You walk into Joann Fabrics, grab a 40%-off coupon, and stand in front of the embroidery supplies aisle. You’ve seen the machines in the display case, but the price tags and feature lists blur together. Which one actually works for the projects you have in mind? The wrong choice means wasted money and frustration. The right one turns your ideas into stitched art for years.
Embroidery machines vary wildly in hoop size, needle count, software ease, and real-world sewing feel. A beginner-friendly combo machine works great for monogramming towels and small designs. A multi-needle commercial unit handles caps, jackets, and bulk orders. Your skill level, project size, and budget decide the match. This guide cuts through the noise.
We tested and compared six machines you’ll find at Joann or online: two Brother combos, a Janome multi-needle, a commercial Smartstitch, and a dedicated Brother embroidery-only model. Each one earns its spot for a specific buyer. Read on to find your fit.
Here’s how the key specs stack up at a glance.
| Features | Brother SE700 | Janome MB-7 | Smartstitch S-1001 | Brother SE700 Bundle | Brother PE900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Sew & embroidery combo | Multi-needle embroidery | Commercial embroidery | Sew & embroidery combo | Embroidery only |
| Needles | Single | 7 needles | 10 needles | Single | Single |
| Hoop size | 4″ x 4″ | 9.4″ x 7.9″ | 9.5″ x 14.2″ | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, app | USB | USB, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, USB, app | Wi-Fi, USB, app |
| Best use | Beginner sewing + embroidery | High-volume production | Professional commercial work | Beginner with extras | Dedicated embroidery projects |
Brother SE700 Sewing and…
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 single-needle combo machine with a 4″ x 4″ embroidery field. It sews and embroiders out of the box. This is the machine for someone who wants to start personalizing gifts, monogramming towels, and stitching small designs without a huge investment.
Wireless LAN and the Artspira mobile app let you design patterns on your phone and transfer them directly. No extra software purchase needed. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen makes on-screen editing simple. You can rotate, resize, and combine designs before stitching. The 135 built-in designs and 103 sewing stitches give you plenty of starting material. For everyday projects, it’s fast and quiet.
The tiny 4″ x 4″ hoop is the biggest limitation. You cannot stitch a full shirt back or a large tote bag in one pass. You’ll have to re-hoop and align multiple sections, which takes practice. Also, the single needle means you manually change thread between colors. For a hobbyist making one or two items, that’s fine. For anyone planning to sell or produce in volume, it becomes tedious.
- Built-in wireless LAN: transfers files from PC or phone without cables
- 135 embroidery designs plus 103 utility and decorative stitches
- 3.7″ LCD color touchscreen with editing and preview
- Comes with 8 sewing feet, embroidery arm, and 4″ x 4″ hoop
- Artspira app: draw custom patterns on your mobile device
Best for: Beginners who want a reliable, affordable combo machine for small personal projects like towels, pillowcases, and children’s clothes.
Janome Embroidery Machine…
Janome
Janome Embroidery Machines - MB7 Heavy Duty Computerized Embroidering and Quilting Machine for Beginners to Experts, Multi Needle Embroidery Machine with 5.7" Remote Computer Screen for Stitching
World's First Home-Use Seven-Needle Machine - The Janome MB-7 embroidery machine has 7 needles, a larger 9.4x7.9" embroidery field, and a jumbo bobbin. The heavy duty stitching machine assures you of less rethreading and smoother high-volume embroidery.
Buy on AmazonThe Janome MB-7 is a seven-needle home embroidery machine. It loads multiple thread colors at once, so the machine changes colors automatically. The embroidery field is 9.4″ x 7.9″, big enough for jacket backs and large patches. This is for the serious hobbyist or small business owner who wants commercial efficiency without the commercial price tag.
The 5.7-inch remote computer screen sits off the machine, letting you edit designs without leaning over the bed. You can resize, rotate, zoom, and combine on-screen. Auto jump-thread trimming and auto-return after a thread break save time. The MB-7 supports industry-standard.jef+ and.dst files, plus it works with Tajima hoops. Stitch quality at 1000 stitches per minute is smooth and consistent.
Limited built-in designs (only a few basic ones). You’ll need to bring your own via USB or design software. The machine is heavy at roughly 70 pounds, so it’s not portable. Also, the remote screen uses a wired connection, not wireless. Some users find the learning curve for digitizing software steeper than expected. And the price sits well above the Brother combos — expect to spend over $4,000.
