Brother has been a staple brand within the sewing and embroidery community since the 1950s, now a household name for those looking for a sewing and embroidery machine.
I’ve used a Brother embroidery machine for many years, and have helped friends and family find their perfect machine as well.
Don’t waste time scouring Brother embroidery machine reviews for days—today, I’ve done the hard work for you!
So, join me as I take a look at the best Brother embroidery machines to suit all designs and budgets, all in one convenient thread.
Top 3 Picks
Here are the overall top 3 products from the entire lineup sorted by category….
Top Pick
Brother SE1900
A fabulous machine to use for large embroidery projects with its large space and lots of built in stitches and designs.
Brother SE1900
This Brother unit comes in at the top pick, as it offers an amazing number of stitches and designs. It’s also a great machine for hats if you have some designs in mind for headwear.
Its versatility there gives users and creatives unlimited potential when it comes to creating work. It also comes with many time saving features and a long warranty.
Overall, there’s no going wrong with a Brother embroidery machine that can do lots of the planning work for you!
Best for the Money
Brother XM2701
A versatile machine that can pack a punch to a project without making a major dent in your pocket.
Brother XM2701
This comes in at best for the money as it has a host of accessories and gives users a sample of the Brother sewing experience without spending a small fortune.
In general, machines for this purpose can run very high, so to find one that won’t burn a hole in your pocket could make for a worthy investment!
Best for Beginners
Brother PE535
As an embroidery only machine, this comes with more than enough elements and features for a user to get their head around a unit without getting overwhelmed.
This means users can focus on developing embroidery designs rather than tackling sewing at the same time.
Best Brother Sewing and Embroidery Machine Units
Here are the full reviews of all the products from the lineup…
Brother SE600 Sewing Embroidery Machine
A wonderful combination machine for creating work and delivering projects fast.
Brother SE600 Sewing Embroidery Machine
I have used this machine before and featured this in a previous lineup of embroidery machine reviews. It’s also one of the best applique sewing machines.
I find the Brother SE600 is a wonderful combination machine for creating work and delivering projects fast.
One close friend of mine who works with fashion and apparel within the embroidery and creation community just loves the free arm of the Brother SE600.
Features
A free arm allows her to easily create cuffs and sleeves, so keep that in mind!
This is one of those sewing and embroidery machines that makes custom designs a breeze, thanks to the 4 x 4 embroidery area, 103 built in sewing stitches, and 80 designs.
Editing
Users can edit embroidery and sewing elements of a design, including placement of lettering fonts which are totally tailorable. For example, lettering can be placed in an arc via LCD display.
If you’re looking to dive right into a project, then you can thanks to the included selection of Brother SE600 presser feet.
This allows a whole new mode of adaptability for personalized and built in designs.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Treadle Cord
- Dimensions: 21.18 x 15.51 x 16.54 inches
- Weight: 11.8 Pounds
Pros
- Custom import of designs via USB port
- LCD display
- 4 x 4 embroidery hoop
Cons
- Heavy, not as portable as some others
Brother XR3340
If you are looking for an amazing LCD touch screen, this could be the sewing embroidery machine for you.
Brother XR3340
LCD
The LCD display is one of my favorite elements of this easy to use Brother XR3340 computerized sewing and embroidery unit.
I am someone who can sometimes struggle with my eyes, so this easy to access extra large backlit screen is the perfect design feature that allows me to pick from 140 decorative stitches for embroidery and sewing.
Other Features
The crystal clear color LCD display comes in handy on embroidery sewing machines, but also the extra wide creating table, automatic needle threader system, and editable stitch dimensions.
Quilters can do commissions to their heart’s content, as this Brother embroidery machine has a drop feed dog system and free motion.
Portability
If you’re looking for one of the best embroidery machines for portability, then it’s worth noting that a carry bag or case does not come with this, so one would have to be purchased separately.
There is also no automatic thread cutting feature on this Brother machine, but there are three spaces on the machine itself to cut sewing, bobbins, and threads.
Overall, it might not top this list but it’s the best sewing machine for quilting and embroidery that I’ve reviewed so far.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Treadle
- Dimensions: 20.1 x 16.1 x 13.7 inches
- Weight: 18.66 Pounds
Pros
- Easy to use automatic needle threader
Cons
- No automatic cutting feature
Best for Beginners
Brother PE535
This Brother embroidery only machine unit is another that comes with a 3.2” LCD touchscreen.
