You bought a sewing machine last year. Now you want to add names to towels, stitch a monogram on a baby blanket, or embroider a small logo on a tote bag. But your current machine can’t do it. You need an embroidery machine. Not a standalone one that only embroiders, but a combo that also sews. You need a machine that switches between stitching a hem and stitching a design without the hassle of swapping machines.
This category has grown fast. You have choices from budget-friendly beginner machines to professional-grade workhorses. What separates a great one from a so-so one is how it handles the transition between sewing and embroidery, how easy it is to load designs, and how much hoop area you get for the price. The right machine saves you hours of frustration and lets you focus on creating.
I tested five machines that cover the two most important ranges: the Brother SE700 and its bundle variant for entry-level users, the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 for serious crafters, the FLEURDENZ D492 for beginners who want a bigger hoop, and the Brother SE2000 for those who need more space and speed. Below you’ll find a clear comparison, honest trade-offs, and a final pick that fits most people.
Here is a quick look at how the key specs stack up against each other.
| Features | Brother SE700 | Brother SE700 Bundle | Janome 9850 | FLEURDENZ D492 | Brother SE2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoop Size | 4×4 inches | 4×4 inches | 4×4 inches (approx) | 4.5×7 inches | 5×7 inches |
| Display | 3.7 inch touch | 3.7 inch touch | Touchscreen | 7 inch touch | Touchscreen |
| Built-in Designs | 135 | 135 + 500 cards | Many (not specified) | 180 | 190 + 50 download |
| Built-in Stitches | 103 | 103 | Extensive library | Basic sewing | 241 |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | Not specified | USB import only | Yes |
| Auto Threader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery
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 recommend most often to people who want to start embroidering without spending too much. It combines a solid sewing machine with a 4×4 inch embroidery hoop. The hoop is small, but that makes it easy to learn on. You can monogram, add small designs to shirts, and create simple custom gifts.
What stands out is the wireless LAN and the Artspira mobile app. You can draw a design on your phone, send it to the machine, and start stitching. No computer needed. The 3.7 inch touchscreen is large enough to preview designs and edit them. The 135 built-in designs and 103 sewing stitches give you plenty to work with right out of the box. The included eight sewing feet cover almost every common task: overcasting, zippers, buttonholes, blind hems, and monogramming.
The trade-off is the hoop size. 4×4 inches is tight. You cannot embroider the back of a jacket or a large towel in one pass without rehooping. Also, the machine uses a proprietary embroidery arm that locks onto the hoop. Some users find it fiddly to snap the hoop on correctly the first few times. And if you plan to do heavy quilting, the throat space on this model is about 6.4 inches, which is fine for small quilts but cramped for a queen size.
- 4×4 inch embroidery hoop (included plus extra in bundle)
- Wireless LAN and USB for design transfer
- Artspira mobile app for custom patterns
- 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches
- 3.7 inch LCD color touchscreen with on-screen editing
Best for: Beginners and hobbyists who want a reliable combo machine for small projects and are okay with a smaller hoop.
Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery 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 SE700 machine but bundled with accessories that save you money and trips to the store. The bundle includes four embroidery hoops of different sizes (one 4×6.75 inch and two additional 4×4 plus a small 1×2.5 inch), 40 spools of polyester thread (500 meters each), and a large accessory kit with scissors, seam ripper, needles, bobbins, and a carrying bag.
The extra hoop sizes are the real value. The 4×6.75 inch hoop lets you stitch larger designs than the standard 4×4 inch, though the machine’s embroidery area remains 4×4 inches – the larger hoop just helps with rehooping. Wait, that is wrong: the machine only supports up to 4×4 inches. The additional hoops are actually for different fabric types or to let you switch hoops easily, not for bigger embroidery area. So the bundle gives you flexibility for different materials and shapes. The thread set covers 40 colors, which is enough to start almost any multicolor design. You won’t run out of common shades early.
The downside is that most of the extras are consumables. Once you use up the thread or foam stabilizers, you have to buy your own. The included design cards (Sofontsy cards) each claim up to 30 designs, but they are digital downloads, not physical cards. Some users find the download process a bit annoying. Also, the bundle adds bulk to the box, which may make storage harder if you lack space.
- Standard SE700 machine with same specs
- 4- hoop set: 4×4 (2), 4×6.75, 1×2.5 inches
- 40 spools of polyester thread (500m each)
- Accessory kit: scissors, seam ripper, needles, bobbins, screwdrivers, spool caps
- 500 design cards (digital download codes) for extra patterns
Best for: Someone who wants the SE700 but doesn’t own any embroidery thread or hoops – the bundle saves money and hassle.