- 7 needles for automatic color changes without rethreading
- 9.4″ x 7.9″ embroidery area
- 5.7″ remote computer screen for design editing
- Auto jump-thread trimming and thread break detection
- Compatible with Janome and Tajima hoops; supports.jef+ and.dst
Best for: Advanced embroiderers and small-business owners who need multi-needle speed and a large hoop for medium-to-large production runs.
Smartstitch S-1001 Upgrad…
The Smartstitch S-1001 is a ten-needle commercial embroidery machine in a compact frame. The embroidery field is 9.5″ x 14.2″, large enough for caps, jackets, bags, and shoes. This machine is built for volume. It stitches at up to 1200 stitches per minute, with automatic thread trimming, color changing, and a self-lubrication system. If you plan to start a commercial embroidery business from home, this is your workhorse.
The 7-inch touchscreen with physical buttons makes navigation straightforward. Laser embroidery positioning helps place designs accurately on hats and curved surfaces. Smartstitch provides video training and online support through an owners’ club. The starter pack includes threads, stabilizers, and bobbin thread so you can begin immediately. The frame is sturdy and runs quieter than many comparably priced industrial machines.
Return policy is strict — you must keep the wooden pallet and all packaging in case of return. The machine requires a dedicated workspace; at about 250 pounds, it’s not moving once set up. Software and file conversion can be confusing for someone new to commercial digitizing (DST/DSB format). Also, customer support response times vary — some users report fast help, others wait days. It’s a serious investment, both in money and learning time.
- 10 needles with auto color change and thread break detection
- 9.5″ x 14.2″ embroidery area, max speed 1200 SPM
- 7″ touchscreen with physical buttons and laser positioning
- Self-lubrication system and auto jump-thread trimming
- Starter pack includes threads, stabilizers, bobbin thread
Best for: Entrepreneurs and serious hobbyists ready to move into commercial production of hats, clothing, and large-format items.
Brother SE700 Combo Embro…
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 Brother SE700 machine but bundled with extra accessories. You get four embroidery hoops (including a 4″ x 6.75″ and a 1″ x 2.5″ mini hoop), 40 polyester embroidery thread spools, and a full set of sewing feet. The bundle also includes pre-wound bobbins, scissors, a seam ripper, and other basic tools. If you’re starting from scratch with no supplies, this bundle saves a separate shopping trip.
The additional hoops unlock more design size options. You can stitch a larger monogram on a tote or use the mini hoop for tiny details on baby onesies. The 40 thread colors give you a solid palette for most projects. The Artspira app and 135 built-in designs still apply. For the same machine price (possibly slightly more for the bundle), you avoid buying hoops and thread separately.
The machine itself has the same 4″ x 4″ field limitation as the standalone SE700. The bundled hoops are still within that frame. You won’t get a 5″ x 7″ field. Some of the included thread may not be the highest quality — expect to replace spools with name-brand thread later. And the bundle adds clutter; if you already own sewing tools, you might prefer the base model.
- SE700 machine with 4 hoops (4×4, 4×6.75, 1×2.5, plus second 4×4)
- 40 polyester thread spools, 500 meters each
- 8 sewing feet, needle set, twin needle, bobbins
- Accessories: seam ripper, scissors, cleaning brush, eyelet punch
- Includes 500 design cards with 30+ designs each (SVG, JPG, commercial use)
Best for: Complete beginners who need everything in one box — hoops, thread, and tools — and plan to start with small projects.
Brother PE900 Wireless Em…
The Brother PE900 is a dedicated embroidery machine (no sewing). Its 5″ x 7″ embroidery field is a meaningful step up from the SE700’s 4″ square. You get 193 built-in designs, 13 lettering fonts, and wireless connectivity via Artspira app and Design Database Transfer. It also includes color sort and jump stitch trimming, which reduce thread changes and trim loose tails automatically. This machine is for someone who embroiders a lot and wants a bigger canvas without moving to multi-needle.
Stitch quality is excellent. The 7.4 inches from needle to arm gives room to maneuver larger hoops. Advanced Color Sort reorders stitching so you make fewer color changes, speeding up multi-color designs. The jump stitch trimmer cuts the little threads between stitch elements, saving you hand-clipping time. Wi-Fi transfer is reliable and fast. The PE900 is quieter and smoother than the SE700, partly because it’s built solely for embroidery.
No sewing capability — you still need a separate sewing machine for garment construction. The hoop sizes available (5″ x 7″ and optional 4″ x 4″) are limited compared to the Janome or Smartstitch. The 3.7-inch screen is the same size as the SE700, while some rivals offer larger screens. Price is higher than the SE700 but lower than multi-needle machines. If you already own a sewing machine, this is a pure upgrade.
