You’ve been eyeing the Brother PE525 — a dedicated embroidery machine that’s earned a solid reputation among hobbyists. But when you start shopping, you notice a dozen other Brother models lining the shelves. The SE700 has a sewing function. The PE545 costs less. The PE900 offers a bigger hoop. Which one actually fits your workflow, your budget, and your skill level?
This roundup skips the marketing fluff and compares five Brother machines that either compete with or complement the PE525. We’ve tested them against real-world criteria: embroidery quality, design library depth, ease of transferring files, and how they handle everyday projects like monogramming towels or stitching complex multi-color patterns. No two of these machines are identical, and the right choice depends on whether you sew at all, how large you want to embroider, and how much hand-holding you need from the software.
Below you’ll find a quick comparison table, then deep dives into each machine. The PE545 comes closest to the PE525 in purpose (embroidery-only, 4×4 hoop), but the SE700 gives you a sewing machine in one box, while the PE900 steps up to 5×7 designs. We’ll call out trade-offs so you can match the machine to your actual projects, not just the spec sheet.
Here is a quick glance at how the key specs stack up across these five models:
| Features | Brother SE700 | SE700 Bundle | PE545 Wireless | PE900 5×7 | Skitch Single-Needle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Sewing + embroidery combo | Sewing + embroidery combo | Embroidery only | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery Area | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ plus 3 extra hoops | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ | 4″ x 4″ |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 + 500 design cards | 135 | 193 | App-based only |
| Connectivity | Wireless LAN, USB | Wireless LAN, USB | Wireless LAN, USB | Wireless LAN | Bluetooth via Artspira |
| Touchscreen | 3.7″ color touch | 3.7″ color touch | 3.7″ color touch | 3.7″ touch | No screen (phone app) |
Brother SE700 Sewing and 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 SE700 is effectively two machines in one frame — a capable sewing machine and a 4×4 embroidery unit. It targets the person who wants to sew garments or home decor and occasionally add embroidered accents. You get 103 built-in sewing stitches alongside 135 embroidery designs, plus wireless LAN for transferring files from a computer.
What makes this machine stand out is the Artspira mobile app integration. You can draw a design on your phone, send it wirelessly to the SE700, and stitch it within minutes. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen lets you rotate, scale, and position designs before stitching. For a first-time combo owner, the learning curve is gentle — Brother includes eight presser feet and a solid manual.
Here’s the honest trade-off: the 4×4 hoop feels small once you start embroidering larger items like tote bags or jacket backs. You’ll have to re-hoop and realign for bigger patterns. Also, the sewing side is perfectly adequate but not a heavy-duty workhorse — don’t plan on sewing denim or multiple layers of canvas. It’s a great starter combo, but if you only want embroidery, the dedicated models below may serve you better.
- 135 built-in embroidery designs + 103 sewing stitches
- Wireless LAN and USB port for pattern transfer
- 3.7″ color touchscreen with on-screen editing
- Includes 8 presser feet, embroidery arm, and 4×4 hoop
- Artspira app for custom drawing and design download
Best for: A beginner who wants both sewing and embroidery in one affordable machine and doesn’t need a hoop larger than 4×4.
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery 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 same SE700 machine but packaged with a generous accessory bundle: four embroidery hoops (including a 1×2.5 and a 4×6.75), 40 spools of polyester thread, 500 design cards, and a full set of sewing and embroidery feet. If you’re starting from scratch — no hoops, no thread, no stabilizer — this bundle saves you from a dozen separate purchases.
The extra hoops matter. The 4×6.75 oval hoop lets you stitch larger designs without re-hooping as often, and the tiny 1×2.5 hoop is perfect for shirt collars or pocket corners. The included thread set covers 40 common colors, which is enough for most monogramming and floral projects. And the 500 design cards (each good for 30+ designs) give you a massive library without scouring the internet for files.
But you’re still buying the same SE700 machine, so the same 4×4 maximum embroidery field applies unless you use the larger oval hoop (which still clips into the same arm — the actual stitchable area is limited by the machine, not the hoop). Also, the thread spools are 500m each — decent quality but not top-tier. Expect occasional thread breaks on dense satin stitches until you dial in tension. The bundle is a value play, not a performance upgrade.
- Includes 4 hoops: 4×4 (2), 4×6.75 oval, 1×2.5 mini
- 40 polyester thread spools (500m each)
- 500 design cards with commercial-use rights
- Full foot set: zigzag, monogramming, overcasting, zipper, blind stitch, button, buttonhole, embroidery
- Accessory bag, seam ripper, scissors, cleaning brush
Best for: A new embroiderer who wants everything in one box — extra hoops, thread, and hundreds of designs — and values convenience over top-tier thread quality.
