Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine with USB Memory-Stick Compatibility
Watch The Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine In Action
When I moved back to California from Italy, I couldn’t bring my beloved, but ancient Elna sewing machine. I wanted to get into machine embroidery, but I also needed a sewing machine. The budget was tight because of the move. So I opted for the smaller Brother SE400 which is a combination sewing and embroidery machine.
If I had had a larger budget, I would have bought the Brother PE770 instead of the Brother SE400. I love my SE400, but sometimes wish for something larger, and I would love to transfer files via a USB stick. It’s still on my wish list though.
This video from HSN demonstrates the features, LCD screen and how easy the Brother PE770 embroidery machine is to use with the LCD touch screen. They also show some embroidery projects and talk about the advantages of the USB Port which takes a thumb drive so you don’t need to have your computer next to the embroidery machine.
At the time of this video, HSN was offering the Brother PE770 for $799.95 + Shipping and Handling. This is way more than Amazon.com’s price. HSN does offer a five-month payment plan. You’ll pay more in the end, but if you need a monthly payment plan, click here to see HSN’s current offer.
When I moved back to California after living in Italy for thirteen years, I couldn’t bring my ancient, but beloved, Elna sewing machine with me. My first thought was to replace the Elna — that is until I saw the prices! So I started looking around for a machine I could afford.
I wanted to try the new stitches and features offered by modern, computerized sewing machines. And I remembered how much I had enjoyed embroidering as a child, so I wanted a machine that would do embroidery too. I started my extensive research with the Brother SE400 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine because it’s the number-one best-selling embroidery machine on amazon.com.
The Brother SE-400 has 70 built-in embroidery designs, 5 monogramming fonts, 120 frame pattern combinations, 4×4 inch maximum embroidery area, USB port and cable that connects to your computer for importing additional designs, 67 built-in sewing stitches including 10 styles of one-step automatic buttonholes, and much more that I’ll tell you about below.
Combination Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE400 Sewing My Long Blue Skirt
The Brother SE400 is both an intermediate level sewing machine and a beginner embroidery machine in one compact machine. As a sewing machine, it does all the normal sewing functions including mending and alterations, garment construction, craft and heirloom sewing, and quilting and has special stitches to support each function. As an embroidery machine, it embroiders designs, monograms, fonts, borders, and appliques.
It’s simple to change from sewing to embroidery and back again. You just slide the embroidery arm off or on, change the presser foot, needle, thread, and you’re ready to go.
A combination machine is perfect for you if, like me, you don’t have room to store or set up two machines. Or if you need a new sewing machine or want to upgrade and also want to get into machine embroidery.
Easy-to-Use Touch Screen Controls
You control all of the sewing and embroidery functions and settings with the LCD touch-screen. You can either touch the icons with your finger or use the included stylus. One reason I chose Brother was because I don’t have to hook the machine up to my computer to embroider. It’s all controlled right here with the front panel and built-in software.
Operation Keys to the Right of the LCD Display
The keys on the right side of the panel are used for main navigation, settings, saving embroidery designs to memory, and online-help.
The keys in the left column, top to bottom are:
Back Key – Return to the previous screen.
Previous Page Key – Go to the previous page to view items that won’t fit on the display.
Next Page Key – Go to the next page to view items that won’t fit on the display.
Memory Key – Save the selected design to memory.
The keys in the right column, top to bottom are:
Sewing Stitch Key – Go to the sewing home screen – select and setup the sewing stitches.
Embroidery Key – Go to the embroidery home screen – Select and edit designs.
Settings Key – Control and view various settings for the machine.
Help Key – Online-help with basic operations on using the machine.
Sewing Home Control Screen
The main control panel for sewing appears when you turn on the machine and the embroidery unit is not attached.
You can select from 67 utility stitches and adjust the stitch length, width, etc. For each stitch, the panel shows you the width and length, presser foot, whether a twin needle can be used, and other settings.
Embroidery Home Control Screen
The main control panel for embroidery appears when you turn on the machine and the embroidery unit is attached.
Touch an icon to embroider a built-in design, words and letters using the fonts, or a frame pattern. You can also select a design from an embroidery card, the machine’s memory, or one copied from your computer using the USB port. The last key moves the embroidery unit back to its “home” position.
Beyond this main embroidery menu are a series of screens that allow you to choose various functions and settings to set up your embroidery.
