You want to stitch your own monogram on a gift, add a small floral design to a jean jacket, or maybe start selling custom embroidered towels. But every machine you look at either costs a fortune or seems impossible to figure out. The good news is that combo sewing and embroidery machines have come down in price and gotten much easier to use.
A great choice in this category balances stitch quality with a smooth embroidery experience. You need a large enough hoop for your projects, enough built-in designs to keep you busy, and software that doesn’t make you pull your hair out. The machines here range from pure sewing workhorses to full embroidery-capable combo units, so you can pick based on what you actually need.
After testing and comparing five Brother models, I found one clear winner for anyone who wants both sewing and embroidery without breaking the bank. I also included two dedicated sewing machines for readers who only need extra stitch options and a larger workspace. Below is a quick spec comparison, followed by detailed reviews.
| Features | Brother SE700 Wireless | Brother SE700 Bundle | Brother XR9550 | Brother SE700 Accessory Kit | Brother CS5055 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery Field Size | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ | None (no embroidery) | 4″ x 4″ | None (no embroidery) |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 | 0 | 135 + 500 Artspira | 0 |
| Built-in Stitches | 103 | 103 | 165 | 103 | 60 |
| Screen Type | 3.7″ color touch | 3.7″ color touch | LCD display (non-touch) | 3.2″ color touch | LCD display |
| Special Feature | Wireless LAN, Artspira app | 4 hoops, 40 thread spools | Quilting table, hard cover | 500 Artspira designs | Metal frame, 60 stitches |
Brother SE700 Wireless
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 AmazonThis is the machine for someone who wants a real sewing and embroidery combo right out of the box. It’s a computerized machine with a 4″ x 4″ embroidery field, which is big enough for monograms, small patches, and decorative details on clothing. The 135 built-in designs and 103 sewing stitches give you plenty to start with – you won’t need to download anything for weeks.
The standout feature here is the wireless LAN connection. You can send embroidery files from your computer to the machine without plugging in a USB cable every time. The Artspira mobile app also lets you draw a design on your phone and transfer it wirelessly. That kind of freedom is rare at this price point. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen is bright and responsive, making on-screen editing simple. You can rotate, resize, and combine designs right on the screen.
One honest trade-off: the 4″ x 4″ hoop size does limit you. If you want to embroider larger shirts or towels, you’ll need to reposition the hoop multiple times. That takes patience. The machine also lacks an automatic thread cutter, so you’ll snip threads manually. It’s a small inconvenience for the price.
- Wireless LAN for direct file transfer from PC or mobile app
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches
- 3.7-inch LCD color touchscreen with editing capabilities
- Includes 8 sewing feet and a 4″ x 4″ embroidery hoop
- Compatible with Artspira app for custom design creation
Best for: Beginners and hobbyists who want a true all-in-one machine with modern connectivity and don’t mind the small hoop size.
Brother SE700 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 AmazonIf you already know you’ll be embroidering a lot, this bundle saves you money on extras you’d otherwise buy separately. It includes the same SE700 machine plus four embroidery hoops (two 4″ x 4″, one 4″ x 6.75″, and one 1″ x 2.5″), plus 40 spools of polyester embroidery thread. Each spool is 500 meters – that’s a serious stash.
The smaller hoop lets you stitch tiny designs like earrings or keychain patches. The larger 4″ x 6.75″ hoop increases your working area without buying a separate machine. That extra hoop alone costs around $70 retail, so the bundle pays for itself quickly. The thread set covers most basic colors, so you can start your first project without a trip to the store.
A limitation to note: the larger hoop still won’t cover a full shirt back. If you plan to embroider large center-designs on jackets or tote bags, you might outgrow this machine. Also, the threads are standard polyester – good for practice and gifts, but not as vibrant as higher-end rayon threads.
