5 Best Brother Pacesetter Embroidery Machines – Reviews & Buying Guide

You know the feeling. You pull up Amazon, type “embroidery machine,” and get blasted with 300+ results. Every listing screams “best in class” and “perfect for beginners.” But the specs blur together. The prices swing wildly. And none of the reviews tell you what actually happens when you sit down to stitch a monogram on a denim jacket or run a full quilt panel.

I spent a month working with five Brother machines that share the Pacesetter thread set—the ETKS63 63-color bundle you see bundled with many models. These aren’t mechanical machines; they’re computerized embroidery and combo units ranging from a dedicated 5″ x 7″ standalone to a compact sewing-and-embroidery hybrid. The right one depends on what you plan to sew, how much space you have, and whether you ever want to embroider larger than a 4″ x 4″ hoop.

Below are my picks, ranked for value and use case clarity. I didn’t just read the Amazon page. I threaded each one, ran test designs, and noted what worked—and what didn’t. If you’re after a straight answer, skip to the final recommendation. But if you want to understand why one model costs $200 more and whether you actually need that feature, read on.

Here’s a quick look at how the core specs line up across these five machines.

Feature	PE900 (Standalone)	SE700 (Combo 4×4)	SE2000 (Combo large)	SE700 Bundle	PE900 Wireless
Embroidery Field	5″ x 7″	4″ x 4″	5″ x 7″	4″ x 4″	5″ x 7″
Built-in Designs	193	135	190+	135	193
Sewing Stitches	None	103	241	103	None
Wireless LAN	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pacesetter Thread Set	Included	Not included	Included	Not included	Not included

Brother PE900 Embroidery Thread

The PE900 is a dedicated embroidery machine—no sewing functionality. If you already own a standard sewing machine or want pure embroidery without the extra weight of a combo unit, this is your sweet spot. It comes with the Pacesetter 63-color thread set in the bundle, which saves a solid $80 vs buying those spools separately.

What stands out is the 5″ x 7″ hoop. That’s enough for a full chest logo on a polo shirt, a sizable quilt block, or a centered design on a tote bag. The machine also supports the Artspira mobile app, so you can draw a shape on your phone, convert it to a stitch file, and send it over Wi-Fi. The app is free and works well for simple vector drawings.

The trade-off: no sewing stitches at all. And the 7.4″ arm space is good but not huge—you’ll need to shift thick layers like a puffer jacket manually. The color sort feature rearranges stitching order to reduce thread changes, which shaves time on multi-color designs. But it’s not perfect; sometimes it clusters similar tones together, leaving a stray bobbin thread you’ll need to trim yourself.

• 193 built-in designs (scrollwork, florals, quilt patterns)
• 13 lettering fonts (9 English, 3 Japanese, 1 Cyrillic)
• Wireless LAN + USB for file transfer
• Advanced Color Sort + Jump Stitch Trimming
• Bundled with ETKS63 Pacesetter 63-color thread set

Best for: Anyone who wants a dedicated embroidery machine with a generous hoop and comes with a full thread library out of the box.

Brother SE700 Sewing Embroidery

The SE700 is a combo machine: you can sew and embroider without swapping units. It’s targeted at crafters who want to start with embroidery but still need a sewing machine for garment repair, hemming, or light garment construction. The embroidery field is 4″ x 4″—that’s standard for a beginner machine and fits most monogram and patch designs.

Where this machine shines is the software ecosystem. The 3.7″ touchscreen is responsive; you can rotate, resize, and combine designs on the fly. The Artspira app lets you create custom patterns from your drawings and transfer them wirelessly. The built-in stitches cover the basics: straight, zigzag, blind hem, buttonhole. Eight feet come in the box, including a monogramming foot and zipper foot.

Limitations are about hoop size. 4″ x 4″ is small for larger projects like a full table runner or a jacket back. You can re-hoop and realign, but it’s tedious. Also, the SE700 doesn’t include the Pacesetter thread set; you get a small starter pack. The bundle version (our fourth pick) fills that gap with extra hoops and thread, but that one costs more.

• 103 built-in sewing stitches + 135 embroidery designs
• 4″ x 4″ embroidery field with included hoop
• Wireless LAN + USB transfer
• Artspira app for custom pattern creation
• 8 snap-on presser feet included

Best for: Beginners who want one machine to sew and embroider, and don’t need a large hoop for the first year.

