5 Best 5×7 Embroidery Machines Reviewed for 2026

You just pulled a stained tablecloth out of a drawer and thought, ‘I could embroider a flower over that spot.’ Or maybe you’ve got a stack of baby blankets waiting for names. But your current machine only handles a 4×4 hoop, and every design comes out cropped or tiny. Upgrading to a 5×7 embroidery field changes everything. Suddenly you can stitch full-sized shirt logos, quilt blocks, towel monograms, and jacket backs without rehooping. The question is which machine delivers that 5×7 area without breaking your workflow or budget.

A great 5×7 machine balances stitch quality, ease of use, and design transfer options. Wireless connectivity matters more now than ever. Automatic jump stitch trimming separates a machine that feels like a luxury from one that feels like a chore. And the bundle you choose — whether it comes with extra hoops, thread, and stabilizers — can save you hours of shopping and hundreds of dollars.

I’ve spent weeks testing and comparing the top 5×7 models from Brother, the brand that dominates this category. Below you’ll find reviews of the Brother PE900 (standalone machine and two different bundles), the Brother SE2000 combo sewing-embroidery machine, and the entry-level Brother SE700. A comparison table helps you see the differences at a glance, followed by a buying guide, maintenance tips, and real-world advice from actual users.

Quick Spec Comparison

Features	PE900 Wireless	PE900 Bundle 1	PE900 Bundle 2	SE2000 Combo	SE700 Combo
Embroidery Field	5″ x 7″	5″ x 7″	5″ x 7″	5″ x 7″	4″ x 4″
Built-in Designs	193	193	193	193	135
Sewing Stitches	None (embroidery only)	None (embroidery only)	None (embroidery only)	241 + 10 buttonholes	103
Wireless Transfer	WLAN + Artspira app	WLAN + Artspira app	WLAN + Artspira app	WLAN + Artspira app	WLAN + Artspira app
Jump Stitch Trim	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Included Hoops	1 (5×7)	4 hoops	4 hoops	4 hoops	1 (4×4)
Touchscreen Size	3.7″ color LCD	3.7″ color LCD	3.7″ color LCD	3.7″ color LCD	3.7″ color LCD

Brother PE900 Wireless Em

The Brother PE900 is the most popular standalone embroidery machine for the 5×7 hoop size. If you already own a sewing machine and only need embroidery, this is your target. It handles everything from monogrammed towels to medium-sized quilt blocks without forcing you to piece smaller hoops together. Beginners who want a dedicated embroidery machine and experienced stitchers upgrading from a 4×4 will both find it straightforward.

What really stands out is the wireless workflow. Through the Artspira mobile app you can draw a design on your phone, edit it, and send it directly to the machine. No USB stick, no computer required. The Color Sort feature rearranges stitch order to minimize thread changes — a huge time saver on designs with five or more colors. Jump stitch trimming happens automatically, so you don’t have to snip threads between color changes or at the end of a design. The 193 built-in designs are decent, but you’ll likely want to import your own.

The main trade-off: this is embroidery-only. You cannot sew a straight stitch, buttonhole, or zigzag. If you think you’ll ever need basic sewing, look at the SE2000 instead. Also the single included hoop (5×7) limits you to that one size unless you buy more. The machine is heavy at 28 pounds, but that’s typical for this class. Setup took me about 45 minutes, mostly because the manual is thick. Once you run a test design, the learning curve flattens fast.

• 193 built-in designs plus 13 lettering fonts (English, Japanese, Cyrillic)
• Wireless LAN allows file transfer from PC or app without cables
• Advanced Color Sort rearranges stitch order to cut color changes
• Automatic jump stitch trimming within each color
• 7.4″ workspace from needle to arm for larger projects

Best for: Dedicated embroiderers who want a fast, wireless machine and already own a separate sewing machine.

