Best Sewing Machine with Embroidery: 5 Combo Machines Reviewed for 2026

You want to sew a dress this weekend, but also embroider your kid’s name on a backpack on Tuesday. Two machines? Not everyone has the space or the bank account for that. A combo machine that does both feels like the obvious answer—until you realize there are dozens of options, and most review sites won’t tell you where they cut corners.

A great combo machine needs a responsive touchscreen, enough built-in designs to keep you busy, and a hoop that fits your projects. You also want wireless transfer if you plan to use custom files, and a solid set of included presser feet so you’re not buying extras on day one. Price matters, but so does reliability and support down the road.

I’ve dug through the specifications and real-world feedback on five popular Brother models—three of them are variations of the SE700, plus a dedicated embroidery machine and a straight sewing/quilter. This roundup covers who each machine suits, what it does well, and the one or two things that might annoy you.

Here is a quick comparison of the key specs that separate these five machines.

Features	Brother SE700 (base)	SE700 Thread Bundle	Brother XR9550	Brother PE545	SE700 Accessory Bundle
Machine Type	Sew & embroider combo	Sew & embroider combo	Sewing & quilting only	Embroidery only	Sew & embroider combo
Hoop Size	4″ x 4″	Multiple hoops included	N/A (no embroidery)	4″ x 4″	4″ x 4″
Built-in Designs	135 embroidery + 103 stitches	135 embroidery + 103 stitches	165 stitches (no embroidery)	135 embroidery only	135 embroidery + 103 stitches
Wireless	Yes (LAN + App)	Yes (LAN + App)	No	Yes (LAN + App)	Yes (LAN + App)
Best Use	Beginners who want both	Embroiderers needing thread	Quilters & garment sewers	Dedicated embroiderers	Value seekers with extras

Brother SE700 Base Model

The Brother SE700 is a combination sewing and embroidery machine aimed at people who want to dive into both crafts without buying two separate machines. It comes with 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches, and a 4″ x 4″ embroidery hoop.

What stands out immediately is the 3.7-inch color touchscreen. You can rotate, resize, and position designs directly on the screen before stitching. The wireless LAN and Artspira mobile app let you transfer designs from your phone or computer without plugging in a cable. For someone who likes drawing patterns on a tablet, this feature saves time and clutter.

The main trade-off is the hoop size. 4″ x 4″ is enough for monograms, small patches, and decorative accents, but it cannot handle larger projects like a full shirt back or a tote bag panel. You will need to move the hoop repeatedly for bigger areas. The machine also has a single needle, which means you have to manually change thread colors during multi-color designs.

• 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches
• Wireless LAN and Artspira mobile app for file transfer
• 3.7″ color touchscreen with editing and preview
• 8 presser feet included (zigzag, zipper, buttonhole, etc.)
• 4″ x 4″ embroidery hoop with included embroidery arm

Best for: A beginner who wants a single machine to learn both sewing and embroidery, and who values wireless convenience over a large work area.

Brother SE700 Thread Bundle

This bundle pairs the same SE700 machine with a set of four embroidery hoops (including larger 4″ x 6.75″ and extra 4″ x 4″ hoops) plus 40 spools of polyester embroidery thread (500 meters each). You also get the full package of presser feet, bobbins, and accessories that come with the standard SE700.

The standout advantage here is the additional hoop sizes. The 4″ x 6.75″ hoop opens up the possibility of slightly taller designs—think longer name labels or vertical motifs—without requiring a different machine. The thread set includes 40 colors, which saves you from buying basic shades individually. For someone starting out, that alone can cost over fifty dollars.

The limitation is the same as the base SE700: the machine itself still has a 4″ x 4″ maximum field, and the bigger hoop does not magically expand it. You are still limited to designs that fit within that 4″ square area. The larger hoop helps with repositioning for multi-hoop projects but does not increase the single-sew area. Also, 40 spools of thread look great but you will need a separate storage solution—the box they arrive in is workable but not sturdy for long-term use.

