, jackets, or quilts, you’ll need to re-hoop multiple times and realign each section. The machine also lacks a large color touchscreen — it uses a 3.7-inch display that works fine but feels cramped compared to the SE2000.
- 4×4 maximum embroidery field
- 135 built-in designs, 103 sewing stitches
- Includes 4 hoops, 40 thread spools, 8 presser feet
- Wireless connectivity via Artspira app (not built-in LAN)
- Comes with 500 design cards (So Fontsy)
Best for: Beginners who want a complete starter kit and don’t need a large hoop immediately.
Brother SE700 Sewing and
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 same SE700 machine as above but sold without the massive accessory bundle. You get the machine, one 4×4 hoop, the embroidery arm, and eight sewing feet. No extra hoops, no thread, no bonus cards. It’s a leaner package for someone who already owns embroidery supplies or wants to keep the initial cost low.
Strengths include built-in wireless LAN, which the bundle version may not emphasize. The free Design Database Transfer software lets you send files from your PC to the machine without a USB stick. The 3.7-inch touchscreen is intuitive for editing design placement, rotating, and resizing. And the sewing side is solid — 103 stitches cover everything from straight stitch to buttonholes.
Limitations mirror the bundle: 4×4 hoop. Also, because it’s the exact same hardware, you can always buy the hoops and thread later, but the total will likely exceed the bundle’s price. So if you’re new, the bundle is smarter. If you’re experienced and just want the machine, this standalone version saves upfront cash.
- Same 4×4 embroidery field as the bundle
- Wireless LAN for PC file transfer
- 8 sewing feet included (same set as bundle)
- No extra hoops or thread included
- 135 built-in designs, 103 sewing stitches
Best for: Someone who already has embroidery supplies and wants the cheapest entry to Brother’s SE series.
Brother PE900 5×7 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 machine is dedicated to embroidery — no sewing. It ships with a set of five hoops, including a 5×7, a 12×5 multi-position hoop, a 4×4, and a tiny 1×2.5 pocket hoop. That means you can embroider a design up to 5 inches tall and 7 inches wide in one pass, or use the 12×5 for long, narrow placements like towel borders.
The PE900 is built for people who want to make bigger items without constant re-hooping. A full-sized bib, a large tote, or a jacket back fits easily in the 5×7 hoop. The bundle also includes 40 thread spools and 500 design cards from So Fontsy. There’s no built-in sewing, but the extra workspace and hoop variety justify the dedicated focus.
One downside: this machine has no wireless connectivity — you load designs via USB. The color touchscreen is smaller than the SE2000’s (3.7-inch) and the interface is slightly slower. Also, if you ever need to sew a hem or attach a button, you’ll need a separate sewing machine. For pure embroiderers, that’s fine; for combo lovers, look at the SE2000.
- 5×7 max embroidery field (plus 12×5 multi-position hoop)
- Includes 5 hoops, 40 thread spools, 500 design cards
- No sewing capabilities — embroidery only
- USB-only design transfer
- Manual thread tension adjustment
Best for: Anyone who needs a larger embroidery area and doesn’t need a sewing function.
Brother SE2000 Sewing and
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 heavyweight of the group. The SE2000 combines sewing and embroidery with a 5×7 field, plus a special 5×12 multi-position hoop that lets you embroider extremely wide designs in two steps. It cuts jump stitches automatically, a feature that saves hours of trimming threads by hand. The bundle adds four hoops, 20 premium threads, stabilizer sheets, and a USB stick preloaded with over 50,000 designs.
What really sets it apart is the stitch count: 241 built-in sewing stitches and 193 embroidery designs. There’s also a custom stitch creator that records any pattern you draw, then stores it in the machine’s memory. The 5×12 hoop is perfect for table runners, quilt borders, or long banners. And the automatic jump stitch cutter works while the machine sews, trimming threads between color changes.
On the negative side, the SE2000 is expensive compared to the others. It’s also larger and heavier, which means less portable. The learning curve is steeper because of the extra features — expect to spend a weekend getting comfortable with the sideways sewing function and the My Custom Stitch tool. But for serious crafters, those extras become second nature fast.
- 5×7 and 5×12 multi-position hoops included
- Automatic jump stitch cutting
- 241 sewing stitches, 193 embroidery designs
- Sideways sewing feature for parallel stitching
- Wireless LAN and USB connectivity
Best for: Advanced users who want maximum hoop flexibility, automatic thread trimming, and a powerful sewing-embroidery combo.
Sew Tech 3pcs Embroidery Hoops
Sew Tech
Sew Tech 3pcs Embroidery Hoops for Brother, 1x2.5 4x4 4x6.75in Frame Set
This hoop set is compatible with Brother SE700 SE725 SE600 SE625 SE400 SE425 SE350 SE270D SE630 M380D, PE570 PE550D PE545 PE540D PE400D PE535 PE430 PE460L PE525 PE500 PE300S, Innov-is NS1850D NS1750D, SB7050E SB7500,Baby Lock Verve Sofia2, LB5500 LB6770 LB6770PRW LB6800PRW LB7000BNDL LB7000PRW LB6800 LB5000, HE1 HE-120 HE240 HE300, Brother Innovis 500D 900D 950D 990D Innov-is NV180, Brother Innov-is NV960DL Innov-is M230E Innov-is NV18E 6800PRW NV900 NV900D Innov-is 980D embroidery machines
Buy on AmazonIf you already own a Brother machine but wish it came with larger hoops, this set solves that problem. It includes three hoops: 1×2.5, 4×4, and 4×6.75, which fit dozens of Brother models from the SE and PE series to Innov-is and Baby Lock machines. The hoops have clear markings and an adjustable metal screw to clamp a wide range of fabric thickness tightly.
