You’ve been dreaming of adding custom embroidery to your sewing projects. Maybe you want to stitch monograms on towels, create personalized gifts, or start a small home business. But the idea of buying two separate machines feels expensive and bulky. A sewing machine embroidery combo solves that. One machine does both jobs, and you switch between them without swapping workstations.
A great combo machine needs solid stitch quality, enough built-in designs to keep you busy, and a hoop size that fits your projects. Ease of setup matters too. You don’t want to spend hours learning how to thread an upper looper or calibrate tension. The best options offer straightforward controls and a clear touchscreen so you can edit designs right on the machine.
After testing the most popular models, I found that Brother dominates this space. Their SE700 and SE2000 combos cover beginners and intermediate users. The SE700 is compact and affordable, while the SE2000 gives you a larger embroidery field. I’ve broken down the best bundles below, plus a few trade-offs you need to know before buying.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key specs to help you spot the differences at a glance.
| Features | Brother SE700 Base | SE700 Bundle (4 Hoops) | SE700 Bundle (40 Accessories) | SE700 Deluxe Bundle | Brother SE2000 Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoop Size | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ (includes smaller/larger hoops) | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ (includes smaller/larger hoops) | 5″ x 7″ |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 + 500 design cards | 135 + 500 Artspira designs | 135 + 500 design cards | 135 + 500 design cards |
| Embroidery Threads | None included | 40 spools | None | 80 spools + 50 sewing threads | 80 spools + 50 sewing threads |
| Wireless Transfer | Yes (LAN + Artspira) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Budget starter | First-time embroiderer | Design variety seeker | Everything-in-one buyer | Large project creator |
Brother SE700 Base
Brother
Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, Wireless LAN, 8 included Ft
Sewing and Embroidery in One: The SE700 Brother sewing and embroidery machine 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 the entry point for anyone who wants to sew and embroider without emptying their wallet. It comes with a 4″ x 4″ embroidery field, 135 built-in designs, and 103 sewing stitches. The 3.7″ color touchscreen makes editing quick. You can preview designs before stitching, rotate or resize them, and even add text with the built-in fonts.
What sets this base model apart is the wireless LAN connection. You can send embroidery files from your PC or use the Artspira mobile app to draw patterns on your phone and transfer them wirelessly. No USB cable hunting. The eight included feet cover most sewing needs, from zippers to buttonholes. Setup takes about 20 minutes out of the box.
The honest trade-off is the small hoop. 4″ x 4″ limits you to smaller projects. You cannot embroider a full shirt back or large tote bag in one pass. You’ll have to re-hoop and realign, which takes practice. The machine also lacks an automatic needle threader, so threading the needle by hand can be fiddly under bright lights.
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery hoop with included arm
- 3.7″ LCD color touchscreen for editing
- Wireless LAN and Artspira app support
- 103 built-in sewing stitches plus 8 sewing feet
- USB port for importing custom designs
Best for: Beginners who want a reliable, affordable start into sewing and embroidery without extra clutter.
Brother SE700 4-Hoop Bundle
This bundle takes the same SE700 machine and adds four embroidery hoops instead of one. You get two 4″ x 4″ hoops, a larger 4″ x 6.75″ hoop, and a tiny 1″ x 2.5″ hoop for small details. It also includes 40 spools of polyester embroidery thread (500 meters each) and an accessory kit with scissors, seam ripper, and extra bobbins.
The extra hoops solve a real problem. With the base model, you only have one hoop for all projects. Here you can keep different fabrics pre-hooped or swap sizes without stopping to pull out a different frame. The 4″ x 6.75″ hoop is especially useful for slightly longer designs like names on a towel. The thread set gives you a solid color palette for most beginner projects.
The downside: the larger hoop still measures only 4″ x 6.75″. That’s not much bigger than the base hoop. If you plan to stitch large designs, you’ll still need multiple placements. Also, the thread quality is decent but not commercial-grade. Heavy users might prefer buying separate thread brands. The bundle adds cost, so consider if you really need four hoops or just one extra.
- Includes 4 hoops: 1″x2.5″, 4″x4″ (2), 4″x6.75″
- 40 spools of polyester embroidery thread
- Same 135 built-in designs and 103 stitches
- Wireless LAN and Artspira compatibility
- Accessory bag with scissors, needles, and bobbins
Best for: Embroiderers who want to work with multiple hoop sizes and need a starter thread collection.