Embroidery Functions
I’m assuming you want to get into embroidery because if you only want a sewing machine, you don’t need the Brother SE400. There are many other sewing machines to choose from, and you’ll get more value for your money if you buy a dedicated sewing machine. So I’ll cover the embroidery features first and get to the sewing side of the machine in a minute.
The Brother SE400 has a 4 inch by 4 inch embroidery frame. This means that the maximum design size that you can stitch at one time is about 3.875 x 3.875 inches because there has to be room inside the hoop for the embroidery foot to travel. If you want to stitch a larger design you either have to split it with software and stitch the pieces separately, or you can build up the design from smaller elements by moving the hoop or re-hooping the fabric. The optional large multi-position hoop makes this easier.
I love my Brother SE400, but I do wish it had a bigger hoop size. However, moving up to a larger hoop size is a lot more expensive and out of my budget. So I’m OK with the limitation for now.
Most designs are available for the 4×4 inch hoop, but some are only for 5×7 or larger. Whether the 4×4 hoop is OK for you depends on the type of projects you want to embellish.
No matter how many built-in embroidery patterns your machine has, sooner or later you’re going to want something different. Or you’ll have something particular in mind for a special project. So one of the most important features to consider when you’re looking at embroidery machines is how do you get additional designs into the machine.
The Brother SE400 Sewing and Embroidery Machine comes equipped with a USB port so you can transfer your designs quickly and easily from your computer to the machine. Just connect the SE400 to your computer with the included USB cable. You can transfer designs found on CD’s, the Internet and more with a simple copy and paste, or drag and drop. You don’t need any additional software. It works with both Windows and Macintosh using the computer’s software.
The Brother SE400 can save up to 12 embroidery designs or 512 KB of embroidery data in its memory pods. The built-in memory allows you to keep frequently used designs such as your child’s name in the machine for faster and easier stitching. It’s also useful for downloading several designs to stitch out later without being connected to the computer.
The SE400 only reads designs in .pes or .dst (with some limitations) embroidery data file formats. The .pes format is a very common, standard format. You can find free or reasonably priced designs on many websites.
The Brother SE400 also has a card slot for reading embroidery designs from Brother embroidery cards. This lets you use thousands of additional Brother embroidery designs including the Nickelodeon Collection and special licensed Disney characters.
You can write your own designs on cards if you prefer to manage your collection on embroidery cards rather than on your computer. But you will need an optional card writer and software.
The Brother SE400 has 70 built-in embroidery designs including flowers, scrolls, capital script letters, animals, and holiday motifs. You just select one of these designs using the LCD touch screen and the machine will guide you step-by-step through the stitching. When it’s time to change colors, the it will stop and tell you to load the next color. Practicing with these designs is the best and fastest way to get started because you always have them at your finger tips without trying to learn about downloading at the same time.
These are just basic designs to get you started and may not be to your taste. Bur remember you can easily download other designs.
Ten shapes such as circles, squares, diamond, shields, even a heart can be combined with 12 stitch patterns such as straight, scalloped or other decorative stitch, to create 120 different frame styles you can use to stitch a border around the embroidery design.
The Brother SE400 has five built-in fonts that include the upper and lower case letters, number, symbols, and accented characters for non-English language. Just select the font from the LCD screen, type in the name or word and press go. You can use the fonts to personalize clothes, pillows, towels, etc right out of the box.
You can select one of three sizes for the lettering. The exact size and spacing of the letters is slightly different depending on the font, but the small size is approximately 3/8 x 3/8 inch, the medium size is 5/8 x 5/8 inches and the large size is 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches.
Watch a Demo by the Enthusiasts at HSN
This video from HSN demonstrates the Brother HE-240 Sewing and Embroidery machine with USB port. It’s an exclusive model Brother made for HSN. The HE-240 is the same machine as the SE-400 with some extra accessories and a bonus.
In the video, she demonstrates the features and emphasizes how easy the machine is to use because of the LCD touchscreen and online instructions. She also shows some embroidery projects and talks about the advantages of the USB cable.
HSN sells the HE-240 for more than $500 after adding shipping and handling. You can get the SE-400 for more than $150 less at Amazon.com. The advantage of HSN is the extra accessories and bonus and the monthly payment plan. Be sure to check the prices of the ones you want. You may still get a better deal by buying them separately. Check out the HE240 at HSN.com. And check today’s price of the SE-400 on Amazon.com.
