9 Best Brother Embroidery Machines for Beginners (November 2026)

The best Brother embroidery machines for beginners include the New brothread 40 Colors Polyester Embroidery Machine for a broad thread palette, the Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine for learning sewing and embroidery, and the Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine for wireless design transfer.

On this page (6 sections)

1. How we chose Brother embroidery machines for beginners
2. The best Brother embroidery machines for beginners
3. How should beginners compare hoop size and controls?
4. Should you choose a combo or embroidery-only machine?
5. Which Brother model should you pick first?
6. Verdict: which Brother embroidery machine suits beginners?

The best Brother embroidery machine for beginners depends on whether you also need sewing and how large your designs will be. The SE700 is a flexible combo for small projects, the PE800 gives you a 5 x 7 in embroidery field, and the PE545 keeps the setup focused on embroidery.

A 4 x 4 in hoop is enough for many names, patches, and small decorations. If you want larger designs or fewer rehoopings, compare the Brother SE2000 embroidery machine review and larger-field options.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a broad thread palette

   New brothread 40 Colors Polyester Embroidery Machine

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for learning sewing and embroidery

   Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for wireless design transfer

   Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Smartstitch S-1001 Upgraded Embroidery Machine

   Best for a large embroidery field
   Check it
5. 5

   Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery & Sewing Machine

   Best for bundled hoop options
   Check it
6. 6

   SINGER® Smart HD 9120™ Sewing Machine

   Best for app-guided sewing
   Check it
7. 7

   Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

   Best for larger home designs
   Check it
8. 8

   Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

   Best for combo sewing with a larger hoop
   Check it
9. 9

   Brother PE545 Wireless Embroidery Machine 4x4 Hoop

   Best for embroidery-only beginners
   Check it

How we chose Brother embroidery machines for beginners

The best Brother embroidery machines for beginners combine understandable controls with a hoop size that matches the projects you want to make. We compared field size, screens, built-in designs, transfer methods, and whether each machine also sews.

A touchscreen can make it easier to preview designs or adjust placement before stitching. Wireless transfer and USB give you ways to bring in designs, while built-in designs let you begin without first finding files.

This roundup also includes a thread kit and a non-Brother machine because a beginner's setup can include useful supplies and alternatives. The machine choices focus on different needs: combo sewing, embroidery only, or a larger field.

Our scores weigh specs, features, and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

The best Brother embroidery machines for beginners

The SE700 suits beginners who want sewing and embroidery in one machine, while the PE800 gives more embroidery room. Consider the PE545 when you want an embroidery-only model with wireless and USB transfer options.

1

New brothread 40 Colors Polyester Embroidery Machine: Best for a broad thread palette

9.7/10Our score

• 40 polyester thread colors
• 40 WT
• 500 m per spool
• Color chart compatible with Brother color numbers

A 40-color thread kit gives beginners a range of shades for embroidery projects. Each spool is 500 m, and the color chart helps match colors to Brother numbers.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 40 colors in one kit
• Color chart includes Brother color number matches
• Polyester thread

Cons

• Does not include a wood rack

The New brothread 40 Colors Polyester Embroidery Machine kit is a thread supply rather than a machine, but it can help you start projects with a broad set of colors. Its 40 spools each hold 500 m of 40 WT polyester thread.

The included color chart helps match thread to Brother color numbers. That can be useful when selecting shades for designs, especially if you are coordinating several colors before beginning a project.

Polyester thread is described as having good tensile strength and color fastness. The kit does not include a wood rack, so plan a separate way to store the spools if you want them arranged for quick access.

Choose this kit to build a varied color selection for embroidery projects. It does not replace stabilizer, bobbin thread, or other supplies your machine instructions may call for.

2

Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine: Best for learning sewing and embroidery

9.6/10Our score

• 4 x 4 in embroidery field
• 3.2 in color touchscreen
• 80 built-in designs
• 103 built-in sewing stitches

The SE600 combines sewing and embroidery with on-screen design previews. Its 4 x 4 in field suits smaller projects, and the machine includes 103 sewing stitches.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Combines sewing and embroidery
• Color touchscreen previews designs
• Automatic needle threader

Cons

• Embroidery field is 4 x 4 in

The Brother SE600 combines a sewing machine and an embroidery machine, so a beginner can switch between stitching seams and adding designs without choosing a separate embroidery-only unit. Its 4 x 4 in embroidery field is suited to smaller motifs and lettering.