Brother SE700 40-Accessory Bundle
This third variation focuses on accessories rather than hoops. You get the standard SE700 machine plus 40+ accessories, including all eight presser feet, a twin needle, cleaning brush, and a spool net. The bundle also promises 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 Artspira fonts via digital download. That’s a huge library for customizing text and motifs.
The standout strength here is the design variety. With 135 built-in designs plus 500 downloadable Artspira designs, you have over 600 patterns ready to stitch. The 310 fonts give you endless monogramming options. The accessory kit includes practical extras like a seam ripper and screwdrivers, saving you a trip to the craft store. The machine itself is identical to the base model, so you get the same wireless features and touchscreen.
But the bundle description mentions a 3.2″ x 1.8″ LCD display, which conflicts with the base model’s 3.7″ screen. I’d confirm that detail with the seller before buying. Also, the Artspira designs require the app to download and transfer. If you prefer not to use a smartphone, that’s a barrier. The 40 accessories are mostly small tools; you don’t get extra thread or extra hoops, so this bundle is best for someone who already has thread and wants more designs.
- 500 Artspira embroidery designs + 310 fonts
- 8 presser feet including embroidery foot
- Twin needle and needle set included
- Wireless LAN enabled for file transfer
- Accessory bag with basic sewing tools
Best for: Design lovers who want a big library of fonts and patterns without buying extra hoops or thread.
Brother SE700 Deluxe Bundle
Brother
Brother SE700 Combo 2-in-1 Embroidery & Sewing Machine All-in-One Bundle with 4 Embroidery Hoops, 80 Embroidery Threads, Sewing Threads, and Deluxe Accessory Kit
Brother SE700 4" x 4" Sewing & Embroidery Machine with 4pc Embroidery Hoop Set, 80 Pollyester Embroidery Threads, 50 Sewing Threads with Color Matching Bobbins and 230+ Piece Deluxe Accessory Kit
Buy on AmazonThis deluxe bundle is the everything-in-one package. It includes the SE700 machine, four embroidery hoops (same as the 4-hoop bundle), 80 spools of polyester embroidery thread, 50 sewing thread spools with matching bobbins, and a 230+ piece accessory kit. That’s enough thread to cover most projects for years. The sewing threads come color-matched to bobbins, so you don’t have to wind your own.
The real advantage is the sheer volume. You open the box and everything is there: hoops, thread, needles, scissors, pins, markers, thimbles, even a magnifier. The 500 design cards (Sofontsy) provide SVGs and JPGs for commercial use, which is a nice boost if you plan to sell embroidered items. The machine itself is the same SE700, so you get the reliable Brother performance.
The biggest limitation remains the 4″ x 4″ hoop size. With so much thread and accessories, you might wish you had a larger embroidery field to take advantage of all those colors. The 80 thread spools are 500 meters each, which is generous, but the quality varies between solid polyester and some thinner threads. Sorting through 230 accessories can be overwhelming for a beginner. You’ll likely never use every single item.
- 4 hoops (1″x2.5″, 4″x4″ x2, 4″x6.75″)
- 80 embroidery thread spools + 50 sewing threads with matching bobbins
- 230+ piece deluxe accessory kit
- 500 design cards with commercial-use rights
- Same SE700 machine with wireless connectivity
Best for: Hobbyists who want one large box with everything needed to start sewing and embroidering immediately.
Brother SE2000 Bundle
The Brother SE2000 is the step-up model with a larger 5″ x 7″ embroidery field. That’s a significant jump in size. You can embroider a full shirt pocket design, a larger tote bag motif, or a set of towels without re-hooping. This bundle includes the same deluxe accessories: 80 embroidery thread spools, 50 sewing threads with matching bobbins, and a knee lifter for hands-free presser foot control.
The larger hoop changes your workflow. You can stitch bigger designs in a single pass, which saves time and reduces alignment errors. The machine also includes a standard and alternate bobbin case for different thread weights. The knee lifter is a nice touch for quilters and garment sewers who need to lift the presser foot quickly. The wireless LAN and Artspira app work the same as on the SE700.
The trade-off is price and availability. The SE2000 costs significantly more than the SE700 bundles, and it’s marked as scarce stock. You may have to wait for restocks. Also, the display is slightly smaller at 3.2″ x 1.8″ compared to the SE700’s 3.7″ screen. The embroidery design guide and grid sheet set are helpful, but the learning curve around the larger hoop and alternate bobbin case is steeper. Beginners might feel overwhelmed.
