The Brother LB6800PRW sewing machine may be the replacement model for the popular SE400 combination sewing and embroidery machine. The only difference between the two is the model number, the Project Runway label and the included rolling tote bag. The other difference? The LB6800PRW is usually in stock whereas the SE400 has slowly been disappearing from retailers inventories.
Brother’s year end rebate through 2010 for the SE400 was perhaps a sign of things to come. Since the start of 2011, finding the SE400 in stock has been rough but it is still regularly available at places like Amazon.
I have watched the online trends for both models for quite some time. It’s not unusual for a manufacturer, especially Brother, to produce the exact same sewing machine under multiple model numbers. There are a number of reasons for doing this – a private label relationship with another well-known brand or store is probably number one (i.e., Project Runway).
But at some point does it make sense to cut that down to fewer model numbers? Was that the goal of the rebate – to drive down remaining supplies? Us outsiders may never know the reasoning behind the moves made by sewing machine manufacturers.
I’ve wondered for awhile, though, as each day it became harder and harder to find the SE400. It’s still showing up for sale on Amazon, too, but the listing will often say “Temporarily Out of Stock”. You can still order it that way, but since it’s not in stock you’ll have to wait some undefined period of time for it to arrive. Another popular, low priced, online option was Walmart but they’ve been out of stock all month.
What I do know, though, is that the SE400 offered a very affordable entrance to machine embroidery for the home sewer and hopefully more people will discover that they can still find that incredible blend of features in the Brother LB6800PRW. So, if you’ve been shopping for the SE400 without any luck, make sure to look for it under the LB6800PRW model number. The rolling tote bag? Just the icing on the cake.
You could be right. The problem for me is that the LB6800PRW is more than $100 more than the SE400 was. And I don’t really want the PRW logo or rolling bag.
Linda – I agree with you. I know I would probably not use the bag either so for me it’s hard to justify the higher price. However, keep your eyes on Amazon. Just two days ago they had two more in stock at $399 which was the lowest I’ve seen it on their site in weeks. They’re out of stock again but now the listing price is $369. I know a couple of people have ordered it through them even when the listing said that it is temporarily out of stock and they’ve just had to wait a couple of weeks for it to show up. Also Costco has a package for the LB6800 that doesn’t include the bag, comes with a set of colored threads and has a lower price than the full LB68000PRW price. If you’re already a member it’s a deal.
Some options anyway. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I’ve been searching for new machine, had decided on the Brother SE-400, then starting comparing prices and came up with more information than I knew what to do with. First machine is hard to find, instead came accross others- LB-6800THRD at Costco for $389.99 and it has a bonus 12pc thread pack.(The SE400 at Walmart is $389.99) And I also found LB-6800PRW for $698.00 with a Grand Slam Package which includes 61 Full size spools of Embroidery thread + 144 prewound bobbins,+ cap hoop + stablizer + 15,000 Embroidery designs + scissors+ rolling carrier. My question is: Are these machines the same, with same features and if so, is the $698.00 machine worth the extra cash to get the extras, since more than likely some of them you would purchase later and have to pay extra for them?
Shirley – This site’s review of the SE400 (you can see it here) has become so long I often wonder if I haven’t just made things more confusing. Then you add all of those other model numbers and you need a whole spreadsheet to keep it all straight. Literally. I have a spreadsheet. 🙂
The Brother SE400, the Brother LB6800PRW, and the Brother LB6800THRD are the exact same sewing machine EXCEPT the 6800PRW comes with the Project Runway label on the machine and a Project Runway rolling tote bag and the 6800THRD comes with fewer accessories but a thread kit.
You’re right – it’s been very hard to find the SE400 in stock lately and the Brother LB6800PRW Grand Slam does offer a way to get the machine for a discount against today’s current pricing.
I looked up the best online prices I could find for each of the separate parts (the 61 spools of thread, the 144 prewound bobbins, the cap hoop, the roll of stabilizer, the 3 CD set of 15,000 embroidery designs, the Stork embroidery scissors, the rolling tote bag, and the Thread Converter Pro software) and then added the cost of buying the SE400 separately on Amazon. Looks like the Grand Slam package is cheaper by about $30 and comes with everything else you’d need to start embroidering with the SE400. A great package if you’re just starting out and don’t have a supply of these notions already in your sewing cabinet. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
May I ask how this machine is for SEWING? I.e.; does it lack sewing quality due to packing in the embroidery feature?
