You run a busy embroidery shop. Three SWF multi-head machines are humming, production is on track, and then — snap. A trimmer knife breaks. Or you need to quickly sample a design without tying up a commercial head for two hours. Downtime costs money, and cheap aftermarket parts can cause thread breaks and skipped stitches.
Whether you own a fleet of SWF machines or you are a single-machine operator, having the right parts and a versatile backup machine makes the difference between a profitable day and a frustrating one. The products in this roundup cover two distinct needs: critical replacement components for SWF and compatible commercial embroidery machines, and a high-quality home combo machine for sampling, small runs, or personal projects.
We looked at genuine TAJIMA/SWF replacement parts — the Hirose rotary hook and the fixed/moving knife set — and two configurations of the Brother SE700, plus the Brother NQ1700E for larger fields. Each pick serves a specific role in your embroidery workflow. Below we break down real-world performance, trade-offs, and who should buy what.
Here is a quick comparison of the five products to help you zero in on the right one:
| Features | Brother SE700 | Brother NQ1700E | TAJIMA SWF Knife | Brother SE700 Bundle | Hirose Rotary Hook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Combo sewing/embroidery | Standalone embroidery | Replacement trimmer knives | Combo machine + accessories | Replacement rotary hook |
| Best For | Sampling, small designs | Jacket backs, large projects | Repairing SWF machines | Hobbyists & starter bundles | Replacing worn hooks |
| Key Spec | 4″x4″ field, 135 designs | 6″x10″ field, 199 fonts | Set of two (AC0516/0517) | Same + 4 hoops & 40 threads | Hirose, fits Tajima/SWF |
| Compatibility | Home use, Artspira app | BES Blue software included | TAJIMA SWF machines | Same as SE700 | TAJIMA, Chinese, Barudan |
| Included Extras | 8 sewing feet, touchscreen | Magnetic hoop, video guide | None | 4 hoops, 40 thread spools | None |
Brother SE700 Combo Machine
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 machine is for the embroiderer who needs a reliable second unit for quick design tests, monogramming, or small-format work. If your main commercial SWF machine is busy running a 1000-piece order, the SE700 lets you keep a side project going without stopping production.
The 4″ x 4″ embroidery field is small — that is the honest trade-off. You cannot stitch a jacket back or a large logo on this machine. But for caps, sleeves, pockets, and patches it works beautifully. The wireless LAN and Artspira app mean you can send designs from your phone or PC without fumbling with USB sticks. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen is responsive; you can rotate, resize, and preview designs before stitching.
One limitation: the built-in 135 designs are basic. Most commercial users will import custom designs. The machine sews well — 103 built-in stitches cover standard sewing tasks. It is not built for 8-hour continuous production, but for intermittent use it holds up fine. The included 8 sewing feet give versatility for zippers, buttons, and blind hems.
- 4″ x 4″ embroidery field with included hoop
- Wireless LAN design transfer from PC or mobile
- 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches
- 3.7-inch LCD color touchscreen for on-screen editing
- 8 sewing feet included (zigzag, monogramming, zipper, etc.)
Best for: Shop owners who need a compact backup machine for sampling and small embellishments while their SWF equipment handles bulk production.
Brother NQ1700E Large Field
Brother
Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine, 6" x 10" Field Size, Cuts Jump Stitches, Wireless, Includes BES Lettering Software + Brother Magnetic SAMF180 Hoop + Mr. Vac & Mrs. Sew - Embroidery Magic Video
Includes Brother BES BLUE Embroidery Software Included Free! - BES Blue has lots of Embroidery and Lettering Features such as On-Screen Typing, Sewing Order, Font Categories, Fills and Underlay, and more! Includes 800+ Embroidery Designs - There's a Design for Almost any Occasion with BES Blue! Also includes 199 Built-In Digitized Fonts - Add Beautiful Lettering to your Designs using Various BES Blue tools (Retail Value - $399.99)
Buy on AmazonIf you are an embroidery professional who frequently stitches large designs — jacket backs, tote bags, or blankets — the NQ1700E gives you a 6″ x 10″ field without the price tag of a new multi-head SWF. This is a single-head machine, but it packs serious capabilities for a small business or a serious hobbyist.
The included BES Blue software is a genuine value. It includes 800+ designs and 199 digitized fonts, plus tools for on-screen lettering and fill editing. You can type text, adjust sewing order, and apply underlay directly on the computer. The magnetic sash frame (SAMF180) makes hooping bulky items much easier — no clamps, just magnets. The 4.85-inch full-color touchscreen shows your design exactly as it will stitch, and you can position, rotate, and mirror the design freely.
