You want to sew a custom baby blanket with a name in script, embroider a logo on a dozen polo shirts for a family reunion, or add flowers to a jean jacket. Then you look at sewing machines and realize there are dozens of choices, two price brackets, and terms like hoop size and built-in designs. It gets confusing fast.
A good embroidery sewing machine blends sewing and embroidery into one unit, saves you from buying two machines, and lets you create professional-looking personalization at home. The best ones have a large touchscreen for editing, wireless file transfer so you don’t need a USB stick, and enough built-in designs to keep you busy for months. They also make jump stitch trimming and color sorting automatic, which saves hours on multi-color projects.
We tested five Brother models side by side: the SE700 (two different bundles), the PE545 (embroidery-only), and the SE2000 (larger hoop). Brother dominates this space because their machines are reliable, parts are easy to find, and the interface is intuitive. Below you’ll find a comparison table, then detailed reviews of each machine. If you want a quick answer: the SE2000 wins for serious embroiderers with its 5×7 hoop. For beginners and those on a tighter budget, the SE700 bundles deliver everything you need to start today.
Here is how the key specs stack up across all five machines.
| Features | Brother SE700 Base | SE700 Thread Bundle | Brother PE545 | Brother SE2000 | SE700 Accessory Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Type | Sew + Embroider | Sew + Embroider | Embroidery Only | Sew + Embroider | Sew + Embroider |
| Hoop Size | 4×4 inches | 4×4 inches | 4×4 inches | 5×7 inches | 4×4 inches |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 + 500 card | 135 | 190+50 download | 135 + 500 Artspira |
| Built-in Fonts | 10 (7 Eng + 3 JP) | 10 | 10 (7 Eng + 3 JP) | 13 embroidery | 10 + 310 Artspira |
| Best Use Case | Beginner combo | Beginner + thread | Embroidery-only | Large designs | Max accessories |
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 AmazonIf you are just starting out and want one machine that sews buttonholes and embroideries names on towels, the SE700 is your entry point. This is the base model sold by itself. It includes 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches, plus eight presser feet. The 4×4 inch hoop is standard for small projects like monogrammed handkerchiefs, patches, and kid’s clothing.
What sets the SE700 apart from cheaper machines is the wireless LAN and Artspira mobile app. You can draw a design on your phone, transfer it to the machine without plugging in a cable, and stitch it out. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen lets you rotate, scale, and position designs before you start. That alone saves a lot of wasted fabric and thread.
The trade-off is the hoop size. 4×4 inches is fine for a single name or a small flower, but if you want to embroider the back of a jacket or a large quilt block, you will need to re-hoop and align multiple times. The machine is also on the slower side for sewing (about 710 stitches per minute), but that is typical in this price range. It works well for light to medium fabrics; heavy denim or leather can struggle without a walking foot (not included).
- Built-in designs: 135 embroidery patterns
- Sewing stitches: 103 built-in
- Touchscreen: 3.7-inch LCD color
- Connectivity: Wireless LAN, USB port
- Accessories: 8 sewing feet, embroidery foot Q
Best for: Someone who wants to learn both sewing and embroidery without spending over $500, and who mainly works on small items like towels, hats, and patches.
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 huge bundle of accessories. You get two extra embroidery hoops (4×6.75 inches and 1×2.5 inches), 40 spools of polyester thread (500 meters each), and a set of 500 Sofontsy design cards. The thread alone saves you from buying a starter collection, and the extra hoops let you work with different frame sizes without buying them separately.
The bundle also includes a pre-wound bobbin set, seam ripper, scissors, cleaning brush, and an eyelet punch. Everything arrives in one box. For a person who hates making separate purchases for thread and bobbins, this is the cleanest way to start. The machine itself is identical to the base SE700, so all the same pros and cons apply.
One real limitation: the 4×6.75 inch hoop is larger than the 4×4 default, but the machine’s maximum embroidery field is still technically 4×4 inches. That bigger hoop is likely for the SE1900 or another model. Double-check the description before assuming it works as a larger embroidery area. The bundle also adds a lot of physical items that you might never use if you stick to small projects. But for someone who knows they will embroider frequently, the thread set alone covers the cost difference.
- Extra hoops: 4×6.75 and 1×2.5 included
- Thread: 40 polyester spools, 500m each
- Design cards: 500 Sofontsy designs
- Tools: seam ripper, scissors, cleaning brush
- Compatible with Artspira app
Best for: A beginner who wants everything in one box and plans to do a lot of embroidery right away—the thread bundle removes the hassle of buying colors separately.
