Sewing machines, compared by model number
Is it the SE600 or the PE800? Find out before you buy.
Side-by-side specs for home sewing, embroidery, quilting and serger machines: hoop size, throat space, built-in stitches and who each one actually suits.
Embroidery hoop sizes, and what fits
- 4×4″Monograms, patches, small logosBrother SE600 · SE700 · PE535
- 5×7″Shirt fronts, tote bags, towelsBrother PE800 · PE900 · SE2000
- 6×10″Jacket backs, quilt blocksHigher-end and multi-needle machines
What are you
going to make?
The right machine depends on the project, not the price tag. Start with what you'll sew most and we'll narrow the field.
Your first sewing machine
What matters at this price: a reliable feed and an easy bobbin. Stitch counts matter much less.
Embroidery machines
Embroidery-only or a sew-and-embroider combo, and which hoop size you'll outgrow first.
Quilting machines
Throat space decides how big a quilt you can turn. How many inches you need for your quilts.
Sergers
Do you need one alongside your sewing machine? For knits and store-bought finishes, usually yes.
The comparisons
people search for
Most buyers are down to two machines. Here are the differences that matter, before the full write-up.
Brother SE600 vs SE700
| Hoop | 4×4″ · 4×4″ |
| Design transfer | USB · USB + Wi-Fi |
| Sews and embroiders | Yes · Yes |
PE535 vs PE800 vs PE900
| Hoop | 4×4″ · 5×7″ · 5×7″ |
| Type | Embroidery only |
| Best for | Small designs · 5×7 on a budget · 5×7, newer model |
Brother vs Singer
| Strength | Features per dollar · Heavy-duty motors |
| Beginner pick | Brother · Singer Heavy Duty |
| Best for | Variety · Denim & canvas |
Sewing machine vs Serger
| Seams | Straight & zigzag · Overlocked edge |
| Threads | 2 · 3–4 |
| Do you need both? | For knits, yes |
"Tested" means
we say how.
Every review carries one of these labels, so you always know where a recommendation comes from.
We used the machine. We ran real projects through it and say what we made.
We compared it on paper. Manuals, spec sheets and long-term owner reports, clearly labeled as such.
How we earn money. We earn a small commission when you buy through our Amazon links. It never decides the pick.