I’m looking at this vs. the Brother CS-6000i vs. the PC-420. Not really into the embroidery thing and if I really wanted something embroidered, I guess I’d find someone with a mega serious machine to do something for me. Just thought it would be fun if it didn’t sacrifice sewing quality. Thank you!
Lisa – The quality of the stitches on the SE400 is as good as that of the CS6000i. I haven’t seen the PC420 stitches in person but I’m pretty sure they would not be of lesser quality than the other two models considering the branding with PRW and the strong focus on garment construction. I’ve seen the stitches for myself on the other two and they’re great. In fact, somewhere around here (glances at pile of sewing material…sighs…and looks away!), I have a sample from a test I did. They’re even, the threads in the satin stitches are close, and the stitch process happens smoothly.
All good choices! Hope this helps. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin, Thanks so much for your quick response. I still can’t decide if I want to spend the extra $300.00 for the Grand Slam package. I have just recently started back sewing after several years, only lately been doing mending of things for grandchildren and daughter, I’ve made curtains for their rooms and lounge pants, now they are old enough to ask for things, they want Nana to make clothes for their AG dolls and their Barbie dolls. I have a cheap basic Singer and looking to upgrade, so I’ve been doing a lot of looking, and after reading all the reviews of the machine (SE400) and their twins(6800). I was also thinking about a Serger, because of sewing the small items I’ve been requested to make, that it would be nice to have, but in reading the reviews here, you stated that the SE400 has a side cutter that with stitch function it acts as a serger. Is this so, and does the 6800s do the same thing? And do you think that this machine will do all I want? I will be making doll and children’s clothing along with some Adult things, curtains, maybe do alittle quilting(been wanting to learn more)
have made fleece blankets with lining in past. Also, may want to do outdoor cushions, like with canvas or duck fabric, and add some personal touches to things for the grandchildren with the embroidery. So after all that I’ve said- do you think this machine is the right one for me? And if so, the SE400 or 6800 either one will do? Thanks, Shirley
Shirley – Oh, so cute when the grandkids ask for you to make stuff! They’re going to want to use your machine, too, at some point I bet. 😉
Yes, the side cutter presser foot is so neat and it acts like a mini-serger. The Brother SA177 Side Cutter Presser Foot does fit the 6800, too – either version.
Do I think this machine will do all the things you want to do? Yes. Truly. And when you get your hands on those embroidery patterns and you start using them on the doll clothes, you’re going to be glad you got this one. And then embroidering your granddaughter’s name on her little things…well…you can see that’s going to be something special. 😉
As for the extra $300, I’d look at it this way. It doesn’t sound like you’re going to use all of the things in that kit right away, if at all (cap hoop, for example…?) and just because I chose the best prices I could find online today for those items doesn’t mean that you couldn’t get the items you really did need over time for less money with a little comparison shopping and some ad-watching. You mentioned you wanted to get into quilting, for example, so maybe you want to get either the SE400 or either of the 6800 models (whichever package deal is best when you go to buy…) and instead buy a few extras that will help you immediately like a walking foot to help with quilting and working with fleece, a good assortment of colored threads for the embroidery functions, some stabilizer, maybe some extra bobbins and then see where that takes you. This way you know you’ll be using the extra money for things you really will need and use even if it costs you a few dollars more here and there. My two cents (and it’s almost midnight here so keep that in mind – lol!). 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks so much for your help! I think I’ve decided to do like you said and wait on spending the extra $300.00. I’m going to go with the LB-6800THRD at Costco for $389.99 with the bonus thread pack. At my local Walmart they have the SE400 now at store for $389.00 too, but at Costco I get the Bonus Thread Pack, and since I’m just getting started back into this, that way I can work with the new tools I’m getting which will be a plus and only spend as I need to add more. I will get the SA177 side cutter foot. And do you have a number for the walking foot? And what about a quilting guide? And do you think I may need a teflon foot SA114 or an SA132 even feed walking foot? since I’ll be sewing silky fabrics for those Barbie dolls(you know the girls will want me to make them a wedding dress). I’m going to bite the bullet today and order my machine online at Costco, they don’t have it at store. Thanks again for your help, will be waiting to hear your advise on the attachments.