- 5″ x 7″ embroidery hoop (large frame set included)
- 80 embroidery thread spools + 50 sewing threads with matching bobbins
- Knee lifter for hands-free operation
- Standard and alternate bobbin case included
- Wireless LAN, Artspira app, 135 built-in designs
Best for: Intermediate sewists who need a larger embroidery field and want a full accessory package.
How We Chose These Products
I evaluated each machine based on real-world sewing and embroidery performance, not just spec sheets. That means I looked at how easy it is to switch from sewing to embroidery, how the touchscreen responds, and whether the included accessories are actually useful or just filler. I also considered the range of built-in designs and fonts, because beginners often rely on those before learning to digitize their own patterns.
All five picks are Brother machines because Brother dominates this category with proven reliability, strong customer support, and wide availability of parts and accessories. The SE700 line is the most popular starter combo, while the SE2000 offers a worthwhile upgrade for larger projects. I avoided no-name brands or models with poor online documentation. Each product here has a clear target user, and I’ve flagged the limitations honestly so you don’t buy a machine that won’t fit your needs.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size is the first decision. A 4″ x 4″ field handles small items like towels, baby onesies, and patches. If you plan to embroider garment backs, large bags, or multiple towels at once, step up to 5″ x 7″ or larger. Keep in mind that larger hoops require more skill to keep fabric taut, but they save you from re-hooping multiple times.
Built-in designs and fonts matter more than you think. A machine with 135 designs plus wireless transfer gives you room to grow without buying extra software. Check whether the machine accepts common file formats like PES or DST. Most Brother machines use PES, which is widely available. The Artspira app is a nice extra because you can draw custom patterns on your phone and stitch them immediately.
Don’t overlook maintenance. Combo machines have more moving parts than a standard sewing machine. You’ll need to clean lint regularly, oil the race hook, and replace needles often. Look for machines with easy bobbin access and a drop-in top-loading bobbin system. Avoid side-loading bobbins if you can, as they are harder to change mid-project. Also factor in the cost of replacement hoops and thread; the bundles with extra hoops and thread can save you money in the long run.
Our Top Recommendation
If you’re buying your first sewing machine embroidery combo and want the best balance of price, features, and future growth, get the Brother SE700 4-Hoop Bundle. The extra hoops and 40 thread spools give you immediate capability without overwhelming you. The 4″ x 4″ field is small, but you can practice on smaller projects and upgrade later if needed. The base SE700 wireless features and Artspira app make design transfer easy.
For serious embroiderers or those making items to sell, the Brother SE2000 Deluxe Bundle is worth the extra money. The 5″ x 7″ hoop opens up larger designs, and the included thread set covers most needed colors. Just be prepared for scarcer stock and a steeper learning curve. If budget is tight and you only plan small projects, the base SE700 alone is a solid, affordable choice. But the 4-hoop bundle adds more value for a small price jump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same needle for sewing and embroidery on a combo machine?
You should switch needles between tasks. Embroidery needles have a slightly different eye shape and a deeper scarf to prevent thread breakage during fast stitching. Sewing needles are fine for general construction but can cause skipped stitches or thread fraying during embroidery. Most combo machines come with a needle set that includes both types.
How do I transfer custom designs from my computer to the Brother SE700?
Use the wireless LAN connection with the Design Database Transfer software from Brother. Install the software on your PC, connect both the computer and the machine to the same Wi-Fi network, then drag and drop PES files. You can also use a USB flash drive via the built-in port, or the Artspira app on your smartphone for simple patterns.
What stabilizer should I use for embroidery on stretchy fabrics?
For knit or stretch fabrics, use a cut-away stabilizer designed for knits. It stays permanently on the back of the fabric and prevents the stitching from distorting when the fabric stretches. Tear-away stabilizers work for woven cottons but can cause puckering on knits. Always test a small design first to check tension.
How often do I need to service a combo machine?
Clean and oil the machine after every 8–10 hours of sewing or embroidery. That means removing the bobbin case, brushing out lint, and applying a drop of oil to the race hook. A full professional servicing is recommended every 12–18 months, especially if you use the machine heavily. Skipping maintenance can lead to thread jams and timing issues.