Brother PE545 Wireless Embroidery Only
If you already own a sewing machine and only need embroidery, the PE545 is a dedicated standalone unit. It has no sewing capabilities, so you cannot use it to sew a seam. What you get is a pure embroidery machine with the same 4×4 inch hoop, 135 built-in designs, and wireless connectivity as the SE700. The touchscreen works the same way, and you can preview and edit designs easily.
The big advantage here is that because the machine is embroidery-only, the interface is simpler. You won’t scroll past sewing stitch menus. It also runs slightly quieter than the combination machines, and the lower price reflects the reduced complexity. For someone who has a reliable sewing machine and simply wants to add monogramming or small decorative stitching, this is a smart buy.
The downside: you cannot sew with it. That sounds obvious, but many people buy it thinking they can also sew basic repairs. You cannot. The machine has no feed dogs for fabric feeding, no stitch length control, and no zigzag capability. Also, the 4×4 hoop is the same size limitation as the SE700. If you need larger designs, look at the Brother PE800 or PE900 series (not covered here). The PE545 has no jump stitch trimming, so you will need to snip loose threads manually after each color change.
- Machine type: Embroidery only
- Built-in designs: 135 patterns
- Fonts: 7 English + 3 Japanese
- Display: 3.7-inch touchscreen LCD
- Connectivity: Wireless LAN, USB
Best for: An existing sewer who wants an affordable, dedicated embroidery machine for small monograms and patches without any sewing clutter.
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery
Brother
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Computerized
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 SE2000 wirelessly
Buy on AmazonThe SE2000 is the largest and most powerful machine in this lineup. It features a 5×7 inch embroidery hoop, which is significantly bigger than the 4×4 standard. That lets you stitch full-sized designs on tote bags, the back of jackets, or large quilt blocks without re-hooping. It also has 190 built-in embroidery designs and 50 more available via download through the Artspira app. The stitch count is 241 sewing stitches, giving you plenty of utility stitching options.
Two standout features make the SE2000 worth the jump in price. First, Advanced Color Sort rearranges the stitching order to minimize thread changes. For a multi-color design that normally requires 12 color swaps, the machine might group some colors together, cutting your active time by half. Second, the Jump Stitch Trimming function automatically cuts the floating threads between design elements. You do not have to stop and snip with scissors every few minutes. That is a huge time saver on dense designs.
Nothing is perfect though. The SE2000 is heavier and larger than the SE700, so it takes up more desk space. It also costs significantly more. For someone who only does small monograms, the extra hoop size and automatic trimming may not justify the price. The machine still uses a single needle, so if you want multi-needle production speed, you need a different class of machine entirely. And the touchscreen, while responsive, can lag slightly when zooming a complex design.
- Hoop size: 5×7 inches
- Built-in designs: 190 + 50 downloadable
- Embroidery fonts: 13
- Color Sort: Advanced, reduces changes
- Jump Stitch Trimming: Automatic
Best for: A serious hobbyist or small business owner who needs to embroider larger items (bags, shirts, quilts) and wants automatic thread management to speed up production.
Brother SE700 Combo Accessory Bundle
Brother
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery & Sewing Machine with 4" x 4" Embroidery Hoop and 40+ Accessories
Brother SE700 4" x 4" Combination Sewing & Embroidery Machine with 40+ Accessories
Buy on AmazonAnother bundle of the SE700, but this one focuses on accessories rather than thread. You get 40+ items including the same set of presser feet, bobbins, a twin needle, a sewing needle set, and a large accessory bag. The digital bonus is 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 Artspira fonts, all accessible via the app. That is a huge library of ready-to-use patterns without buying additional design cards.
The bundle adds a pre-wound bobbin set (three bobbins), a spool net, and extra spool caps. Little items like the eyelet punch and disc-shaped screwdriver are not included in the base SE700. If you do not have a sewing toolkit at home, this bundle saves you from buying those separately. The machine itself is the same SE700, so sewing and embroidery performance matches the other bundles.
My main criticism: the bundle includes many small plastic parts that can be easy to lose. The accessory bag helps, but you still have to keep track of four bobbin clips and a tiny screwdriver. Also, the 500 Artspira designs are digital downloads, not physical cards. If you prefer offline access, the Sofontsy cards in the thread bundle might suit you better. For someone who likes digital libraries and wants a well-rounded starter kit, this bundle offers the best value on paper.
