If you’re looking for a combination sewing and embroidery machine, look no further than Brother SE400. It has been one of the most popular machines on the market for years.
The brand has made a unit that offers a bunch of features to create a personalized, professional-looking project at a cheap price. It’s perfect for sewing and embroidery enthusiasts.
Other combination units aren’t made to perform a good job at both embroidery and sewing. Usually, the average combination machine will be better at embroidering or sewing but not both.
This is why I like this combo machine. It does both processes well. And provides features that meet both project types. You won’t need two different machines to complete both tasks.
You can utilize this machine for both embroidery and sewing tasks. The Brother SE400 will save you both time and space. One unit in your sewing station takes up enough space.
Interested in buying this machine? If so, make sure to read this detailed Brother SE400 review and learn more about its features, benefits and downsides before you make a purchase.
Technical Specifications
| Dimensions: | 20.3 x 15 x 15.2 inches |
| Machine weight: | 19 pounds |
| Built-in sewing stitches: | 67 |
| Built-in embroidery designs: | 70 |
| Warranty: | 25-year limited warranty |
Brother SE400 Review
The Brother SE400 is one of the most durable and reliable sewing machines by this brand.
It’s been one of the most popular combination machines for years. Let’s take a close look at some of the features that make the SE400 special and suitable for various projects.
Built-In Stitches
This machine comes with 67 built-in unique sewing stitches and 98 stitch functions. These functions will give you the ability to personalize clothing, home decor and gifts.
Embroidery Design Library
With this machine, you can select from the rich built-in embroidery design library. It contains 70 designs, 5 lettering fonts, and 120 frame pattern variations.
The best part? The Brother SE400 sewing and embroidery machine allows crafters to apply extra designs from their computer. Therefore, it’s a flexible machine.
Effortless Threading
Threading has never been easier thanks to the automatic feature such as the automatic needle threader. This feature will thread your SE400 in just seconds.
7 Point Feed Dog
The Brother SE400 sewing and embroidery machine provides users with an effortless fabric feeding with the 7 point feed dogs.
Easy Bobbin Preparation
This combination machine provides a convenient bobbin winding system. This system allows crafters to prepare their bobbins super fast and easy.
Reliable Bobbin System
The drop-in quick-set bobbin system is jam-resistant and provides effortless sailing with which users will have no fishing for bobbin thread.
Embroidery Area
The embroidery space of this combination machine is spacious (4×4 inches). Therefore, it provides users with the freedom to complete bigger projects.
Touch Screen Display
Brother SE400 has a user-friendly, backlit LCD touch screen display which I love. This display allows users to access all the built-in patterns conveniently.
This feature also allows users to control design editing features. If you’re a newbie, you will find the LCD touch screen display very useful for watching tutorials, etc.
Bright Workspace
I am happy to say that Brother SE400 is loaded with a brightly lit workspace. I am a big fan of brightly lit workspaces. This type of workspace eliminates the need for task lights.
Computer Connectivity
You will be able to connect your Brother SE400 to your PC. Therefore, you can keep your machine up to date. This also allows you to import designs and download machine updates.
Automatic Thread Cutter
This is one of my favourite features! The single-touch automatic thread cutter cuts your bobbin and top thread with great ease. It’s a real time-saver.
Free Accessories
Brother SE400 comes with a lot of free accessories. You will receive 4×4 inches embroidery hoop, a softcover, an embroidery arm, five presser feet, and a bilingual operation manual.
You will get a monogramming foot, a button fitting foot, blind stitch foot, embroidery foot, and a zipper foot. As you can notice by the features and extras, SE400 brings great value for money.
Brother SE400 Pros and Cons
SE400 machine is popular for a few good reasons. Let’s summarize the main benefits and downsides of Brother SE400 sewing and embroidery machine.
Pros
It’s computerized
This isn’t a manual machine. It’s computerized and works on sophisticated but highly-effective computer systems. And does both embroidery and sewing equally well.
Twin needle included
This feature of the SE400 combination embroidery and sewing machine matters if you’re using different colours of thread. Twin needles allow you to sew different materials.
You can upgrade it
What I like most about this machine is that you can utilize your PC to upgrade it whenever required. Just connect your machine to your PC via the USB cable and update its program.
Super-versatile
SE400 is capable of handling various tasks including embroidery, sewing and crafting. You can pick what mode of operation to use according to your projects.
This is what makes SE400 ideal for crafters who want to complete many different projects within a short period. It’s a super-versatile combination machine.
Automated features
As I already mentioned, SE400 can complete a lot of automated tasks. For instance, it has an automated thread cutter that’s super easy to use for the slicing of thread.
You can cut the bobbin and top threads easily utilizing this automatic option. There’s also an automated needle threading system. SE400 is quite convenient to utilize.
Large workspace
The workspace of this sewing and embroidery machine is spacious. I appreciate the large workspace of 4×4 inches. It’s perfect for completing larger projects.