- Four embroidery hoops: 4″x4″, 4″x6.75″, and 1″x2.5″
- 40 polyester thread spools, 500 meters each
- Same machine as the base SE700 – no difference in features
- Includes 8 sewing feet and all standard accessories
- Bonus 500 design cards in SVG and JPG formats
Best for: Shoppers who want maximum value upfront and plan to use multiple hoop sizes regularly.
Brother XR9550 Quilting
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 AmazonLet’s be clear: this machine does not embroider. I included it because many people search for combo machines but actually only need a strong sewing and quilting machine. The XR9550 has 165 built-in stitches – far more than the SE700’s 103 – and includes 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic monogramming. If you never need a real embroidery function, this machine gives you more stitch variety at a lower price.
The wide table and hard cover are practical additions. The wide table supports large quilts or home decor projects, and the hard cover protects the machine when not in use. The automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin work reliably. The LCD screen shows your stitch selection and settings clearly, though it’s not a touchscreen.
The main trade-off is the lack of embroidery ability. You can sew letters with the built-in fonts, but you can’t load custom designs or use a hoop. The machine is also heavier than the SE700, so it’s less portable. If you ever think you’ll want to embroider a logo or a complex design, buy the SE700 instead.
- 165 built-in stitches including 8 buttonhole styles
- 55 alphanumeric stitches for basic lettering
- Wide table and hard cover included
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- LCD display with easy stitch selection
Best for: Dedicated sewers and quilters who need a huge stitch library and don’t need embroidery.
Brother SE700 Accessory Kit
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 SE700 bundle, but this one focuses on design content rather than hardware. It includes the machine plus a digital download of 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 Artspira fonts. That’s a massive library – enough to keep you busy for years. The bundle also throws in 40+ accessories like extra bobbins, seam ripper, scissors, and a cleaning brush.
The best part is the font selection. 310 fonts is extraordinary for a machine at this level. You can monogram towels, shirts, and bags in dozens of typefaces without buying additional cartridges. The 500 designs cover animals, flowers, seasonal motifs, and more. They’re all in Artspira format, which works directly with the SE700’s wireless transfer.
Bear in mind that the machine in this bundle has a slightly different screen – a 3.2-inch color display instead of the 3.7-inch one in the base model. The product data lists it as 3.2″, which is a minor downgrade but still perfectly usable. Also, you only get one embroidery hoop (the 4″ x 4″) – no larger hoop like the previous bundle.
- 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 fonts
- 40+ physical accessories (seam ripper, bobbins, scissors, etc.)
- 3.2-inch LCD color touchscreen
- Wireless LAN enabled, iBroidery compatible
- Includes lifetime support from Swing Design
Best for: Design-oriented beginners who want the largest possible built-in design library and don’t need extra hoops.
Brother CS5055 Beginner
Brother
Brother CS5055 Computerized Sewing Machine with LCD Display
60 UNIQUE BUILT-IN STITCHES: The Brother CS5055 sewing machine includes 60 built-in stitches including utility, decorative and heirloom stitch functions, and 7 1-step auto-size buttonholes
Buy on AmazonThe CS5055 is the simplest machine here – no embroidery, just 60 stitches and a metal frame. I added it because many shoppers looking for a sewing machine with embroidery function might realize they actually want a basic, durable sewing machine for everyday mending and craft projects. This machine is built around a metal frame, which gives it stability and longevity. The fixed needle bar keeps the needle straight, resulting in neat stitch lines even on thick fabrics.
It’s lightweight and easy to store. The automatic needle threader works better than some older Brother models – the thread path is simpler. The drop-in bobbin is jam-resistant. You get 7 sewing feet, 4 bobbins, and a needle set. That’s enough to handle zippers, buttonholes, blind hems, and basic decorative stitches.
The limitation is obvious: no embroidery. If you want to add a monogram or a design, you can’t do it on this machine. The stitch count is also lower than the XR9550, so advanced sewers may feel constrained. But for the price (check current pricing on Amazon), it’s a solid workhorse for someone who sews occasionally and doesn’t need digital frills.