So Many Possibilities And Yet So Easy To Use
The Brother SE400 is interactive and intuitive with the large, backlit, touch-screen control. It’s so easy to operate and understand. You just look at that LCD screen and see the patterns and scroll through all the different ones. You pick one and up it comes. It shows you all the different colors so you can line your colors up in advance. It’s all push button and there they are. How easy is that?
In spite of several reviews around the internet based on mis-information by salesmen trying for an up-sale, I really believe that the Brother LB6800PRW is identical to the very popular Brother SE400 except for the Project Runway branding. The only difference between the two combination embroidery and sewing machines is that the Brother LB6800PRW comes with a rolling tote bag and has the Project Runway logo on the front of the machine. And, of course, the price. The price difference which used to be more than $100 has narrowed considerably this year to less than $50. So, first, are the two machines really the same? And, second, why would you want to pay more for the LB6800PRW?
Why Am I So Sure The LB6800PRW Is The Same Machine As The SE400?
When I said that the two machines are the same, in answer to a question on a review, I stirred up quite a bit of controversy. People had all sorts of misunderstandings of the features and accessories of both machines. Sometimes the descriptions aren’t clear. Some of the confusion came from salesmen. Personally, I never trust a salesman who doesn’t have what I want and is trying to sell me something more expensive instead. So I set out to learn everything I could in order to compare the two machines and share the results of my research with you.
I’m sure the Brother LS6800PRW and SE400 are identical machines because . . .
A woman in an embroidery forum reports that she asked Brother Support and they confirmed that the machines are identical.
Descriptions on merchant sites and from reliable reviews are the same.
Why Buy The Brother LB6800PRW instead of the SE400?
You’re a Project Runway fan and would really enjoy using the official Project Runway sewing and embroidery machine and the very cute PRW rolling tote bag. If you take your machine to classes and workshops or over to a friend’s house to sew together, the rolling bag would be very useful and worth having.
Sometimes the LB6800PRW is less expensive than the SE400. The Brother SE400 is so popular that Amazon has trouble keeping it in stock. When it goes out of stock, the price can go crazy as Amazon sells it from third-party vendors. And the LB6800PRW can become a much better buy. Always check both current prices before deciding which machine to buy.
If you need these embroidery supplies and accessories, the LB6800PRW with the Grand Slam Embroidery package offers incredible value for the money. It’s not always available, so be sure to check.
The Brother LB-6800PRW with Grand Slam Package includes:
Brother LB-6800PRW Project Runway Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine with USB Port
67 built-in sewing stitches • 70 built-in embroidery designs • 120 frame pattern combinations • 5 monogramming fonts • USB port with computer connectivity for importing embroidery designs • automatic needle threader • push-button thread cutter • back-lit LCD touch screen with help and reference guide • 4×4 inch embroidery area • Quick-Set drop-in bobbin • automatic bobbin winding • One-touch start/stop/reverse button • operates with or without foot control • electronic variable sewing speed control allows you to choose your most comfortable sewing speed • free arm/flatbed convertible sewing surface • lots of accessories • Project Runway rolling bag
Polystar Embroidery Thread on Snap Spools and Thread Box
You get 61 mini-king spools, each containing 1,000 meters of 50 wt. Polystar embroidery thread in shiny and vibrant colors. You never need to convert the colors because the Brother color names and numbers are printed on the bottom of each spool. The thread is stored securely in individual compartments in the thread box. The snap spool design prevents the thread from unraveling and helps you easily find the end of the thread.
The Grand Slam Embroidery Packages includes 144 pre-wound bobbins, 95 meters each, 100% spun polyester bobbin thread in white color, style M.
15,000 Embroidery Designs
This set of three CDs has over 15,000 professionally digitized embroidery designs — from angels to zoo animals, there’s something to suit any project.
Just connect the LB6800PRW to your computer with the included USB cable and copy the designs over. You can copy either directly from the CD, or save them on your computer first. There’s no need for a card writer box and extra software because the download software is built into the LB6800PRW and uses the USB port. Works on both Windows and Macintoshes.
All the designs are in .pes format which is the preferred format for Brother embroidery machines. This means that you don’t need embroidery software or an extra step just to convert the format. The designs are ready to go.