The 3.2 in color touchscreen lets you preview designs before stitching, and the machine includes 80 built-in embroidery designs and 6 lettering fonts. For sewing, it has 103 built-in stitches and an automatic needle threader.

This model makes sense if the convenience of one machine matters more than room for large embroidery. Before choosing it, consider whether the 4 x 4 in field fits your plans for quilt blocks, garments, and home projects.

Choose the SE600 for a straightforward sewing-and-embroidery combination with on-screen previews.

Its listed power is 110 volts, and Brother specifies US-only sale and use, so check compatibility where you live.

3

Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine: Best for wireless design transfer

9.5/10Our score

• 4 x 4 in embroidery field
• 3.7 in color touchscreen
• 135 built-in designs
• Wireless LAN

The SE700 adds wireless transfer and a larger touchscreen to a sewing and embroidery combo. Its 4 x 4 in field keeps it suited to smaller designs.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Wireless design transfer options
• 135 built-in designs
• Combines sewing and embroidery

Cons

• Embroidery field is 4 x 4 in

The Brother SE700 is a capable beginner combo if you want an easy way to move from sewing to embroidery. It has a 4 x 4 in field and a 3.7 in color touchscreen for previewing and editing designs.

Its 135 built-in designs and 10 embroidery fonts give you options without importing a file first. Wireless LAN supports transfer from a PC through Design Database Transfer, and the Artspira app can be used to create or download designs and send them wirelessly.

The SE700 also has 103 built-in sewing stitches, an automatic needle threader, and a drop-in top bobbin. The field remains compact, so it is best for smaller embroidery rather than large motifs that need a broader area.

Choose the SE700 if wireless design transfer and combo sewing matter to you. Compare it with the Best Embroidery And Quilting Combo Machine For Beginners if your projects mix quilting and embroidery.

4

Smartstitch S-1001 Upgraded Embroidery Machine: Best for a large embroidery field

9.4/10Our score

• 9.5 x 14.2 in embroidery area
• 10 needles
• 7 in touchscreen
• USB and Wi-Fi pattern transfer

The S-1001 offers a much larger embroidery area and 10 needles, with training materials and technical support described by Smartstitch. It is a commercial machine, so beginners should weigh its scale and features against a simple home setup.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Large embroidery area
• 10 needles
• Training materials and support

Cons

• Commercial machine with a more involved setup

The Smartstitch S-1001 is a commercial machine with a 9.5 x 14.2 in embroidery area, 10 needles, and a 7 in touchscreen. Those features allow a much larger design area than the home Brother options in this roundup.

It also includes USB and Wi-Fi pattern transfer, automatic thread trimming, automatic color changing, and thread break detection. Smartstitch provides a manual and video training, and says technical support is available online.

This machine asks more of a beginner in setup, space, and workflow than a small home model. Its broader capabilities may fit someone who expects to embroider larger items or take on repeated production work, but it is more machine than many first projects require.

For another multi-needle option, read the Janome MB7 embroidery machine review.

Choose the S-1001 for a large field and multi-needle workflow, and think through the physical space and learning time you can give it.

5

Brother SE700 Combo Embroidery & Sewing Machine: Best for bundled hoop options

9.1/10Our score

• 4 x 4 in embroidery field
• Four hoops included in the bundle
• 135 built-in designs
• 103 built-in sewing stitches

This SE700 bundle pairs sewing and embroidery with additional hoops and thread. Check the hoop sizes in the bundle against the designs you plan to stitch.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Includes multiple hoops
• Includes 40 thread spools
• Wireless LAN

Cons

• Main embroidery field is 4 x 4 in

This SE700 bundle adds several hoops and 40 polyester thread spools to the sewing-and-embroidery setup. The package includes two 4 x 4 in hoops, a 4 x 6.75 in hoop, and a 1 x 2.5 in hoop, along with the standard 4 x 4 in frame set.

The machine features 135 built-in embroidery designs, 103 sewing stitches, wireless LAN, and a touchscreen. The extra hoops may help you match the frame to smaller or longer layouts, though you should confirm the size and compatibility for each project before stitching.