Designs
That makes personalizing embroidery designs a breeze, and with 80 built in embroidery designs spanning from floral to holiday design themes, it’s no surprise.
This is another machine that allows creators to upload and store their own designs to built in memory features via USB port, which can be a killer time saving element if you work with the same personalized design regularly.
Fonts
Custom designers can work with the 9 included fonts; 6 English and 3 Japanese on a range of creations including children’s clothes.
The Pattern Drag and Drop allows users to position designs with the simple touch of a finger – how futuristic!
I like that this machine comes with a 25 year long limited warranty, and there is a handy instructional user manual that shows users the steps or set up and troubleshooting steps should any problems occur during use.
If something becomes faulty then that mentioned warranty really comes in handy!
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal | Plastic
- Power Source: Treadle
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 7.8 x 12 inches
- Weight: 15 Pounds
Pros
- Import designs to memory via USB port
- 25 warranty
- 80 sewing stitches
Cons
- Not a sewing machine
Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
With the Brother PE800, users can work with larger designs due to its larger field and also edit designs with its screen.
Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine
If you want a hybrid or combination sewing machine, then move on from this machine as the Brother PE800 embroidery machine is an embroidery only machine.
With the Brother PE800, users can work with larger designs thanks to the 5 x 7 embroidery field. The screen comes in at 3.2”, but it is big enough to edit the 138 built in designs. It is also worth noting that this machine is among the best commercial embroidery machine.
Designs
Designers and creators can edit, dip, rotate and resize designs which include 10 border designs and 11 fonts; 3 Japanese and 1 cyrillic.
This variety in fonts would have me suggest that this is one of the best value Brother sewing machines for a home business or small creation professional who creates personalized work on a regular basis.
Storage
Embroidery design enthusiasts or professionals can also use the built in USB port to import work directly to the Brother PE800 built in memory.
I don’t know about you, but I’m the kind of creator who stays up late into the night designing. If you are anything like me, you will appreciate the powerful LED light that illuminates embroidery in the darkest of evenings.
Other helpful feature
Have you ever been in the middle of a project and had the power cut out? I have had it happen two or three times to me throughout my creation journey at the moment, and it can be infuriating – especially if that means that project is lost.
This is not the case with the Brother PE800, as it remembers where it left off should the worst happen.
I know designers who can change designs and ideas at the drop of a hat.
Backstitch
For those that find themselves having to edit on the fly, the easy to use backstitch element gives users the chance to go back by 1, 10, or 100 stitches at a time.
If that wasn’t enough, this Brother embroidery machine even comes with a 25 year warranty which means you know you are covered by a year limited warranty should anything go wrong. And sometimes, this can happen with embroidery machines.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Treadle
- Dimensions: 21.75 x 19.02 x 19.09 inches
- Weight: 13.7 Pounds
Pros
- Remembers where it’s up to with a designs
- Backstitch element
- 5 x 7 Embroidery field – one large embroidery field for a Brother embroidery machine.
- Year limited warranty
- Built in USB port
Cons
- Not a sewing Machine
Brother CS6000I Embroidery Machine
This is another Brother unit in this review that does not have an auto thread cutter, which can be handy in most embroidery projects, I find.
It does not make these impossible, but it might be missed by experienced creators or those used to machines with all the bells and whistles.
Alternative
Now that that’s out the way, I must say this Brother embroidery design is a great unit for those looking for a backup sewing machine.
I say this as I know many sewers – myself included – who have used this Brother embroidery machine for that very purpose over the years.
Users and creators can choose from 60 built in stitches for a tailorable and adaptable quilting experience, and the included extension table offers more space for bigger projects. It can be easily attached and removed.
Points to consider
If you plan to use a machine for a long time and you want peace of mind that you are protected should the worst happen, you will be happy to know that this Brother embroidery and sewing machine comes with a 25 year limited warranty.
This machine is not the fastest on the review lineup, coming in with 850 stitches per minute. However, when I am not delivering commissions, I find that this is more than fast enough for a leisurely project where time is not a massive constraint.