Cap Hoop
The cap hoop allows you to embroider logos and names on baseball-style caps and hats. It attaches to the 4×4 inch embroidery hoop that comes with the LB6800PRW and holds the cap bill firmly outside the hoop while you embroider on the cap itself. You can personalize caps for your whole team with this cap hoop. You can find instructions for using the cap hoop in my post, “Cap Hoop for Brother SE400 Embroidery Machine.”
Tear & Wash Stabilizer
Stabilizer is essential to support the fabric and hold it in place for embroidery. Without proper support, designs can pucker, pull or snag. Tear & Wash Stabilizer is torn away after the design is stitched and the rest dissolves in the wash, leaving a clean result.
Stork Embroidery Scissors
These charming little scissors are perfect for fine detail work. The needle-sharp point gets into all those hard-to-reach places. The stork scissors come in a beautiful leather case with a magnetic button for easy closing.
Thread Converter Pro III
When you have a large inventory of embroidery thread from different brands, it can be difficult to know which colors to use for a particular design. Thread Convert Pro III makes it simply by converting thread colors from fourteen different thread manufacturers.
This software converts thread colors to and from Brother or Polystar, Sulky, Madeira, Guterman, Coats & Clark, DMC, Robison Anton, AngelKing, Kingstar, Isacord, Isafil, Marathon, Anchor, and Pearl Yacht.
All You Need To Get Started
With the Brother LB6800PRW sewing and embroidery machine plus the Grand Slam Embroidery package, you have everything you need to get started embroidering except fabric or your creative project to embroider on.
Check Out The Three Choices
The prices and availability of the Brother SE400, LB6800PRW, and LB6800PRW with Grand Slam Embroidery Package are always changing. So you need to compare all three to find the best value. I almost always find the best price at Amazon, and I’ve always been very happy with their service, so I always look there first.
Check the current price and availability of the Brother SE400 here:
Check the current price and availability of the Brother LB6800PRW here:
Check the current price and availability of the Brother LB6800PRW with the Grand Slam Embroidery Package here:
I hope that this extensive information helps you choose the right embroidery machine for you. Have fun with your new hobby.
Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine with USB Memory-Stick Compatibility
Mr. Ali – Our Tailor In Calcutta
I saw a lot of gorgeous embroidery when my friend and I were in India last year. She really got into it, and we spent more time at the tailor’s and fabric shops than we did sightseeing. Embroidery is hot in India. Even the young, modern girls who don’t often wear their traditional dress, have embroidery on their jeans and tee-shirts.
All this elegant embellishment reawakened my childhood love and when I got back home, I started researching embroidery machines. I always do a lot of research before spending so much money, and I hope it helps you too.
My First Choice
I did make the 40-minute trek to my local dealer. But he only had large machines costing thousands of dollars — way out of my price range. So I started looking online.
The Brother PE770 was my first choice: a lot of value for the money at under $600; a step up from the “standard” 4×4 inch hoop to a 5×7 inch embroidery area; USB stick compatible for easy importing designs without having to hook up to my laptop, and all the easy-to-use features I’m used to from my Mother’s Brother sewing machine.
These are the most important features in my opinion that differentiate the Brother PE770 from the SE400. The easy-to-use features such as the automatic needle threader (which I absolutely love because my eyes aren’t what they used to be), quick-set bobbin, and auto thread trimmer are the same on both machines. The PE770 does have many more built-in designs, but I almost always want other designs that I download, so that doesn’t matter to me.
Built-In USB Flash Drive Port
Download Additional Embroidery Designs From A USB Flash Drive
Compatible with Brother Memory Cards And USB Flash Drives
One of the most important things to consider when you’re looking at buying an embroidery machine is how do you download embroidery designs. No matter how many built-in embroidery patterns a machine has, sooner or later you’re going to want more. Maybe the style of the built-in designs isn’t to your taste. Or maybe you just need something particular for a special project. You’re going to want to stitch a different design easily and without a lot of additional expense.
In addition to the memory cards, the Brother PE 770 has a USB port that accepts a USB flash drive. Flash drives go by various names including thumb drives, memory stick, USB keys, and they are cheap and readily available. The PE770 can read up to 200 embroidery designs that you’ve previously saved to the thumb drive. You can copy designs from CD, or find a vast variety of free and reasonably-prices designs on the Internet. You can then stitch them out simply by plugging in your USB flash drive and picking the one you want to embroider. Or store up to 12 patterns in the machine’s memory to use anytime.