Lots of built-in embroidery designs
Crafters can choose from 70 different embroidery designs on this combination machine. You can choose to utilize your desired design based on the design you want to make.
Intuitive LCD touch screen
SE400 has a large LCD touch screen display which is user-friendly, convenient to utilize and intuitive. It’s created using high-end technology. It’s perfect for beginners.
This feature also allows users to control design editing features. If you’re a newbie, you will find the LCD touch screen display very useful for watching tutorials, etc.
You can import new designs
Not everyone may like the 70 inbuilt designs. They’re highly decorative. However, if you don’t like them, you can always import new designs and expand your library.
Visit the manufacturer’s official page and take down new embroidery patterns based on your needs and preferences. Expanding your range of designs is super easy.
Cons
It may not work properly in some countries
Overall, this is a great combination machine. However, it’s not perfect. Unfortunately, it may not work properly in countries that don’t utilize a 110V AC.
How to Use Brother SE400 Embroidery Machine?
Although SE400 is a combination advanced machine, it’s still relatively easy to use thanks to the various automatic features. They make things easier, especially for beginners.
For starters, there’s the automatic needle threader that helps you thread your needle within moments. Then, there’s the bobbin winding system which helps you wind your bobbins fast.
As you can notice by the features, this combo machine is made with beginners in mind. It allows you to focus on your projects and get creative instead of focusing on the unit.
One of the main reasons crafters find this unit appealing is the LCD touch screen display. It allows you to view settings and choose embroidery designs.
This is a huge benefit and makes things easier, especially for new users. However, I do wish the company worked on the screen layout a little bit more in the future.
I need to scroll through all the settings to locate what I’m looking for. Also, I can only view six settings at a time which sucks. And it’s time-consuming. I’m losing too much time on this.
What I like about the screen is that it’s backlit so I can see my options, even in a dark environment. The large workspace is another thing I appreciate about this machine.
It’s much bigger than you will find in other sewing machines. Therefore, it’s perfect for larger projects. It also makes the machine easier to use. The workspace is also brightly lit.
Ease of use usually depends on how fat you can make changes and I was highly impressed with how fast I changed feet while reviewing this sewing and embroidery machine.
You don’t need to loosen screws since they’re connected super easily. This saves you effort and time. It’s surprising how user-friendly and convenient this combination machine is.
The company delivers all the cords and connections you need to set up the machine and import images. You will get a USB cable and power cord to connect your PC with your SE400.
Keep in mind that this USB cable isn’t very long. Therefore, all your devices need to be near for ease of use. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry. Brother thought of everything.
There’s a DVD with instructions included in the box. This DVD will show you how to use your new sewing buddy. It’s easy to understand and follow. You can also watch online tutorials.
How to Thread Brother SE400?
Threading this machine is easy thanks to the convenient bobbin-winding system. It prepares the bobbins fast. It’s a smooth process with the drop-in top jam-resistant bobbin.
Forget about “fishing” for bobbin thread. The machine provides a step-by-step guide for threading which makes everything a lot easier. All you need to do is pull the thread end via the eye.
This combination machine is practically self-threading. When utilizing SE400 for sewing, the same thread can be utilized on the top and in the bobbin. Use a white thread when embroidering.
Use your coloured embroidery thread on top and a white embroidery thread in the bobbin. Embroidery thread is a certain kind of thread. I suggest using an embroidery thread for embroidery.
Is the Brother SE400 Good for Quilting?
If you’re dipping your toes into the waters of quilting, you will find this machine somewhat useful but if you’re a professional, you may want to look for a higher-end quilting machine.
SE400 machine has multiple quilting patterns and I have used it to make quilts. The complexity and size of the quilting project can be limited.
The owners of this unit can make embroidered, simple straight-stitch or free-motion quilt designs. Each quilt design needs a different machine setting and presser foot.
While the machine comes loaded for embroidering, Brother highly suggests the walking foot for straight-stitch quilting. It’s made with sewing and embroidery in mind and not quilting.
How Much is a Brother SE400?
The Brother SE400 sewing and embroidery machine is a true workhorse. It’s small, portable, elegant and most important of all, it’s reasonably-priced. You can buy it for less than $350.
SE400 is considered one of the best sewing and embroidery units on the market. Since it’s so popular, it can be found in many homeware and craft stores, both online and in person.
You can purchase the Brother SE400 sewing and embroidery machine at Brother’s official website. Or try Walmart. Or Sears. It’s also available at Amazon and Sewing Machines Plus.
FAQ
Conclusion
Hopefully, this detailed Brother SE400 review can help you determine if this unit responds to your needs or not. It’s one of the most popular combination machines.
It’s perfect for those looking to boost their sewing machine and need embroidery features. If you have a sewing machine already but need a unit for embroidery, look for an embroidery-only unit.
You would be better off picking a dedicated embroidery unit rather than a combination embroidery and sewing machine. However, if you’re a newbie and you want both, buy it today.
Have you ever used this machine? What’s your experience? Would you recommend it to friends? Please, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.