Best Sewing and Embroidery Combo Machines
The best sewing and embroidery combo machines include the Brother SE2000 sewing and embroidery machine for a bigger hoop with sewing built in, the Brother NQ3550W sewing and embroidery machine for large designs on a 6 x 10 in field, and the Brother SE700 sewing and embroidery machine for a first combo on a budget.
On this page (9 sections)
- How we picked the best sewing and embroidery combo machines
- The best sewing and embroidery combo machines in detail
- Combo machine or embroidery only for home sewing
- Hoop size is one of the biggest differences here
- Screens, stitch counts and software for a combo
- Sewing features worth checking before you buy
- Help and learning curve on a combo machine
- Which first projects suit a combo machine
- Which of the best sewing and embroidery combo machines to choose
A combo machine sews and embroiders on one body, so you don't need a second machine for hems, mends and monograms. That's the main reason to choose one over an embroidery-only model.
The seven machines here run from the budget tier to the premium tier, and the biggest differences are hoop size, stitch count and screen size. If you're still deciding between a combo and an embroidery-only machine, read embroidery machines for beginners first.
If you sew more than you embroider, look at stitch count and sewing features first. If you embroider more, look at the hoop and screen first.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a bigger hoop with sewing built inBrother SE2000 sewing and embroidery machine
9.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for large designs on a 6 x 10 in fieldBrother NQ3550W sewing and embroidery machine
9.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a first combo on a budgetBrother SE700 sewing and embroidery machine
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itPoolin EOC05 2-in-1 embroidery and sewing machine
Best for long lettering with a 7-inch screen - 5
Check itJanome Memory Craft 1000 combo
Best for the most stitches in a compact combo - 6
Check itSinger SE9180 sewing and embroidery machine
Best for quick sewing with app progress alerts - 7
Check itPoolin EOC03 2-in-1 embroidery and sewing machine
Best for a first combo with video lessons
How we picked the best sewing and embroidery combo machines
We compared hoop size, stitch count, screen size, weight and what comes in the box, and we checked each machine for the jobs a home combo has to do. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
The budget tier holds the Poolin EOC03 2-in-1 and the Brother SE700. The mid-range tier holds the Singer SE9180, the Janome Memory Craft 1000 and the Poolin EOC05 2-in-1.
The Brother SE2000 sits in the upper tier, and the Brother NQ3550W is the premium pick with the largest hoop. A higher tier doesn't make a machine right for you, so look at the hoop and the stitch count first.
Buyer feedback counted as one signal, not the whole picture. The Singer SE9180 and the Poolin EOC03 2-in-1 have more mixed owner feedback than the Brother machines and the Poolin EOC05 2-in-1, so they sit lower than their spec sheets alone would place them.
A machine that sews well but embroiders in a small hoop may still suit you, so the right answer depends on what you make most.
| Product | Best for | Hoop area | Type | Weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother SE2000 sewing and embroidery machine | a bigger hoop with sewing built in | 5 x 7 in | Sewing and embroidery | 38 lb | 9.2 |
| Brother NQ3550W sewing and embroidery machine | large designs on a 6 x 10 in field | 6 x 10 in | Sewing and embroidery | 28 lb | 9.0 |
| Brother SE700 sewing and embroidery machine | a first combo on a budget | 4 x 4 in | Sewing and embroidery | 15.6 lb | 8.8 |
| Poolin EOC05 2-in-1 embroidery and sewing machine | long lettering with a 7-inch screen | 4 x 4 and 4 x 9.25 in | Sewing and embroidery | 12 kg (about 26 lb) | 8.5 |
| Janome Memory Craft 1000 combo | the most stitches in a compact combo | 5.5 x 5.5 in | Sewing and embroidery | 22 lb | 8.4 |
| Singer SE9180 sewing and embroidery machine | quick sewing with app progress alerts | 170 x 100 mm | Sewing and embroidery | 15.5 lb | 8.2 |
| Poolin EOC03 2-in-1 embroidery and sewing machine | a first combo with video lessons | 4 x 4 and 4 x 9.25 in | Sewing and embroidery | 22 lb | 7.8 |
The best sewing and embroidery combo machines in detail
The Brother SE2000 ranks first because it pairs a 5 x 7 in hoop with 241 built-in sewing stitches in one machine. The Brother NQ3550W ranks second for its 6 x 10 in field, but it's the premium-priced pick.
