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Embroidery Fit Guide How we pick

Best by hoop size· checked Nov 10

The best embroidery machine has your hoop size

Our pick for most first buyers

Our line drawing of a single-needle embroidery-only machine, the class the PE900 belongs to Our drawing · Real photos at Sewing Machines Plus

Brother PE900

USD 1,179.99 at Sewing Machines Plus1 Before sales tax · seen Nov 10, 2026

  • 5 × 7 inmax. area
  • 193designs
  • 650stitch/min
  • YesWi-Fi
Check price at Sewing Machines Plus
  • 60-day returns: shipping deducted; opened machines: ask first5, 6
  • Brother warranty: 1 yr parts & labor4

Hoop size decides what you can stitch in one go. Our pick for most first buyers is the Brother PE900: a 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) area, Wi-Fi and USB, up to 650 stitches per minute.2 Every other size is below, drawn to scale.

Not run by a machine maker or by Sewing Machines Plus. Our paid links go to that one shop, and we may earn a commission if you buy. We haven't used these machines: everything here comes from the makers' spec pages and manuals, the shop's listings and 36 sources. How we make money · How we pick

The ten needle heads and thread tension knobs of a multi-needle embroidery machine, in front of a stone wall Not one of the machines on this page · Photo: François GOGLINS · CC BY-SA 4.0 · modified

What a hoop size means

A machine stitches a design in one go only if it fits its maximum embroidery area. More needles mean more colors loaded at once, not a bigger design: the 4-needle MB-4Se and the single-needle MC550E both go beyond the 7.9 × 7.9 in (200 × 200 mm) square in one direction: 9.4 × 7.9 in and 7.9 × 14.2 in.20, 21

See the sizes drawn to scale

Drawn to scale

What each size really looks like

The maximum embroidery areas of the machines on this page, as their makers state them, over a US letter sheet.2, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20

letter sheet 6 4 5 2 3 1
  1. 1. Brother PE545: 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)
  2. 2. Brother PE900: 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm)
  3. 3. Janome MC100E: 5.5 × 5.5 in (140 × 140 mm)
  4. 4. Baby Lock Flare: 6.25 × 10.25 in (160 × 260 mm)
  5. 5. Janome MC400E: 7.9 × 7.9 in (200 × 200 mm)
  6. 6. Janome MC550E: 7.9 × 14.2 in (200 × 360 mm)
Our diagram, 1 unit = 1 mm. The letter sheet (8.5 × 11 in) is for scale.

By size class

Eight machines, from 4 × 4 in to multi-needle

All in stock with a price at Sewing Machines Plus on Nov 10, 2026. Machines the shop showed as sold out are left out.

Line drawing of a single-needle embroidery machine with its hoop

4 × 4 in

Brother PE545

USD 499.99 at the shop, seen Nov 1010

Names, initials, small motifs. The lowest price here.

Limit: Anything larger has to be split and re-hooped.11

Check PE545 at Sewing Machines Plus
Line drawing of a single-needle embroidery machine with its hoop

5 × 7 in

Brother PE900

USD 1,179.99 at the shop, seen Nov 101

Room for a name plus a motif, or a larger quilt-block design.

Limit: Single needle: one thread color at a time.2

Check PE900 at Sewing Machines Plus
Line drawing of a single-needle embroidery machine with its hoop

5.5 × 5.5 in

Janome Memory Craft 100E

USD 1,099 at the shop, seen Nov 1012

A square field, with a free starter kit until Dec 31 by the shop's offer.

Limit: USB stick only, no Wi-Fi.13

Check MC100E at Sewing Machines Plus
Line drawing of a single-needle embroidery machine with its hoop

6.25 × 10.25 in

Baby Lock Flare

USD 2,184.05 at the shop, seen Nov 1016

Long designs, such as a border or a larger panel, in one hooping.

Limit: Baby Lock's warranty wording on online purchases: ask the shop to confirm in writing.18

Check Flare at Sewing Machines Plus
Line drawing of a single-needle embroidery machine with its hoop

7.9 × 7.9 in

Janome Memory Craft 400E

USD 1,499 at the shop, seen Nov 1014

Large square designs and quilt blocks.

