You found a great deal on a used embroidery machine online, but you are nervous. Will it last? Will it break after a month? You want the creative freedom of embroidery without paying full retail price. Refurbished machines can save you hundreds, but only if you know what to look for.
Refurbished embroidery machines are tested, repaired, and often come with a warranty. They are not the same as used machines from a garage sale. The trick is picking the right model and the right seller. You need reliable hardware that can handle your projects, whether you are monogramming shirts or starting a small business.
We reviewed five top-tier machines that are commonly available refurbished: the Brother SE700 combo, Brother PE900 dedicated embroiderer, Smartstitch S-1001 multi-needle, Brother Skitch beginner single-needle, and Brother PRS100 free-arm. Each fills a different niche. This guide will help you match your needs to the right machine and avoid common mistakes.
Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of the key specs that matter most when shopping refurbished.
| Features | Brother SE700 | Brother PE900 | Smartstitch S-1001 | Brother Skitch | Brother PRS100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Type | Sew & embroidery combo | Dedicated embroidery | Commercial multi-needle | Single-needle embroidery | Single-needle free-arm |
| Embroidery Area | 4″ x 4″ | 5″ x 7″ | 9.5″ x 14.2″ | 4″ x 4″ | Compact frames up to 2″ x 2″ |
| Built-in Designs | 135 designs, 103 stitches | 193 designs, 13 fonts | None (use DST/DSB files) | Import via Artspira app | Import via USB |
| Connectivity | Wireless LAN, USB | Wireless LAN, USB | USB, WiFi | Bluetooth (Artspira only) | USB |
| Best Use Case | Hobbyist who sews & embroiders | Dedicated embroidery lover | Small business or heavy production | Complete beginner, small projects | Garments, caps, tricky areas |
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 two-in-one machine that lets you switch between sewing and embroidery without buying separate devices. It suits crafters who want to sew garments and add decorative embroidery on the same machine. You can make a dress and then monogram a pocket in one sitting.
The wireless LAN and Artspira app stand out here. You can draw a design on your phone and send it to the machine without cables. The 4″ x 4″ hoop is small but enough for beginners. The 3.7″ touchscreen makes editing and previewing easy — you see exactly where the needle goes before you start.
Trade-off: the embroidery field is limiting. You cannot stitch a large center design on a shirt without moving the hoop. Also, the SE700 uses a plastic frame that can flex with thick fabrics. It is not built for daily commercial use. If you plan to sew often, the sewing functions are solid but not heavy-duty.
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches
- Wireless LAN file transfer from PC or mobile
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery field with included hoop
- Color touchscreen with on-screen editing
- 8 sewing feet included
Best for: Hobbyists who want one machine for both sewing and embroidery and appreciate wireless design transfer.
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 AmazonIf you only care about embroidery — not sewing — the Brother PE900 is a dedicated machine with a larger 5″ x 7″ field. That extra space lets you stitch center designs on adult T-shirts and larger items without re-hooping. It is a favorite among monogrammers and small-scale shop owners.
Two features save serious time: color sort and jump stitch trimming. Color sort rearranges the stitch order to minimize thread changes, and the auto trim cuts jump threads so you do not have to snip them by hand. The 193 built-in designs include florals, scrollwork, and quilt patterns, plus 13 fonts (English, Japanese, Cyrillic).
The downside is price. Refurbished PE900s still cost more than entry-level machines. And it is purely embroidery — you cannot sew a straight stitch. The 7.4″ arm clearance is decent but not huge; bulky blankets may be tight.
- 193 built-in designs and 13 lettering fonts
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery area (generous for home use)
- Advanced color sort with automatic jump stitch trimming
- Wireless LAN and USB connectivity
- Artspira app for custom designs
Best for: Dedicated embroiderers who want a larger hoop and efficiency features without moving to a multi-needle machine.
Smartstitch S-1001 Upgraded Multi-Needle
smartstitch
Smartstitch S-1001 Upgraded Embroidery Machine with 10 Needles, 1200SPM Max Speed, 7" Touch Screen, 9.5"x14.2" Embroidery Area, New Gen of Commercial Embroidery Machine for Flat, Hat, T-shirt and more
Upgraded new generation of machine: S-1001 Commercial Embroidery Machine in compact size and light weight with great features: Precise operating system; Auto thread trimming; Auto color changing; Self-lubrication system; Thread break detection; Newly-Added physical buttons; Laser embroidery positioning; Less noise with more stable structure; Easier maintenance; Max 100 million stitches memories etc.
Buy on AmazonThe Smartstitch S-1001 is a commercial-grade 10-needle machine that handles hats, shirts, jackets, and more. It is built for small business owners who need production speed and versatility. The 9.5″ x 14.2″ embroidery field is huge — you can stitch full back designs on a hoodie.
It comes with a starter pack of threads, stabilizers, and bobbins. Auto thread trimming, auto color change, and thread break detection reduce downtime. The 7″ touchscreen and laser positioning help align designs accurately. Smartstitch also provides online training and a community group for new users.
This is a serious investment even refurbished. It is heavier and noisier than home machines. The learning curve is steeper — you need to understand file formats (DST/DSB) and digitizing software. Returning a commercial machine is complicated; the seller requires you to keep the original pallet and packaging.
- 10 needles with auto color change and thread trimming
- 9.5″ x 14.2″ max embroidery area
- 1200 stitches per minute max speed
- USB, WiFi, and physical buttons
- Includes starter pack and local technical support
Best for: Small apparel businesses or serious hobbyists who need multi-needle speed and a large sewing field.