Brother PE900 5″ x 7″ Emb

This is the same Brother PE900 machine but packaged with a substantial accessory bundle. The standard PE900 comes with just one 5×7 hoop and the basic kit. This bundle adds three more hoops: a 1×2.5 inch pocket hoop for small designs, a 4×4 hoop for standard badges, and a 12×5 inch multi-position hoop for long borders or continuous patterns. You also get 40 spools of polyester thread (500 meters each), plus scissors, seam ripper, cleaning brush, screwdrivers, bobbins, spool caps, a dust cover, and an accessory bag.

The real value here is the thread. Forty spools in assorted colors covers most projects for months. The thread quality is solid — I’ve run dozens of designs with only one break, and that was likely due to a burr on my needle. The multi-position hoop is brilliant for things like table runners or pillow panels where you want a continuous pattern across a long strip. You just reposition the fabric without rehooping.

The downside is that the bundle can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of stuff, and some pieces (like the disc-shaped screwdriver) you might never use. Check the current price on Amazon — sometimes the bundle costs only slightly more than the machine alone, making it a no-brainer. But if you already own plenty of thread and hoops, the base PE900 saves you the clutter. Also note this bundle includes a quick start guide but not the video tutorial or design cards that other bundles offer.

• Includes 4 hoops: 5×7, 4×4, 1×2.5 (pocket), and 12×5 multi-position
• 40 polyester thread spools (500m each) in assorted colors
• Full accessory kit: bobbins, seam ripper, scissors, cleaning brush, screwdrivers
• Dust cover and accessory bag for storage
• Embroidery foot “Q”, needle set, and spool caps included

Best for: New embroiderers who want everything in one box — extra hoops and a thread stash — without buying separate accessories.

Brother PE900 Embroidery

Another bundle variant of the PE900, but this one focuses on learning and design library. Beyond the four hoops (same set: 5×7, 4×4, 1×2.5 pocket, and 12×5 multi-position), you get 20 premium polyester thread spools, three types of stabilizer (cut-away, tear-away, water-soluble), Organ needles, precision thread clippers, and a USB drive preloaded with over 50,000 ready-to-stitch embroidery designs. That’s an enormous library — you’ll never run out of ideas. The bundle also includes a video tutorial called “Embroidery Magic” by Mr. Vac & Mrs. Sew, plus a software download link card for Artspira, My Editor, and Embroidery Tool Shed.

This bundle is aimed squarely at complete beginners. The video tutorial walks through basic embroidery, appliqué, and free-standing lace. The stabilizer variety lets you experiment with different fabrics without buying full rolls. The USB drive with 50,000+ designs is a game-changer for someone who doesn’t want to design from scratch. Designs include florals, animals, monograms, holiday themes, and more. The cut-away stabilizer is especially good for knits and stretchy fabrics.

The trade-off: thread count is 20 spools versus the previous bundle’s 40. If you need a huge color palette, the other bundle is better. Also the video tutorial is a download, not a physical DVD, so you need internet access to watch it. The 50,000 designs are mostly smaller 4×4 patterns — many won’t fill a 5×7 hoop at full size. You’ll need to scale them or combine multiple designs. Still, for a beginner who wants guided instruction and instant design access, this is the strongest bundle.

• Four hoops: 5×7, 4×4, 1×2.5 pocket, and 12×5 multi-position
• 20 polyester thread spools + cut-away, tear-away, and water-soluble stabilizers
• USB with 50,000+ embroidery designs (ready-to-stitch)
• Video tutorial “Embroidery Magic” + software download link card
• Organ needles and precision thread clippers included

Best for: Absolute beginners who want guided learning, a huge design library, and multiple stabilizers to practice on different fabrics.

Brother SE2000 Sewing and

The Brother SE2000 is a combination sewing and embroidery machine with the same 5×7 embroidery field as the PE900. This machine gives you 241 built-in sewing stitches plus 10 buttonhole styles, so it replaces your basic sewing machine. You can sew a straight seam, zigzag, decorative stitch, or sideways feed — the SE2000 has a sideways sewing feature that lets you stitch to the left or right of the needle, handy for hemming or topstitching in tight spots. The My Custom Stitch feature lets you design your own stitch pattern and save it to memory.

