Brother Embroidery Machines: Combos, Single Needle & Multi-Needle — The Complete Guide
Brother embroidery machines have earned their reputation as the go-to choice for crafters, hobbyists, and small business owners alike. Whether you're personalizing a baby onesie, launching a custom apparel business, or scaling up production with a multi-needle powerhouse, there's a Brother machine built for exactly where you are right now — and where you're headed next. At Swing Design, we carry the full lineup: from beginner-friendly sewing and embroidery combos to the brand-new NQ1700E embroidery-only machine, and all the way up to the professional-grade PRS100 and PR680W multi-needle machines.
In this guide, we'll break down every model, show you what each one includes, and help you decide which Brother embroidery machine is the right fit for your next creative chapter. And yes — we offer 0% financing and free shipping on all of them.
Brother Sewing & Embroidery Combo Machines: The Best of Both Worlds
If you love to sew and embroider, a combo machine eliminates the need for two separate pieces of equipment. Brother's combo lineup is among the most trusted in the industry, packing impressive stitch libraries, wireless design transfer, and full embroidery capability into one compact, approachable machine. Here's a look at the two most popular combo models we carry.
Brother SE700
The Best-Selling Combo for Beginners & Crafters
Brother SE2000
Upgraded Combo Power with a Larger Embroidery Field
Brother Embroidery-Only Machines: Dedicated Precision for Serious Embroiderers
Sometimes you just want to embroider. Brother's embroidery-only lineup delivers focused performance — no sewing mode to navigate, just clean, efficient embroidery power. These machines tend to offer larger fields, faster speeds, and specialized features tailored to embroidery workflows. Here are the three we recommend most.
Brother PE545
The Affordable Entry Point for Embroidery Only
Brother PE900
More Designs, More Speed, More Fun
★ Introducing the Brother NQ1700E
Our Newest Embroidery-Only Machine
See the Brother NQ1700E in Action
Watch this overview of the NQ1700E to see its large embroidery field, touchscreen editing, and automated features up close:
Why Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines Are Better Than One
If production speed, efficiency, and volume matter to your embroidery operation, a multi-needle machine is a game-changer. Standard single-needle machines — even powerful ones like the NQ1700E — require you to manually stop, cut thread, re-thread, and restart every time a color changes in your design. For a simple 5-color logo, that's five separate interruptions per item. Now multiply that by 20 orders. You can see where this is going.
Multi-needle machines solve this by loading each color thread on its own dedicated needle. The machine automatically jumps to the correct needle for each color segment — zero re-threading, zero stopping. The result is dramatically faster production, fewer errors, and a workflow that actually scales.
Here are the core advantages of going multi-needle:
- Automatic color changes — the machine selects the right needle/thread automatically; no manual re-threading between colors
- Much faster production — multi-color designs stitch from start to finish without operator intervention
- Run while you do other tasks — load a design, press start, and step away while the machine works
- Higher-quality results — consistent tension and registration across all colors, every time
- Built for business — whether you're doing custom caps, left-chest logos, or full-back jacket embroidery, multi-needle machines are designed for production volumes
At Swing Design, we carry two outstanding multi-needle Brother machines for different budgets and production needs: the PRS100 and the PR680W.
Brother PRS100
The Versatile Single-Needle Pro Machine
Brother PR680W
The 6-Needle Entrepreneur Machine for Serious Production
PRS100 vs PR680W — Side-by-Side Comparison:
| Feature | PRS100 | PR680W |
|---|---|---|
| Needles | 1 | 6 (auto color change) |
| Embroidery Field | 8" x 8" | 8" x 12" |
| Max Speed | 1,000 SPM | 1,000 SPM |
| Display | 7" LCD | 10.1" HD LCD |
| Laser Positioning | Droplight™ | Crosshair Droplight (±0.5mm) |
| Color Change | Manual | Automatic |
| Best For | Versatile hobbyist / starter business | Production shop / serious business |
Expand Your Capabilities with Mighty Hoops & Compatible Embroidery Hoops
The right hoop can make or break an embroidery project. At Swing Design, we stock a full selection of Mighty Hoop magnetic hoops and compatible hoop sets for every Brother machine in our lineup. Whether you need to hoop thick Carhartt workwear, tackle a narrow sleeve, or work with tiny children's garments, we have the hoop for it.