The bundle is worth comparing with the standard SE700 if you want a wider selection of included frames and thread to start with. The core field is still 4 x 4 in, so it does not provide the same single-hooping area as a 5 x 7 in machine.

Choose this bundle if the added hoops and thread fit your plans. Confirm which hoop you will use for your intended design size and placement.

6

SINGER® Smart HD 9120™ Sewing Machine: Best for app-guided sewing

9.1/10Our score

• 200+ stitches
• CREATIVATE app controls and guidance
• Optional embroidery attachment sold separately
• 170 x 100 mm hoop with attachment

The Smart HD 9120 is a sewing machine first, with embroidery available through a separate attachment. Consider it if app guidance and sewing features matter more than an included embroidery setup.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• App-based setup and stitch guidance
• Speed control
• Embroidery option available

Cons

• Embroidery attachment is sold separately

The SINGER Smart HD 9120 is primarily a sewing machine, with embroidery available through a separate 900E attachment.

Singer 4411 review may help if sewing, rather than embroidery, is your priority. Consider it if app-guided sewing and a broad stitch selection matter more than having embroidery ready out of the box.

The CREATIVATE app offers guided setup, tutorials, stitch controls, and access to more than 200 stitches. The machine also has a built-in needle threader, drop-and-sew bobbin system, speed control, and start/stop button.

With the optional attachment, SINGER describes access to more than 150 free embroidery designs and a 170 x 100 mm hoop. Since the attachment is sold separately, include that extra step in your plan before treating this as an embroidery setup.

Choose the Smart HD 9120 if sewing is the main job and app guidance appeals to you. It is not a direct substitute for a Brother model that includes embroidery hardware.

7

Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine: Best for larger home designs

8.9/10Our score

• 5 x 7 in embroidery field
• 138 built-in designs
• 11 built-in fonts
• USB port

The PE800 is an embroidery-only machine with a 5 x 7 in field, giving you more room for larger designs than the 4 x 4 in models. A touchscreen previews designs before stitching.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Larger 5 x 7 in field
• USB design import
• 11 built-in fonts

Cons

• Does not sew

The Brother PE800 is an embroidery-only machine with a 5 x 7 in field, making it a better fit than the 4 x 4 in models when your designs need more room. It includes 138 built-in designs and 11 fonts for lettering and monograms.

The 3.2 in color touchscreen previews designs, while the USB port lets you import compatible files. The larger field can reduce how often you need to reposition a design compared with a smaller hoop, though the PE800 does not sew.

For beginners who already own a sewing machine, this clear focus can be helpful. If you want an all-in-one setup, compare a combo model instead, such as the Best Embroidery And Quilting Combo Machine For Home Use.

Choose the PE800 for embroidery-only work that benefits from a 5 x 7 in area. Check that your usual project size and available table space suit the machine.

8

Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine: Best for combo sewing with a larger hoop

8.7/10Our score

• 5 x 7 in embroidery field
• 138 built-in designs
• 240 built-in sewing stitches
• 3.2 in color touchscreen

The SE1900 combines sewing and embroidery with a 5 x 7 in field. Its larger workspace for embroidery can reduce the need to rehoop compared with smaller fields.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Combines sewing and embroidery
• 5 x 7 in embroidery field
• USB design import

Cons

• More built-in features to learn than on a basic machine

The Brother SE1900 combines sewing and embroidery with a 5 x 7 in embroidery field. It offers more room for designs than the SE600 or SE700 while keeping sewing functions in the same machine.

Its 138 built-in embroidery designs, 11 fonts, and 240 sewing stitches give you a broad selection of starting points. The touchscreen previews designs and editing options, and the USB port supports importing design files.

That larger field may suit beginners who already know they want room for larger motifs or quilt-related embroidery. The extra sewing options add flexibility, but they also give you more settings to learn than a simple embroidery-only machine.

Choose the SE1900 if you want combo sewing with a larger hoop area. For sewing-focused options, see the Best Quilting Machine for Beginners guide.