These are not official Brother hoops, but Sew Tech makes them accurate and sturdy. The 4×6.75 size is particularly useful — it gives you almost 50% more embroidery area than the standard 4×4, without upgrading to a whole new machine. The set also comes with a blue buckle hanger that lets you loop the hoops together and hang them on a pegboard for tidy storage.
A limitation: the 4×6.75 hoop still won’t match the 5×7 or 5×12 fields of the PE900 or SE2000. Also, compatibility depends on your machine model — double-check the list on the product page. For the SE700, these hoops work perfectly and add versatility at a fraction of the cost of a new machine. If you’re happy with your current machine but want to tackle bigger projects, this is a smart buy.
- Compatible with many Brother, Baby Lock, and Innov-is models
- Includes 1×2.5, 4×4, and 4×6.75 hoops
- Adjustable metal tension screw
- Clear measurement markings
- Includes wall-mount hoop organizer
Best for: Owners of a compatible Brother machine who want a larger hoop option without buying a new machine.
How We Chose These Products
I started by identifying the most common frustration in embroidery forums: the 4×4 hoop feels like a cage. So I focused on machines that offer at least a 5×7 field, plus one high-value starter option for those on a budget. The SE2000 and PE900 both deliver that larger workspace. The SE700 bundle earned a spot because it’s the most generous beginner kit available, even though its hoop is small. The separate SE700 standalone represents the entry-level price point. Finally, the Sew Tech hoop set addresses the most cost-effective upgrade path.
I evaluated each product on four criteria: hoop size options, ease of design transfer, sewing-embroidery versatility, and the completeness of the included accessories. I did not consider price (it changes too often) — instead I judged whether the package gives fair value for what you get. All products are in stock at time of writing, though the PE900 and SE2000 bundles show scarce availability, so act fast if you see a deal.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size is the single most important decision. A 4×4 machine handles patches, shirt pockets, and small monograms. A 5×7 lets you do full-sized bibs, standard tote bags, and large quilt blocks. The 5×12 multi-position hoop (found on the SE2000) is ideal for borders and continuous patterns. If you think you’ll ever embroider anything larger than a hand towel, skip the 4×4 models.
Consider whether you need sewing. The SE700 and SE2000 sew and embroider, saving counter space and money. The PE900 is embroidery-only, which is great if you already own a sewing machine. Also look at connectivity: wireless LAN (SE2000, SE700 standalone) is convenient for transferring files from a PC or tablet. USB works fine but means physically moving a stick back and forth. The Artspira app (SE700 bundle version) adds mobile design creation.
For maintenance, keep the bobbin area clean of lint using the included brush. Replace needles regularly — a dull needle causes skipped stitches and thread breaks. Use good-quality stabilizer for large hoops; cut-away for stretchy fabrics, tear-away for stable ones. Store hoops in a dry place and tighten the metal screw gently to avoid warping the frame.
Our Top Recommendation
For most people, the Brother SE2000 is the clear winner. It offers the largest hoop options (5×7 and 5×12), automatic jump stitch cutting, a huge stitch library, and the flexibility to sew. The bundle includes all the essential hoops, thread, and stabilizers. It’s not cheap, but it eliminates the need for a second machine or frequent hoop changes.
If your budget is tight and you don’t need large hoops right now, the SE700 bundle gives you everything to start at a low initial cost. For dedicated embroiderers who never sew, the PE900 delivers the same 5×7 field and a premium accessory set at a lower price than the SE2000. And if you already own a compatible Brother machine, the Sew Tech hoop set is the cheapest way to expand your workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a 5×7 hoop on an SE700 machine? A: No. The SE700’s embroidery arm only accepts hoops that fit within the 4×4 field. The largest compatible hoop is 4×6.75, as shown in the Sew Tech set. To use a 5×7 hoop, you need a machine designed for it, like the PE900 or SE2000.
Q: Do I need special software to transfer designs wirelessly? A: For the SE700 (standalone) and SE2000, you can use Brother’s free Design Database Transfer software for PC. The SE700 bundle version also works with the Artspira mobile app. The PE900 requires a USB drive — no wireless.
Q: How do I maintain the jump stitch cutter on the SE2000? A: Keep the blade area free of thread scraps. Run a cleaning cycle (refer to manual) after every few projects. Avoid cutting over pins or thick stabilizer that could dull the blade. If it becomes sluggish, Brother sells a replacement blade that snaps in.
Q: What’s the best stabilizer for large hoop projects like the 5×12? A: Use a medium-weight cut-away stabilizer for most woven and knit fabrics. For the 5×12 multi-position hoop, float the fabric with a sticky-back stabilizer to prevent shifting. Always hoop the stabilizer taut, then stick the fabric on top — this avoids distorting the fabric grain.