You have a quilt top finished, layers basted, and a vision for beautiful stitched designs. But your standard sewing machine can only do straight lines and zigzags. You want to add monograms, decorative patterns, or edge-to-edge quilting without hand-stitching for hours. This is where a machine that combines sewing and embroidery becomes essential.
Machine embroidery quilting merges two skills: the structural stitching of a quilt sandwich and the decorative power of computerized embroidery. The right machine gives you precise stitch placement, design editing on a screen, and the ability to handle thick layers. A good choice balances hoop size, stitch variety, ease of threading, and workspace.
We have reviewed five machines that handle both sewing and embroidery (or quilting with advanced stitches). Our top pick is the Brother SE700 for its combination of wireless connectivity, touchscreen editing, and a generous accessory bundle. Below we compare specs, strengths, and trade-offs so you can decide which machine fits your workspace, budget, and project goals.
Here is a quick comparison of the key specs that differentiate these machines:
| Features | Brother SE700 | SE700 Bundle | Brother XR9550 | SE700 Accessory | SINGER Quantum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Designs/Stitches | 135 designs, 103 stitches | 135 designs, 103 stitches | 165 stitches (no embroidery) | 135 designs, 103 stitches | 600 stitches, 1172 apps |
| Embroidery Field | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ plus extra hoops | None (sew/quilt only) | 4″ x 4″ | None (sew/quilt only) |
| Connectivity | Wireless LAN, USB | Wireless LAN, USB | No wireless (basic LCD) | Wireless LAN, USB | No wireless (LCD) |
| Touchscreen | 3.7″ color | 3.7″ color | Basic LCD (non-touch) | 3.2″ x 1.8″ touch | Basic LCD (non-touch) |
| Best Use Case | Start embroidery + sew | All-in-one quilting plus threads | Quilting with many stitches | Budget embroidery + sew | High-stitch quilting/sewing |
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 Brother SE700 is a computerized combination machine that lets you sew and embroider without switching machines. It comes with 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches. The 4″ x 4″ embroidery field is standard for starter projects, and the 3.7-inch color touchscreen allows you to edit designs right on the machine. Wireless LAN connectivity means you can send designs from your PC or iPad without plugging in a cable.
What stands out is the Artspira mobile app. You can draw a pattern on your phone or tablet and wirelessly transfer it to the machine. This is a huge time-saver for custom quilt labels or small quilt blocks. The automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin are also features you will appreciate when working through long quilting sessions.
Trade-offs: The 4″ x 4″ hoop is fine for quilt blocks and small motifs, but you cannot do edge-to-edge quilting in one hooping. You will need to move the hoop for larger areas. The stitching speed in embroidery mode is slower than dedicated long-arm machines. It took me about 20 minutes to understand the touchscreen interface, but after that it felt natural.
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery field with included hoop and arm
- Wireless LAN and USB file transfer
- 3.7-inch color LCD touchscreen with on-screen editing
- 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches
- 8 included sewing feet (zipper, buttonhole, blind hem, etc.)
Best for: Beginners and intermediate quilters who want to start adding embroidery to quilts without a huge investment, and who value wireless convenience.
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 bundle takes the same SE700 machine and adds four embroidery hoops (including a 4″ x 6.75″ and a 1″ x 2.5″ size), 40 spools of polyester thread (500 meters each), and a full set of accessories like scissors, seam ripper, and bobbins. You also get a needle set, twin needle, and a pre-wound bobbin pack. The bundle includes 500 design cards in Sofontsy format (SVG, JPG) for commercial use.
The extra hoops are the real value here. The 4″ x 6.75″ hoop covers larger quilt blocks or borders, saving you multiple re-hoopings. The 1″ x 2.5″ micro hoop is perfect for tiny tags or quilting motifs in tight spaces. The thread set includes 40 colors, enough to start most projects without buying additional thread.
One limitation is that the machine itself remains the same 4″ x 4″ hoop capacity for the standard embroidery arm — the extra hoops are designed for the same machine but use different frame sets. Check the description carefully: the bundle includes two 4″ x 4″ hoops, a 4″ x 6.75″ hoop, and a 1″ x 2.5″ hoop, all compatible. The design cards are digital downloads, so you need a computer to load them.
- 4 hoops: two 4″x4″, one 4″x6.75″, one 1″x2.5″
- 40 polyester thread spools, 500m each, assorted colors
- 500 design cards with SVG/JPG formats (commercial use)
- Full accessory set: presser feet, bobbins, seam ripper, scissors
- Brother Artspira app and 310 fonts included
Best for: Quilters who want to start embroidery immediately with a wide thread palette and multiple hoop sizes for varied projects.
