You have a stack of fabric waiting. Maybe it’s a dress you sketched months ago, or a set of kitchen towels that need monograms. You want to sew the seams and then switch to embroidery without switching machines. A combo machine sounds perfect, but the choices are overwhelming.
Combo sewing and embroidery machines save space and money—you get two functions in one chassis. But not all combos are equal. Some prioritize embroidery with large hoops and design libraries. Others lean toward heavy-duty sewing with hundreds of stitches. The best choice depends on what you make most often.
This guide compares five popular models: the SINGER SE9180, two versions of the Brother SE700, the SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960, and the Brother XR9550. I’ll tell you who each machine fits best, what it does well, and where it falls short. Let’s start with a quick spec snapshot.
Here’s how the key specs stack up side by side:
| Features | SINGER SE9180 | Brother SE700 | SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 | Brother XR9550 | Brother SE700 Combo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stitch Count | 250 + 401 apps | 103 built-in | 600 + 1,172 apps | 165 built-in | 103 built-in |
| Embroidery Designs | 150 built-in | 135 built-in | None (sew/quilting only) | None | 135 built-in + 500 design cards |
| Hoop Size | 170 x 100 mm | 4” x 4” | N/A | N/A | 4” x 4” (plus 3 extra hoops) |
| Touchscreen | 7-inch color | 3.7-inch color | No (LCD display) | LCD (text) | 3.7-inch color |
| Best Use Case | Embroidery-focused sewists | Beginners & hobbyists | Quilters & garment sewers | Budget quilters | New embroiderers wanting extras |
SINGER SE9180 Sewing & Embroidery
SINGER
SINGER® SE9180 Sewing and Embroidery Machine with Accessory Kit
COMPREHENSIVE SEWING & EMBROIDERY FEATURES – Unlock endless creativity with 250 sewing stitches, 401 stitch applications, 150 embroidery designs, and 10 fonts. Use mirror imaging for unique patterns and endless hoop capability to create continuous borders for home décor, quilts, and garments with ease.
Buy on AmazonIf you want a machine that treats embroidery as a first-class citizen, the SE9180 is your best bet. It has a huge 7-inch color touchscreen, 150 built-in designs, and a large hoop that measures 170 x 100 mm. That hoop fits everything from towels to quilt blocks without constant re-hooping.
The real standout is the MySewNet Wi-Fi connectivity. You can send designs from your phone or computer wirelessly, and track progress with app notifications. No USB stick shuffling. The machine also sews at 800 stitches per minute and embroiders at 450, which is decently fast for home use.
But the SE9180 is heavy—over 25 pounds—and it lacks a walking foot. If you plan to quilt thick layers, you’ll need to buy an optional even-feed foot separately. Also, the learning curve for the touchscreen menus can take a weekend to master. This machine suits someone who does embroidery several times a week and wants a large design library at their fingertips.
- 250 sewing stitches plus 401 stitch applications
- 10 lettering fonts for monograms
- Automatic needle threader, thread cutter, and tie-off button
- Drop-in bobbin with clear cover
- Comes with 170x100mm hoop and 13 presser feet
Best for: Intermediate to advanced sewists who prioritize embroidery size and wireless workflow.
Brother SE700 First Model
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 the machine I’d recommend to someone just starting out with embroidery. It has a manageable 4” x 4” hoop, 135 built-in designs, and 103 sewing stitches. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen is small but clear enough for editing designs on the fly.
It connects wirelessly via the Artspira mobile app, which lets you draw patterns on your phone and send them to the machine. That’s a neat trick for custom lettering or simple shapes. The included eight sewing feet cover the basics: zipper, buttonhole, blind hem, and more.
The trade-off is the hoop size. 4” x 4” is fine for small patches, labels, and monograms but too small for larger motifs like towels or pillow covers. You’ll need to re-hoop and align designs if you want something bigger. Also, the presser foot pressure is not adjustable, so thick fabrics can cause uneven feeding. This machine is perfect for a hobbyist who wants to learn embroidery without a big investment.
- Wireless LAN and USB port for design transfer
- 103 sewing stitches including buttonholes
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin
- Start/stop button for no-foot-pedal sewing
- Includes 8 presser feet and embroidery arm
Best for: Beginners and casual sewists who need a simple, affordable entry into embroidery.
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 Quantum Stylist 9960 is not an embroidery machine—it’s a pure sewing and quilting workhorse. Why include it here? Because many people who search for singer sewing machine and embroidery actually want a machine with high stitch count and decorative stitches, not necessarily full embroidery. If that sounds like you, this model delivers 600 stitches and 1,172 stitch applications.
It has 13 fully automatic one-hole buttonhole styles, a built-in lettering font for monograms, and an extension table that turns it into a proper quilting station. The automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin are standard, but the speed control slider is handy—you can slow down for tricky seams or speed up for straight stitching.
The downside: no embroidery hoop, no design transfer, and no touchscreen. The LCD screen shows stitch numbers, not previews. You also can’t mirror or elongate stitches easily—the machine has mirror imaging and stitch elongation, but it’s not as intuitive as a touch interface. This machine suits a seamstress who sews clothing, upholstery, or quilts and wants decorative stitches but doesn’t need full embroidery.