Limit: USB stick only; reads Janome's .jef format.14, 15

Check MC400E at Sewing Machines Plus
Line drawing of a single-needle embroidery machine with its hoop

7.9 × 14.2 in

Janome Memory Craft 550E

USD 2,999 at the shop, seen Nov 1019

The largest single-needle field here: jacket backs, big panels.

Limit: USD 2,999 and about 22 in wide; plan the table space.20

Check MC550E at Sewing Machines Plus
Line drawing of a multi-needle embroidery machine with a row of needles and thread cones

9.4 × 7.9 in, 4 needles

Janome MB-4Se

USD 4,999 at the shop, seen Nov 1021

Four colors loaded at once, a commercial-style set-up.

Limit: Shop's figures only; the screen is an extra option.21

Check MB-4Se at Sewing Machines Plus
Line drawing of a multi-needle embroidery machine with a row of needles and thread cones

11-3/4 × 7-7/8 in, 6 needles

Brother Entrepreneur PR680W

USD 12,599.99 at the shop, seen Nov 1022

Six colors loaded at once; the shop's bundle includes a cap frame set until Dec 31.

Limit: USD 12,599.99 and 83 lb: a small-business machine. Ask the shop whether it ships by freight (freight items are final sale).6, 23

Check PR680W at Sewing Machines Plus

Fit check

Will your largest design fit?

Pick the largest design you want to stitch in one hooping, and whether you want finished caps.24

Finished caps or hats?
Close-up of an embroidery machine needle stitching an outline design in a hoop Photo: Kritzolina · CC BY-SA 4.0 · modified

The offer

The 5 × 7 in step and the bigger fields

The PE900 is the lowest-priced 5 × 7 in machine we found at the shop. The bigger single-needle fields cost USD 1,499 to USD 2,999.1, 14, 16, 19

SpecBrother PE900Janome Memory Craft 400EBaby Lock FlareJanome Memory Craft 550E
Price (seen Nov 10)USD 1,179.991USD 1,49914USD 2,184.0516USD 2,99919
Max. embroidery area5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm)27.9 × 7.9 in (200 × 200 mm)156.25 × 10.25 in (160 × 260 mm)177.9 × 14.2 in (200 × 360 mm)20
Built-in designs193 (the shop's page also says 190)1160152931718020
Getting designs inWireless LAN (Design Database Transfer, Artspira app) and USB stick2USB stick15Wi-Fi (Design Database Transfer) and USB17USB stick, PC port20
At Sewing Machines Plus Check price of the PE900 at Sewing Machines Plus Check price of the MC400E at Sewing Machines Plus Check price of the Flare at Sewing Machines Plus Check price of the MC550E at Sewing Machines Plus
All specs (6 more rows)
More specs
SpecBrother PE900Janome Memory Craft 400EBaby Lock FlareJanome Memory Craft 550E
Hoops in the box5 × 7 in (13 × 18 cm)2SQ20b, 7.9 × 7.9 in (200 × 200 mm)156-1/4 × 10-1/4 in (160 × 260 mm), 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm)17RE36b 7.9 × 14.2 in, SQ20b 7.9 × 7.9 in, RE20b, SQ14b (shop's list)19
Built-in fonts1316151417620
Max. embroidery speed650 stitches per minute2860 stitches per minute15850 stitches per minute17860 stitches per minute20
File formats it reads.pes .phc .dst .pen2.jef14.pes .phc .dst17.jef .jef+ .jpx19
Weight22 lbs223.8 lbs1527 lbs1724.4 lbs, shop's figure19
Maker's warranty1 yr parts & labor41 yr labor, 5 yrs electronics14ask the shop to confirm16, 181 yr labor, 5 yrs electronics19

Specs as the makers state them on their product pages and manuals, unless marked as the shop's figures; prices are Sewing Machines Plus' before sales tax, seen Nov 10, 2026. Prices change; the shop's page is what counts. Full warranty wording is in the terms below.