Mighty Hoop Magnetic Hoops
Hoop Anything, Faster
Compatible Embroidery Hoop Sets
Versatile Sizing for Every Project
0% Financing & Free Shipping on All Brother Embroidery Machines
Ready to invest in your craft — but want to spread out the cost? Swing Design offers 0% financing on all Brother embroidery and sewing machines, including the PRS100, PR680W, NQ1700E, SE2000, SE700, PE900, and PE545. That means you can get the machine you actually need — not just the one that fits the moment — and pay over time with no added interest.
Every order also ships free. No minimums, no surprises at checkout. Just the machine (and accessories) you want, delivered to your door at the price you see. Financing and free shipping make this the best time to upgrade your embroidery setup. Apply at checkout through our financing partner — the process takes just minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between a sewing & embroidery combo and an embroidery-only machine?
A: Combo machines like the SE700 and SE2000 allow you to both sew and embroider — great if you want one machine for all fabric projects. Embroidery-only machines like the PE545, PE900, and NQ1700E are purpose-built for embroidery, often with larger fields, more designs, and features optimized for embroidery workflows.
Q: Which machine should I choose — the PRS100 or the PR680W?
A: If you're just entering the professional space or run a small side business, the PRS100 is an excellent starting point — especially for caps, sleeves, and specialty items thanks to its free-arm design. If you're ready to scale production, run multi-color designs automatically, and treat embroidery as a primary business revenue stream, the PR680W's 6-needle automatic color-change system pays for itself quickly in time saved.
Q: Can I add more hoops to my Brother machine after purchase?
A: Absolutely. We carry both Mighty Hoop magnetic hoops and compatible hoop sets in a variety of sizes for most Brother models. Mighty Hoops are especially recommended for high-volume use or thick fabrics — they're faster to apply and reduce physical strain significantly.
Q: Does Brother offer wireless design transfer?
A: Yes — all machines in this lineup (SE700, SE2000, PE545, PE900, NQ1700E, PRS100, PR680W) feature wireless LAN capability. You can send designs from your PC using Brother's free Design Database Transfer software — no USB cable required. Many models are also compatible with the Artspira mobile app for on-the-go design creation.
Q: Do you offer financing on Brother machines?
A: Yes! Swing Design offers 0% financing on all Brother sewing and embroidery machines. Free shipping is included on every order as well. Apply at checkout in just a few minutes.
Q: Is the NQ1700E truly new, and what makes it different from the PE900?
A: The NQ1700E is part of Brother's Innov-ís Q-Series and offers a significantly larger 6" x 10" embroidery area compared to the PE900's 5" x 7". It also features a larger 4.85" touchscreen (vs. 3.7"), 258 built-in designs (vs. 193), 850 SPM speed, automatic jump stitch cutting, and includes BES Blue embroidery software. It's the natural upgrade path for PE900 users who've hit the limits of their machine.
Summary: Which Brother Embroidery Machine Is Right for You?
There's no single "best" Brother embroidery machine — there's the best machine for where you are and what you're making. Here's how to think about it:
- New to embroidery and sewing? The SE700 gives you both capabilities in one approachable, well-reviewed machine at a great price point.
- Want more embroidery field in a combo machine? Upgrade to the SE2000 for the 5" x 7" area, Color Sort, and 241 sewing stitches.
- Embroidery-only on a budget? The PE545 is reliable, wireless, and beginner-friendly without being limiting.
- Ready for a larger field and more speed in an embroidery-only machine? The PE900 is the benchmark in its class for a reason.
- Serious about embroidery and want the best single-needle consumer machine? The NQ1700E with its 6" x 10" field, 4.85" touchscreen, and BES software is your machine.
- Starting or growing a custom embroidery business? The PRS100 with its free-arm and Mighty Hoop compatibility is the professional step up.
- Running production and need automatic multi-color embroidery? The PR680W with 6 needles, 8" x 12" field, and Crosshair Laser is built for volume.
Still not sure which machine is right for you? Reach out to our team at Swing Design — we're here to help you make the right call. And remember: every Brother machine ships free and is available with 0% financing.