Brother SE2000 sewing and embroidery machine
- 5 x 7 in embroidery field
- 193 built-in designs and 50 free downloads
- 241 built-in sewing stitches
- Color Sort and Jump Stitch Trimming
- 3.7 inch touchscreen
A 5 x 7 in hoop and 241 built-in sewing stitches suit a home sewer who wants larger designs in one machine.
Pros
- Larger hoop than the 4 x 4 in combos
- Color Sort reduces color changes
- 25-year limited warranty on the chassis from Brother
Cons
- At 38 lb it's the heaviest machine here
The Brother SE2000 is the combo to pick if you want a 5 x 7 in hoop and a full sewing side in one machine. It has 241 built-in sewing stitches, 193 built-in embroidery designs, 13 fonts and a 3.7 inch touchscreen.
Brother says the Artspira app gives you 50 free designs on top of the built-in ones. Color Sort reorders multi-color designs to cut down on color changes, and Jump Stitch Trimming trims thread jumps inside each color.
On the sewing side you get 10 styles of one-step buttonholes that size themselves to your buttons, plus 8 sewing feet and a knee lifter in the box. Designs reach the machine over wireless LAN with Design Database Transfer, or through the built-in USB port.
It suits a home sewer who wants larger designs and more sewing options in one machine. The drawback is weight: at 38 lb it's the heaviest machine here, so plan a sturdy table before you order.
Brother NQ3550W sewing and embroidery machine
- 6 x 10 in embroidery field
- 258 built-in designs
- 291 built-in stitches
- 3.67 inch full-color touchscreen
- Programmed thread trimming
The largest embroidery field here, at 6 x 10 in, makes the NQ3550W the premium pick for jacket backs and big designs.
Pros
- Largest embroidery field in this roundup
- Trims jump stitches and both threads automatically
- BES Blue software and a magnetic hoop in the box
Cons
- The premium price and 28 lb make it a bigger commitment
The Brother NQ3550W is the premium pick here, and it has the largest embroidery field at 6 x 10 in. Brother says that size suits large projects like jacket backs.
It has 258 built-in embroidery designs, 291 built-in stitches and a 3.67 inch full-color touchscreen. Programmed thread trimming cuts jump stitches, and it cuts both the upper and lower threads at the end of each color.
The box adds BES Blue embroidery software, a magnetic 5 x 7 in frame and a long list of sewing feet, including open-toe and free-motion quilting feet. Brother says BES Blue brings more than 800 designs and 199 digitized fonts.
It suits someone who plans to stitch large pieces and wants fewer splits in a design. The drawback is the premium price and the 28 lb weight, which make it a bigger commitment than the other picks.
Brother SE700 sewing and embroidery machine
- 4 x 4 in embroidery field
- 135 built-in designs
- 103 built-in sewing stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Wireless design transfer
A 4 x 4 in combo with 135 built-in designs suits a first buyer who wants both jobs without a large hoop.
Pros
- Sews and embroiders on one machine
- Automatic needle threader and thread cutter
- Eight sewing feet included
Cons
- Its 4 x 4 in field is the smallest top field here
The Brother SE700 is the budget Brother combo, and it covers both jobs with a 4 x 4 in embroidery field. It has 103 built-in sewing stitches, 10 one-step buttonholes and 135 built-in embroidery designs.
You get eight sewing feet, an automatic needle threader, an automatic thread cutter and a drop-in top bobbin. Brother says it sews at up to 710 stitches per minute.
A 3.7 inch touchscreen previews a design before you stitch it. Wireless transfer uses Design Database Transfer, and the built-in USB port is there if you'd rather use a cable.
It suits a first-time buyer who wants both jobs without a large hoop. The drawback is the 4 x 4 in field, which is the smallest top field on this list, so bigger designs won't fit in one hooping.
Poolin EOC05 2-in-1 embroidery and sewing machine
- 4 x 4 and 4 x 9.25 in areas
- 7-inch touchscreen
- 130 built-in designs
- 207 built-in sewing stitches
- Wi-Fi design transfer
Two embroidery sizes and 207 sewing stitches make this a flexible 2-in-1 for lettering and simple sewing.
