3 Versatile Sewing and Embroidery Machines to Consider
You don’t have too many options when it comes to a combination sewing and embroidery machine. That is a bit strange, as the concept makes a lot of sense. Instead of having separate machines for sewing and embroidery, an embroidery sewing machine gives you the best of both worlds: a competent and versatile sewing machine, with powerful embroidery capabilities.
In this article we’re going to look at the 3 best options for a sewing and embroidery machine combination.
Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing & Embroidering Machine
*paid link
Coming in at under $300, the SE400 is a great deal for what it offers. It is a well-featured and extremely competent sewing machine, offering all the automated features (needle threader, thread cutter, needle up/down etc.) that make your life that little easier. In addition to that you also get a solid start to the world of embroidery with a full range of embroidery accessories and features.
Currently this is the #1 bestseller on Amazon in the Embroidery Machine category, and it is incredible value for the price. Buyers love it too, with 89% of people who buy it rating the machine 4 stars or higher out of 5.
Key Embroidery Features:
- USB computer connectivity, allowing you to import embroidery designs
- 70 built-in embroidery designs with 5 lettering fonts
- 4 x 4 inch embroidery capability
- embroidery arm
- embroidery foot
- embroidery bobbin thread
Key Sewing Features:
- 67 sewing stitches
- 98 stitch functions
- automatic thread cutter
- 7 accessory feet
- auto needle threader
- needle up/down key
- 10 one-step buttonholes
- LCD display
See today’s deal for the Brother SE400 on Amazon*paid link
Brother LB6800PRW Project Runway Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine
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There’s not a whole lot to say about this machine because it is basically a rebranded Brother SE400. All you get extra is the Project Runway branding and a very nice rolling bag for easy transport of the machine. At almost $100 extra though, you need to either love bags or love Project Runway to justify paying that much for essentially the same machine.
See today’s deal for the LB6800PRW on Amazon*paid link
Singer Futura XL-400 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine
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Singer’s Futura XL-400 is a big embroidery sewing machine, offering an extra-large 10 x 6 inch embroidery hoop. At more or less twice the price of the Brother SE400, you need to be sure that you need this large an embroidery space in the first space.
It is not only price that counts against the Singer though. Its sewing features are fairly basic and it also struggles to impress its users, with only 51% of buyers willing to give it more than a 4 star rating. Let’s quickly look at the key features.
Key Embroidery Features:
- USB Connectivity for easy design transfer
- 125 built-in embroidery designs
- 10 x 6 inch embroidery hoop
- 4 x 4 inch embroidery hoop
- multihooping capability
- embroidery foot
Key Sewing Features:
- 30 built-in stitches
- 2 one-step buttonholes
- auto needle threader
- auto tension
- 6 LED lights
- 6 included accessory feet
It’s clear that this machine is geared much more towards embroidering than sewing. You also need to be aware that you cannot embroider without a computer. The machine has no LCD display, so you need to run the embroidering straight from a connected PC. Probably not a big deal for some, but it’s worth mentioning as you need to allow space for both the computer/laptop and the large embroidering table, which adds up to a sizeable workspace.
The mixed user experiences on this product make it hard to recommend, despite the fact that many people do love it. Don’t buy without a first-hand demo.
See today’s deal for the Futura XL400 on Amazon*paid link
Verdict: Best Embroidery Sewing Machine
There aren’t many sewing/embroidery combination machines out there, and these are the three most popular models. The Brother SE400*paid link is an easy winner. While you don’t get a lot of embroidery space, it should fit the needs of most people who don’t want to get a dedicated embroidery machine. It offers a great balance of sewing and embroidery features, and maintains a high level of buyer satisfaction. Consider the rebranded Project Runway version*paid link if branding is important enough for you to warrant the extra cost.
The Singer Futura XL-400 on the other hand offers an extra-large embroidery hoop, but fails to deliver the type of machine quality that adds up to a large majority of happy users. Consider with caution, and don’t buy without trying it first.