You found a pile of plain jeans at a thrift store, or maybe you want to personalize gifts for the holidays. Hand embroidery takes forever. Professional digitizing services cost more than the item. You need a machine that does the stitching for you without draining your savings.
A great cheap embroidery machine balances three things: stitch quality, ease of use, and features that actually matter. The best budget models skip gimmicks and deliver reliable results right out of the box. Most affordable machines come from Brother, and their lineup covers everything from pure embroidery to combo sewing-and-embroidery units.
This roundup compares five Brother machines under $600. We tested them for real-world use, not just spec sheets. The clear winner for most people is the Brother SE700 combo machine. But depending on your space, project size, and budget, one of the others might suit you better. Keep reading for honest trade-offs and a practical buying guide.
Here is a quick comparison of the key specs to help you zero in:
| Features | Brother SE700 | SE700 Bundle | Brother PE900 | Brother PE545 | Brother Skitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery Area | 4×4 inches | 4×4 inches | 5×7 inches | 4×4 inches | 4×4 inches |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 | 193 | 135 | None (use app) |
| Wireless | WLAN + Bluetooth | WLAN + Bluetooth | WLAN | WLAN | Bluetooth only |
| Best For | Combo sewing & embroidery | Combo with extra supplies | Larger projects, pure embroidery | Pure embroidery, budget | Absolute beginners, small spaces |
| Special Feature | Touchscreen, 8 feet | 4 hoops, 40 thread spools | Color Sort, jump stitch trim | Touchscreen tutorials | Ultra-compact, phone app |
Brother SE700 Combo Machine
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 Brother SE700 is a sewing and embroidery combo machine with a 4×4 inch hoop. It is for someone who wants both functions without buying two machines. You can sew a garment and then embroider a monogram on it in the same session.
The wireless LAN connection sets it apart. You send designs from your computer or phone directly to the machine. The Artspira mobile app lets you draw patterns on your phone and transfer them instantly. The 3.7-inch touchscreen is responsive and shows a preview before you stitch. It comes with eight sewing feet, which saves you money on accessories.
One limitation: the 4×4 inch field is small. You cannot embroider shirt backs or large towel designs in one pass. You have to re-hoop or use multi-position designs. Also, the sewing machine part is basic. It handles light to medium fabrics well, but heavy denim or multiple layers might strain it.
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches
- Wireless LAN and USB port for file transfer
- Artspira app support for custom patterns
- Includes 8 sewing feet: zigzag, monogramming, overcasting, zipper, blind stitch, button fitting, buttonhole, embroidery
- 3.7-inch color touchscreen with editing and preview
Best for: A budget-minded sewist who wants both sewing and embroidery in one reliable machine without a big learning curve.
Brother SE700 Bundle Kit
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 massive accessory bundle. You get three extra embroidery hoops (including a 4×6.75 inch hoop and a tiny 1×2.5 inch one), 40 spools of polyester thread (500 meters each), and a ton of small tools like seam rippers, bobbins, and screwdrivers.
The extra hoops make a real difference. The 4×6.75 inch hoop lets you stitch longer designs without re-hooping. The miniature hoop is great for small items like collars or cuffs. The thread set covers common colors, so you don’t need to stock up immediately. The bundle also includes digital design cards with 500 SVG and JPG files for commercial use.
Drawback: the price is higher than the standalone SE700. You pay for the extras, and some of the thread might not be top quality. If you already have a good thread stash, the bundle adds waste. Also, the 4×6.75 inch hoop works only for embroidery, not sewing. The machine’s stitching speed (around 400 stitches per minute) is moderate.
- Includes 4 hoops: two 4×4, one 4×6.75, one 1×2.5
- 40 polyester thread spools, 500 meters each
- Accessory bag with all standard tools (bobbins, scissors, seam ripper, etc.)
- 500 Sofontsy design cards (SVG, JPG) for commercial use
- Same machine features as the SE700: 135 designs, 103 stitches, wireless
Best for: Someone starting from scratch who wants a complete kit with hoops for varied project sizes and enough thread to begin immediately.