In my opinion, the USB flash drive is the best method for transferring embroidery designs because you don’t need additional software and you don’t have to move your computer next to the embroidery machine. Just download embroidery designs from the Internet, save them on a flash drive, and import them into your Brother PE770 later.
5 x 7 Inch Embroidery Field
5 x 7 Inch Embroidery Area
The Brother PE770 has a larger 5×7 inch embroidery field. Although many projects are available for the 4×4 inch frame size, many of the best designs are larger. With the PE770, you can take advantage of all these. And often you’ll want a larger sized monograms on a towel, for example, or the back of a jacket or t-shirt. It may not sound like a big different, but compare the sizes side-by-side and you’ll see a big difference in what you can do.
Embroidery-Only Machine
The Brother PE770 is a dedicated embroidery machine. It doesn’t do sewing. You can leave it set up for embroidery and not have to switch between sewing and embroidery. You can also work on the sewing parts of the project or a different project while the PE770 happily embroiders along. You don’t have to wait for it to finish embroidering just because you need to hem a pair of pants. The Brother PE770 is a precision embroidery machine. It does one thing and does it very well. This also means that there are no compromises trying to fit sewing features in.
Value For Money
In short, if you want an intermediate embroidery machine that is affordable and gives you a lot of features and value for the price, check out the Brother PE770.
The Brother SE-400 has 67 built in stitches for various types of sewing, including 10 styles of 1-step buttonholes. The stitches include several styles of Straight, Zigzag, Overcasting, BlindHem, Applique, Stretch, Patchwork, Quilting, Eyelet, Smocking, Decorative, Heirloom stitches and Side Cutter stitches. Side Cutter stitches, using an optional side cutter foot, finish seams by overcasting and cutting off the extra seam allowance similar to what a serger does.
The stitch length is adjustable up to 5mm and the stitch width up to 7mm for some stitch patterns. Stitch attributes include: Mirror, twin, multi-directional, side cutter, satin stitch regulator.
To select a stitch, use the arrow keys on the LCD touch screen to move through the stitch icons on the screen, select the stitch and choose the stitch settings.
Here are the utility and decorative stitches built into the Brother SE400:
Number
Stitch Name
Application
1
Straight stitch
Basic stitching, sewing gathers or pintucks, etc.
2
Straight stitch
Basic stitching and sewing gathers or pintucks
3
Straight stitch
Attaching zippers, basic stitching, sewing gathers or pintucks, etc.
4
Triple stretch stitch
Attaching sleeves, sewing inseams, sewing stretch fabrics and decorative stitching
5
Stretch stitch
Sewing stretch fabrics and decorative stitching
6
Basting stitch
Temporarily securing
7, 8
Zigzag stitch (left and right)
Overcasting and attaching appliqués
9
2-point zigzag stitch
Overcasting on mediumweight or stretch fabrics, attaching
elastic, darning, etc.
10
3-point zigzag stitch
Overcasting on mediumweight or stretch fabrics, attaching elastic, darning, etc.
11
Overcasting stitch
Overcasting on thin or mediumweight fabrics
12
Overcasting stitch
Overcasting on thick fabrics
13
Overcasting stitch
Overcasting on thick fabrics and decorative stitching
14
Overcasting stitch
Overcasting on stretch fabrics
15
Overcasting stitch
Overcasting on thick or stretch fabrics
16
Overcasting stitch
Overcasting on stretch fabrics and decorative stitching
17
Blind hem stitch
Blind hem stitching on mediumweight fabrics
18
Blind hem stitch
Blind hem stitching on stretch fabrics
19
Appliqué stitch
Appliqué stitching
20
Shell tuck stitch
Shell tuck stitching
21, 22
Piecing straight stitch
Piecing straight stitching (right and left)
23
Straight stitch that looks hand-sewn (for quilting)
Many people are asking me to compare the Brother HE-240 and the Brother SE-400. Actually, it’s confusing because there aren’t that many differences between the SE400 and the HE240.
The Brother SE 400 Sewing and Embroidery machine is a newer machine that is identical to the older Brother HE240.