The shop's terms, in plain words60 days from delivery, shipping not refunded, opened machines: refund or store credit (ask first)
  • 60-day money-back guarantee

    The shop's returns page: "You have 60 days from delivery to return any item that isn't marked final sale, opened or not." You start a return by phone or e-mail and get a return authorization first.5

  • Shipping isn't refunded, both ways

    The original shipping cost is deducted, "including orders that shipped free", and return shipping is paid by you. A machine without its original box and packing costs a 15 % restocking fee.5

  • Opened machines: two texts disagree

    The returns page refunds opened machines (minus shipping); the older refund policy says "Opened merchandise can be returned for a Store Credit". The older policy also lists items without the original factory box and freight items as non-returnable. Keep the box, and if you might return an opened machine, ask the shop in writing before you order.5, 6

  • Free shipping in the lower 48

    On orders over USD 49, to the contiguous 48 states; most in-stock orders arrive in 2 to 5 business days; items shipped by the maker or special-ordered show their own ship time on the product page. Not free to Alaska, Hawaii or the territories.7

  • Warranty after day 60

    Brother's limited warranty, as shown on the shop's LB5500M page: 1 year parts, labor and accessories, 2 years electronic components, 25 years chassis casting.4 The shop says it is "an authorized dealer for every brand we sell, so your warranty is valid".5

  • Price match

    Up to 30 days after purchase, as an in-store credit, against an authorized dealer's lower delivered price; some makers' pricing rules, Janome's for example, can prevent a match.8, 9

What it costs after you buyStabilizer, thread, needles and software: about USD 82–145 in month one
  • Stabilizer: about USD 9–18 a pack or roll

    Almost every design needs it under the fabric. Seen at the shop: 25 pre-cut tear-away sheets USD 8.99; a 10 in × 10 yd roll of tear-away USD 17.48 or cut-away USD 18.40; water-soluble 12 in × 10 yd USD 13.99.25, 26, 27, 28

  • Thread: USD 40 for 10 colors

    A 10-color kit of 40-weight polyester, 1,000 m spools, is USD 39.90; a 48-spool kit USD 169. Bobbin thread from about USD 7.29, 30, 31

  • Needles, spray, scissors: about USD 30

    Five 75/11 embroidery needles USD 4.39, temporary spray adhesive USD 13.79, double-curved embroidery scissors USD 9.95.32, 33, 34

  • Designs and software: free to start

    The PE900 reads .pes .phc .dst .pen.2 Brother's Design Database Transfer for Windows is free; editing software ranges from free (Ink/Stitch) to about USD 159 (Embrilliance's regular price, seen Nov 10, 2026) and much more for full digitizing suites.35, 36 File formats explained

Month one: about USD 82–145Shop prices seen Nov 10, 2026, our two sample baskets. The full list

Honest limits

Skip the PE900 if…

  • Your designs fit 4 × 4 in.The PE545 does that for USD 499.99, by the shop's price on Nov 10. First embroidery machines.
  • You want to sew too.The Brother SE2000 has the same 5 × 7 in area and sews. Sewing + embroidery machines.
  • You want long or large designs in one hooping.The Flare does 6.25 × 10.25 in, the Janome MC550E 7.9 × 14.2 in.
  • You want finished caps.That takes a cap frame on a tubular machine, such as the PR680W; the PE900 is a flatbed. A stitched patch works on any machine.
  • You work on a Mac only and want Wi-Fi from it.Brother's free Design Database Transfer runs on Windows. A USB stick or the Artspira phone app still work.

Not sure about the size?

See the hoop sizes guide, or let the fit tool match your projects, sewing, budget and table space.

Questions before you buy

Which hoop size do I need?

Measure the largest design you want to stitch in one go. It must fit inside the machine's maximum embroidery area. 4 × 4 in covers names and small motifs; 5 × 7 in adds room for bigger motifs; 6 × 10 in and up for long or large designs. See the sizes drawn to scale.

Is "5 × 7" the same as "7 × 5"?

Yes. Brother writes its frames height × width ("7 inches (H) × 5 inches (W)"); other sources write width first. The PE900's maximum is 180 × 130 mm.

Do I need a multi-needle machine?

Only if you want several colors loaded at once (fewer thread changes) or finished caps on a cap frame. They cost far more and take more set-up; most first machines are single-needle.

Can a bigger machine use smaller hoops?

Usually yes, with the maker's smaller hoops; check the machine's hoop list. The Flare comes with a 5 × 7 in hoop as well as its 6.25 × 10.25 in one, by the shop's list.

Can I send it back?

Within 60 days of delivery. The shop deducts the original shipping cost, even on free-shipping orders, and you pay return shipping. Its two return texts disagree on opened machines (refund or store credit), so keep the box.