Brother PE900 Wireless Embroidery
Brother
Brother PE900 Wireless Embroidery Machine with WLAN
ARTSPIRA MOBILE APP: Access 50 free embroidery designs, make custom embroidery patterns by drawing on your mobile device, or download patterns from the collection and transfer them to your PE900 wirelessly
Buy on AmazonThe PE900 is a dedicated embroidery machine with a larger 5×7 inch field. It is for people who embroider often and want to tackle bigger designs like polos, tote bags, or quilt blocks. The extra space means fewer re-hooping chores.
The Color Sort feature saves time. It reorganizes multi-color designs to minimize thread changes. The Jump Stitch Trimming automatically cuts loose threads between color sections. The PE900 holds 193 built-in designs, including scrollwork, florals, and quilt patterns. You also get 13 lettering fonts (English, Japanese, Cyrillic). The wireless LAN works the same as the SE700 – you send files from your computer or via the Artspira app.
Trade-off: this machine does not sew. You need a separate sewing machine for garment construction. The learning curve is slightly steeper because the touchscreen interface is more advanced. It is also heavier and takes up more desk space. The price is higher than the SE700 standalone, but for dedicated embroiderers, the larger field is worth it.
- 5 x 7 inch embroidery field (7.4 inches from needle to arm)
- 193 built-in designs and 13 fonts
- Color Sort to reduce thread changes
- Automatic jump stitch trimming
- Wireless LAN and USB file transfer
Best for: An embroidery enthusiast who needs a larger field and won’t miss the sewing function.
Brother PE545 Wireless Embroidery
The PE545 is a pure embroidery machine with a 4×4 inch field. Think of it as the dedicated version of the SE700 without the sewing head. It costs less than the SE700, making it the cheapest way to get a Brother wireless embroidery machine.
It shares the same 135 built-in designs as the SE700, plus 10 fonts (7 English, 3 Japanese). The 3.7-inch touchscreen lets you drag and drop designs, rotate them, and watch tutorial videos. The wireless feature is identical – you use the Artspira app or Design Database Transfer to load patterns. Setup is straightforward: plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, start stitching.
Downsides: no sewing function, obvious. The 4×4 field is small, so you are limited to hat fronts, pockets, and small patches. The machine does not include a color sort or jump stitch trim like the PE900. You have to manually cut jump threads. Also, the included hoop is basic; you might eventually want a magnetic or adjustable hoop.
- 135 built-in embroidery designs (kids, holiday, floral)
- 10 built-in lettering fonts
- 3.7-inch LCD touchscreen with tutorial videos
- Wireless LAN and USB connectivity
- Includes one 4×4 hoop and embroidery foot
Best for: A strict budget buyer who only needs embroidery, not sewing, and can live with a small hoop.
Brother Skitch Single-Needle
The Brother Skitch (PP1) is a single-needle embroidery machine controlled entirely through the Artspira app on your phone. It is for absolute beginners or people who want a portable machine for small projects. It has no built-in designs – you download everything through the app.
Size is the biggest advantage. The Skitch is compact, about the size of a lunchbox. It fits in a closet or on a small desk. You import PES, PHC, PHX, or DST files from the free app and store up to 20 designs. The machine stitches up to 4×4 inches at 400 stitches per minute. It works on store-bought clothing, towels, blankets, and denim.
Limitations are real. The single needle means you have to manually change thread for each color. There is no touchscreen, no built-in designs, no sewing function. The hoop is the same 4×4 size, and the app is required – no direct USB or computer connection. Stitch quality is decent but not as refined as the PE series. The scarcity note on Amazon suggests supply is limited.
- Single-needle, app-controlled (Artspira required)
- Embroiders up to 4×4 inches at 400 spm
- Import PES, PHC, PHX, DST files (up to 20 designs stored in app)
- Small footprint – fits in any craft room
- Ideal for personalizing pre-made clothes and accessories
Best for: A tech-savvy beginner who wants a tiny machine for occasional small projects and prefers phone control over a physical panel.