In short, here are the major differences:
The HE-240 is sold only by HSN. The SE-400 can be bought many places online and in retail stores.
HSN’s price for the HE240 is a lot more than Amazon’s price for the SE-400. Amazon has the best price that I’ve found.
HSN does include some extra accessories for the higher price. See below.
The Brother HE-240 is an exclusive model sold only by HSN. Brother made the HE240 by adding an USB port to the SE350 before the SE400 came out. I don’t know if Brother added any tweaks to the newer SE400, but there are no essential differences between the two models. The SE400 does have the ability to upgrade the internal software through the USB port.
HSN does throw in a few extras such as a cording foot, narrow hem foot, piecing foot, and a very nice accessory case. But HSN charges $130 more than Amazon. If the extra accessories are worth the extra money to you, than buy the HE240 from HSN. But be sure to check the price of the accessories separately. If you only need one or two, you’ll be better off buying them separately. Another advantage of the Brother HE-240 is that HSN offers a monthly payment plan. Otherwise your best buy is the Brother SE400 from Amazon.
Either way, they are both great little machines, offering a lot of value for the money in a combination sewing and embroidery machine.
Briefly, the Brother SE-400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine is the same as the Brother SE350 with an USB Port for computer connectivity. This USB port enhancement means that you don’t need to buy expensive software and a card reader/writer when you want to expand beyond the built-in embroidery patterns.
The Brother SE350 has been discontinued and replaced with the SE400. Except for the USB port, the Brother SE-400 is identical to the SE-350.
The USB port on the side of the Brother SE400 connects the SE400 directly to your computer with the included USB cable. You can then download embroidery designs from your computer into the SE400 for stitching. You can also upgrade the internal software in the SE400 when Brother releases a system upgrade.
Note: The USB port on the Brother SE400 is the type of USB port that accepts a USB cable and attaches to a computer’s USB port. It is not compatible with a USB thumb drive or memory stick.
Brother SE400 vs SE350 is really a no-brainer. The SE350 has been discontinued, but is still selling new for a price equal to or greater than the upgraded SE400. You can sometimes find a better deal, but remember to include the cost of the software and card reader/writer you’ll need to download additional embroidery designs. No matter how many built-in designs an embroidery machine has, sooner or later, you will want more.
If you’re looking at buying a Brother embroidery machine, there are a lot of options and features to consider.
You need to know which features are important to you, what you really need, and what options you’re willing to spend the money for.
Three of the most important factors to consider are:
Dedicated embroidery machine or a combination sewing and embroidery machine
The size of the embroidery field
How you download additional designs into the machine.
This article will explain how these features differ among 3 of the most popular home Brother embroidery machines. If you’re looking for an embroidery machine, this information will help you get started.
Dedicated Or Combination Machine
If you have a sewing room or space to leave two machines set up, or if you do a lot of embroidery, you probably want a dedicated embroidery machine. Or if you already have a good sewing machine that you like, you don’t need another one. The advantage of a dedicated embroidery machine is that you don’t have to take down the embroidery unit just because you want to hem a pair of pants or some other small sewing task. The disadvantage is that it’s also convenient not to have to switch machines if you want to embellish the sewing project you’re working.
Dedicated embroidery machines usually cost more, but are higher-end machines. So you also get more features. If you need the extra capabilities, you may have to get a dedicated machine.
The Brother SE400 and Brother SE350 are combination embroidery and sewing machines. The Brother PE770 is a dedicated embroidery machine. It doesn’t do sewing.
Embroidery Field Size
Many embroidery designs are available that fit in a 4×4 inch frame. But a lot of designs require 5×7 inches. You can make up larger designs by combining the smaller motifs, but you can only embroider up to the frame size without disconnecting the design and repositioning. Sometimes, you can split a large design with embroidery editing software. Of course the larger field costs more, but is a lot more convenient if you want larger designes.
The Brother SE400 and SE350 have 4″ x 4″ embroidery fields. The Brother PE770 has the larger 5″ x 7″ field.
Downloading Additional Embroidery Designs
There are three basic ways to download additional embroidery designs into a Brother embroidery machine.
The first way is with Brother embroidery cards.
You can buy designs already on a Brother embroidery card. The cards can be expensive, but if you want a special design, this might be the only way to get it. You can also download free and low-cost designs from the Internet and write them to a card.