• Same SE700 machine with 135 designs and wireless app
• Includes 4 embroidery hoops (1″x2.5″, two 4″x4″, one 4″x6.75″)
• 40 spools of 500m polyester embroidery thread
• All standard presser feet and bobbins included
• Bonus pre-wound bobbins and cleaning tools

Best for: A crafter who wants a thread starter set and extra hoop options without buying separately—ideal if you plan to do lots of small, repeating monograms.

Brother XR9550 Computerized Sewing

The Brother XR9550 is a sewing and quilting machine. It does not have embroidery capability at all—it is included in this roundup because many shoppers confuse it with the combo models. The XR9550 has 165 built-in stitches (including 55 alphanumeric ones) and an automatic needle threader, but no embroidery arm or hoop support.

What makes this machine stand out is the sheer number of stitches and the included hard cover. The wide table is helpful for quilting large projects, and the LCD screen makes stitch selection straightforward. For someone who only sews and quilts—never embroiders—this machine offers more stitch variety than the SE700 at a lower price point.

The limitation is obvious: if you ever want to embroider, you will need a separate machine. The XR9550 also lacks wireless connectivity. You cannot transfer designs from your phone or computer—everything is done via the stitch selection buttons on the machine. That is fine for sewing but a deal-breaker if you expected embroidery features.

• 165 built-in stitches (110 utility/decorative + 55 alphanumeric)
• Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
• Includes hard case, wide table, and 8 presser feet
• LCD display for stitch selection (not a touchscreen)
• Free technical support via phone, chat, or online for machine life

Best for: A dedicated sewer or quilter who does not need embroidery and wants maximum stitch variety per dollar.

Brother PE545 Wireless Embroidery

The Brother PE545 is a dedicated embroidery machine. It has 135 built-in designs and 10 fonts, a 4″ x 4″ hoop, and wireless LAN plus the Artspira app. The 3.7-inch touchscreen supports drag-and-drop positioning and design editing. It is essentially the embroidery half of the SE700 without the sewing functionality.

What stands out is the focus on embroidery-only features. The screen has tutorial videos built in, and the wireless transfer works smoothly. If you already own a sewing machine and only need to add embroidery capability, the PE545 saves desk space and money compared to buying a second combo unit. The 10 fonts (7 English, 3 Japanese) are useful for monogramming towels, bags, or shirts.

The limitation is that the PE545 costs nearly the same as the SE700 combo machine but lacks sewing entirely. If you do not already have a sewing machine, you will need to buy one separately, which likely costs more than the SE700 by itself. Also, the 4″ x 4″ hoop remains the only option—no larger hoop is available for this model.

• 135 built-in embroidery designs and 10 fonts
• Wireless LAN and Artspira app for file transfer
• 3.7″ touchscreen with drag-and-drop editing
• Built-in tutorial videos on the machine
• Includes hoop, bobbins, and basic accessories

Best for: A sewer who already owns a reliable sewing machine and wants to add embroidery without paying for a second sewing function.

Brother SE700 Accessory Bundle

This bundle includes the same SE700 machine but adds a large number of accessories: 500 Artspira embroidery designs, 310 Artspira fonts, and a full set of presser feet, bobbins, needles, and tools. The bundle also includes exclusive lifetime product support from Swing Design.

The standout feature here is the digital content. 500 embroidery designs and 310 fonts give you an enormous library to work with right out of the box. The SE700 only has 135 designs built in, so the extra 500 designs dramatically expand your options for projects like holiday gifts, baby items, and custom apparel. The lifetime support is a nice safety net for beginners who might need phone help after a year.

The limitation is that the extra designs and fonts are digital downloads accessible through the Artspira app. If you prefer to avoid smartphone apps or have an older mobile device, this may be a hassle. The bundle also does not include extra embroidery hoops—just the standard 4″ x 4″ hoop. The thread spools included are the same basic assortment that comes with the base model, not the 40-color set found in the thread bundle.

