You have a stack of jeans that need hemming, a pile of fabric scraps begging to become something, and a growing Pinterest board of embroidered jackets. You want a machine that can both sew and embroider without emptying your wallet. Buying new is expensive, but a used sewing and embroidery machine can give you pro-level features for half the price — if you pick the right model.
The best machines in this category balance ease of use with enough built-in designs to keep you busy for years. You want something that handles simple repairs just as well as complex monograms. A machine that won’t fight you when you switch between straight stitch and satin stitch. And you want it to be reliable enough that buying used doesn’t feel like a gamble.
These five Brother machines are the models I see most often on the used market. They’re also the ones worth paying for. Whether you need a dedicated sewing workhorse or a full combo machine with wireless embroidery, there’s a pick here for you. Let’s look at each one.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key specs that separate these machines.
| Features | SE700 Base | SE700 Thread Bundle | SE700 Acc Bundle | XR9550 | CS5055 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Type | Combo sew+embroider | Combo sew+embroider | Combo sew+embroider | Sewing & quilting only | Computerized sewing |
| Embroidery Area | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ | 4″ x 4″ | N/A | N/A |
| Built-in Designs/Stitches | 135 designs, 103 stitches | 135 designs, 103 stitches | 135 designs, 103 stitches | 165 stitches | 60 stitches |
| Included Accessories | 8 feet, standard kit | 4 hoops, 40 thread spools | 40+ accessories, 500 designs | Hard cover, wide table | 7 feet, 4 bobbins |
Brother SE700 Base 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 AmazonThis is the entry-level combo machine that made Brother famous in the home embroidery world. The SE700 lets you sew and embroider in one unit without needing a separate machine. Perfect for someone who wants to learn embroidery but still needs a solid sewing machine for everyday repairs and projects.
The 4″ x 4″ embroidery field is small — only big enough for monograms, small patches, and pocket logos. But that size keeps the price low and the learning curve shallow. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen lets you preview and edit designs before stitching. You can select stitches, adjust patterns, and see exactly where your needle will go. That screen alone saves hours of trial-and-error fabric waste.
The limitation is the embroidery area. If you plan to embroider towels or large tote bags, you’ll fight with re-hooping. The 4″ x 4″ hoop restricts you to designs smaller than a standard sheet of paper. Also, the machine has no built-in memory; you need to use the USB port or wireless transfer every time. That’s fine for occasional use but gets tedious for bulk projects.
- Wireless LAN transfer with free Design Database Transfer software
- 135 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches
- 8 included presser feet: zigzag, monogramming, overcasting, zipper, blind stitch, button fitting, buttonhole, embroidery
- Compatible with Artspira mobile app for custom pattern drawing
- iBroidery.com access for purchasing additional design packs
Best for: Beginners who want one machine to practice both sewing and small embroidery, and who prefer to buy used to save money.
Brother SE700 Thread 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 bundle gives you the exact same SE700 machine as above but adds four embroidery hoops and 40 spools of polyester thread. The extra hoops include a 4″ x 6.75″ size that doubles your embroidery real estate compared to the standard hoop. You also get a tiny 1″ x 2.5″ hoop for ultra-small designs like baby bib initials.
The 40 thread spools are 500 meters each — enough to last through dozens of projects without restocking. For someone buying used, this bundle is smart because you won’t need to hunt for hoops and thread separately. The thread colors cover a wide spectrum, so you can start embroidering right away. The monogramming foot and zipper foot are also included, along with a full accessory set.
The trade-off is that this bundle costs more upfront (even used) and the extra hoops (4″ x 6.75″) still won’t fit full-sized designs like sweatshirt backs or large tote panels. You’re limited to designs that fit within that bigger hoop — roughly the size of a paperback book. Also, the thread bundle adds bulk: storing 40 spools plus multiple hoops requires dedicated space.