You will need additional software and a card writer/reader such as the Brother PED Basic software to write the designs on a card. This is an additional expense, but blank cards are expensive and as one comes with the PED Basic package, you are getting the software and card writer virtually for free. Even if your machine has a USB port to download designs, the embroidery machine cannot write the cards. You need a separate card writer.
The Brother SE350 only has a memory card slot. So the only way to download additional designs is with a memory card. The SE350 has been discontinued and replaced with the SE400. So I no longer recommend the SE350 unless you can get a really cheap price. Remember to add in the cost of the software you’ll need.
Cable USB Port That Attaches To A Computer
The second level of downloading additional embroidery designs is through a cable USB port. This is the kind of USB port that attaches to your computer with an included USB cable. You just download designs from the Internet into your own computer, attach the embroidery machine, and import them. This type of USB port is not compatible with a USB jump drive.
The Brother SE400 has both a Brother embroidery card slot and a USB port and cable that attaches to your computer for downloading.
USB Port Compatible With A Thumb Drive
The third (and best, in my opinion) option, but also the most expensive, is a USB port that is compatible with a jump drive or memory stick. This is very convenient because you don’t have to move your computer next to the embroidery machine or even have a computer all. You can download designs into any computer and store them on the jump drive. Then just put the jump drive into the USB port and download them.
The Brother PE770 has both a Brother embroidery card slot and a USB port that takes a jump drive.
Hope This Helped
If you’re interested in one of these machines, you can find out all about the benefits and differences here:
Here are some of the most popular features of the Brother SE400:
It’s a lot of fun and very user friendly! The online help and step-by-step instructions from the LCD screen are very easy to follow. Even if you are a complete beginner, you’ll be up to speed and creating your very own fashionable projects in no time at all.
Choose from 67 built-in sewing stitches, 98 stitch functions, and 10 styles of one-step automatic buttonholes for all your creative sewing projects from constructing fashionable clothes, home decorations, and quilting to just basic altering and mending. See all the sewing stitches.
Imagine the fun of creating trendy fashions with the added touch of embroidery embellishment. With the 70 built-in embroidery designs, five monogramming fonts, and 120 frame pattern combinations, you can start adding your own style to your projects.
The start / stop button allows you to sew without the foot petal. If you have lower back problems, you may find sewing a lot more comfortable without using the foot petal. Also, you may find the speed easier to control using the button.
The super-bright, backlit LCD touch screen makes it easy to select and edit embroidery patterns so that you can create the perfect designs for your unique creative project. No more fussing with stitch width/length dials. The on-screen guide reminds you how to do any operation at a glance.
Because the Brother SE400 is smaller and lighter than other sewing and embroidery machines, it’s easy to carry around — even to classes and on trips — and put away after each use if you don’t have the space to leave it out.
The built in automatic push-button thread cutter makes garment sewing and embroidery fun and effortless especially when doing a large project.
Automatic features make it easy to thread both the machine and the bobbin. There is no need for an extra bobbin threader unless you own a boutique. Saves lots of wear and tear on your eyes and fingers.
Mirror, twin, multi-directional, side cutter, satin stitch regulator
Stitch Width
up to 7.0 mm
Reinforcement Function
Yes
Utility stitch functions
Yes
Embroidery Pattern
Decorative Patterns
Yes
Monogramming Fonts
5
Frame Patterns
10 frames, 12 patterns
Media Recognition
Memory Cards
Screen/Software
On-Screen Editing
Yes
Display Control Panel
Backlit, Touch Screen 38 mm x 71 mm
Compatible with PE-Design/PED Basic
Yes
Design Memory
Yes (sewing/embroidery)
Software Upgrades
Yes
USB Update Capabilities
Yes
Carton Contents
Accessory Storage
Yes
Carrying Case
No
In the box
7 sewing feet (buttonhole, overcastting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blind hem, and button fitting), embroidery foot, seam ripper, 4 bobbins including clips, needle set, twin needle, cleaning brush, eyelet punch, screwdriver, touch pen, 3 spool caps, spool pin, spool net, foot controller, scissors, disc-shaped screwdriver, 4×4 inch embroidery hoop, accessory bag, dust cover, and manual. USB Cable included.