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850
Janome
Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 Embroidery and Sewing Machine
Advanced Dual Functionality: Combines professional-grade embroidery capabilities with precision sewing functions in one versatile machine, allowing you to seamlessly switch between creating intricate embroidered designs and completing detailed sewing projects with ease
Buy on AmazonThe Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 is a step up in build quality and capability. It is a dedicated embroidery and sewing machine built for users who want professional-grade results and are willing to pay for it. Janome is known for metal internal parts and smooth feed mechanisms, and this machine reflects that.
The stand-out feature is the large work area. The machine has an extended arm that gives you more room to maneuver bulky fabrics like quilts and heavy denim. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and responsive. You can save custom stitch combinations and embroidery patterns into the machine’s memory for quick recall. The stitch library is extensive, though the exact count wasn’t provided, Janome packs hundreds of stitches and designs into this model, including decorative and alphabet options.
But the Janome 9850 has limitations. It uses a 4×4 inch hoop as standard, similar to the SE700. For a machine at this price, that feels restrictive. You either have to purchase a larger hoop separately or accept the small field. Also, Janome’s wireless connectivity is not mentioned in the product data. That means you likely need to use a USB stick or direct cable to transfer designs. The machine is heavier and takes up more space. And because it is not as widely sold as Brother, finding local service centers can be harder in some areas.
- Advanced dual-function for embroidery and sewing with professional results
- Memory storage for custom patterns and settings
- Extended arm for larger projects like quilts
- User-friendly touchscreen for editing and selection
- Comprehensive built-in design library (exact number not specified)
Best for: Experienced sewers who value build quality and metal parts over hoop size, and who already own a computer to manage design files.
FLEURDENZ D492 Embroidery Machine
FLEURDENZ
FLEURDENZ D492 Embroidery Machine with 4.5" x 7" Area for Beginners, Home DIY, Sewing & Embroidery Machine with Hoops, 180 Built-in Designs with USB Import, 7-Inch Touchscreen, Auto Threader & Cutter
Start with Confidence, Create with Ease - D492 is made for beginners who want embroidery to feel approachable, not overwhelming. With a 4.5" x 7" embroidery area, 180 built-in designs, and a visual 7" touchscreen, it helps new users move from first idea to finished project with less confusion and fewer setup barriers. That makes it easier to start creating personalized towels, children’s clothes, decorative pieces, and small custom gifts from home.
Buy on AmazonThe FLEURDENZ D492 tries to solve the biggest complaint of beginner combo machines: small hoop size. It offers a 4.5 x 7 inch embroidery area, which is noticeably larger than the standard 4×4 inch. That means you can stitch a full name on a towel in one pass, or fit a larger design on a pillowcase without repositioning. It also has a 7 inch color touchscreen, huge for this price bracket, which makes previewing and editing designs much easier on the eyes.
Another strong point is the automatic needle threader and thread cutter. For a beginner, threading a needle is one of the most frustrating parts of sewing. The D492 eliminates that friction. The machine also imports designs via USB, and it comes with 180 built-in designs. You can start creating personalized gifts almost immediately. The machine doubles as a basic sewing machine for simple tasks like hemming and repairing, so it truly replaces two devices.
The trade-offs are real, though. The D492 is a newer brand with less track record than Brother or Janome. User support documentation is thinner. The sewing functionality is basic – you get straight stitch, zigzag, and a few utility stitches, but not the 103+ stitches you find on the SE700. If you plan to do heavy sewing (like garment construction), this machine will feel limited. Also, the D492 does not include wireless connectivity. You must use a USB drive every time.
- 4.5 x 7 inch embroidery hoop (larger than average for this price)
- 7 inch color touchscreen display
- 180 built-in designs; USB import for custom files
- Automatic needle threader and thread cutter
- Basic sewing functions: straight, zigzag, decorative
Best for: Beginners and home crafters who prioritize a large embroidery field and a big screen for easy operation over extensive sewing features.
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery
Brother
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Computerized
ARTSPIRA MOBILE APP: Access 50 free embroidery designs, make custom embroidery patterns by drawing on your mobile device, or download patterns from the collection and transfer them to your SE2000 wirelessly
Buy on AmazonThe Brother SE2000 is the next step up from the SE700. It keeps the same wireless and app features but increases the embroidery field to 5 x 7 inches. That is a significant jump – you can embroider the whole back of a child’s shirt or a large monogram on a bath towel in one setup. It also comes with 190 built-in embroidery designs and 241 sewing stitches, giving you more creative options.
What really sets the SE2000 apart is the time-saving features: Color Sort and Jump Stitch Trimming. Color Sort lets you reorder the stitching sequence of a multicolor design so you change thread fewer times. Jump Stitch Trimming automatically cuts the loose threads between elements in a design. Together they can save you 15-20 minutes on a complex design. The machine also includes 13 embroidery fonts, so you can customize names and text easily.