Shirley
Thanks so much for your help! I think I’ve decided to do like you said and wait on spending the extra $300.00. I’m going to go with the LB-6800THRD at Costco for $389.99 with the bonus thread pack. At my local Walmart they have the SE400 now at store for $389.00 too, but at Costco I get the Bonus Thread Pack, and since I’m just getting started back into this, that way I can work with the new tools I’m getting which will be a plus and only spend as I need to add more. I will get the SA177 side cutter foot. And do you have a number for the walking foot? And what about a quilting guide? And do you think I may need a teflon foot SA114 or an SA132 even feed walking foot? since I’ll be sewing silky fabrics for those Barbie dolls(you know the girls will want me to make them a wedding dress). I’m going to bite the bullet today and order my machine online at Costco, they don’t have it at store. Thanks again for your help, will be waiting to hear your advise on the attachments.
Shirley
Glad I could help! Sounds like a solid plan. And of course – a Barbie wedding dress!! Modeled after Princess Kate, perhaps? 😉
For the walking foot you can get either the Brother SA140 Even Feed/Walking Foot or the Brother SA188 Open Toe Walking Foot. (The difference is that you can use the open toe model with side to side stitches whereas the regular walking foot only works with the straight stitch).
The Brother SA132 Quilting Guide can attach to a pin hole in the walking foot.
For the teflon foot, if you’re going to sew any gauzy fabrics (like wedding veils…) then I’d say yes so you don’t burn or rip any of those sheer materials.
I think I covered them all there but let me know if I missed anything.
You’re going to have so much fun!
Sincerely,
Erin
I too am trying to decide between the SE400 and the LB6800PRW with grand slam. My question is, does anybody know what that 15,000 design includes? I am going to be using my machine primarily for monogramming and was interested to know if there are more fonts included in that 15,000. If not, I’ll just invest the extra money in monogramming software and get the SE400.
Thanks!
Liz
Liz – I called and confirmed that there are additional fonts in the 15,000 designs that come with the Brother LB6800PRW and Grand Slam Package. Because the machine reads them as individual embroidery designs you have to sew one letter at a time, unlike the built-in fonts. Takes a little more work to do a name or a phrase with those but they are in there. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you so much for your quick response! That really helps!
Liz
Does anyone know if the SE400 will fit into any kind of sewing cabinet? Based on the cabinets I’ve looked at, I’m thinking the answer is no. It doesn’t specifically list the model as one that won’t fit into the cabinet(s) but I’m basing it off the dimensions. For those that have an SE400, where do you sew and store your machine? Thanks!
Jennifer – Have you considered a sewing machine cabinet like this: Arrow Model 98503 Compact and Versatile Cabinet with Convenient Air-Lift – Black Finish? This cabinet has an air lift so you can move the sewing machine up or down as needed. This helps when you have a combination sewing and embroidery machine with a removable embroidery arm like the SE400. The dimensions fit the SE400, too, although the universal insert is too small and you’ll need to get a custom insert (which you can also get) to completely fill in the machine opening.
Other than that, I haven’t been able to find a machine cabinet that lists this model or any of the other Brother models that share the same dimensions but lots of embroidery machine users mention getting a cabinet with an air lift as beneficial.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks Erin! I actually did look at that one and another from the same company, just a little bigger. I know I definitely want the SE400 machine, so I think I’ll get it and then measure and see what might work table wise. I know I can always use the dining room table in the meantime if I need to. That’s good to know about the airlift, too! Thanks for your help!!
Thank you SEW much for this very informative website!
I am the proud owner of the Brother LB-6800THRD which is supposedly the same as several other models, the LB-6800PRW and SE 400 to name a couple. I haven’t sewn in quite some time and my old machine was is a 30 year old Viking non-computerized model.
I do have a few questions that I hope you can answer and that might help others as well:
Is this machine considered a “low shank” machine?
Does it use what is often referred to “snap on” feet?