Function
That isn’t to say that this is a machine only suitable for those sewing and embroidering on a personal level.
I would say that this is a great machine for a home business, too, as the long year warranty, selection of stitches, and features make this a machine a worthy investment without costing an arm and a leg.
Those who like to take an embroidery machine out and about will like that this is a machine that comes with a carry case, so your Brother unit would be protected should you take it out on an adventure.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Cord
- Weight: 13.6 Pounds
Pros
- 25 Year limited warranty
- Automatic needle threader
- Carry case
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Best for the Money
Brother XM2701
A versatile machine that can pack a punch to a project without making a major dent in your pocket.
Brother XM2701
If you are looking for a versatile machine that can pack a punch to a project without making a major dent in your pocket, then the XM2701 could be the one.
It offers users a sample of the Brother embroidery experience without spending the big bucks on a heavy-duty, industry grade machine.
Features
One of the features that normally comes with more expensive machines and embroidery units is the automatic needle threader and jam resistant drop in bobbin features, which make threading a needle simple.
User Friendly
This is a great Brother embroidery machine for those of all experience levels, with elements such as the free arm being ideal for any projects from beginner to expert.
This doesn’t come with a multitude of built in stitches, but enough to make most designs and projects. The XM2701 has 27 built in stitches, including hemming, zig-zag, and stretch stitches.
LCD
This does not come with a LCD touchscreen, selections are made via the front facing dialler which makes stitch use easy – this is what my machine had when I first started creating.
The money saving continues with the included accessories, DVD and manual that helps guide users through use and life of a Brother embroidery machine.
- This Brother unit comes with;
- 3 piece needle set
- 6 sewing feet
- Twin needle
- DVD instructions
- 4 Bobbins
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 12.1 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches
- Weight: 12.6 Pounds
Pros
- Automatic needle threader
- Included accessories
Cons
- Not many built in stitches
Brother SE625
A great all around machine that makes creating work easy, thanks to included features.
Brother SE625
An improvement on some of the Brother sewing and embroidery machines that came before it, the SE625 can help users create and execute designs in a flash.
It’s a lot faster than some older or other branded embroidery machines.
Sewers can use the stop start button to pause or start stitches when needed.
Some do this to cut off jump stitches before becoming entwined with a design.
Versatility
I have seen this machine offered by experienced creators to those of all skill levels.
It is a great all around machine that makes creating work easy, thanks to included elements such as the large, easy to use 3.2” Sew Smart LCD full color touch screen.
This allows users to review and examine stitches in full color before confirming and creating a design.
This is something that I particularly like, especially as someone who is very specific about the design work I create – I’m a bit of a perfectionist!
What sets it apart
As is standard with a Brother embroidery machine or hybrid combination sewing machine, there are a number of features and design aspects on offer that are not available with other providers – the SE625 is no exception.
Designs
With 280 embroidery designs in total, users can create and select designs from a range of themes such as floral, nature, holiday, sports, and many more. There are 80 built in designs and a further 200 in the included CD.
There are also 103 built in sewing stitches and decorative stitches for users to truly tailor designs and work to each individual using the 4 x 4 embroidery hoop.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Cord
- Dimensions: 21.06 x 16.42 x 15.28 inches
- Weight: 25.3 Pounds
Pros
- Many built in designs
- Full color screen
- Tailor color of individual threads
- 4 x 4 Embroidery hoop
Cons
- Low
- Expensive for some
- Screen could be bigger for those with accessibility issues such as sight
Top Pick
Brother SE1900
A fabulous machine to use for large embroidery projects with its large space and lots of built in stitches and designs.
Brother SE1900
Looking for a Brother machine with a high number of built in stitches and built in embroidery designs?
The Brother SE1900 comes with over 100 stitches for users to jump in and create embroidery works with ease.
It has 240 built in stitches to be exact as well as 11 lettering fonts and an immense 138 built in designs.
Function
This is a fabulous machine to use for large embroidery projects in my eyes, as it comes with an easy to view 5 x 7 embroidery field with embroidery hoop and presser feet included for design adaptability and variety.
Features
The Brother SE1900 comes with advanced time saving elements, such as the automatic needle threader and drop in top bobbin which is jam resistant.