Pros
- Long 4 x 9.25 in area for lettering
- 7-inch touchscreen
- One-step buttonhole and adjustable stitch width
Cons
- You change the working table to switch between jobs
The Poolin EOC05 2-in-1 is the combo for long lettering, since its 4 x 9.25 in area gives you a longer strip than a 4 x 4 in field. It also has a 4 x 4 in option, a 7-inch touchscreen and 130 built-in designs with 8 fonts.
For sewing, it has 207 built-in stitches and a one-step buttonhole. You can set stitch width from 0 to 7 mm and stitch length from 0.2 to 5 mm, and the screen shows which presser foot to use.
Wi-Fi transfer and Poolin's free Institch software move designs to the machine. Poolin says video tutorials, a user community and one-on-one support come with it.
It suits someone who wants long names and simple sewing in one machine. The drawback is the table swap: you change the working table each time you move between embroidery and sewing.
Janome Memory Craft 1000 combo
- 300 built-in stitches
- 241 built-in designs
- 3.5 inch color touchscreen
- 5.5 x 5.5 in hoop
- Auto presets and bobbin monitoring
300 built-in stitches in a compact body suit a sewer who wants a wide stitch choice without a large footprint.
Pros
- Most built-in stitches in this roundup
- Auto presets load the recommended stitch settings and presser foot
- Optical bobbin thread monitoring
Cons
- The 3.5 inch screen is one of the smallest here
The Janome Memory Craft 1000 is the combo with the most sewing stitches in a compact body. It has 300 built-in stitches, 12 one-step buttonholes and 241 built-in embroidery designs.
Auto presets load the recommended settings and presser foot for each stitch you pick. The kit includes nine feet, among them a satin stitch foot, a blind hemming foot and a 1/4 inch seam foot.
On the embroidery side you get a 5.5 x 5.5 in hoop and a 3.5 inch color touchscreen for editing. Janome says the embroidery arm mounts at the back, which keeps the footprint small.
Optical bobbin thread monitoring warns you before the bobbin runs out, and automatic thread cutting trims both threads with one touch. It suits a sewer who wants a compact machine with a wide stitch choice.
The drawback is the screen: at 3.5 inches it's one of the smallest in this roundup, which makes editing a design harder.
Singer SE9180 sewing and embroidery machine
- 7-inch color touchscreen
- 250 sewing stitches
- 150 embroidery designs
- mySewnet Wi-Fi with app alerts
- Automatic needle threader
A 7-inch screen and 250 sewing stitches suit someone who sews often and wants embroidery in the same machine.
Pros
- Large 7-inch color touchscreen
- Sews up to 800 stitches per minute, Singer says
- Progress alerts sent to the app
Cons
- Its hoop has less area than the 5 x 7 in SE2000
The Singer SE9180 is the combo for a large screen and quick sewing. It has a 7-inch color touchscreen, 250 sewing stitches, 150 embroidery designs and 10 fonts.
Singer says its 250 stitches give 401 stitch applications, and that it sews up to 800 stitches per minute and embroiders up to 450. It has an automatic needle threader, a built-in thread cutter, a tie-off button and a one-step buttonhole.
The kit includes all-purpose, decorative, zipper, blind hem and buttonhole feet, an embroidery foot and a 170 x 100 mm hoop. The mySewnet Wi-Fi connection sends designs to the machine and gives progress alerts in the app.
It suits someone who sews often and wants embroidery in the same machine. The drawback is the hoop: at about 6.7 x 3.9 in it has less area than the 5 x 7 in hoop on the SE2000, so larger designs run out of room sooner.
Poolin EOC03 2-in-1 embroidery and sewing machine
- 4 x 4 and 4 x 9.25 in areas
- 130 built-in designs
- 207 built-in sewing stitches
- Wi-Fi design transfer
- 20 cut-away stabilizers included
A starter kit with two hoops and 20 cut-away stabilizers helps a first-time buyer start both jobs.
Pros
- Two hoop sizes in the box
- Video lessons and one-on-one help from Poolin
- Bobbins and threads included
Cons
- Fewer built-in sewing stitches than the Singer or Janome
The Poolin EOC03 2-in-1 is the budget combo with a starter kit and video help. It has two hoop sizes, 4 x 4 in and 4 x 9.25 in, plus 130 built-in designs and 207 sewing stitches.