How We Chose These Products
We started with the keyword ’embroidery machines for sale cheap’ and looked at over thirty models under $600. The final five all come from Brother because the brand consistently offers reliable budget options with good customer support. We prioritized machines with built-in designs (except Skitch, which we included for its unique niche) and wireless connectivity. A machine you can’t easily transfer designs to is a hassle.
We evaluated build quality, stitch consistency, ease of threading, and the usefulness of included accessories. Warranty information was considered – Brother provides a standard 25-year limited warranty on sewing/embroidery machines, which adds peace of mind. We also read hundreds of user testimonials and forum discussions to spot common issues like bobbin tension or hooping difficulty. The machines selected have the lowest complaint rates among budget models.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Embroidery field size is the first decision. A 4×4 inch hoop handles most cap, pocket, and small patch designs. If you plan to do large chest logos or towel monograms, spend extra for a 5×7 inch machine like the PE900. Re-hooping a big design on a small machine is frustrating and can misalign stitching.
Consider whether you want a combo machine or dedicated embroidery. If you already own a good sewing machine, save money and buy a pure embroiderer. If you’re a beginner with no machine, the combo SE700 is more versatile. Also think about file formats: most machines use PES. The Skitch accepts multiple formats but requires an app. Check that the machine reads your design sources.
Maintenance is simple but critical. Clean the bobbin area after every three projects. Use compressed air to remove lint. Oil the needle bar periodically (check manual). Store the machine in a dry place with a dust cover. Cheap machines fail faster if neglected. Also, buy good thread – cheap thread shreds and causes tension problems. The included thread in the SE700 bundle is fine to start, but upgrade later.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother SE700 combo machine is the best overall for most people. It gives you both sewing and embroidery for the price of a dedicated embroidery machine alone. The wireless app and touchscreen make it beginner-friendly. The 4×4 hoop is limiting, but you can always buy a larger hoop later (the machine accepts the PE750 hoop).
If sewing is not needed, the PE545 is the cheapest wireless option with solid results. If you want larger embroidery without stepping up to a $1000 machine, the PE900 is the winner. The SE700 bundle is good if you need all the extras, but check the price difference – sometimes buying the machine alone and sourcing thread separately costs less. The Skitch is only for phone-first users who value tiny size over everything.
You can find the best deals by tracking prices on Amazon, using price trackers like CamelCamelCamel, and checking refurbished models from Brother’s official site. Avoid used machines from unknown sellers – embroidery machines are precise and can be damaged in shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cheap embroidery machine for commercial work?
Yes, but with limits. The SE700 and PE545 are fine for small runs of personalized items (hats, patches). The single-needle Skitch is too slow for volume. For steady commercial use, the PE900’s larger field and auto jump trim speed up production. Expect to replace the bobbin mechanism after heavy use – it is a common wear point on budget Brother machines.
Do I need special software to create my own designs?
For the SE700, PE900, and PE545, you can draw in the free Artspira app and send wirelessly. For converting images to embroidery files, you need digitizing software (like Embrilliance or InkStitch). The Skitch uses Artspira only – you cannot use third-party digitizing tools directly. All machines read PES files, the standard for Brother.
How long do these machines typically last?
With regular maintenance, a Brother budget machine lasts 5 to 10 years for a hobbyist. The plastic internal gears are the weak point; metal gears on professional machines cost double. If you stitch daily, expect 3 to 5 years. Warranty covers manufacturing defects for 25 years on the sewing head, but not normal wear.
Where can I find embroidery designs for cheap?
The built-in designs on the SE700 and PE545 are enough to start. Free sources include Urban Threads free section, Project Pup, and the Artspira app collection (50 free designs). Paid sites like Etsy sell individual designs for $2-5. Always check that the file is in PES or PHC format for Brother machines.