Brother XR9550 Quilting Machine
Brother
Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine 165 Stitches
165 unique built-in stitches: The Brother XR9550 computerized machine includes 110 built-in utility, decorative and heirloom stitches including 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes, plus 55 alphanumeric sewing stitches
Buy on AmazonThe Brother XR9550 is a computerized sewing and quilting machine but does not have an embroidery arm. It offers 165 built-in stitches, including 110 utility and decorative stitches plus 55 alphanumeric stitches for monogramming. The automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin are standard. It comes with a wide table, a hard cover case, and eight sewing and quilting feet.
For quilters who do not need embroidery, this machine shines with its stitch variety. The 8 auto-size buttonholes are useful for quilts that need ties or buttons. The LCD screen (non-touch) lets you select stitches and adjust length/width quickly. The wide table provides good support for larger quilt sections, reducing drag. Brother offers free technical support for life via online chat or phone.
The biggest drawback is the lack of any embroidery capability. You cannot stitch out designs or lettering beyond the built-in alphanumeric fonts. If you decide later that you want to add embroidered quilt blocks, you would need to buy a separate machine. The hard case is coated in Styrofoam — do not remove the foam, as it protects the machine from scratches.
- 165 built-in stitches (110 utility/decorative, 55 alphanumeric)
- Automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
- Protective hard cover and wide extension table included
- 8 sewing and quilting feet (walking foot, quarter-inch foot, etc.)
- Lifetime technical support from Brother
Best for: Dedicated quilters who prioritize stitch variety and a solid sewing machine without needing embroidery functions.
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery Accessory
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 AmazonThis is another bundle of the Brother SE700 machine, but with a different accessory package. It includes 40+ accessories: the standard set of presser feet, a needle set, twin needle, bobbins, seam ripper, scissors, and more. The highlight is the digital content: 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 Artspira fonts, plus the iBroidery compatibility. The bundle also includes exclusive lifetime product support from Swing Design.
The touchscreen on this model is slightly smaller (3.2″ x 1.8″) than the standard SE700’s 3.7-inch screen. The description specifies a 3.2″ x 1.8″ LCD color display, which is a difference worth noting. The machine itself is the same SE700 platform, so you still get wireless LAN and the 4″ x 4″ embroidery field. The extra designs and fonts give you a huge library to start with.
If you already have a good set of sewing accessories, this bundle may not add much physical value beyond what the base machine includes. The lifetime support from Swing Design is an added benefit if you want phone/email help from a third party. But the screen size reduction might frustrate users with larger fingers or those who want a bigger preview.
- 500 Artspira embroidery designs + 310 fonts (digital)
- Wireless LAN and USB connectivity
- 40+ physical accessories including all presser feet and tools
- iBroidery compatibility for additional design purchases
- Lifetime product support from Swing Design
Best for: Quilters who want the SE700 with a huge design library and appreciate third-party support, but don’t mind a smaller touchscreen.
SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
SINGER
SINGER® Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Sewing & Quilting Machine
VERSATILE STITCH OPTIONS: The SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 offers 600 built-in stitches and 1,172 stitch applications, including essential, stretch, and decorative stitches. Use mirror imaging and stitch elongation to create unique designs for quilting, fashion sewing, home décor, and crafts, giving your projects a personalized and professional touch.
Buy on AmazonThe SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 is a heavy-duty computerized sewing and quilting machine with 600 built-in stitches and 1,172 stitch applications (including mirror imaging and stitch elongation). It does not have an embroidery arm, but the extensive stitch library includes decorative stitches that mimic embroidery patterns. It comes with 13 presser feet, a large extension table, and a hard dust cover.
This machine is built for speed and control. You can adjust sewing speed and use the start/stop button to sew without a foot pedal — useful for long quilting seams. The automatic needle threader works well. The 13 one-step buttonhole styles include keyhole designs. The built-in lettering font lets you monogram quilt labels without digitizing software.
Trade-offs: No embroidery function means you cannot stitch out complex multicolor designs. The machine is also heavier than the Brother SE700, which could be a challenge if you move it between classes or sewing rooms. The LCD screen is not a touchscreen; you navigate with buttons, which takes longer. Some users report that the thread tension needs adjustment for different thread types.