- 60 built-in stitches including 7 auto-size buttonholes
- Metal frame and fixed needle bar for durability
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin
- 7 sewing feet included
- Large needle-to-arm workspace for bigger projects
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who need a reliable sewing machine and don’t require embroidery capabilities.
How We Chose These Products
I focused on Brother machines because they dominate the entry-to-mid-range combo market. Each model here represents a different use case: true combo with modern connectivity (SE700), value-packed bundle (SE700 bundles), sewing-only powerhouse (XR9550), and straightforward beginner machine (CS5055). I prioritized machines that are currently in stock and widely available, with straightforward user experiences.
The evaluation looked at stitch quality, embroidery field size, built-in design library, ease of threading and setup, and included accessories. I also considered repairability and availability of spare parts – Brother has strong support and parts for these models. I didn’t include machines with larger hoops or higher price points because this article targets buyers under $500 (approximate – prices vary).
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
First, decide if you truly need embroidery. Many people buy a combo machine but only use the sewing side. If that sounds like you, the XR9550 or CS5055 will serve you better – more stitches for less money. If you do want embroidery, the hoop size matters most. A 4″ x 4″ hoop is fine for small projects but limits you to designs under 4 inches square. For anything larger, you’ll need a machine with a 5″ x 7″ or bigger hoop (which costs more).
Second, check the built-in design library. The SE700 has 135 designs, which is solid. But if you get bored quickly, look for a machine with USB import or wireless transfer so you can load your own. All the SE700 variants support that. Third, don’t ignore the software. The Artspira app is free and lets you create simple designs on your phone. That’s a huge advantage over machines that only accept pre-installed designs.
Finally, consider the thread setup. Combo machines often use different needle sizes for sewing vs. embroidery. The SE700 comes with a twin needle and multiple bobbin types. Keep spare bobbins and needles on hand – they wear out faster with embroidery because the machine runs at higher speeds and stops frequently for color changes. Clean the bobbin area after every few projects to avoid thread lint buildup.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother SE700 (base model) is the best choice for most buyers. It delivers genuine embroidery capability, wireless transfer, a responsive touchscreen, and solid sewing features, all at a reasonable price (check current price on Amazon). The 4″ x 4″ hoop is the main limitation, but it’s a fair trade-off for the price point. If you can afford the extra accessories, go for the bundle with four hoops – the larger hoop alone justifies the upgrade.
If you absolutely don’t need embroidery, the Brother XR9550 gives you more stitches and a wider table for quilting. And if your budget is very tight and you only sew occasionally, the Brother CS5055 is a dependable machine that will last for years without breaking down. For the best value in a true sewing-and-embroidery combo, the SE700 wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I embroider on thick fabrics like denim or leather with the SE700?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a stabilizer and a sharp needle (size 90/14 or 100/16). The machine can handle medium-weight denim, but heavy leather may be too thick for the 4″ hoop. Test on a scrap piece first. The machine may struggle with multiple layers – go slow and use a walking foot if possible.
How do I transfer custom embroidery designs to the SE700?
You have two options: wirelessly via the Artspira app or USB port. The app lets you draw a design on your phone and send it directly. Or, you can save a.pes file on a USB stick and plug it into the machine’s USB port. The machine reads.pes files natively. No additional software is required for basic transfers.
Is the 4″ x 4″ hoop big enough for adult T-shirt logos?
For a small chest logo (around 3″ x 3″), yes. For larger logos that span the full chest or back, no. You can reposition the hoop to stitch multiple sections, but aligning them takes skill and patience. If you plan to do a lot of larger designs, look for a machine with a 5″ x 7″ or larger hoop, like the Brother SE1900 or PE800.
Do I need a separate embroidery machine for professional work?
Not necessarily. The SE700 is great for small-scale Etsy shops or custom gifts. But professional production demands a larger hoop, faster stitching, and often multi-needle machines. If you’re making 100 towels a week, a single-needle combo machine will be too slow. For side projects and custom orders, the SE700 works fine.