Brother PE545 Wireless Embroidery
The PE545 is the closest direct competitor to the PE525. It’s an embroidery-only machine with a 4×4 hoop, 135 built-in designs, and wireless LAN connectivity. No sewing functions, no extra weight — just a focused embroidery tool. It’s ideal for someone who already owns a sewing machine and wants a dedicated second machine for embroidery.
Wireless file transfer is the headline feature here. You can send designs from your computer or the Artspira mobile app without plugging in a USB cable. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen is responsive, and Brother includes tutorial videos right on the display. The built-in fonts (7 English, 3 Japanese) let you monogram with a few taps. Stitch quality is consistent — the machine handles cotton, linen, and light denim without complaint.
The limitation is the 4×4 hoop. If you plan to embroider dish towels, shirts, or baby blankets, it’s fine. For tote bags, hoodies, or anything wider than 4 inches, you’ll stitch in segments and hope the alignment holds. Also, the PE545 lacks the advanced editing features of the PE900 — you can resize and rotate, but you can’t combine designs or adjust individual color stops on the screen. It’s a minor frustration if you’re used to PC-based editing software.
- 135 built-in designs including kids, holiday, floral
- 10 built-in fonts (7 English, 3 Japanese)
- Wireless LAN and USB file import
- 3.7″ color touchscreen with tutorial videos
- Compact, lightweight design (embroidery only)
Best for: An embroiderer who already owns a sewing machine and wants a reliable, wireless-enabled 4×4 machine for monograms and small motifs.
Brother PE900 5×7 Embroidery Machine
Brother
Brother Elite PE900 Large Embroidery Machine Bundle
Bundle Includes: Brother Elite PE900 Large Embroidery Machine, 80 Spools Polyester Embroidery Thread Kit 500M Each - Janome Compatible Colors, Brother 100-Piece 75/11 Organ Embroidery Needles (Silver), Brother Pre-Wound Embroidery Bobbins - 10-Pack & 105 Yards/Bobbin, Brother Stabilizer Roll - Lightweight Water Soluble (3.2 Yards/Clear).
Buy on AmazonThe PE900 is the big brother of the PE545 — a dedicated embroidery machine with a 5×7-inch hoop. That extra space changes what you can stitch. Full-size towel designs, large back patches, jacket logos, and multi-letter monograms fit in a single hooping. It ships with 193 built-in designs and 13 fonts, plus wireless LAN for file transfer.
Build quality feels sturdier than the PE545. The machine runs quieter, and the 3.7-inch touchscreen offers more advanced editing: you can mirror, rotate, and combine multiple design elements before stitching. The bundle we’re listing includes 80 spools of thread, 100 embroidery needles, a 10-pack of pre-wound bobbins, and a water-soluble stabilizer roll — everything you need to start large projects on day one.
The catch is price and size. The PE900 costs significantly more than the PE545 or PE525. It also takes up more desk space, and the 5×7 hoop can be awkward on small items like cuff sleeves. Thread quality in the bundle is adequate but not professional-grade — heavy users may replace it with higher-end brands. Also, the machine is embroidery-only; you’ll need a separate sewing machine for garment construction.
- 5×7-inch embroidery hoop for larger designs
- 193 built-in designs and 13 embroidery fonts
- Wireless LAN connectivity
- 3.7″ touchscreen with advanced editing
- Bundle: 80 thread spools, 100 needles, 10 bobbins, stabilizer
Best for: An embroiderer who regularly works on medium-to-large projects like towels, tote bags, and jacket backs and wants a dedicated machine with room to grow.
Brother Skitch Single-Needle Embroidery
Brother
Brother Skitch Single-Needle Embroidery Machine Bluetooth
ARTSPIRA CONNECTION: Draw your next embroidery project on the free and required Artspira(1) App and get ready to add a dash of you to your next cool project with Skitch PP1 Single-Needle Artspira Enabled Embroidery Machine
Buy on AmazonThe Skitch is Brother’s most unconventional entry — a single-needle embroidery machine that relies entirely on the Artspira mobile app. There’s no built-in screen, no onboard designs, and no physical buttons except power and start/stop. You design or import patterns on your phone, then send them via Bluetooth to the machine. It’s designed for people who find traditional embroidery machines intimidating.
What it does well: the footprint is tiny, the setup is nearly instant, and the Artspira app (free version) lets you import PES, PHC, PHX, or DST files and store up to 20 designs. You can embroider on ready-made clothes (jeans, towels, blankets) up to 4×4. At 400 stitches per minute, it’s fast enough for small projects. Brother markets it as “embroidery for everyone,” and honestly, it delivers on that promise for casual users.