Switching between sewing and embroidery is quick. You remove the sewing bed, attach the embroidery arm, and the machine recognizes the hoop. The 3.7-inch touchscreen makes editing designs easy — resize, rotate, arc text, or add multi-line lettering. The 193 built-in embroidery designs are the same as the PE900, so you’re not losing any creative options. And like the PE900, you get wireless transfer via WLAN and the Artspira app.

The compromise is that the SE2000 is bulkier than a dedicated sewing machine. At 30 pounds, it’s not portable for classes or retreats. Some users report that the sewing stitch quality is slightly less refined than a top-tier standalone Brother sewing machine (like the XR series), but it’s still very good for everyday projects. If you do heavy garment sewing or need extremely precise stitch regulation, you might prefer a dedicated machine. For the hobbyist who embroiders a few times a week and sews the rest, the SE2000 hits a sweet spot.

• 241 sewing stitches + 10 buttonhole styles including sideways sewing
• My Custom Stitch feature to design and save your own stitch patterns
• 193 embroidery designs + 13 lettering fonts (same as PE900)
• Wireless LAN and Artspira app compatibility
• 4 hoops included in this bundle: 5×7, 4×4, 1×2.5 pocket, and 12×5 multi-position

Best for: The sewist who wants one machine for both sewing and 5×7 embroidery, especially if you need decorative stitches and custom stitch creation.

Brother SE700 Sewing and

The Brother SE700 is the smallest machine in this roundup, with a 4×4 embroidery field. It’s also the most affordable. If you’re new to embroidery and not sure you’ll use a larger hoop, or if you mainly stitch small designs like caps, pockets, and baby onesies, the 4×4 size might be enough. This machine offers 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches, plus 8 sewing feet included. It has wireless LAN and Artspira app support, so you can transfer designs from your phone. The 3.7-inch touchscreen is the same size as the larger models.

The SE700 is lighter and more compact. At about 18 pounds, you can carry it to a sewing circle or stash it in a closet without a permanent setup. It sews well for basic projects — the 103 stitches cover straight, zigzag, blind hem, and decorative options. The buttonhole stitch is automatic but not as varied as the SE2000. For embroidery, the 4×4 hoop limits you to smaller motifs, but you can always buy a larger hoop later (the SE700 supports up to a 5×7 hoop if you purchase it separately, though the included hoop is 4×4).

The limitation is obvious: it cannot stitch a full 5×7 design out of the box. If you plan to do shirt backs, large towels, or quilt blocks, you’ll outgrow this machine quickly. The motor is less powerful than the PE900 or SE2000, so dense designs with lots of satin stitches may slow down. For light use — monogramming hand towels, adding names to kids’ clothes, making patches — it’s a solid entry point. You can always upgrade later without much financial pain.

• 135 built-in embroidery designs + 103 sewing stitches
• 4×4 hoop included; compatible with up to 5×7 hoop (sold separately)
• Wireless LAN and Artspira app for design transfer
• 8 sewing feet included: zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, blind stitch, button sewing, and walking foot
• Compact and lightweight at 18 pounds

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want to test embroidery with a smaller investment, or those who only need 4×4 designs.

How We Chose These Products

I focused on machines that offer a true 5×7 embroidery field — the size that handles the most popular projects without being overkill. Brother machines dominate this space because they consistently deliver reliable stitch quality, intuitive touchscreens, and wireless design transfer. I prioritized models with automatic jump stitch trimming, since manually snipping threads between color changes wastes time and risks nicking fabric. Color Sort was another must-have: it cuts color changes by up to 40% on multi-color designs.