9

Brother PE545 Wireless Embroidery Machine 4x4 Hoop: Best for embroidery-only beginners

8.0/10Our score

• 4 x 4 in embroidery field
• 3.7 in touchscreen
• 135 built-in designs
• Wireless LAN and USB

The PE545 is an embroidery-only machine with a touchscreen, built-in tutorials, wireless transfer, and USB. It does not function as a traditional sewing machine.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Built-in tutorial videos
• Wireless and USB transfer options
• 135 built-in designs

Cons

• Embroidery only

The Brother PE545 is a focused embroidery-only choice for beginners who do not need a sewing machine built in. Its 4 x 4 in field and 3.7 in touchscreen keep projects compact while allowing you to position and preview designs on screen.

It includes 135 built-in designs and 10 fonts. You can transfer files through USB or wireless LAN, and the machine includes tutorial videos to help you get started.

Because it does not function as a traditional sewing machine, the PE545 makes most sense if you already own one or plan to use embroidery as a separate craft. If you want the broader sewing and embroidery setup, compare combo models first.

Choose the PE545 for embroidery-only work with wireless transfer and touchscreen controls. Brother specifies 120-volt US use, so check power requirements before buying.

How should beginners compare hoop size and controls?

Start with the largest design you expect to stitch, then choose a field that can hold it. A 4 x 4 in area suits compact designs, while a 5 x 7 in field gives more room for larger motifs.

Controls matter too. A touchscreen can help with previewing and positioning, while wireless transfer or USB can make it easier to bring in designs you found or created elsewhere.

If you plan to embroider quilt blocks, measure the design area on the block and account for seams and hooping space. Our guide to the Best Quilting Machine for Embroidery can help you compare machines for sewing and embroidery needs.

Should you choose a combo or embroidery-only machine?

Choose a combo machine if you need to sew and embroider but prefer one machine. The SE600, SE700, and SE1900 combine both functions, while the PE545 and PE800 are embroidery only.

A combo can save you from moving between machines, and it gives you sewing features for piecing, repairs, or finishing. An embroidery-only machine may be a better fit if you already have a sewing machine and want your new machine focused on designs.

Which Brother model should you pick first?

Pick the SE700 for sewing and embroidery with a touchscreen and wireless transfer. Choose the PE800 when a 5 x 7 in field is more useful than sewing in the same machine, or the PE545 for an embroidery-only setup with tutorials and wireless options.

If you are starting with quilting too, use your project size as the deciding factor. A compact motif can work in a 4 x 4 in field, while larger designs may call for a 5 x 7 in area or a separate embroidery-focused machine.

For a wider look at the combo category, read Best Embroidery And Quilting Combo Machine For Home Use and compare the sewing and embroidery balance with your planned projects.

Verdict: which Brother embroidery machine suits beginners?

The SE700 is a balanced first choice if you want sewing and embroidery, wireless transfer, and a 4 x 4 in field. Choose the PE800 for larger embroidery-only work, or the PE545 if you prefer an embroidery-focused machine with built-in tutorials.

If you are still deciding whether embroidery belongs in your quilting setup, start with What Is the Best Quilting Machine for Beginners? and match the machine to the projects you expect to make.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a broad thread palette

   New brothread 40 Colors Polyester Embroidery Machine

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for learning sewing and embroidery

   Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for wireless design transfer

   Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Which Brother embroidery machine is easiest for a beginner?

The SE700 is a practical starting point if you want sewing and embroidery together, with a 4 x 4 in field, 3.7 in touchscreen, and 135 built-in designs. For embroidery only, the PE545 adds touchscreen tutorials and wireless transfer.

Pick by the kind of projects you plan to make.

Is a 4 x 4 in embroidery field enough?

A 4 x 4 in field works for small motifs, monograms, and compact decorations. It limits the size of a design you can stitch in one hooping, so choose a 5 x 7 in model such as the PE800 if you expect to make larger designs.

Should a beginner choose an embroidery-only machine?

Choose embroidery only if you already have a sewing machine or do not need regular sewing functions. The PE545 and PE800 focus on embroidery, while the SE600, SE700, and SE1900 combine sewing and embroidery.

What should I compare before choosing a Brother embroidery machine?

Compare the embroidery field, how designs move to the machine, screen controls, and whether you also need sewing. A larger field helps with larger designs, while wireless transfer or USB may suit different workflows.

Check voltage requirements for your location before buying.