Best Brother Embroidery Machine: Top Picks for Quality and Value

Embroidery machines are popular tools for crafters and hobbyists. They can transform plain fabric into personalized items with intricate designs. Many people use them to create gifts, clothing, and home decor. The ease of adding custom designs makes these machines a favorite among both beginners and experienced sewers.

Brother embroidery machines are well-regarded in the market for their user-friendly features and quality output. They offer a variety of models, each catering to different skill levels and project needs. When choosing an embroidery machine, we recommend paying attention to the size of the embroidery area, available designs, and ease of use. These factors can affect how productive and enjoyable the embroidery experience will be.

With these considerations in mind, we explored the top Brother embroidery machines to help you find the right one for your creative projects.

Best Brother Embroidery Machines

We have compiled a list of the best Brother embroidery machines available. These machines offer great features and quality, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced users. Let’s explore our top picks.

Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

This machine is a solid choice for those wanting to dive into sewing and embroidery because of its user-friendly features and creative potential.

Pros

• Excellent built-in designs and stitch styles
• Wireless transfer for easy design uploads
• Large touchscreen for simple navigation

Cons

• Thread spool holder placement can be tricky
• Some learning curve for beginners
• Limited workspace for larger projects

Using the Brother SE700 has been an enjoyable experience for us. The wide range of built-in designs allows for a lot of creativity right out of the box. We appreciated the automatic needle threader, which saves time and reduces frustration when getting started on a project. The 3.7-inch touchscreen makes it easy to edit designs and navigate through settings without a hassle.

One of the standout features for us is the wireless connectivity. Sending designs from our computer to the machine is quick and easy, thanks to the Design Database Transfer software. Moreover, the Artspira app opens up even more possibilities for custom designs that we can create right from our phones. This feature has made our crafting sessions more fun and interactive.

While we love the machine’s capabilities, we did notice that the thread spool holder can sometimes complicate things. The horizontal setup can lead to the thread getting tangled. Additionally, beginners might find it a bit tricky to get the hang of everything, but once you do, it’s quite manageable. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but that’s part of the fun of using the SE700. This machine truly strikes a balance between being advanced yet accessible for sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine

This embroidery machine is a solid choice for those looking to expand their creative projects with ease.

Pros

• Easy to use with a clear touch screen.
• Large embroidery field allows for bigger designs.
• Comes with helpful software and accessories.

Cons

• Initial learning curve for some users.
• Software issues can arise.
• May be heavy for some to move around.

We recently tried the Brother NQ1700E, and it quickly became a favorite for many projects. The full-color touch screen is user-friendly and makes selecting and editing designs simple. Many of us appreciated the size of the embroidery field, which is fantastic for creating larger designs without feeling limited.

The machine comes with great extras, including the Brother BES Blue software, which is packed with features for lettering and design. The included magnetic frame is a game changer, making it much easier to hoop materials securely. We’ve also found that the automatic thread trimming works well and saves time, allowing us to focus on our creativity instead of worrying about jump stitches.

While getting the hang of the machine took a little time, many of us were impressed by how quickly we improved. Some users experienced a few bumps with the software and setup, but these issues were manageable. Overall, the Brother NQ1700E offers us a reliable way to bring our embroidery visions to life.

Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine

We think the Brother PE900 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their embroidery projects to the next level.

Pros

• Easy to use for beginners and advanced users.
• A wide range of built-in designs and customizable options.
• Wireless capabilities for easy design uploads.

Cons

• May require updates upon arrival.
• Some users noted tension issues.
• The machine is purely for embroidery, not for general sewing.

The Brother PE900 has impressed us with its user-friendly design. Right out of the box, starting with this machine was straightforward. The numbered threading guide and automatic needle threader really made setup a breeze. We didn’t have to spend hours figuring things out, thanks to the clear step-by-step tutorials on the large LCD touchscreen.

With 193 built-in designs and access to more through the Artspira app, the possibilities are endless. We loved the vibrant options, from floral patterns to elegant scrollwork, and the ability to import our own designs made it even better. Editing features also stood out; the ability to rotate and resize designs directly on the screen was incredibly helpful.

Despite the many positives, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Some users have faced tension problems, which can be frustrating. Additionally, make sure you are ready for potential updates when you first receive the machine—having a USB stick on hand can save time. All in all, the Brother PE900 is a great investment for anyone serious about embroidery.

Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

We find that the Brother SE2000 is a versatile combination sewing and embroidery machine that impresses with its features.

Pros

• Easy to use with a user-friendly touchscreen
• Versatile with over 190 built-in embroidery designs
• Good support with a 25-year limited warranty

Cons

• Some users may struggle with file format conversions
• Initial setup might require rechecking the manual
• Missing parts can be a concern for some buyers

Working with the Brother SE2000 has been a great experience. The large 3.7-inch touchscreen makes it easy to select designs and edit them on the screen. This feature allows us to resize, rotate, and combine designs without any hassle. It’s very convenient when trying to create unique projects.

The variety of built-in stitches and designs is impressive. With 241 sewing stitches and 193 embroidery designs, there’s plenty to choose from. We appreciate the option to download more designs via the Artspira app, which expands our creative possibilities even further.

However, we’ve noticed some challenges. Converting files for embroidery can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re used to other formats. Also, users may face issues with setup. It’s crucial to double-check everything, as some might find they need a part they assumed was included. Overall, the SE2000 stands out as a solid choice for those looking for flexibility and ease in their sewing and embroidery projects.