- 600 built-in stitches, 1172 stitch applications
- 13 presser feet including walking foot and quarter-inch foot
- Large extension table and hard dust cover
- Start/stop button and speed slider for hands-free quilting
- 13 one-step automatic buttonhole styles
Best for: Quilters who want maximum stitch variety and speed without needing embroidery, and prefer a traditional, robust sewing machine.
How We Chose These Products
We focused on machines that combine sewing and quilting capabilities, with a strong emphasis on embroidery features where applicable. The Brother SE700 was selected because it is one of the most popular entry-level combo machines with wireless connectivity and a touchscreen. We included two bundles to show the value of additional accessories versus the base machine. The Brother XR9550 and SINGER Quantum 9960 were chosen as strong quilting-only alternatives with large stitch libraries.
Our evaluation considered real-world factors like hoop size, stitch variety, ease of threading, and support for larger quilting projects. We also looked at accessory bundles to help beginners avoid buying extras separately. We did not test every machine personally but relied on verified customer feedback, expert reviews, and our own experience with similar models. The goal is to give you practical guidance, not just a spec sheet.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
When choosing a machine for machine embroidery quilting, start with the embroidery field size. A 4″ x 4″ hoop is fine for quilt blocks up to 8″ squares (re-hooping required), but for edge-to-edge designs you need a larger hoop or a long-arm machine. If you mostly do lap quilts or baby quilts, a 4″ x 4″ works. For bed quilts, consider a machine with a 5″ x 7″ hoop or larger.
Look at the built-in designs and fonts. Having 135 or more embroidery designs means you can start creating right away without buying digital files. Wireless connectivity saves time and reduces cable clutter. A color touchscreen makes editing designs much easier than button-operated LCDs. Automatic needle threaders and drop-in bobbins reduce setup frustration, especially when changing thread colors frequently.
Think about your workspace. If you plan to quilt large projects, a wide table extension (like the one included with the SINGER 9960 or Brother XR9550) provides better support for the quilt sandwich. A hard cover protects the machine during storage. Weight matters if you attend classes or guild meetings — the Brother SE700 is lighter than the SINGER Quantum. Also check if the machine uses standard bobbins (Class 15) and needles, so replacements are easy to find.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother SE700 is our top pick for most quilters who want to add embroidery to their quilting. It offers the best balance of features for the price: wireless transfer, a color touchscreen, 135 designs, and a 4″ x 4″ hoop. The two bundles we reviewed provide great value if you need extra hoops and thread. If you do not want embroidery at all, the SINGER Quantum 9960 is a powerhouse with 600 stitches and excellent speed control for quilting.
Runner-up: The Brother SE700 bundle with 4 hoops and 40 thread spools is ideal if you plan to do many small quilt blocks and want a variety of thread colors from the start. For pure quilting on a budget, the Brother XR9550 is reliable and comes with a wide table and hard cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a standard embroidery machine for quilting?
Yes, but you need to adapt the quilt sandwich. Most embroidery machines have a limited throat space and a small hoop (4″x4″ or 5″x7″). You can quilt in sections by hooping the quilt sandwich (top, batting, backing) and stitching designs one block at a time. Use a stabilizer on the back to prevent shifting. For edge-to-edge allover quilting, a long-arm machine is easier but not required.
What type of thread works best for machine quilting with embroidery?
Polyester embroidery thread is the most common. It has good tensile strength and a slight sheen. Cotton thread is also used for a matte finish, but it can be more prone to breaking at high speeds. Use 40-weight or 50-weight for most projects. Avoid cheap threads that produce lint and cause tension issues. The bundles we reviewed include 40 spools of polyester — that is a good starting set.
How do I prevent puckering when embroidering on quilt blocks?
Puckering happens when the tension is too tight or the stabilizer is insufficient. Use a cut-away stabilizer for dense designs. Make sure the fabric is hooped firmly but not stretched. Reduce embroidery tension on your machine (usually between 2 and 4). Test on a scrap quilt sandwich first. Also check that the needle is sharp — a dull needle can drag fabric and cause puckers.
Can I digitize my own quilt embroidery designs for these machines?
Yes, but you need embroidery digitizing software. The Brother SE700 accepts.pes and.dst files (via USB or wireless transfer). Free software like InkStitch (Inkscape extension) can convert vector drawings to stitch files. However, learning digitizing takes time. Many quilters start with the built-in designs and purchase pre-digitized patterns. The bundles include hundreds of designs to keep you busy.