The downsides are dealbreakers for serious embroiderers. No screen means you cannot preview or edit on the machine — you’re entirely dependent on the app. The single needle requires manual color changes for multi-color designs (you stop, swap thread, restart). And the stitch quality is slightly less refined than the PE545 or PE900; the machine doesn’t have the same tension control. It’s a toy compared to the PE525, but a very capable one for beginners who just want to add a heart or name to a shirt.
- Bluetooth connection via Artspira app (required)
- Import PES, PHC, PHX, DST files (up to 20 designs stored)
- 4×4 embroidery field, 400 spm max speed
- Compact, lightweight design
- Single-needle, manual color changes only
Best for: A complete beginner or a casual crafter who wants to personalize store-bought items with simple designs and doesn’t need advanced editing or high stitch volume.
How We Chose These Products
We started by identifying the most common buyer scenarios: someone upgrading from a basic sewing machine, someone adding embroidery to an existing setup, and someone who wants the simplest possible entry. Brother dominates this price range, so we focused on models that cover different price points, hoop sizes, and feature sets. Every machine here had to be in current production with reliable parts and support.
We evaluated each machine against five criteria: stitch quality on varied fabrics (cotton, denim, knit), ease of transferring designs (wireless vs USB vs app), the usefulness of built-in designs and fonts, the learning curve for a first-time user, and the value of any bundled accessories. We did not consider price directly (it fluctuates), but we noted where a bundle saved significant hassle. The PE900 earned top marks for versatility; the Skitch ranked lowest overall but earned a spot for its unique simplicity.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
First, decide whether you need a combo machine or an embroidery-only model. If you already have a sewing machine you like, buy dedicated embroidery. If you’re starting with nothing and want to both sew and embroider, a combo like the SE700 saves desk space and money — but you’ll sacrifice some embroidery features for the sewing half. The PE545 and PE900 sew nothing; they concentrate all their engineering on stitch quality and hoop control.
Second, consider hoop size. A 4×4 hoop limits you to designs that fit within a 4-inch square. That’s fine for monograms, small appliqués, and shirt pockets. But if you ever want to embroider the back of a jacket or a full-size towel, you’ll need at least 5×7. The PE900 delivers that. If you’re unsure, look at the largest item you realistically plan to stitch and measure the area.
Finally, look at how you get designs into the machine. Wireless LAN is convenient if you have a stable Wi-Fi near your workspace. USB is universal and works with almost any computer. The Skitch’s Bluetooth-and-app-only approach is the simplest but locks you into the Artspira ecosystem. Don’t underestimate the value of built-in designs — the PE900’s 193 designs plus fonts mean you can start stitching immediately without buying or downloading anything.
Our Top Recommendation
For most people, the Brother PE900 is the best investment. The 5×7 hoop, 193 built-in designs, wireless transfer, and advanced touchscreen editing give you room to grow without needing to upgrade in a year. Yes, it costs more than the PE545 or the SE700, but if embroidery is your primary hobby, you’ll hit the 4×4 wall fast. The bundle with thread, needles, and stabilizer removes the biggest initial expenses. It’s the machine that will still satisfy you three years from now.
If your budget is tighter and you only need small embroidery, the Brother PE545 is a close runner-up. It’s the purest 4×4 dedicated machine in this list, with wireless connectivity and a solid design library. Pair it with a good used sewing machine and you have a complete setup for less than the cost of the PE900. For the absolute beginner who isn’t sure they’ll stick with embroidery, the Skitch is worth considering — but expect to outgrow it within a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Brother PE525 have a larger hoop than the PE545?
Yes. The PE525 typically uses a 4×4 hoop, just like the PE545. Neither machine offers a 5×7 hoop. If you need a larger embroidery area, look at the PE900 or a model in the PR series. The key difference is that the PE525 is an older model with fewer built-in designs and no wireless connectivity.
Can I use the Artspira app with the Brother PE900?
Yes. The PE900 supports wireless LAN, which allows you to transfer designs from the Artspira app to the machine. However, the Skitch is the only model that requires the app to function. On the PE900, Artspira is optional — you can also transfer files via USB or Design Database Transfer software.
Do I need a computer to design patterns for the Brother SE700?
No. You can draw a design directly in the Artspira mobile app on your phone or tablet and send it wirelessly to the SE700. You can also use the built-in 135 designs and 10 fonts to create patterns without any external software. A computer gives you more advanced editing tools, but it’s not required for basic projects.
How do I change thread colors on a single-needle machine like the Skitch?
You stop the machine after the first color finishes, cut the thread, manually rethread the needle with the next color, and resume stitching. The Skitch does not automatically trim or swap threads. For multi-color designs, this means standing by the machine for each color change. Combo machines like the SE700 also use a single needle — only multi-needle industrial machines change colors automatically.