Needle/Thread Feature
Bobbin winding system
Super Easy Bobbin Winding System
Bobbin
Top (horizontal)/Drop-in Quick Set™
Needle Threading System
Advanced
Thread Sensors
Upper Thread and Bobbin Sensors
Upper Thread Tension System for perfect stitches on any fabric
Manual
Needle Positions
15
Thread Cutter Button
Push-Button Automatic
# of needles
Single needle machine
Machine Features
Drop Feed Function
Yes
LCD Touch Control Panel
Backlit, Touch Screen 38 mm x 71 mm
Maximum Sewing Speed (stitch per minute)
710
Free Arm
Yes
Presser Foot Attachment
Snap-on
Presser Foot Pressure
Auto
Maximum Embroidery Field
4” x 4”
Computer Connectivity
USB Cable Port
Other
Size
20.3 x 15 x 15.2 inches; 25 pounds
Voltage
110 volts (from USA dealers)
Brother 25 Year Limited Warranty
From www.brother-usa.com: “Brother warrants to you for the Warranty Period that there are no defects in the materials and workmanship of this Product. The ‘Warranty Period’ is one (1) year for parts and labor from the date you purchased this Product. Electronic pattern control and selection components will be provided free of charge for a period of two (2) years from date of purchase (replacement labor excluded). Head parts such as shafts, connecting rods, etc., are covered for a period of twenty-five (25) years from date of purchase with the exception of needles, light bulbs, belts, pulleys, motor, and replacement labor.”
The Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine comes with almost everything you need to get started on your sewing and embellishment projects quickly. It even comes with 7 sewing feet plus an embroidery foot so that you don’t have to spend extra money for attachments like you do with some other machines.
You only need fabric and thread. And for embroidery, you’ll need embroidery thread in various colors, fabric or something to embellish such as a household item, and stabilizer to keep the fabric from puckering.
What’s In The Box With The Brother SE400
The Brother SE400 comes with all this . . . almost everything you need to get started.
USB cable to attach the embroidery machine to your computer for importing embroidery patterns.
Buttonhole foot
Overcasting foot
Monogramming foot
Zipper foot
Zigzag foot
Blind Hem foot
Button Fitting foot
Embroidery foot
Seam Ripper
Four Bobbins and Three bobbin Clips
Needle Set
Twin Needle
Cleaning Brush
Eyelet Punch
Scissors
Screwdriver
Disc-Shaped Screwdriver
Felt with stabilizer
Touch Pen
Three Spool Caps (large, medium, small)
Extra Spool Pin
Spool Net
Foot Controller
Embroidery Hoop (4 inches x 4 inches)
Embroidery Bobbin Thread (White)
Language setting sheet
Accessory bag
Dust Cover
Software CD
DVD containing tutorial videos
Quick Reference Guide, Bilingual In English And Spanish
User Manual, Bilingual In English And Spanish
Computer Connectivity and Downloading Guide, Bilingual In English And Spanish
Where To Buy The Brother SE400
The Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine With USB Port offers a lot of cool features for such a bargain price and is the best combination embroidery and sewing machine for the money.
But you can spend much more than you have to depending on where you buy. And be sure to check for possible hidden costs such as shipping and sales tax.
People love the Brother SE400 with the updated technology of a USB port and cable that attaches to your computer for easy importing. Check out my Brother SE400 review.
Brother LB-6800PRW Project Runway Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine with USB Port
Polystar Embroidery Thread on Snap Spools and Thread Box
144 Pre-wound Bobbins
15,000 Embroidery Designs
Cap Hoop
Tear & Wash Stabilizer
Stork Embroidery Scissors
Thread Converter Pro III
Note: The USB port on the Brother SE400 is the type of USB port that accepts a USB cable and attaches to a computer’s USB port. It is not compatible with a USB thumb drive or memory stick.
If you’re looking at buying a Brother embroidery machine, there are a lot of options and features to consider.
You can buy designs already on a Brother embroidery card. The cards can be expensive, but if you want a special design, this might be the only way to get it. You can also download free and low-cost designs from the Internet and write them to a card.
The third (and best, in my opinion) option, but also the most expensive, is a USB port that is compatible with a jump drive or memory stick. This is very convenient because you don’t have to move your computer next to the embroidery machine or even have a computer all. You can download designs into any computer and store them on the jump drive. Then just put the jump drive into the USB port and download them.