- 600 built-in stitches, 1,172 stitch applications
- 13 one-step buttonholes
- Built-in lettering font for monograms
- Large extension table and hard dust cover included
- 13 presser feet plus quilting bar
Best for: Garment sewers and quilters who want maximum stitch variety without embroidery capabilities.
Brother XR9550 Computerized 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 AmazonThe Brother XR9550 is the budget-friendly choice for quilters and home sewers who don’t need embroidery at all. It has 165 stitches, including 8 auto-size buttonholes and 55 alphanumeric stitches. The LCD display is simple—just push buttons to choose stitches.
It comes with a wide table, 8 sewing and quilting feet, and a hard cover case. The automatic needle threader works well, and the drop-in top bobbin is jam-resistant. At roughly 13 pounds, it’s light enough to carry to a sewing class or retreat.
But it has no embroidery capability, no wireless connectivity, and no speed slider—you control speed only with the foot pedal. The stitch selection is limited compared to the Quantum Stylist. If you only sew straight lines and occasional decorative stitches, this machine is fine. But if you want dense decorative patterns or monograms, you’ll outgrow it quickly.
- 165 built-in stitches including 55 alphanumeric
- 8 one-step buttonhole styles
- Wide table and hard cover included
- Jam-resistant drop-in bobbin
- Free technical support for life
Best for: Quilters on a budget who need a reliable, lightweight machine for basic sewing and quilting.
Brother SE700 Combo Bundle
This is the same Brother SE700 machine as the second pick, but bundled with extra hoops, thread, and accessories. You get a 4” x 4” hoop (two of them), a 4” x 6.75” hoop, a 1” x 2.5” hoop, and 40 spools of polyester embroidery thread (500m each). The bundle also includes 500 design cards with SVG and JPG files.
The extra hoops are the big draw. The 4” x 6.75” hoop lets you embroider larger designs like towel borders or tote bag fronts. The tiny 1” x 2.5” hoop is perfect for small patches or labels. Having 40 thread colors means you can start embroidering right away without buying supplies.
But the machine itself still has the same limitations: 4” x 6.75” is the largest hoop, not a full 6×10. The thread included is generic—quality varies. And the 500 design cards are digital files you’ll need to transfer via USB or Artspira, which takes time. This bundle is a great value if you know you want the SE700 but want to skip the hassle of buying accessories separately.
- Same SE700 machine with 135 designs and 103 stitches
- Includes 4 hoops: 4”x4”, 4”x6.75”, 1”x2.5”
- 40 spools of polyester thread, 500m each
- 500 design cards with SVG/JPG files
- 8 presser feet and full accessory bag
Best for: Embroidery beginners who want a complete kit with multiple hoop sizes and plenty of thread to start.
How We Chose These Products
I picked these five machines to cover the full range of what ‘singer sewing machine and embroidery’ searchers actually want. Some need a true combo, others just want a powerful sewing machine with many decorative stitches. I considered stitch count, hoop size, ease of use, and included accessories.
I read dozens of customer reviews across multiple sites, focusing on reliability and long-term satisfaction. I also checked for software compatibility—machines that support wireless transfer or USB are more future-proof. Trade-offs like hoop size limits or missing features are noted honestly. The goal is to help you match a machine to your actual projects, not just the spec sheet.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Before you buy, think about what you’ll sew most. If you plan to embroider large designs like towels or quilt blocks, choose a machine with a hoop bigger than 4” x 4”. The SINGER SE9180’s 170 x 100 mm hoop is generous. If you mostly do small patches or monograms, a 4” x 4” hoop is fine—and cheaper.
Stitch count matters less than stitch quality. A machine with 600 stitches but no embroidery can be more useful than one with 100 stitches and basic embroidery if you mostly sew garments. Also check the presser feet included. Missing a walking foot for quilting or a zipper foot can add cost.
Maintenance is simple: clean the bobbin area after every few projects, oil the machine as the manual says, and store it covered. Most issues come from lint buildup or dull needles, not the machine itself. If you run into trouble, check the manual’s troubleshooting section before calling support.
Our Top Recommendation
For most people searching for a singer sewing machine and embroidery combo, the SINGER SE9180 is the best choice. It offers the largest hoop, the most built-in designs, and the best wireless integration. It’s not cheap, but it saves you from buying a separate embroidery machine later.
If you’re on a tighter budget or just starting out, grab the Brother SE700 Combo bundle. The extra hoops and thread make it a complete starter kit. And if you decide you don’t need embroidery at all, the SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 gives you an incredible stitch library and professional quilting features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the SE9180 to embroider on thick fabrics like denim or leather?
Yes, but you’ll need a 90/14 or 100/16 needle and slower embroidering speed. The machine’s presser foot pressure adjusts automatically, but bulky seams may still cause skipped stitches. Stabilizer is essential.
How do I transfer my own designs to the Brother SE700?
You can use the Artspira mobile app to draw and send designs wirelessly. Or load designs onto a USB drive (PES format) and plug it into the machine’s USB port. The bundled 500 design cards are digital files for those methods.
Does the Quantum Stylist 9960 have a knee lift?
No. It has a start/stop button and speed slider, but no knee lift for raising the presser foot. That’s a common feature on higher-end industrial machines, not this model.
What’s the difference between the two Brother SE700 listings?
The first is the base machine with standard accessories. The second is a bundle that adds three extra hoops (including a larger 4” x 6.75”), 40 spools of thread, and 500 digital design cards. The machine itself is identical.