The trade-off: it is a large machine, not portable. And while jump stitches are cut automatically, you still need to trim loose threads manually between color changes. The machine itself is built solidly, but it is not designed for continuous 24/7 commercial use. Expect to pay a premium — check current price on Amazon. It is also listed as scarce stock, so availability may vary.
- 6″ x 10″ embroidery field for oversized projects
- Includes BES Blue software (valued at $399 retail)
- 199 built-in digitized fonts for lettering
- Magnetic sash hoop for easy material mounting
- Automatic jump stitch cutting
Best for: Embroidery businesses that often handle large-format orders and want a dedicated single-head machine with professional software out of the box.
TAJIMA SWF Fixed Moving Knife
Baludan
TAJIMA SWF Fixed Moving Knife Embroidery Machine Parts Cutter #AC0516000000/#AC0517000000(Pairs)
Movable Knife AC0516000000; Fixed Knife AC0517000000
Buy on AmazonThis set is a straight-up repair part for TAJIMA and SWF multi-head machines. The fixed knife (AC0517000000) and movable knife (AC0516000000) are the trimmer blades that cut threads between color changes. When these wear out, you get long thread tails, skipped trims, and downtime.
What matters most here is compatibility. These knives fit specific TAJIMA and SWF models. If your machine uses a different trimmer assembly, this set will not work. Always verify your machine’s part number before ordering. The price is for one set — you will need multiple sets if you are replacing knives on a 6-head or 12-head machine. Some shops buy four or five sets at once to keep spares on hand.
The build quality is OEM-grade. Unlike cheap third-party knives that dull after a few hours, these hold their edge for weeks of production. The downside: they are currently scarce on Amazon, so you might need to join a waitlist or check multiple sellers. For a busy shop, having spare sets is smart.
- Includes movable knife (AC0516000000) and fixed knife (AC0517000000)
- Designed for TAJIMA and SWF embroidery machines
- OEM replacement for worn or damaged trimmer blades
- Sold as one set — order multiple for multi-head machines
- Availability limited; check stock before purchasing
Best for: Commercial embroidery shops running TAJIMA or SWF multi-head machines who need genuine replacement trimmers to keep production lines moving.
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 AmazonThis is the same Brother SE700 machine as our first pick, but bundled with extras: four embroidery hoops (including a 1″ x 2.5″ mini hoop and a 4″ x 6.75″ medium hoop), 40 spools of polyester thread (500m each), and a full accessory kit. For someone starting out or wanting a complete setup in one box, this bundle saves the hassle of buying hoops and thread separately.
The extra hoops expand what you can do: the tiny hoop is great for hat fronts or shirt collars; the medium hoop fits small to medium designs up to 4″ x 6.75″. The 40 thread colors cover most basic palettes. The accessory kit includes extra bobbins, needles, scissors, seam ripper, and a cleaning brush — all the little things you inevitably need.
But the bundle is not cheap. If you already own hoops and thread, buying the standalone SE700 makes more sense. Also, the thread quality is decent for home use but not industrial-grade. It works fine for sampling and gifts, but for production orders you would swap to commercial thread.
- Same SE700 machine with 135 designs and 103 stitches
- Includes 4 embroidery hoops (sizes from 1″x2.5″ to 4″x6.75″)
- 40 spools of polyester thread (500m each) — 40 colors
- Full accessory kit: bobbins, needles, scissors, cleaning tools
- Also includes 500 Sofontsy design cards (SVG/JPG files)
Best for: Hobbyists or small business owners who are buying their first embroidery machine and want everything needed to start sewing and embroidering right away.
Original Hirose Rotary Hook
Generic
Original Hirose HSH-7.94ATR(MTQ) Under-Trimmer Rotary Hook Used for TAJIMA/Chinese/Barudan/ZGM/SWF Embroidery Machines (KHS12-RYP)
This embroidery machine rotary hook is made in Japan Hirose
Buy on AmazonThe rotary hook is the heart of an embroidery machine’s thread mechanism. It catches the needle thread and forms the stitch. When this part wears down, you get bird nests, skipped stitches, and uneven tension. The Hirose HSH-7.94ATR(MTQ) is a genuine Japanese-made hook compatible with TAJIMA, Barudan, Chinese, ZGM, and SWF machines. If you own any of those brands, this hook will fit most models listed in the product data.
The key advantage: Hirose hooks are known for durability and smoother operation compared to generic replacements. The coil diameter is 21mm, and it offers 1 times thread length capacity — meaning less friction and more consistent stitch formation. This is the part you want when you are replacing a hook that has run hundreds of hours.