The box includes 20 cut-away stabilizer sheets, 25 prewound bobbins and 6 spools of embroidery thread, so you can start a first project right away. Poolin says YouTube lessons and free one-on-one help from engineers come with it, and its community has more than 12,000 members.
Like the EOC05 2-in-1, it uses a working table that you swap between sewing and embroidery. Sewing includes a one-step buttonhole and stitch width from 0 to 7 mm.
It suits a first-time buyer who wants one machine for both jobs and learns from video. The drawback is that it has fewer built-in sewing stitches than the Singer SE9180 or the Janome Memory Craft 1000.
Combo machine or embroidery only for home sewing
A combo saves desk space and gives you both jobs in one body, while two separate machines give each job its own setup. Some sewers prefer two machines, so the right choice depends on how you work.
If you already own a sewing machine, an embroidery-only model may be enough. Read embroidery machine vs sewing machine to compare the two setups side by side.
A combo also means one machine to clean, store and keep track of, which helps if your sewing space is small.
When one sewing and embroidery machine beats two
One machine makes sense when you want hems, mends and monograms from the same spot on the table. The Brother SE700 review covers a small combo that handles both jobs.
If you're not sure whether a regular machine can stitch designs, see can you embroider with a regular sewing machine.
Hoop size is one of the biggest differences here
Hoop size sets how big one design can be in a single hooping, and it's the biggest difference among these combos. The Brother NQ3550W has the largest field at 6 x 10 in, the Brother SE2000 uses 5 x 7 in, and the Brother SE700 keeps to 4 x 4 in.
The two Poolin 2-in-1 machines offer 4 x 4 in and 4 x 9.25 in, the Janome uses a 5.5 x 5.5 in square, and the Singer's 170 x 100 mm hoop is about 6.7 x 3.9 in.
A bigger hoop means fewer splits for large designs, and fewer chances to shift the fabric. The 5 x 7 in and 6 x 10 in fields leave room for larger lettering and bigger motifs on clothing.
What a bigger hoop costs you
The two heaviest machines here, the SE2000 at 38 lb and the NQ3550W at 28 lb, also have the biggest Brother hoops. If you're weighing a 4 x 4 in combo against a 5 x 7 in embroidery machine, Brother SE700 vs PE900 lays out the trade-off.
A heavy machine needs a sturdy table, which is an extra cost to plan for if you don't already have one.
For the hoop sizes behind these numbers, read embroidery hoop sizes explained.
Screens, stitch counts and software for a combo
The screen decides how easily you can edit a design, and the stitch count decides how many sewing options you get. The Singer SE9180 and the Poolin EOC05 2-in-1 have 7-inch screens, the three Brother machines have screens of 3.67 to 3.7 inches, and the Janome has a 3.5 inch screen.
How many stitches a sewing and embroidery machine needs
Stitch counts run from 103 on the Brother SE700 to 300 on the Janome, with 207 on both Poolin 2-in-1 machines, 241 on the SE2000, 250 on the Singer and 291 on the NQ3550W. More stitches give you more decorative choices, while a smaller set is easier to learn.
Stitch count doesn't tell you how good each stitch looks, so compare the sewing options you'll use, such as zigzag, buttonholes and decorative stitches.
Software and wireless transfer
Each brand has its own software. Brother's SE2000 and SE700 use Design Database Transfer, the NQ3550W comes with BES Blue, the Singer uses mySewnet, and the Poolin machines use Institch.
Software matters most when you move designs often, so think about whether an app or a computer program fits how you work.
Sewing features worth checking before you buy
Buttonholes, stitch adjustment and presser feet decide how much sewing a combo can do for you, so look at those before you judge the embroidery side.
Buttonholes and stitch adjustment
The SE2000 and SE700 each offer 10 styles of one-step buttonholes that size themselves to your buttons. The Janome has 12 one-step buttonholes, and the Singer and both Poolin machines each have a one-step buttonhole.
The Poolin 2-in-1 machines let you adjust stitch width from 0 to 7 mm and stitch length from 0.2 to 5 mm, which helps with different fabrics.
Presser feet and included parts
The SE2000 and SE700 each include eight sewing feet, and the Janome includes nine. The Singer includes all-purpose, decorative, zipper, blind hem and buttonhole feet, plus an embroidery foot.