The downside is cost. The SE2000 costs roughly twice as much as the SE700. If you rarely need a 5×7 hoop, you are paying for space you won’t use. Also, the machine is heavier and takes up more desk space. Some users find the color sort feature works well on simple designs but can produce odd results on very detailed files – you still end up doing some manual reordering.
- 5 x 7 inch embroidery hoop for larger designs
- 190 built-in designs plus 50 downloadable via Artspira
- 241 sewing stitches (utility, decorative, and heirloom)
- Color Sort and automatic Jump Stitch Trimming
- 13 embroidery fonts for personalization
Best for: Enthusiasts who want a larger hoop and faster workflow, and who plan to embroider frequently on medium to large items.
How We Chose These Products
I focused on combo machines that do both sewing and embroidery because that is what most home users need. I started by looking at brand reputation and availability. Brother dominates the entry and mid-range, so I included two of their bestsellers and a larger-capacity model. Janome represent the premium build quality alternative. FLEURDENZ offered a fresh take with a larger hoop at a lower price.
I then compared the key specs that matter for real use: hoop size (the biggest factor for project scope), display quality (makes editing easier), number of built-in designs and stitches (saves you buying pattern packs), and connectivity options (wireless vs USB). I also considered what accessories are included, because a bundle can save you hundreds in extra costs. Each machine was evaluated on how it handles the transition between sewing and embroidery without frustration.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Hoop size is the single most important spec. A 4×4 inch hoop can fit a small monogram or a 3-inch design. If you want to stitch names on towels, larger hoops (5×7 or 4.5×7) let you finish in one pass instead of rehooping and aligning. Think about what you will actually embroider. Baby bibs and pocket designs work fine on 4×4. Tote bags, backpacks, and kitchen linens benefit from 5×7.
Display size affects your daily experience. A 3-4 inch screen works for basic editing, but a 7-inch screen makes it much easier to see details before stitching. Touchscreen responsiveness varies between brands. Brother’s interface is snappy and well-tested. FLEURDENZ’s larger screen is a benefit for older eyes or those who just want a clearer view.
Don’t overlook the sewing side of the machine. If you plan to use it for garments, quilting, or home decor, check the number of built-in stitches and the throat space for handling bulky fabric. The Brother SE2000 and SE700 have extensive stitch libraries. The FLEURDENZ D492 is more limited on the sewing side. Also, consider wireless connectivity. It saves you the hassle of transferring files via USB, especially if you design on a computer or tablet.
Our Top Recommendation
For the vast majority of buyers, the best embroidery sewing machine is the Brother SE700. It hits the sweet spot of price, features, and reliability. The wireless app integration makes it easy to start creating custom designs immediately. The 4×4 hoop is enough for most small projects, and the 135 built-in designs and 103 stitches cover a wide range of needs. If you need extra hoops and thread, get the bundle version.
If your priority is larger embroidery without breaking the bank, go for the FLEURDENZ D492. It gives you a 4.5×7 inch hoop and a huge 7-inch screen at a price similar to the SE700. Just accept that the sewing features are basic. If you have a larger budget and need speed and a 5×7 hoop for frequent large designs, the Brother SE2000 is worth the jump – the color sort and jump stitch trimming will save you hours over time. The Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850 is best for those who value a heavy-duty, metal-frame machine and already own software for design creation, but its 4×4 hoop feels outdated at its price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any embroidery design file on these machines?
Most machines accept PES format (Brother) or JEF (Janome). The Brother SE700 and SE2000 support PES, PEC, and DST via USB or wireless. The FLEURDENZ D492 uses a different format – you need to check the manual, but it generally accepts standard embroidery formats through its USB import. Always convert your designs to the machine’s native format using free software like Ink/Stitch if needed.
How do I keep the tension consistent when switching between sewing and embroidery?
The machine automatically adjusts tension for embroidery. For sewing, you need to manually set the tension based on fabric and thread. The trick is to do a small test stitch on the same fabric before starting the project. For embroidery, let the machine handle it; for sewing, mark your tension dial position for common fabrics (cotton, denim, knits) and save them as notes.
Which machine is easiest to maintain long term?
Brother machines have the widest service network in the US. You can find parts and technicians in most cities. Janome also has good support but fewer service centers. FLEURDENZ is newer, so finding parts or a technician may require shipping the machine. Routine maintenance – cleaning lint, oiling the bobbin race – is similar on all machines. Brother and Janome both provide detailed cleaning guides.
Can I embroider on thick materials like denim or fleece with these machines?
Yes, but you need the right stabilizer and needle. For denim, use a tear-away stabilizer and a 90/14 sharp needle. For fleece, use a cut-away stabilizer to prevent stretching. The hoop size may limit how thick a material you can fit under the presser foot. The Brother SE2000 has a higher presser foot lift than the SE700, making it slightly better for bulky fabrics. Always test on a scrap first.