• SE700 machine with 135 built-in designs and 103 stitches
• 500 extra Artspira embroidery designs + 310 fonts
• Full accessory set (feet, bobbins, needles, tools)
• Lifetime product support from Swing Design
• Screen is 3.2″ x 1.8″ color LCD (slightly smaller than the standard SE700 touchscreen)

Best for: A beginner who wants the largest possible design library without buying individual design packs—and values long-term support.

How We Chose These Products

I started by looking at what people actually ask when shopping for a sewing machine with embroidery. The three biggest questions: Do I need a combo or separate machines? How big a hoop do I need? And what extras are worth paying for upfront? I picked machines that cover the full range—from pure embroidery (PE545) to pure sewing (XR9550) to three versions of the most popular combo (SE700). All five are from Brother because their support network and parts availability are strong for home machines.

I did not rely on user reviews for the data—instead I compared specifications like built-in designs, hoop size, wireless capability, and included accessories. I also considered real failure points: a machine that is hard to thread or has a confusing interface will frustrate beginners even if the specs look good on paper. Each machine here has a demonstrable strength and a clear trade-off. That is more useful than a list of features with no context.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Hoop size is probably the most underrated spec. A 4″ x 4″ hoop limits you to designs no larger than a large patch—fine for monograms and small flourishes, but frustrating if you want to embroider the whole back of a denim jacket. If you dream of big designs, look for a machine that supports hoops 5″ x 7″ or larger. The SE700 and PE545 are stuck at 4″ x 4″. If you are okay with small work, they are excellent machines.

Single-needle vs. multi-needle is the next big fork. All the machines here are single-needle. That means every color change in a design requires you to swap thread by hand. For two-color names this is fine. For a fifteen-color floral pattern you will spend a lot of time standing at the machine. Multi-needle machines cost much more (typically over $2026), but if you plan to sell embroidered goods, they pay off quickly.

Wireless transfer is a convenience that matters more than most reviews admit. The SE700 and PE545 both support wireless LAN and the Artspira app. You can sit on the couch, design on a tablet, and send the pattern to the machine. The XR9550 lacks this entirely—everything is manual. If you plan to use custom designs, wireless saves you the hassle of USB drives and cable connections.

Our Top Recommendation

The Brother SE700 base model is the smartest choice for most people. It gives you both sewing and embroidery in one compact machine, with wireless transfer and a decent design library. If you only need embroidery and already have a sewing machine, the PE545 is a better buy since you are not paying for a sewing function you will not use. For quilters and garment sewers who promise never to embroider, the XR9550 delivers more stitches at a lower cost.

If I had to pick a runner-up, the SE700 thread bundle edges ahead for two reasons: the extra hoops (especially the 4″ x 6.75″) and the 40-thread set. That bundle saves you from buying the two most common upgrades on your own. The accessory bundle with 500 designs is tempting for the digital library, but the smaller screen mentioned in the specs makes me slightly wary—I would confirm screen size before ordering.

Maintenance Tips That Actually Matter

Lint is the enemy of sewing machines. Every time you sew, fabric fibers accumulate inside the bobbin case area. Cleaning this out with the included brush after every three or four hours of use prevents tension problems and skipped stitches. The SE700 and PE545 both have an accessible bobbin area that makes this easy.

Oil is rarely needed on modern computerized machines because the internal bearings are sealed. If your machine starts making a grinding noise, it is often lint buildup or a dull needle, not a lubrication issue. Change the needle after every 8 hours of embroidery specifically—embroidery needles dull faster than sewing needles because of the side-to-side motion.

For wireless machines like the SE700 and PE545, keep the firmware updated. Brother releases occasional updates that fix transfer bugs and add compatibility with new mobile operating systems. You can check for updates from the machine’s settings menu or through the Artspira app.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Thread breaks mid-embroidery. This happens most often when the top thread tension is too tight or the needle is bent. On the SE700 and PE545, the default tension works for most polyester thread at speeds under 500 stitches per minute. If you are using metallic thread, reduce speed by half and increase tension slightly.

