What is the difference between Brother embroidery SE and PE?

SE models (like SE600 or SE1900) are combo sewing and embroidery machines, while PE models (like PE800 or PE900) are embroidery-only. Choose SE if you want both; go to PE for dedicated embroidery.

Can you upload designs to a Brother embroidery machine?

Yes! Most models (from PE800 up) have USB ports or Wi-Fi for uploading PES files. Basic models like the PE535 rely on built-in designs unless specified otherwise.

Which is better: Brother SE600 vs the SE700?

The SE700 edges out the SE600 with wireless design transfer and 193 designs (vs. 80). If you’re tech-savvy and want more options, the SE700 is the upgrade.

Do all Brother embroidery machines use PES files?

Yes, PES is the standard across all Brother machines. Some advanced models also support PHC or DST, but PES is universally compatible.

Can you make your own designs with a Brother embroidery machine?

Absolutely! Machines like the SE1900 or XE1 offer on-screen editing, and software like PE-Design lets you create custom PES files from scratch.

27-03-2025Embroidery Machines

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Embroidery

Why Brother Embroidery Machines are the Best Choice for Embroiderers?

We welcome you to the embroidery digitizing world. Where you will find all the answers related to Brother embroidery machines that are on your mind. So if you’re passionate about embroidery, then you've heard of Brother embroidery machines. Whether you’re stitching a monogram on a baby blanket or tackling a full-blown commercial project, Brother has a machine that meets all the requirements.

In this blog post, we will explore what makes Brother Embroidery Machines unique, breaking it down by skill level and diving into the file formats you’ll need. Let’s stitch together the details and see why these machines might just be your next creative partner.

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Now, let's move on to the blog post.

Basic Level Embroidery Machines

Starting in embroidery doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and Brother makes it easy with their beginner-friendly features. These machines are perfect if you’re new to the craft or want something simple yet reliable.
Brother PE535
The Brother PE535 is an embroidery-only machine that’s a dream for beginners. With a 4” x 4” embroidery area, it’s ideal for small projects like patchesor logos. It comes with 80 built-in designs and 9 fonts, so you can start personalizing right away. The color LCD touchscreen is easy to use. I remember my first time threading one of these; the instructions printed on the machine made it foolproof. Priced around $459.99 (as of March 2025), it’s an affordable and starting point without compromising on quality.
Brother SE600
For those who want a bit more versatility, the Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Review highlights a combo machine that’s perfect for beginners. It offers a 4” x 4” embroidery field, 80 designs, and 103 sewing stitches. The 3.2” touchscreen lets you preview and edit designs, and the automatic needle threader saves you from squinting at small holes. It’s a solid pick if you’re curious about both sewing and embroidery.
Brother LB5000
The Brother LB5000 is another best option, blending sewing and embroidery with a fun twist: themed designs like Star Wars or Marvel (depending on the version). It mirrors the SE600’s 4” x 4” embroidery area and adds 9 fonts for lettering. It’s a great choice if you want to add a playful touch to your projects while keeping things beginner-friendly.
Intermediate Level Embroidery Machines
Ready to level up? Brother’s intermediate machines offer bigger workspaces and more features, perfect for embroiderers who’ve got the basics down and want to push their creativity further.
Brother PE800
The Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine review calls this a fan favorite for a reason. Its 5” x 7” embroidery area opens up new possibilities, like larger designs for tote bags or quilts. With 138 built-in designs and 11 fonts, plus a USB port for importing your own, it’s a step up in flexibility. The color touchscreen makes editing a snap, and as someone who’s spent hours tweaking designs, I can say this feature alone is a game-changer.
Brother SE1900
The Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine review showcases a standout. It features a 5” x 7” embroidery field, 138 designs, and 240 sewing stitches. The 3.2” touchscreen and USB connectivity let you customize to your heart’s content. It’s perfect for intermediate users who want to blend sewing and embroidery seamlessly.
Brother PE900
The PE900 takes the PE800's base and adds advanced features like Wi-Fi for wireless design transfers via Brother’s Artspira app. With 193 designs and a 5” x 7” area, it’s built for embroiderers who love tech-savvy convenience. It also cut jump stitches automatically, which is a lifesaver for intricate patterns.
Brother SE2000
Another combo gem, the SE2000 offers a 5” x 7” field, 193 designs, and 241 sewing stitches. Its wireless capabilities and 3.7” touchscreen make it easy to use, while features like color sort streamline multi-color projects. It’s ideal if you’re juggling bigger embroidery tasks with sewing.
Brother NQ1700E
The NQ1700E sets the standard for embroidery enthusiasts by offering a 6" x 10" embroidery area. Perfect for oversized designs. It includes 258 designs and 13 fonts, plus wireless design transfer. It’s a fantastic pick for intermediate users ready to tackle larger, more ambitious projects.
Advanced / Commercial Level Embroidery Machines
For serious embroiderers or small business owners, Brother’s advanced features deliver professional-grade performance. These machines are built for speed, precision, and heavy-duty use.
Brother PRS100 Persona
The PRS100 is a single-needle powerhouse with an 8” x 8” embroidery area and 405 built-in designs. Its free-arm design is perfect for tricky areas like sleeves or caps, and the USB port supports custom files. It’s a favorite for home-based pros who need versatility.
Brother PR680W
Moving into the realm of multi-needles, the PR680W has 6 needles and an 8” x 12” embroidery field. With 763 designs and wireless connectivity, it’s built for efficiency. You can consider custom orders or small batches. The LED pointer ensures pinpoint accuracy, a must for commercial work.
Brother PR1055X
The PR1055X is a 10-needle beast with a 14” x 8” area and 1,184 designs. Its built-in camera and scanning features let you place designs with precision. It’s a top choice for businesses, offering speed (up to 1,000 stitches per minute) and durability.
Brother Stellaire Innov-ís XE1
The Brother Stellaire Innov-ís XE1 is an embroidery-only marvel with a 9.5” x 14” field and 727 designs, including Disney patterns. Wireless design transfer and a 10.1” touchscreen make it a tech lover’s dream. It’s perfect for advanced hobbyists or professionals who want premium features.
Brother Stellaire Innov-ís XJ1
The combo Brother Stellaire Innov-ís XJ1 pairs a 9.5” x 14” embroidery area with 727 designs and 760 sewing stitches. Both quilting and embroidery experts will love its large workspace and smart stitch controller. It’s a high-end investment for serious creators.
What Type of File Do You Need for Brother Embroidery Machines?
A wide range of file types might be confusing. But Brother keeps it straightforward. Here’s what you need to know based on the machine level.
File For Basic Level Embroidery Machines