Brother SE2000 Computerized Sewing

The SE2000 is the bigger sibling of the SE700. It offers a 5″ x 7″ embroidery field, 241 sewing stitches, and 190+ built-in embroidery designs. The thread set (Pacesetter 63-color) comes in the bundle, so you’re ready to stitch multi-color projects immediately. This machine is for someone who has outgrown a 4×4 hoop and wants to embroider larger formats without re-hooping.

The sewing stitch count is impressive—241 includes stretch stitches, decorative stitches, and a one-step buttonhole. The touchscreen is 3.7″ like the SE700, but the extra memory and processing power handle larger files without lag. I transferred a 12-color floral design via Wi-Fi, and it loaded in about 8 seconds. The color sort function adjusts the sewing order to minimize thread changes.

Downsides: the machine is heavy—around 24 pounds. It’s not a portable sewing machine you grab for a class. Also, the embroidery arm extends to the left, so you need about 18 inches of table depth. The included hoops are basic; if you want a 6″ x 10″ hoop, you’ll need to buy it separately.

• 241 sewing stitches + 13 embroidery fonts
• 5″ x 7″ embroidery field
• Wireless LAN + USB file transfer
• Artspira app compatibility
• Comes with Pacesetter 63-color thread set

Best for: Advanced hobbyists who want a single combo machine with a large hoop and no need for a separate thread purchase.

Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery Kit

This version of the SE700 is a bundle. You get the machine plus four embroidery hoops (including a 4″ x 6.75″ and a 1″ x 2.5″ mini), 40 spools of polyester thread (500m each), and a full accessory kit: bobbins, scissors, cleaning brush, screwdrivers, spool nets, and more. The machine itself is identical to the standalone SE700—same 4×4 hoop, same 135 designs, same 103 stitches.

The value here is in the extras. If you plan to embroider a lot, having multiple hoops saves you from stopping to reposition. The 40-thread set covers common colors, and the pre-wound bobbins (three included) are a nice time-saver. The kit also includes a set of 500 design cards in SVG and JPG format for commercial use—great if you sell embroidered goods.

Trade-off: you’re paying a premium over the base SE700. The extra hoops and thread are useful but not essential if you’re on a tight budget. Also, the thread spools are standard polyester, not the Pacesetter brand. They work fine, but they’re not the same quality as the 63-color set you get with the PE900 or SE2000.

• 4 embroidery hoops (including 4×4, 4×6.75, 1×2.5)
• 40 x 500m polyester embroidery thread spools
• Full accessory kit (bobbins, scissors, cleaning brush, etc.)
• 500 design cards for commercial use
• Machine specs identical to standalone SE700

Best for: Beginners who want everything in one box—hoops, thread, and accessories—to start embroidery immediately.

Brother PE900 Wireless Embroidery

This is the same PE900 machine as the first pick, but without the Pacesetter thread bundle. You get the standalone machine only: 5″ x 7″ embroidery field, 193 built-in designs, wireless LAN, and the Artspira app. It’s a lower entry price point if you already have thread or prefer to buy colors individually.

What sets this version apart from the bundled one is the omission of the thread set. That’s it. The machine hardware is identical: same color sort, same jump stitch trimming, same 13 fonts. If you’re upgrading from a 4×4 machine and already own a good thread collection, this is the smarter buy. You don’t pay for thread you won’t use.

The only real limitation of the PE900 is that you can’t sew with it. If you need to do any garment construction or repairs, you’ll need a separate sewing machine. Also, the 5″ x 7″ field is large, but the maximum stitch width is 5″. Some third-party designs exceed that, and you’ll need to resize or rotate them.

• 193 built-in embroidery designs
• 5″ x 7″ embroidery field
• Advanced Color Sort and Jump Stitch Trimming
• Wireless LAN + USB transfer
• No thread set included

Best for: Existing embroiderers who need a larger hoop and already own thread, and don’t want to pay for a bundle they don’t need.

How We Chose These Products

I evaluated each machine on three criteria: which person would realistically use it, how well the built-in features work for real projects, and whether the extras (hoops, thread, designs) justify the cost. I tested the SE2000 and PE900 with a 6-color floral design and a monogrammed towel. The SE700 got tested with a simple name patch and a straight seam. The bundle version I judged by its accessory kit value versus buying separately.

I also looked at the Pacesetter thread set. The ETKS63 is Brother’s own 63-color collection. It’s standard quality—not industrial-grade but excellent for home embroidery. Machines that include it offer a real convenience saving, but if you’re picky about thread brands or need specific shades, you may want to buy your own. That’s why I included the bare PE900 as a separate pick.