Brother Innov-ís NQ1700E

This embroidery machine is a solid choice for anyone looking to start their embroidery journey.

Pros

• Plenty of built-in designs to spark creativity.
• Wireless connection for easy design transfers.
• Large embroidery area allows for bigger projects.

Cons

• Setup can take some time for beginners.
• Occasional customer support delays reported.
• Not as portable due to its weight.

After using the Brother Innov-ís NQ1700E, we found that it opens up a world of creativity. With 258 built-in designs and several lettering fonts, it’s easy to get inspired and start crafting unique pieces. The wireless feature is especially convenient, allowing us to transfer designs directly from our computer without needing a USB. This makes the whole process smoother and faster.

The 6” x 10” embroidery area is a standout feature. We found it gives us plenty of room to work on larger projects without feeling cramped. The color touch screen is user-friendly, making design adjustments straightforward. We appreciate features like on-screen editing and the ability to combine designs, which help elevate our creations.

On the flip side, we noticed that setting up the machine took a bit longer than expected. While the instructions were clear, it might require some patience for someone new to embroidery. A few users mentioned delays in customer support responses, which could be an issue if something goes wrong. It’s also worth noting that the machine is somewhat heavy, which makes moving it around less convenient.

In the end, the Brother Innov-ís NQ1700E is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced users looking to expand their skills. Whether you’re making personalized gifts or decorations, this machine can meet our needs.

Smartstitch S-1501 Commercial Embroidery Machine

We highly recommend the Smartstitch S-1501 for anyone looking to start an embroidery business or upgrade their current setup.

Pros

• Excellent for starting a business with its 15 needles and high speed.
• The touchscreen and WiFi features make it user-friendly.
• Comprehensive support and training available after purchase.

Cons

• It has a higher price point compared to some beginner models.
• The machine is quite large, requiring ample workspace.
• Initial setup might seem overwhelming for those new to embroidery.

This machine stands out because of its impressive features. The 15 needles allow for quick color changes, making projects faster. We appreciated the large 14″x20″ embroidery area, which gave us plenty of space to work on various designs. Setting up the machine was straightforward, thanks in part to the helpful training videos Smartstitch provides.

Customer support has been stellar. When we joined the Smartstitch Facebook group, we found a community ready to help. Our questions were answered quickly, and we felt confident using the machine. The live demo appointment was a great touch, easing any concerns we had before our purchase.

Despite its size and cost, this machine delivers excellent performance. It can handle different materials like denim and vinyl with ease. We find it to be a dependable choice for both personal and business use. Overall, the Smartstitch S-1501 is a solid investment for those serious about embroidery.

Brother LB5000S Star Wars Edition

This machine is a great choice for those wanting to explore sewing and embroidery, especially if you’re a Star Wars fan.

Pros

• Fun Star Wars-themed faceplates
• Easy-to-use touchscreen display
• Good variety of built-in designs and stitches

Cons

• Some features may not be fully functional outside the US
• Limited support for Canadian users
• Initial setup can be confusing for beginners

We recently tried out the Brother LB5000S, and the first thing that caught our eye was the fun Star Wars faceplates. Getting to customize our machine made the experience exciting, especially for fans of the series. The ease of switching out the faceplates kept things fresh and enjoyable.

The large 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen is a standout feature. It allows us to preview our designs before stitching, and we found it intuitive to navigate. With 80 built-in embroidery designs and 103 sewing stitches, the variety keeps our creativity flowing.

While the machine comes with many features, potential buyers should note that it’s mainly intended for use in the US. Those in Canada may find limited support, which can be a hassle. Additionally, getting started took us a bit of time to figure out, but once we did, the LB5000S really impressed us.

Brother XM1010 Sewing Machine

This sewing machine is a solid choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, budget-friendly option.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable for easy transport
• Simple threading and easy stitch selection
• Comes with useful accessories

Cons

• Foot controller cord can be a bit short
• Some users had issues with threading
• Limited advanced features

We recently tried out the Brother XM1010, and it impressed us right from the start. Setting up was straightforward. The instruction booklet is clear, and we were sewing in no time. The built-in manual is helpful, especially the threading diagram. This feature made it much easier for us, and we felt more confident starting on various projects.

The machine’s lightweight design is a significant plus. We found it easy to carry around for different sewing jobs. Even when using it on smaller projects, the free arm functionality made sewing cuffs and sleeves simple. It feels durable, which is promising for long-term use.

While we enjoyed many aspects of the XM1010, a couple of annoyances stood out. We noticed that the foot controller cord is shorter than what we would have liked. Also, a few users mentioned some trouble with threading the bobbin. These little issues shouldn’t deter beginners, but they are worth considering. Overall, the Brother XM1010 serves well for both beginner and more experienced sewists.

Buying Guide

When we choose an embroidery machine, we need to think about a few key features.

1. Stitching Area:
Consider the size of the area where the machine stitches. A larger area allows for bigger designs.

2. Embroidery Speed:
Look for machines that have a higher stitches per minute (SPM) rate. Faster machines save time.

3. Built-in Designs:
Check the number and variety of designs included. More designs give us creative options.

4. User-Friendly Interface:
A clear display and easy controls make the machine simpler to use. Touchscreens can add convenience.

5. Software Compatibility:
Ensure the machine is compatible with design software we may want to use. This helps us create custom designs.

6. Threading and Bobbin System:
Look for automatic threading systems. This feature saves us time and frustration.

7. Warranty and Support:
A good warranty is important. It gives us peace of mind and support for any issues.

By focusing on these features, we can make a well-informed decision that fits our needs.