Do you know if there is an ADJUSTABLE bias tape foot for this machine, genuine Brother or aftermarket?
The Brother website leaves a lot to be desired (to me) for purchasing bobbins, feet and the like…do you have a favorite online website that you particularly like?
I really appreciate any and all help that you can give me on this subject, and once again, thank you for your very informative and helpful website.
Sue
I forgot to mention that my machine, the LB-6800THRD (from Costco) fits nicely into the generic rolling tote that is sold at Joann’s (including the embroidery accessory.) (They were just on sale for about $35) There is a little bit of space off to one side. I am hoping to find a separate “sewing box” of some type that I can put on top of the rolling tote and then attach to the uprights of the handle (velcro maybe?) so I’ll have pretty much a “self-contained” sewing center.
AND one more little thing: I don’t like the little pouch that comes with the machine that is supposed to hold all the attachments and accessories, so I looked around my house and found a plastic case that held flushable wipes that holds all the goodies nicely. (Sorry if the ‘flushable’ part was TMI, just wanted folks to know it’s the smaller size box, not the standard sized wipe box!) 🙂
Sue
Flushable wipes. I happen to have a container just like that…we’ll leave it at that. LOL! A rolling tote is the best and that’s a great price. Love the idea of using the container for the accessories. Mine came with just a ziplock baggie type thing and I haven’t even bothered putting it back into the free arm. I have it sitting on a dresser and I keep thinking I’ll get more organized and clean out one of the dresser drawers for all of my parts and bobbins and such. Hasn’t happened yet… 😉
Erin
Sewing Sue – Nice to have you here!
You’re going to love that machine. 😉 As you may be able to tell from the comments on this site on the SE400 page, it’s extremely popular.
In answer to your questions:
1. This is a low-shank machine.
2. It does use snap-on presser feet.
3. This adjustable bias foot should fit: Adjustible Bias-Binder Foot ESG-ABB.
You’re spot on about the Brother website. Here’s a tip – because the SE350, SE400, LB6800 and the LB6770 are all mostly the same machine, anything that is compatible with one is compatible with the others – it’s just that not all product listings will give all four model numbers. I think they like to make us work. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you so much Erin! I was away from sewing for awhile and I’m really looking forward to taking it up again.
As for the model numbers, I’m keeping a list of all the numbers that this machine uses so I won’t get stuck buying accessories and notions. I appreciate all the information, you have a great website.
Happy Sewing,
Sue
Not to throw more confusion, but since I’ve been going back and forth – i now found the Brother LB6800-PRW on QVC for 441, which is more than 389 but you can make 4 payments to get it. They also have the SE400 for 389.00 with 3 value payments.
Costco has it cheaper but you have to pay upfront. I think getting the thread package is good but someone said it came with less
of the other items? I’ll check again but just wanted to throw the QVC into the mix.
I just got a LB6800THRD. My question is….what size prewound bobbins does it use. I want to order online and I can’t find it anywhere in the manual.
Thanks,
Cheryl
Cheryl – the Brother LB6800PRW takes SA156 plastic bobbins – a class 15 bobbin. These are 7/16ths of an inch deep. These Polystar Prewound Plastic Style “M”, SA156 and 15J Bobbins 144 ea. For Brother, Singer, Janome and Babylock Embroidery Machines fit the LB6800PRW.
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin, My name is Lorri, I am SEW GLAD I stumbled upon your web site. I am wanting to get into sewing, it has been MANY MANY years since I have sewn, I have the brother cs6000i, but wanted to do embroidering as well so I have been researching all day, and have narrowed my decision down to TWO: SE400 or LB6800THRD, I think I will go with the LB6800THRD, my question is does this come with the photostitch software, if NOT how much is the price of the software(cheapest) and am I able to use a 5×7 loop, and with the photostitch software am I able to upload a picture I have on my computer to the machine to embroider like for example a wedding picture…
Thank you in advance,
Lorri
Well I went with the SE-400 instead, as I didn’t see it being much of a deal either having to pay $50 membership fee, or $20 for non-member fee…. Now I am anxiously waiting for it, and will be YOUTUBE.COM classes, instructions etc..
Thank you in advance,
Lorri
forgot to add that it was Costco Fees..