- Includes four embroidery hoops: two 4″x4″, one 4″x6.75″, one 1″x2.5″
- 40 polyester thread spools, 500m each, assorted colors
- Standard sewing feet plus embroidery foot, needle set, twin needle
- Pre-wound bobbins, seam ripper, scissors, cleaning brush
- Accessory bag and printed operation manual
Best for: Someone who plans to embroider frequently and wants to avoid buying hoops and thread separately. A good buy if you find this bundle used with all pieces intact.
Brother SE700 Accessories Bundle
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 AmazonThis third SE700 variant swaps the hoops and thread for a huge pile of general accessories and digital content. You get 40+ physical accessories: extra bobbins, multiple screwdrivers, spool caps, a spool net, foot controller, and more. The digital bonus is the big draw: 500 Artspira embroidery designs and 310 Artspira fonts, plus a lifetime support package from Swing Design.
For a used buyer, the digital designs are the real value. 500 designs cover everything from flowers and animals to geometric patterns. The 310 fonts give you endless lettering options for monograms without buying extra cartridges. The Swing Design support means you can call or email for help with setup, tension issues, or design transfer — even on a used machine. That support is rare for a used purchase.
The downside: you don’t get the extra embroidery hoops that the Thread Bundle includes. The standard 4″ x 4″ hoop is all you have. Also, the digital designs are tied to the buyer’s account; if you buy used, you might not get the codes unless the original owner transfers them. Check that before you buy. And the 40+ accessories include many small items that are easy to lose; verify the bundle is complete.
- 500 Artspira embroidery designs (digital download)
- 310 Artspira fonts for lettering
- 40+ physical accessories: bobbins, screwdrivers, spool caps, seam ripper, scissors
- Exclusive lifetime product support from Swing Design
- Wireless LAN and USB connectivity
Best for: Creative sewists who want a huge design library ready to go and value after-sale support. Ideal if you can buy the original owner’s account transfer.
Brother XR9550 Computerized
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 AmazonIf embroidery isn’t your thing but you need a serious sewing and quilting machine, this is it. The XR9550 has 165 built-in stitches — more than any other machine on this list. That includes 110 utility and decorative stitches plus 55 alphanumeric stitches for thread lettering. It’s built for long, reliable sewing sessions on heavy fabrics like denim and quilting cotton.
The automatic needle threader is a game changer for anyone who struggled with threading by hand. The drop-in top bobbin is jam-resistant and easy to load. The included wide table gives you extra workspace for large quilts or curtains — a feature you don’t get with the SE700 machines. The hard cover protects the machine when stored, which matters a lot for resale value.
One honest drawback: there is no embroidery capability. If you later decide you want to add monograms or decorative patterns, you’ll need to buy a separate embroidery machine. Also, the LCD screen is basic compared to the SE700’s touchscreen. It shows stitch numbers and settings but no design preview. And at nearly 20 pounds, it’s heavy to move around.
- 165 built-in stitches: 110 utility/decorative, 55 alphanumeric, 8 buttonhole styles
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- Includes hard cover, wide table, 8 sewing and quilting feet
- Large needle-to-arm workspace for bulky projects
- Brother lifetime support via phone, chat, or online
Best for: Quilters, home decor sewists, and anyone who needs a durable sewing machine with many stitch options. Not for embroidery.
Brother CS5055 Computerized
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 budget-friendly sewing machine for everyday mending and simple projects. It has 60 built-in stitches — enough for basic hems, buttonholes, and decorative seams. The metal frame makes it sturdy and stable, so it won’t vibrate or shift during use. It’s lighter than the XR9550, around 14 pounds, so you can carry it to classes or guild meetings.
The fixed needle bar keeps the needle straight and centered for even stitching. That’s a feature you usually find on much pricier machines. The improved automatic needle threader actually works; no more squinting and cussing. The larger needle-to-arm workspace than older Brother models means you can fit a rolled-up sleeve or pant leg through without fighting it.
The limitation is the 7 included sewing feet. You get basic utility feet but no specialty feet like a walking foot or free-motion quilting foot. If you want those, you’ll need to buy them separately. Also, 60 stitches is fine for a beginner but experienced sewists may find it limiting. No embroidery at all, and the LCD display only shows stitch number and length/width settings — no pattern preview.