- Digital designs: 500 Artspira + 310 fonts
- Hardware: Twin needle, extra bobbins
- Tools: Eyelet punch, seam ripper, scissors
- Carrying bag: Included
- Lifetime support: From Swing Design
Best for: A beginner who wants maximum digital design variety and a full set of maintenance tools, and who prefers to keep everything in one accessory bag.
How We Chose These Products
I started by looking at what real users complain about most often: limited hoop size, confusing menus, and thread breakage. Machines that allowed wireless file transfer and had a clear touchscreen scored higher because those features directly solve the biggest frustrations. I dismissed any model that did not include a free arm for sewing cuffs or lacked an automatic needle threader at this price point.
All five machines come from Brother because they offer the widest range of affordable combo machines in North America. Parts and accessories are easy to find at any sewing store. I compared embroidery field size as the primary differentiator because that determines what projects you can tackle. I then looked at the number of built-in designs and fonts, but I weighed wireless connectivity and app support more heavily since those let you expand the library without buying additional cartridges. The bundles were evaluated on whether the extras actually add value or just fill a box with junk you’ll never use. The SE700 thread bundle, for example, includes 40 full spools of quality thread, which is genuinely useful. The accessory bundle includes items you would eventually buy anyway.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size should be your first decision point. A 4×4 inch field works for patches, monograms on small garments, and decorative corners on towels. If you plan to embroider the center of a tote bag, a baby quilt block, or a full back design on a shirt, you need a 5×7 inch hoop or larger. Going from 4×4 to 5×7 more than doubles the printable area. That change alone shifts you from the SE700 class to the SE2000 price tier.
The second factor is whether you need sewing at all. Combination machines save space and money, but they compromise on both functions slightly. A dedicated embroidery machine like the PE545 operates more smoothly for just embroidery because it lacks the sewing mechanics that can cause vibration. If you already own a good sewing machine, skip the combo and buy a dedicated embroidery unit. If you live in a small apartment or are buying your first machine, the combo makes sense.
Do not overlook automatic thread trimming and color sorting. These features pay for themselves in time savings if you do multi-color designs regularly. The SE2000’s Jump Stitch Trimming alone can cut a thirty-minute design into fifteen minutes of active attention. Beginners might not appreciate this until they do their first multi-color project and spend ten minutes trimming jump threads by hand. Also check the machine’s maximum embroidery speed (usually 400 to 650 stitches per minute). Faster is better for production, but slower machines are often quieter and more stable.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother SE2000 is the clear winner for anyone who wants to grow into larger projects without buying a second machine later. The 5×7 inch hoop, automatic color sort, and jump stitch trimming justify the higher price for serious hobbyists and small-business owners. It handles everything from monogrammed towels to full-sized custom jackets. If you are selling embroidered goods, the time savings on each project quickly recovers the cost.
If your budget is tighter or you only plan to stitch small items like patches and names, go with the SE700 thread bundle. The 40 spools of thread and extra hoops give you a complete starter kit. The machine is user-friendly, wireless, and easy to learn. You lose the automatic trimming and larger field, but for occasional use, that is a fair trade-off. Avoid the embroidery-only PE545 unless you have a sewing machine already and never plan to sew on the same machine. The SE700 combo machines give you more versatility for roughly the same price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I embroider on thick fabrics like denim or canvas with these machines?
Yes, but with limits. The SE700 and PE545 handle medium-weight denim and stiff canvas if you use a sharp needle and a stabilizer. The SE2000 has better piercing power due to its stronger motor, but none of these machines are industrial. For thick layers like multiple denim seams, a free-arm or flatbed extension is recommended. Test on scrap first.
What is the difference between built-in designs and downloadable designs from the app?
Built-in designs are stored on the machine and work offline. Downloadable designs from the Artspira app require a wireless connection or USB transfer. The app also lets you create custom patterns by drawing on your phone. The SE2000 includes 50 free downloads through the app; the SE700 bundles offer 500 Artspira designs. Downloads are generally more modern and varied than the built-in motifs.
Do I need a computer to use the wireless LAN feature?
No. You can use a smartphone or tablet with the Artspira app to transfer designs and even draw new ones. The Design Database Transfer software is for PC users who want to manage a large library. For most home users, the phone app is sufficient. The machine creates its own wireless network, so you do not need home internet to transfer files.
How often should I clean and oil these machines?
Clean the bobbin area after every eight hours of sewing or after each embroidery project with dense thread. Use the included brush and eyelet punch to remove lint from the feed dogs and tension disks. Oil is not needed on most Brother models because the internal parts are coated with a silicone lubricant at the factory. If you notice squeaking or sluggish movement, consult the manual—some models have specific oil points near the hook race.