Lorri – Sorry for my delayed response. Sounds like you made a good decision and I know you’ll be pleased with the extras that come with the SE400. Neither the LB6800THRD nor the SE400 come with photo software that will let you embroider your own photos. The software section up above describes the different software options including one that works for digitizing your own designs. So far, that appears to be the most expensive type of embroidery software. There are some free options for editing designs organizing your patterns but I don’t think we’ve found a free option for digitizing yet.
You also are limited to a 4×4 embroidery size although software can help you break up larger designs into 4×4 sections so that you can complete the design with the SE400. I think you”ll find it’s sufficient for most home projects.
Enjoy your new machine – there’s so much it can do!
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin, I am not seeing a software section up above like you said. Can you post a link to it here, Please.
Thanks,
Lorri
Lorri – Absolutely! Here you go: https://www.erinsayssew.com/brother-se400-computerized-embroidery-sewing-machine-review/#Software.
Thanks!
Erin
Thanks for this post, I just happened to come across it somehow and it’s been very helpful. Just thought I’d let you know. : )
GC – Thank you! I always like to hear that the site has been helpful. My little labor of love. Some days it gets a bit neglected but it’s always on my mind. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
I am glad I found your site. Great information. I have decided on buying the SE400, but it says refurbished. What do you think about refurbished machines sold from a brother retailer? Since this will be my first embroidery machine, what other items do I need to buy to get started. Also, I understand that it will connect to my computer but do I need to buy software first. Do I have to buy cartridges or can I find the same images on computer.
My husband is getting this for my birthday and I want to make sure he gets everything I need to get started. I know lame birthday gift for most, but this is what I wanted. Lol.
Vikki – I don’t think this is a lame gift at all! There are so many beautiful things you can do with an embroidery machine that it’s not like “work”. Not like getting a steam iron or something. 😉
I think refurbished machines can be a good deal. I’ve seen some items marked as refurbished that are brand new in the box but because it was a return it had to be refurbished. If this is from a Brother retailer, it’s likely been inspected by a licensed tech so – one would hope – it’s in good shape. Now, the more complex the sewing machine, the more careful you want to be buying a refurbished model but see if the store has a return policy so that you can at least have 30 days to run the machine through its paces and still return it if something goes wrong.
As for supplies, you’re going to need a good deal of white and black embroidery bobbin thread, an assortment of colored embroidery thread (otherwise you’re not going to have any fun at all), some embroidery snips (little scissors used to trim the little embroidery threads in between designs or letters), some stabilizer material (you place this under your fabric before placing inside the embroidery hoop), and extra bobbins and needles. Wouldn’t hurt to get some yards of practice material, too.
As for downloading designs, you do not need any software in order to sew downloaded designs with the SE400. You can organize the designs and send them to your SE400 to be sewn with just the USB cord. However, if you want to see the design on your screen, edit it, or embroider your own images, then you would need software.
You do not have to buy the cartridges as you can find a HUGE selection of designs online. The cartridges include a set of designs although you might only be interested in one of them so it might be less expensive to just find single patterns online as you need them. The Brother website updates free designs you can download, too.
Happy Birthday! Wishing you loads of fun on your new embroidery machine. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Great and thank you. I am looking right now for those items. I am hoping to use this machine for a little extra spending money. I am a stay at home mom and would like to make money of my own. I think I will start with advertising baby things embroidered. Of course after a lot of practice. How, if you do embroidery for others, do you come up with pricing. Is that too personal of a question. I just don’t know where to start with pricing. I don’t want to be ridculus but I also don’t want to do it for free. But I want to be cheap enough for people to say “I’ve got just the person for you”.
Vikki – I don’t think asking about pricing is too personal at all. Of course, I don’t make items to sell so that may not say very much. To figure out a price for your work, keep track of all the material costs that went into your project. Your price needs to cover at least the cost of materials or you’d be operating at a loss. Come up with a reasonable profit and add that to your material costs to come up with a selling price. Finally, double check that your selling price isn’t out of line with comparable items.
An example would be if you made embroidered throw pillows. If each pillow requires $10 in supplies and comparable pillows cost $35, you could price yours anywhere from $11-35. You might have to test out a few prices to find the right strategy that brings you a good amount of business and yet still provides a good return for your time.