Brother Skitch Single-Needle Embroidery
The Brother Skitch is a simple single-needle machine designed for absolute beginners. It connects to the Artspira app via Bluetooth — no confusing settings or built-in designs. You draw or upload a design on your phone, send it to the machine, and stitch a 4″ x 4″ area.
Its small footprint fits into a cramped craft space. You can embroider store-bought jeans, towels, and blankets with custom lettering or graphics. The machine itself is quiet and lightweight. It imports standard embroidery files (PES, PHC, PHX, DST) so you are not stuck with only Artspira content.
The big limitation: you must use the Artspira app. No standalone operation. The hoop is also the smallest in this roundup at 4″ x 4″. And being single-needle, you must manually change colors for multi-color designs. It stitches at 400 SPM, which is slow for production.
- Single-needle, 4″ x 4″ embroidery field
- Bluetooth connection to Artspira app (required)
- Import PES, PHC, PHX, DST files
- Store up to 20 designs in the app (free version)
- Ultra-compact design for small spaces
Best for: Complete beginners and casual crafters who want a cheap, simple way to personalize items without learning complex menus.
Brother PRS100 Single Needle Free Arm
Brother
Brother PRS100 Single Needle Embroidery Machine Free Arm
Tubular free arm configuration: This innovative tubular free arm design gives you the flexibility and ease to embroider difficult to reach areas such as caps, small T-shirts and sleeves.
Buy on AmazonThe Brother PRS100 is a specialized single-needle machine with a tubular free arm. You can slide a cap sleeve or a child’s sock directly onto the arm and embroider without removing the garment. It comes with four compact frames (1.25″ x 1.75″ up to 2″ x 2″) plus a cap frame and driver set.
The vertical bobbin lets you change thread without taking the hoop off the machine. Side bobbin winding lets you wind a new bobbin while the machine is still stitching. These features save real time when you are working on multiple items. The free-arm design also makes embroidering sleeves, cuffs, and narrow areas much easier.
It is expensive for a single-needle machine, even refurbished. The small maximum frame size (2″ x 2″) limits you to small motifs only — you cannot do large center chest designs. It is also a specialized machine; if you mostly embroider flat fabric like towels, the free arm is not necessary.
- Tubular free-arm for caps, sleeves, socks
- Four compact frames plus cap frame
- Vertical bobbin access without removing hoop
- Side bobbin winding while stitching
- Single-needle, USB file import
Best for: Embroidery businesses or enthusiasts who focus on caps, children’s garments, and hard-to-reach areas.
How We Chose These Products
We evaluated each machine based on reliability, repair availability, and value for money when bought refurbished. Brother dominates the refurbished market because parts and service are widely available. Smartstitch offers commercial-grade support for its multi-needle line. We prioritized models that have been on the market long enough to have a proven track record and a healthy supply of certified refurbished units.
We also considered real-world user reports from sewing forums and repair shops. Machines with common issues — like motherboard failures or hard-to-find needles — were excluded. The five picks all have strong resale value and active online communities to help troubleshoot problems. Our goal was to give you machines you can trust even when buying secondhand.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
When shopping for a refurbished embroidery machine, start with the seller. Certified refurbished from a manufacturer or authorized dealer usually comes with a warranty (often 1 year). Uncertified used machines from thrift shops or eBay are riskier — you get no guarantee and no support. Ask for a video of the machine stitching before you pay.
Inspect the bobbin case area for wear. On most machines, the hook assembly is the part that fails first. Look for smooth, quiet operation. Buzzing, grinding, or skipped stitches indicate a problem. Also check that the hoop snaps on firmly. A loose hoop causes misalignment on every design. Finally, factor in the cost of a service ($75–$150) to clean and lubricate a used machine. Many experienced buyers budget for this upfront.
Maintenance is simpler than you think. Use good quality thread (not dollar-store spools) and change needles after every 8 hours of stitching. Clean the bobbin area with a small brush after every project. If you store the machine in a damp basement, run it for 10 minutes once a week to keep the electronics dry. These habits extend the life of a refurbished machine significantly.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother PE900 wins as the best all-around refurbished embroidery machine for most people. Its 5″ x 7″ hoop fits the majority of home projects, the color sort feature saves real time, and it has no sewing functions to complicate things. It is widely available refurbished, with plenty of replacement parts and online tutorials.
If you need a combo machine for sewing and embroidery, the Brother SE700 is a close second. It costs less and adds sewing capability, but you lose hoop size and speed features. If you run a small business, the Smartstitch S-1001 is the powerhouse — but it demands a bigger budget and more technical skill. The Skitch is the cheapest entry point, but only for very light, occasional use. And the PRS100 is your specialist for caps and sleeves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a refurbished embroidery machine from a third-party seller on Amazon?
Yes, but only if the listing clearly states “certified refurbished” and includes a warranty. Many third-party sellers do not properly test machines. Stick to Amazon Renewed or manufacturer-direct refurbished listings. Ask the seller the exact return window and whether the machine has been serviced by a technician.
How do I check if a specific model has good refurbished parts availability?
Search online for “machine name replacement parts” before buying. For Brother models like the PE900 or SE700, parts are abundant. For niche brands (not in this list), some components may be discontinued. Also check if local sewing machine shops service that brand.
Can I use a refurbished multi-needle machine for home hobby projects?
You can, but it is overkill. A 10-needle machine takes up a lot of space and requires digitizing software. The noise and vibration might annoy other household members. A single-needle refurbished model like the PE900 is easier to live with for hobby work.
What should I do if my refurbished machine arrives with a damaged hoop?
Stop using it immediately. A bent hoop throws off alignment and can snap the needle. Contact the seller; most refund or replace defective parts within the warranty period. If the seller is unhelpful, standard hoops for Brother machines are widely available online for under $30.