Sewing and Embroidery Machines Compared: Hoop Size, Designs and Features
NeedleAndHoop is reader-supported. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
Embroidery machines stitch a digital design while moving a hoop under the needle. You'll pick designs, hoop fabric with stabilizer, and change thread colors. Here's how these home models line up, using each listing. We haven't tested them.
What to compare
- Embroidery field (hoop size). The largest design you can stitch in one hooping.
- Combo or embroidery-only. Combos also sew; embroidery-only models don't list sewing stitches.
- Built-in designs and fonts. Most also take designs by USB or wireless.
- Time savers. The SE2000 and PE900 list color sort and jump stitch trimming.
Compared
| Machine | Field | Type | Designs / fonts (per listing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother SE700 | 4 x 4 in. | Combo (103 stitches) | 135 / 10 |
| Brother SE2000 | 5 x 7 in. | Combo (241 stitches) | 190+ / 13 |
| Brother PE545 | 4 x 4 in. | Embroidery only | 135 / 10 |
| Brother PE900 | 5 x 7 in. | Embroidery only | 193 / 13 |
| SINGER SE9180 | 170 x 100 mm hoop included | Combo (250 stitches) | 150 / 10 |
Brother SE700: the 4 x 4 combo
4 x 4 inch field, 135 designs, 10 fonts, 103 sewing stitches, a 3.7 inch color touchscreen, and wireless LAN plus USB, per the listing. Full details in our SE700 guide.
Brother SE700 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- 4 x 4 in. embroidery field; hoop and embroidery arm included, per the listing
- 135 built-in designs, 10 lettering fonts, 103 sewing stitches
- 3.7 in. color touchscreen; wireless LAN and USB
- 8 sewing feet included
Brother SE2000: the 5 x 7 combo
5 x 7 inch field, over 190 built-in designs, 13 fonts and 241 sewing stitches, with color sort and jump stitch trimming, per the listing.
Brother SE2000 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- 5 x 7 in. embroidery field; hoop included, per the listing
- Over 190 built-in designs, 13 fonts, 241 sewing stitches
- Color sort and jump stitch trimming
- 3.7 in. touchscreen; wireless LAN and USB
Brother PE900 and PE545: embroidery only
The PE900 lists a 5 x 7 inch field, 193 designs, 13 fonts and 7.4 inches from needle to arm. The PE545 lists a 4 x 4 inch field, 135 designs and 10 fonts, and comes with needles, pre-wound bobbins, a seam ripper and scissors.
Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine
- 5 x 7 in. embroidery field; 7.4 in. needle-to-arm space, per the listing
- 193 built-in designs and 13 lettering fonts
- Color sort and jump stitch trimming
- Embroidery only (no sewing stitches listed); wireless LAN
Brother PE545 Embroidery Machine
- 4 x 4 in. embroidery field; hoop included, per the listing
- 135 built-in designs and 10 fonts
- 3.7 in. color touchscreen; wireless LAN and USB
- Needles, pre-wound bobbins, seam ripper and scissors included
SINGER SE9180
250 sewing stitches, 150 embroidery designs and 10 fonts, a 7 inch color touchscreen, Wi-Fi through mySewnet, and a 170 x 100 mm hoop plus 3 Class 15 bobbins in the box, per the listing.
SINGER SE9180 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
- 250 sewing stitches, 150 embroidery designs, 10 fonts, per the listing
- 170 x 100 mm hoop included; 3 Class 15 bobbins
- 7 in. color touchscreen; Wi-Fi via mySewnet
- Automatic needle threader and thread cutter
What else you'll need
- Stabilizer. Brother says the fabric may move in the hoop without the right stabilizer. See our stabilizer guide.
- Embroidery thread. Brother's tips say to use embroidery thread intended for the machine. Superior Threads says most digitized designs are made for 40 weight thread. See thread and floss.
- Bobbin thread. Brother says to use the included pre-wound bobbin with 60 weight embroidery bobbin thread, or a recommended 60 weight bobbin thread.
- Embroidery needles. See our needle guide.
FAQ
What hoop size do I need?
4 x 4 for small designs; 5 x 7 for larger ones in one hooping.
Combo or embroidery-only?
Combos also sew. Embroidery-only models don't list sewing stitches.
What bobbin thread?
60 weight embroidery bobbin thread, per Brother's SE-series tips.