Those features just make sewing and embroidery that much easier.
Extra highlights
Another feature I like on this Brother SE1900 embroidery machine is the easy to use LCD touchscreen, which makes stitch selection and the navigation of built in embroidery designs simple.
In my time, I’ve used some hard to navigate machines and this is not one of them.
Customization
The easy to use My Custom Stitch feature allows users to design and save their work to the Brother SE1900.
If that wasn’t enough the Brother SE1900 can give users limitless creation potential by giving them the option to change the color of individual threads.
The Brother SE1900 is another Brother offering with a 25 year warranty that can cover users should fault occur for a very long time.
It’s ideal for those who want longevity from their Brother embroidery machine.
Specs
- Color: White
- Material: Metal
- Power Source:
- Dimensions: 23.19 x 13.43 x 11.54 inches
- Weight: 22.1 Pounds
Pros
- 25 year limited warranty
- Automatic needle threader
Cons
- Number of stitches can be overwhelming to some with less experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brother a Good Embroidery Brand?
When it comes to sewing and embroidery, you will probably hear Brother as a suggested brand.
If you like to scour embroidery machine reviews like I do, you will know that the Brother is synonymous with embroidery.
They are known for providing Brother embroidery machines with a number of features and different sized displays.
That can be overwhelming or intimidating for some of those with lower experience around a sewing machine..
What are you going to use it for?
Whether Brother embroidery machines are going to fit your definition of “good” is another question.
In the end, the best Brother machine for you will depend on your overall needs.
So, closely consider what you want from a machine when it comes to things like embroidery designs, field length, or extra features you might need.
Where is Brother made?
There are a few places where the best Brother machines are made.
Sewing machines are made in China, whereas combination sewing and embroidery units are created in Taiwan.
Brother also has the largest single brand sewing machine in the world situated in Vietnam, which opened in 2012.
How Long Do Brother Embroidery Machines Last
It totally depends on how you look after a machine and how much this is used and treated.
On average, a typical machine can last up to 10 – 15 years with proper care.
However, some computerized units can last longer, up to 25 years, which is why the best Brother units will come with a good warranty.
Usage
If you’re looking for the best Brother machine to use consistently or on a professional level, then I would estimate that the life expectancy for the unit may not be as long as some of the others.
This is simply because that unit is expected to do more in the short amount of time.
Specific Needs
This is one of the reasons I recommend spending more on whatever is truly the best Brother unit for you.
If you are a professional or business expert sewer, your best Brother machine should be designed to last as long as possible.
Brother SE600 & SE625: The Differences
Putting it simply, this all boils down to the number of embroidery designs that are included with the machine.
While both come with 80 built in, the SE625 has a further 200 on an enclosed disk which allows users to tailor more embroidery designs and create more amazing creations.
Threads
Did you know that some of the most well-performing threads are actually made for the best Brother machines? For example, the Brother PE770 embroidery machine or the Brother SE400.
While the Brother PE770 or the Brother SE400 are not in this lineup, they are examples of how versatile thread can be for the best Brother machines and embroidery designs.
Threads can improve embroidery designs and give a different outcome…
Threads can improve embroidery designs and give a different outcome and feel depending on the kind of thread used.
I tend to work with cotton as I find it gives more of a matte feel compared to Rayon, which can unravel easily – I find this frustrating.
When working with garments such as colorful children’s apparel, I like to work with polyester thread, as it is bright and is resistant to multiple washes, essential for clothing!
Things to consider when buying the best brother embroidery machine
Purpose
If you have read any of my other embroidery machine reviews then you will know in every machine review I make, I ask readers to think about the life their potential embroidery machine will live.
Have a think about aspects of use and general life that can affect machine selection as well as how long that embroidery machine stays in good condition.
Portability
Are you looking for one that is portable and can travel easily?
If so, you won’t want a Brother embroidery machine that weighs a ton. No one wants to carry around something too heavy or difficult to transport.
Durability
If you know that you are a sewer or creator that does not need a sewing machine that will last a lifetime, then you will be better with an easy to use sewing machine with a lower warranty, and potentially less features compared to someone looking for a machine that will last forever.
Features
If you are looking for a Brother embroidery machine, consider the weight and whether you can carry it.