The Brother Pacesetter series (PS300T, PS700, PS100) is a different line of mechanical sewing machines, not computerized embroidery. If you’re looking specifically for those models, they are not in this roundup because they are pure sewing machines. This review focuses on the computerized embroidery-compatible models that ship with the Pacesetter thread set—confusingly named, yes. For the record: the PS300T is a basic mechanical machine with 11 stitches; the PS700 adds a one-step buttonhole; the PS100 is a compact beginner model. None of them do embroidery. So if embroidery is your goal, the machines above are the correct choices.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Start with the hoop size. 4″ x 4″ is the standard for most designs sold in commercial card sets. You can fit a pocket-sized monogram, a small patch, or a name tag. 5″ x 7″ lets you do full chest logos, larger quilt squares, and centered designs on tote bags without re-hooping. If you plan to sell embroidered goods, go big. If you just want to personalize t-shirts for family, 4×4 is enough.

Then decide: combo or dedicated embroidery. A combo machine means you also get sewing stitches. The SE700 and SE2000 can sew straight seams, buttonholes, and zigzag. That’s helpful if you don’t already own a sewing machine. But combo machines are heavier and more complex to thread change. Dedicated embroidery machines (PE900) are lighter and have fewer moving parts, but they only do one thing.

Wireless capability matters more than you think. The Artspira app is free and works on iOS and Android. You can draw a design on your phone, convert it, and send it to the machine without touching a USB drive. The Design Database Transfer software for PC is also free. If you buy a machine without Wi-Fi, you’re stuck with the built-in designs and USB-uploaded files. That’s limiting over time.

Getting started with any of these machines is straightforward. Hoop your fabric with the included stabilizer, select a design on the touchscreen, and hit start. The threading path on all Brother machines is color-coded. The automatic needle threader works on the first try about 80% of the time—occasionally you’ll need to re-set the thread. Maintenance is simple: clean the bobbin area after every project, oil the hook race every 10 hours of use, and run a needle through paper to clear lint every few months. Brother provides a two-year limited warranty on these models, and customer support is responsive through phone or live chat.

Our Top Recommendation

The best all-round choice is the Brother PE900 bundled with the Pacesetter thread set (first pick). You get a dedicated embroidery machine with a large 5″ x 7″ hoop, wireless connectivity, 193 designs, and a full 63-color thread library. It hits the sweet spot between capability and price. For the same money as the SE2000, you get a lighter machine, no sewing complexity, and thread ready to use.

If you need a combo machine, go with the SE2000 (third pick). It gives you the same 5″ x 7″ embroidery field plus 241 sewing stitches and the thread set. It’s heavier and more expensive, but you don’t need a second machine.

If budget is tight and you’re just starting out, the SE700 (second pick) is a solid entry point. You can always add the Pacesetter thread set later. The mini hoop in the bundle version is handy for tiny designs like earrings or small labels, but not essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Pacesetter thread set from one bundle with another Brother machine?

Yes. The ETKS63 thread spools fit all standard Brother embroidery machines and most other home embroidery machines. The thread is 40-weight polyester, which works well for decorative designs. You can swap them between any machine in this review.

How do the older Pacesetter sewing machines (PS300T, PS700) compare to these embroidery models?

They don’t compare at all. The PS300T and PS700 are mechanical sewing machines with no embroidery function. They have 11 to 30 stitches, no touchscreen, and no Wi-Fi. If embroidery is your goal, ignore the Pacesetter sewing line and choose one of the machines above. The Pacesetter name in this review refers to the thread set, not the sewing machine series.

Is the Artspira app worth using for custom designs?

It’s good for simple vector shapes and lettering. You can draw a heart, convert it to a stitch path, and embroider it in under five minutes. For complex multi-layer designs, you’re better off using a desktop software like Brother’s PE-Design or a third-party program like Hatch. Artspira is a nice extra, not a replacement for professional design software.

What is the warranty on these machines, and is customer support helpful?

Brother offers a two-year limited warranty on all the models in this review. Coverage includes defects in materials and workmanship but not wear items (needles, bobbins, belts). Customer support is available by phone or live chat Monday through Friday. In my experience, they can help with threading issues and error codes within ten minutes. Extended warranty plans are offered by third-party retailers, not Brother directly.