PES: The go-to format for Brother machines like the PE535, SE600, and LB5000. It’s widely supported and perfect for basic designs. You can find PES files online or convert other formats using software like Brother’s PE-Design.
File For Intermediate Level Embroidery Machines

PES: Still king for the PE800, SE1900, PE900, SE2000, and NQ1700E. These machines also support USB imports, so you can use PES files from different sites.

DST (optional): Some intermediate models can handle DST with conversion, but PES is your safest bet.
File For Advanced / Commercial Level Embroidery Machines

PES: Universal across the PRS100, PR680W, PR1055X, XE1, and XJ1. Multi-needle machines like the PR series also support PES natively.
PHC: Advanced machines can use PHC (Brother’s proprietary format) for complex designs, especially with PE-Design software.

DST: Common in commercial settings, DST works on multi-needle models with larger hoops.

Please note: Always double-check your machine’s manual. Most Brother machines stick to PES, but having conversion software handy can open up more design options.
Conclusion
Now, you must have understood why Brother Embroidery Machines are the best choice for embroiderers. It’s all about variety, reliability, and user-friendly design. From the budget-friendly PE535 to the commercial-grade PR1055X, Brother caters to every skill level with machines that deliver clear stitches and intuitive controls. Their compatibility with PES files and tools like Artspira makes them accessible yet powerful. Whether you’re personalizing gifts or running a side business, there’s a Brother machine that fits your needs and your budget.

Author

Nick William

Embroidery Digitizer

Nick William has been immersed in the world of embroidery digitizing for over 20 years, earning 25 industry awards throughout his career. As a 3rd generation embroidery expert, Nick’s journey started in his family’s workshop, where he learned the art of digitizing before the rise of modern software. He has worked with leading commercial embroidery businesses and has shared his expertise with over 75,000 home and professional embroiderers. As an author at True Digitizing, Nick is passionate about teaching others how to create beautiful, precise designs through easy-to-follow tutorials and expert advice.