Have you used these machines?

No. We don't test machines. Every figure comes from the makers' manuals and spec pages or the shop's listings, linked at the bottom.

Do you get paid if I buy?

Not yet. We plan to apply to Sewing Machines Plus' affiliate program on Awin; until it approves us, our links earn us nothing. Once approved, purchases through our links can earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. How we make money.

Ready to check today's price?

Brother PE900: USD 1,179.99 at Sewing Machines Plus before sales tax (seen Nov 10, 2026).

  • 5 × 7 in area (130 × 180 mm)
  • Wi-Fi and USB, up to 650 stitches per minute
  • 60-day returns: shipping deducted; opened machines: ask first
  • Brother warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Check price at Sewing Machines Plus Not sure yet? Try the fit tool
Sources (36) · checked Nov 10, 2026
  1. Sewing Machines Plus: Brother PE900, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  2. Brother: Brother PE900 Operation Manual (seen 2026-11-09)
  3. Brother: Brother PE900 included accessories (seen 2026-11-09)
  4. Sewing Machines Plus: Brother LB5500M Marvel, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  5. Sewing Machines Plus: SMP Returns & Refunds (seen 2026-11-10)
  6. Sewing Machines Plus: SMP Refund policy (seen 2026-11-10)
  7. Sewing Machines Plus: SMP Shipping & Delivery (seen 2026-11-10)
  8. Sewing Machines Plus: SMP Store Policies (seen 2026-11-10)
  9. Sewing Machines Plus: SMP Low Price Guarantee (seen 2026-11-10)
  10. Sewing Machines Plus: Brother PE545 WLAN Embroidery Machine, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  11. Brother: Brother PE545 Operation Manual (US) (seen 2026-11-09)
  12. Sewing Machines Plus: Janome MC100E, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  13. Janome Australia: Janome AU Memory Craft 100E (seen 2026-11-09)
  14. Sewing Machines Plus: Janome MC400E, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  15. Janome Australia: Janome AU Memory Craft 400E (seen 2026-11-09)
  16. Sewing Machines Plus: Baby Lock Flare, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  17. Baby Lock: Baby Lock Flare (seen 2026-11-09)
  18. Baby Lock: Baby Lock Warranty Policy (seen 2026-11-09)
  19. Sewing Machines Plus: Janome MC550E, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  20. Janome Australia: Janome AU MC550E (seen 2026-11-09)
  21. Sewing Machines Plus: Janome MB-4Se, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  22. Sewing Machines Plus: Brother PR680W, product page at Sewing Machines Plus (seen 2026-11-10)
  23. Brother: Brother PR680W Operation Manual (seen 2026-11-09)
  24. Brother: Brother PRS100 Operation Manual (seen 2026-11-09)
  25. Sewing Machines Plus: StayPerfect Medium Tearaway pre-cut stabilizer sheets, 25 pack (seen 2026-11-10)
  26. Sewing Machines Plus: OESD Medium Weight TearAway 10 in × 10 yd (seen 2026-11-10)
  27. Sewing Machines Plus: OESD Heavy Weight CutAway 10 in × 10 yd (seen 2026-11-10)
  28. Sewing Machines Plus: Floriani Stitch N Wash water-soluble stabilizer 12 in × 10 yd (seen 2026-11-10)
  29. Sewing Machines Plus: Robison-Anton spun poly bobbin thread 60 wt, 1,100 yd (seen 2026-11-10)
  30. Sewing Machines Plus: Exquisite Polyester 10 Color Thread Kit (seen 2026-11-10)
  31. Sewing Machines Plus: Floriani Polyester Embroidery Thread Kit 48 spools (seen 2026-11-10)
  32. Sewing Machines Plus: Schmetz 75/11 Chrome Embroidery Needles 5 pk (seen 2026-11-10)
  33. Sewing Machines Plus: 505 Spray Adhesive 6.22 oz (seen 2026-11-10)
  34. Sewing Machines Plus: Havels Double Curved Embroidery Scissors 3.5 in (seen 2026-11-10)
  35. Ink/Stitch: Ink/Stitch (seen 2026-11-09)
  36. Embrilliance: Embrilliance Essentials (seen 2026-11-10)