- 60 built-in stitches including 7 one-step auto-size buttonholes
- Metal frame and fixed needle bar for durability
- Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin
- 7 sewing feet: zigzag, buttonhole, zipper, blind stitch, etc.
- Trilingual manual (English/Spanish/French)
Best for: Beginners, occasional menders, and anyone on a tight budget who wants a basic reliable machine. Not for advanced quilting or embroidery.
How We Chose These Products
I looked at the machines that appear most often on the used market — the ones people buy, use for a few years, and resell because they upgraded or lost interest. These Brother models dominate that market because they’re affordable new and hold up well. I evaluated each machine based on stitch quality, ease of threading, bobbin system reliability, and how easy it is to find replacement parts or accessories used.
Embroidery machines get extra scrutiny on hooping systems, design transfer options, and screen quality. For sewing-only models, I prioritized stitch variety, workspace size, and build quality. Every machine here has a proven track record among home sewists. None of them are perfect, but they all deliver solid performance for their intended use.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
When you buy a used sewing or embroidery machine, the condition of the bobbin case and the needle plate are deal-breakers. Check for rust, burrs, or bent needles in the bobbin area. Turn the handwheel by hand to feel for rough spots or grinding. A machine that runs rough now will only get worse. Also check the embroidery arm (if it has one) for wobble. A loose arm affects stitch registration, especially on small lettering.
Digital components age faster than mechanical ones. With the SE700 models, test the touchscreen thoroughly. Dead pixels or unresponsive areas can’t be fixed cheaply. Also confirm the wireless LAN function works — some used units have outdated firmware that won’t connect to modern routers. Download the Design Database Transfer software before you buy to test the connection if possible.
Don’t overlook the accessories. Missing hoops or special feet can cost as much as the machine itself to replace. The SE700 Thread Bundle is particularly vulnerable because the extra hoop sizes are expensive to buy separately. Make sure every piece listed in the product description is actually in the box. If you’re buying online, ask the seller for photos of the entire accessory set spread out.
Our Top Recommendation
The Brother SE700 Accessories Bundle is the best value for someone looking for a used sewing and embroidery combo. You get the machine that can do both, plus 500 designs and 310 fonts that cover 90% of what you’ll want to embroider. The lifetime support from Swing Design helps offset the risk of buying used. If you find this bundle with the digital content transferable, grab it.
If embroidery isn’t your goal, the Brother XR9550 is the better pick. Its 165 stitches and wide table make it a true long-term sewing investment. You’ll outgrow the CS5055 inside a year, but the XR9550 will handle advanced projects for years. For pure budget, the CS5055 is fine if you only need basic stitches and don’t care about embroidery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-Brother embroidery designs on the SE700?
Yes, but you need to convert them to Brother’s.pes format first. Software like SewArt or Embird can do that. The SE700 reads.pes files from USB or wireless transfer. Free designs from sites like Urban Threads come in.pes often.
How do I know if a used machine has been run into the ground?
Listen for a loud clacking or grinding sound when the machine runs at full speed. Check the feed dogs for visible wear or missing teeth. Run a straight stitch on scrap fabric and look for skipped stitches. If the tension is off after adjusting the dial, that machine is done.
Is the 4″ x 4″ hoop really that limiting?
Yes, for large projects. You can’t embroider the back of a jacket or a full towel design in one pass. You have to break the design into smaller pieces and re-hoop, which is tedious. If you mainly want to do small logos, monograms, or patches, it’s fine. If you dream of full-back jackets, look for a machine with at least a 5″ x 7″ hoop.
What’s the best way to test wireless transfer on a used SE700?
Ask the seller to send a photo of the machine connected to a network. Then ask them to transfer one design wirelessly and stitch it out while you watch (if in person). If they can’t demonstrate, assume wireless is broken and negotiate the price down. You can still use USB, but wireless convenience is a big selling point.