For example, a portable machine may be easy to use, but not have a heavy-duty motor that can deliver exceptional stitches per minute compared to standalone best brother embroidery machines featured.
Built in Embroidery Designs & Sewing Stitches
The number of elements included such as built in designs or built in stitches vary from machine to machine.
So, it is crucial to think about how many of these you plan to use, or whether they improve your sewing and embroidery experience.
NOTE
If you are someone who thinks that 80 built in embroidery stitches as a minimum is needed, then a machine like the Brother PE535 could be the one for you.
Built-in Designs
The number of built in designs can give users the full experience and unlimited potential to adapt built in sewing stitches to level up existing work and designs.
It’s common to want more built in designs or built in sewing stitches can be saved to built in memory or included with a machine.
However, that doesn’t mean that a Brother embroidery machine that offers a small number of built in designs or built in sewing stitches is not worth investing in.
Usability
It’s about what you want and whether the built in designs will be used.
If you think you will use over 100 built in designs then go for a Brother sewing and embroidery machine that offers just that.
If you think you will be overwhelmed with that number of built in designs, go for one with less.
NOTE
Built in designs are used to heighten an experience, not hinder it.
Price
I’m just going to say it in case no one else does – don’t spend what you can’t afford.
With the number of Brother embroidery units on offer, there is no reason to spend more than you can.
There are many machines for all budgets, as my machine review proves!
Yes, spending less may limit the number of features on offer. You may get a smaller LCD display or number LED light options, smaller embroidery field or embroidery area, and potentially less designs for spending less.
Efficiency
But, there are machines on offer that will do what they need to in order to give you creative freedom and efficiency.
Should you be looking to spend something that doesn’t break the bank, then this all comes back to the purpose I mentioned earlier.
- What do you need in order to deliver your vision?
- Do you need the free motion ability?
- What about a bobbin thread or LCD display?
- Do you create your own designs?- you may need a USB port then.
Is budget no option?
If so, you can likely consider something with all the bells and whistles. Sewing machines from a higher bracket are more likely to come with more embroidery design elements or a longer warranty.
No matter which you find to be the best Brother sewing machine, whether from embroidery machine reviews or thoughts from the embroidery and sewing community, you are bound to find a Brother embroidery machine that can give you what you need, whether that’s a year limited warranty, the best embroidery designs, or other.
LCD Screen
Do you need a color LCD display?
Yes, I say need, as this can be a required element for some Brother embroidery machine users.
For instance, I have elderly relatives who still create and they need a color LCD screen as large as possible to select stitches, edit work, and generally see what they are working with.
Capability
A full color LCD touch screen gives users the opportunity to execute designs with ease and edit and personalize work before giving the go-ahead to create a piece.
This really gives users not only the chance to tailor work as needed in order to create the perfect project, but it also saves wasting precious materials such as thread or fabric after all it all adds up.
Screen Size
It’s worth remembering that the larger a screen that a Brother embroidery machine comes with, the larger the potential price.
If you are someone who is looking to save on the pennies and does not need a full color, extra-large LCD display touch screen as a necessity, maybe consider scrapping that as an element you look for.
However, if you are a small business owner, or someone who creates high-quality work in a professional setting, then a LCD touchscreen would be a benefit in my eyes.
NOTE
An LCD touch screen display gives users the option to edit and adapt work with the touch of a button, or a screen tap.
Wrapping Up the Thread
Thank you for reading my Brother embroidery machines review. I’m confident that you’ve already selected the best Brother machine for you. – I hope we got to the heart of the embroidery area and found the machine to suit your needs!
Top Pick and Best For Money
Remember, the best pick overall from me is the SE1900 for its number of stitches and designs on offer, whereas the best for lower budgets is the XM2701 as it brings you a lot of value for such a small amount of money.
Best Machine For Beginners
I think that the best machine for beginners is the PE535 as it is an embroidery only machine that is perfect for focussing solely on designs.
I hope you take something away from this brother embroidery machines review that will really help you!
While you’re waiting to see our next posting, check out our other articles on the site, such as this review of inexpensive embroidery machines.
If you have any thoughts, feel free to get in touch via social media – I can’t wait to hear about your projects and sewing adventures!