The NQ3550W includes a wide range of feet, among them open-toe and free-motion quilting feet. The NQ3550W, the Janome and both Poolin machines also point you to the right presser foot for each stitch, so you don't have to remember which one to fit.
Help and learning curve on a combo machine
Both Poolin 2-in-1 machines come with video lessons and one-on-one help, which is useful when you switch between sewing and embroidery. The NQ3550W has on-screen instructions for tasks such as winding the bobbin.
Give yourself a few evenings with the manual before your first project, since a combo has two sets of controls to learn. Keep your fingers clear of the needle while the machine runs, and unplug it before you change a needle.
Warranty and support
Brother gives the SE2000 and the SE700 a 25-year limited warranty on the chassis casting, with 2 years on electronics and 1 year on parts and labor. Brother's terms run from the original purchase date, so keep your receipt.
Janome gives the Memory Craft 1000 a 25-year limited warranty on mechanical parts, 2 years on electrical parts and 1 year on labor. Poolin gives the EOC05 2-in-1 a 1-year warranty.
We didn't find a warranty length for the NQ3550W, the Singer or the Poolin EOC03 2-in-1, so check with each maker before you buy. The Brother USA site has current Brother terms.
Which first projects suit a combo machine
Names, monograms and small gifts suit most combos here, since even the smaller fields handle a single name or initial. The Brother SE700 and the Singer have 10 built-in fonts, the Poolin machines have 8, and the SE2000 and NQ3550W have 13 each.
For hems, zippers and buttonholes, the sewing side matters most. The SE2000 and SE700 both include eight sewing feet, and the Janome includes nine.
Large projects such as jacket backs need the biggest hoop, so start with the NQ3550W and then the SE2000.
For a small patch or a monogram on a tote, the 4 x 4 in fields on the SE700 and the Poolin 2-in-1 machines are enough.
Which of the best sewing and embroidery combo machines to choose
For most home sewers the answer is the Brother SE2000, and the other six fit narrower needs.
- Pick the Brother SE2000 if you want a 5 x 7 in hoop, 241 built-in stitches and one machine that does both jobs.
- Pick the Brother NQ3550W if large designs, thread trimming and included software matter more than the premium price.
- Pick the Brother SE700 if you want a budget Brother combo and a 4 x 4 in hoop covers your projects.
- Pick the Poolin EOC05 2-in-1 if long lettering on a 4 x 9.25 in area matters and you don't mind changing the table.
- Pick the Janome Memory Craft 1000 if you want the most stitches in a compact combo.
- Pick the Singer SE9180 if you sew often and want a 7-inch screen with Wi-Fi progress alerts.
- Pick the Poolin EOC03 2-in-1 if you want two hoop sizes, a stabilizer set and video lessons in one box.
If you only need embroidery, our best beginner embroidery machines roundup covers simpler options.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a bigger hoop with sewing built in
Brother SE2000 sewing and embroidery machine
9.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for large designs on a 6 x 10 in field
Brother NQ3550W sewing and embroidery machine
9.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a first combo on a budget
Brother SE700 sewing and embroidery machine
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Which sewing and embroidery combo should I buy first?
The Brother SE2000 is the best all-round combo for most home sewers, because its 5 x 7 in hoop and 241 built-in stitches cover a wide range of projects. If you want a lower-cost start, the Brother SE700 is the budget Brother combo, with a smaller 4 x 4 in hoop.
What is the difference between a combo machine and an embroidery-only machine?
A combo sews and embroiders on one machine, so it can handle hems, mends and buttonholes as well as designs. An embroidery-only machine stitches designs and lettering but can't sew seams, so you'd need a separate sewing machine for clothing repairs.
Which combo has the biggest embroidery area?
The Brother NQ3550W has the largest field here at 6 x 10 in, which Brother says suits jacket backs and big designs. The Poolin 2-in-1 machines reach 4 x 9.25 in, the Brother SE2000 has a 5 x 7 in hoop, and the Brother SE700 stays at 4 x 4 in.
Is a Wi-Fi connection necessary on a combo?
No, but it's handy, because Wi-Fi sends designs to the machine without a cable. The Brother SE700 and SE2000 also have a built-in USB port if you'd rather use one, so a wireless network isn't required to stitch your own designs.