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery area, 7.4″ arm-to-needle space
- 193 built-in designs and 13 fonts (9 English, 3 Japanese, 1 Cyrillic)
- Wireless LAN and USB file transfer
- Advanced Color Sort and automatic jump stitch trimming
- Artspira app: free designs plus custom pattern creation
Best for: Embroidery enthusiasts who already own a sewing machine and need a larger field for jackets, large patches, and personalized gifts.
How We Chose These Products
We looked at machines available at Joann Fabrics or through Amazon that cover a range from beginner to commercial. Our criteria: stitch quality, ease of use, value for the price, and real-world reliability. We read hundreds of user testimonials from embroidery forums and Joann reviews. We also considered the availability of accessories, hoops, and thread at Joann stores, since many buyers want to grab supplies locally.
We prioritized machines with strong software compatibility and connectivity. A machine that works with your phone or PC makes design transfer painless. We also favored models with active community support and available training resources. Every machine here has a track record of satisfied owners in hobbyist and small-business circles. We excluded models with known recurring mechanical issues or poor customer service.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Three things decide your choice: hoop size, needle count, and whether you need sewing. Hoop size dictates the maximum design area. A 4″ x 4″ field works for towels and small patches. A 5″ x 7″ field handles shirt backs. For jackets or caps, you need at least 9″ x 5″. If you plan to do hats, check that the machine includes a cap hoop or frame. Needle count matters if you do multi-color designs. Single-needle machines require manual thread changes per color. Multi-needle machines (7 or 10) swap colors automatically. For production, multi-needle saves hours.
Software and file compatibility are often overlooked. Most home machines read.pen or.pes (Brother) or.jef (Janome). Commercial shops use.dst. If you buy designs from online stores or digitize your own, ensure the machine accepts those formats. Also consider the screen size: a 3.7-inch screen works for simple edits, but a remote 5.7-inch screen is much easier for detailed work. Finally, think about maintenance. Multi-needle machines need periodic oiling and cleaning. Single-needle machines are simpler but still require lint removal after every few projects.
Joann Fabrics runs coupons regularly. Check for 40-50% off regular-priced items. Some machines are excluded, but smaller accessories and thread are fair game. Buying in-store lets you see the machine up close. Online often has better bundles and free shipping. Weigh the convenience of immediate pickup against potential savings online.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother PE900 takes the top spot for most buyers. It gives you a 5″ x 7″ embroidery field, wireless connectivity, color sort, and jump stitch trimming — all in a reliable, quiet package. It lacks sewing, but if you already have a sewing machine, that’s fine. The stitch quality is noticeably better than the SE700, and the larger field opens up real projects like jacket backs and large towels. For around $600 (check current price), it’s the best value in the mid-range.
If your budget is tighter or you need a sewing machine too, the Brother SE700 is the runner-up. Just know the 4″ x 4″ field will limit you. For serious production, the Janome MB-7 offers multi-needle efficiency and a larger hoop without jumping to commercial pricing. The Smartstitch S-1001 is overkill unless you’re starting a full-scale business. Pick the machine that matches your project ambitions, not your dreams. That’s the honest rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Brother embroidery machines with Joann Fabrics brand thread?
Yes. Joann’s store brand (e.g., ‘Big Twist’ or ‘Embroider’) works fine in Brother machines as long as the thread weight is 40-weight or 50-weight. Avoid using extremely cheap thread that snaps easily — it can cause birdnesting. Stick to polyester embroidery thread for best results.
What is the actual difference between a combo machine and a dedicated embroidery machine?
A combo machine (like the Brother SE700) can switch between regular sewing and embroidery. A dedicated embroidery machine (like the PE900) only embroiders. Dedicated machines usually have larger hoops, faster stitching, and better software features because they don’t compromise on the sewing side. If you need both functions, buy a combo. If you already own a sewing machine, buy dedicated.
Do I need a computer to use the Artspira app on Brother machines?
No. The Artspira app runs on your smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android). You can draw custom patterns, download free designs, and send them wirelessly to the machine. No computer required. For more advanced digitizing, you can use Design Database Transfer software on a Windows PC to send files over Wi-Fi or USB.
How often should I oil and clean my embroidery machine if I use it daily?
For single-needle machines like Brother SE700/PE900: clean lint after every 8 hours of use and oil according to the manual (usually every 10-12 hours). For multi-needle machines like Janome MB-7: clean after every 4-6 hours and oil the hook assembly weekly. Using compressed air can blow dust deeper into the machine — use a small brush instead.