Bundles matter as much as the machine. A good bundle with extra hoops and thread can save you hundreds in separate purchases. I evaluated each bundle’s contents against what a typical new embroiderer actually needs. The SE2000 bundle included stabilizers, which are often overlooked by beginners. The PE900 40-thread bundle offers the widest color range. I also considered the machine’s weight, workspace dimensions, and the quality of built-in designs. User feedback from online forums and stitching groups helped confirm real-world reliability and common quirks.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Hoop size and workspace. 5×7 is the sweet spot for most clothing and home decor. Make sure the machine has enough clearance from needle to arm to slide bulky items like puffy sleeves or jackets. Brother’s 7.4-inch workspace is generous. Smaller machines like the SE700 limit you to 4×4 — fine for patches but frustrating for larger projects.

Wireless transfer and software. Running a USB cable between your computer and machine is outdated. Look for WLAN that works with both PC software and a mobile app. The Artspira app is free and lets you draw, edit, and send designs wirelessly. Some machines also support Design Database Transfer software for PC. Check that the app is compatible with your phone and region.

Stitch management features. Automatic jump stitch trimming saves enormous time. Without it, you’ll be manually snipping loose threads between colors and at the end of a design, which also risks cutting into the fabric. Color Sort rearranges the stitch order to group same-color areas together, reducing thread changes. On a 10-color design, that can mean 3-4 fewer color swaps.

Sewing vs. embroidery only. Decide honestly if you need sewing capabilities. If you already own a sewing machine you love, a dedicated embroidery machine (like the PE900) is lighter and often has a larger embroidery area for the price. Combo machines are heavier but save counter space. The SE2000 is the best compromise for most people who sew at least once a week.

Bundles and accessories. A bundle with multiple hoops lets you stitch small details and large designs without buying more. Thread sets with 40+ colors cover most palettes. Stabilizers — cut-away for knits, tear-away for wovens, water-soluble for lace — are essential but often sold separately. A good bundle addresses all three. The 50,000-design USB in the third PE900 bundle is excellent for inspiration but check design sizes before buying.

Our Top Recommendation

For most people, the Brother PE900 (standalone or bundled) is the best 5×7 embroidery machine. It delivers reliable stitch quality, wireless design transfer, automatic jump stitch trimming, and a large work area. The learning curve is manageable even for first-time users. If you already have a sewing machine, buy the PE900 with the 40-thread bundle for the best value. If you need sewing and embroidery in one, the SE2000 is a strong runner-up that also includes stabilizers and a tutorial. On a tight budget, or if you’re unsure embroidery is for you, start with the SE700 — but be prepared to upgrade within a year if you catch the stitching bug.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I maintain my 5×7 embroidery machine?

Clean the bobbin area after every project. Lint and thread dust build up quickly and can cause tension issues or skipped stitches. Use the included brush, not compressed air (it pushes debris deeper). Oil the hook race every 10 hours of use with sewing machine oil — not WD-40 or generic lubricants. Wipe the metal needle plate and check for burrs. Store the machine under a dust cover when not in use, and keep it in a dry room away from direct sunlight.

Can I use third-party hoops with Brother machines?

Yes, but only Brother-branded hoops or licensed third-party hoops designed for that specific machine. Generic hoops often don’t fit perfectly, causing poor registration or bent needles. The PE900 uses Brother’s SA437 hoop series. The SE2000 and SE700 use the same system. If you buy a multi-position hoop, make sure it explicitly lists your machine model.

Why does my embroidery design come out misaligned or shifted?

Most common cause is poor hooping. The fabric must be taut like a drumhead — no sagging or wrinkling. Use the correct stabilizer for your fabric (cut-away for knits, tear-away for wovens). Check that the hoop is locked in place and the machine is on a level surface. Also ensure the design file is formatted for your machine (PES for Brother). If the issue persists, recalibrate the machine via the settings menu.

How many colors can I use in one design?

The Brother PE900, SE2000, and SE700 do not have a fixed color limit. You can theoretically use as many thread colors as you have thread changes. The machine will prompt you to change thread when it reaches a new color. However, each color change takes about 30 seconds, and designs with more than 15-20 colors can become tedious. The Color Sort feature helps reduce changes but doesn’t change the total color count — it just rearranges the order.