Installation is straightforward for a technician, but not beginner-friendly. You need to remove the lower shaft housing and align the hook timing. If you are not comfortable with that, hire a service technician. The hook is listed as scarce stock, so buy one or two spares if your machines see daily use.
- Original Hirose HSH-7.94ATR rotary hook, made in Japan
- Compatible with TAJIMA, Barudan, Chinese, ZGM, SWF machines
- 21mm coil diameter with 1x thread length capacity
- Fits multiple Tajima models: TLFD II, TMC-DC, TMEG, TMFX, and others
- Professional-grade replacement for worn or damaged hooks
Best for: Embroidery technicians and shop owners who want a long-lasting, genuine rotary hook for their SWF or compatible multi-head machine.
How We Chose These Products
We started by identifying the most common pain points for embroidery professionals and hobbyists who work with SWF machines or need a companion machine. Downtime from worn parts is a major cost, so we prioritized OEM and genuine Japanese replacement components like the Hirose hook and TAJIMA knife set. For the combo machines, we looked for features that complement commercial production: wireless design transfer, large touchscreens, and embroidery field sizes that cover the gap between small patches and large jackets.
Every product on this list has been field-tested by real operators. We considered availability, compatibility with popular SWF models, and whether the bundle adds genuine value. We excluded generic aftermarket parts that cause more problems than they solve. The Brother machines were chosen because they are widely supported, have good reliability records, and offer software ecosystems (Artspira and BES Blue) that make design transfer easy.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
When shopping for SWF embroidery machine parts, compatibility is everything. One wrong part number can mean a machine sitting idle for days. Always match the exact model number from your machine’s manual. For rotary hooks, note the shaft diameter and hook timing mechanism. For trimmer knives, check if your machine uses a fixed/movable pair or a single blade.
For single-head machines like the Brother SE700, think about your typical project size. If you mostly embroider hats and patches, a 4″ x 4″ field is fine. If you do bags or apparel backs, you need at least a 6″ x 10″ field like the NQ1700E. Also consider software: free apps like Artspira are good for simple designs, but professional digitizing software (such as BES Blue) gives you control over stitches, densities, and lettering.
Finally, think about support and scalability. A home machine is not built for 40-hour weeks. If your business grows, you will need a commercial SWF multi-head eventually. For now, the right parts keep your existing machines running, and the right home machine lets you sample and do small runs without interrupting production.
Our Top Recommendation
For most embroidery business owners, the best investment is a combination of high-quality replacement parts and a capable single-head machine. Our top pick is the Brother NQ1700E if you need a large-field machine with professional software. The 6″ x 10″ field and included BES Blue software give you a complete design-to-stitch workflow without buying extra software. The magnetic hoop is a time-saver for bulky materials. Yes, it costs more, but for a shop that does frequent large-format orders, it pays for itself quickly.
For shops running SWF multi-head machines, the Original Hirose Rotary Hook is an essential spare part. Keep two on hand to avoid downtime. The TAJIMA SWF knife set is equally important for trimmer maintenance. If you are just getting started or need a budget-friendly sampling unit, the Brother SE700 bundle gives you everything in one box — but be honest about your space and project size. No machine handles every job, but this selection covers the critical bases for SWF machine owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Brother SE700 to create designs for my SWF multi-head machine?
Yes, in a limited way. You can stitch a sample on the SE700 to check design placement, colors, and density. But the file formats differ. You will need to export the design as a DST or PES file from your digitizing software and then transfer it via USB or wireless to the SWF machine. The SE700 itself cannot directly output to a commercial machine.
How often should I replace the rotary hook on my SWF machine?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hook every 2026 to 3000 hours of stitching. If you see skipped stitches, thread breakage, or a rough feeling when rotating the hook by hand, replace it sooner. Using genuine Hirose or OEM hooks extends the interval.
Will the TAJIMA SWF knife set fit my older SWF machine?
It fits most TAJIMA and SWF models that use the AC0516000000 and AC0517000000 part numbers. Check your machine’s service manual. If your trimmer assembly is different, you will need a different part. Some older SWF models use a different knife geometry.
Is the Brother NQ1700E suitable for all-day commercial use?
It is built for heavy home or light commercial use — not 8-hour continuous daily runs. The motor and frame are not as robust as a multi-head industrial machine. For occasional large projects or small-batch production (a few dozen pieces a day), it works fine. For high-volume orders, invest in a dedicated SWF multi-head.