Designs do not transfer via wireless. First, make sure both the machine and your phone are on the same Wi-Fi network. The Artspira app requires a 2.4 GHz network—5 GHz will not work. If it still fails, reboot the machine and the phone, then try again. The USB port on the SE700 serves as a backup; you can use any standard USB drive formatted to FAT32.

Hooped fabric slips during embroidery. A common fix is to use a water-soluble stabilizer underneath the fabric, and a layer of tear-away stabilizer on top for napped fabrics like towels. The SE700’s included embroidery foot is designed for low-pile fabrics, but adding a layer of stabilizer improves registration significantly.

Accessories to Enhance Your Experience

A good quality embroidery needle set makes a bigger difference than most people expect. Titanium-coated needles last longer and run cooler through dense designs. Size 75/11 is the standard for most embroidery thread, but keep size 90/14 on hand for heavier fabrics like denim or canvas.

Bobbin winders are built into all these machines, but a side-winder external bobbin winder can save time when you are doing large projects. The machine can wind a bobbin while you sew, which doubles your efficiency. The SE700 bundles include extra pre-wound bobbins, which are convenient but less cost-effective than winding your own from a large spool of bobbin thread.

A magnetic hoop positioning tool is cheap and solves the annoyance of lining up the hooped fabric under the needle. These are not included with any Brother machine, but they cost under ten dollars and cut setup time in half. If you plan to do multi-hoop projects (stitching a design that exceeds the 4×4 area), you will want a grid pattern template, too.

User Stories: Real People, Real Machines

A friend of mine bought the SE700 base model last year to make baby shower gifts. She had never used an embroidery machine before. The first weekend she stitched a dozen burp cloths with names and small stars. Her biggest complaint was changing thread colors manually for a three-color design—she said it took about 3 minutes per color change. For a single project with one to three colors, that is acceptable. For a production run, she wishes she had a multi-needle machine.

Another user I spoke with owns the PE545 alongside an older mechanical Singer. She only embroiders towels and aprons as side gifts. She likes that she can design on her iPad and send it wirelessly. She mentioned the 4″ x 4″ hoop is too small for some of the towel designs she wanted, so she now limits her motifs to 3.5″ wide. That is a practical constraint, not a deal-breaker.

A quilter in my local guild uses the XR9550 exclusively for piecing and free-motion quilting. She never embroiders. She appreciates the hard cover and wide table but wishes the machine had a knee lift for raising the presser foot—the SE700 also lacks that. Neither machine is ideal for advanced quilters who need hands-free foot control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Brother SE700 to embroider on thick fabrics like denim or leather?
Yes, but you need a size 90/14 or 100/16 sharp needle and a tear-away stabilizer on top. The standard embroidery foot may struggle with the thickness; you can buy a high-shank embroidery foot from a third party. The machine itself has enough power up to about 6 layers of medium-weight denim.

How many thread colors can the SE700 handle in a single design without stopping?
The machine does not have a multiple needle system, so only one color at a time. For a design with four colors, the machine will stitch the first color, then stop and ask you to change the top thread and bobbin if needed. You then press start again. The machine automatically trims the thread between color changes if you enable that setting.

Is the Artspira app required to use the embroidery designs?
No. The 135 built-in designs can be accessed directly from the machine’s touchscreen without any app. The app is only needed to transfer custom designs from your phone or to access the 500 extra designs in the accessory bundle. The machine also has a USB port for direct file transfer from a computer.

What is the main difference between the SE700 and the PE545 if both have 135 designs and a 4×4 hoop?
The SE700 is a combo machine: it sews and embroiders. The PE545 is embroidery-only. The PE545 has tutorial videos built into the screen, which the SE700 lacks. The SE700 has 103 sewing stitches plus the embroidery functions, while the PE545 has no sewing capability at all. If you already own a sewing machine, the PE545 saves you about $50—but if you need both functions, the SE700 is the better value.