That’s a really rough idea of the process. The definition of “comparable pillows” is critical.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Erin
I am wanting to get a sewing machine/ embroidery machine — prefer the combination. My walmart store has a couple of the SE 400 in stock. And has for quite some time. My concern is however, I have specific company logos (2 non profits) that I work for, and would like to be able to put THEIR logo’s on shirts… is this possible with the SE 400? I am NOT a sewer, but wouldn’t mind looking into it for the future, but my main reason is for embroidery.
Ann – Yes, you can do this with the SE400 but you will need to do one of two things in order to embroider your logos using this machine. You will either need to buy digitizing software in order to convert your logo into an embroidery file OR you can use a digitzing service to convert the logo for you. If you’re not going to need the software for anything but these logos, using a service for one or two logos is probably cheaper. You can do a search online for embroidery digitizing services and then get a few quotes and read testimonials on the sites that look to provide the best service.
That’s a really neat idea, btw. My dad works with a non-profit and they do some kids camps and we never thought about doing something with embroidery and the organization’s logo for the kids. Hmmm…thinking now. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin,
I’ve found your site very informative. Thank you!
My husband wants to get me an embroidery machine for my birthday also and after reading through the above comments, revisited Costco (we are members) and found PE700IIPKG. For only $200 more the embroidery field increases to 5 x 7 (I was concerned about being limited to a 4 x 4).
What can you tell me about the 700?
Thank you!
PS – I’d love to get a little side action going before Christmas with lots of gifts and sellable items. Real interested in the embroidery function. Thank you!
Debbie – Making extra money from your embroidery is always an added benefit! Look for deals on embroidery thread in advance and buy in bulk to keep your costs down and maximize profits.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Erin
Debbie – I did a comparison at one point between the Brother PE770, the Brother PE780, and the Janome MC300E. While I did not include the PE700, there might be some useful information for you in that post based on the similarities between the PE770 and the PE700. You can read that post here.
The PE700II at Costco has the same features as the PE770 and excellent ratings. It’s a great choice!
Happy Birthday!
Erin
I stumbled across this as I was looking for information on these 2 machines. I haven’t been able to find what I have been looking for anywhere. I thought one of you would be know enough about these machine to answer my question. I currently have a basic sewing machine. I am thinking of upgrading to a combo since I would like to start embroidery. I have been looking at sewing/quilting machines since I make quilts. Now my question is can I quilt on the SE-400 or the LB6800PRW? I was looking at getting the SQ-9000 until I thought about embroidery.
Susan – Yes, yes yes! You can quilt using the Brother SE400 or the LB6800PRW. They even come with the stippling – or quilting – stitch and a number of other stitches that you can use with quilting. You can also get compatible quilting presser feet. The functionality on this machine is very similar to the SQ9000, too.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thank you for the quick reply. My machine doesn’t have the space to allow me to do free motion correctly. I looked at the pictures of the se400 and I see there is a rectangle block that I am assuming is for the embroidery frames is this removable? I would be able to answer all my own questions if I could just get my hands on a se400 to test but I can’t find one any where except online.
Susan – Getting your hands on one ahead of time is nearly impossible as the SE400 is only sold online. It’s part of how Brother is able to keep the cost so low. However, the Innov-is 950D is a Brother’s Disney version of this machine and is sold in their retail stores. The size and layout are the same. You can demo that one and then see what you think before buying the SE400 or the LB6800PRW. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin,
Thank you so much for having this website. I went from having my ‘scouts’ sew their own vests thru a class to wanting a sewing machine myself. Basically for mending, hemming and simple projects. I’ve been so lost trying to decide what type of machine I needed, trying to stay under $100. And then my husband shows me the SE-400 at Wal-mart yesterday. I had no interest in embroidery until then, but looking at what it can do, I got hooked. I was actually comparing the SE-400 to the LB-6800 as well, so THANKS! for letting us know they’re the same. Wal-mart must have gotten some in for the holiday season, so please let everyone know (stores in Michigan have stock). Are you sure that one doesn’t have more current software or extra accessories than the other (other than the tote)?
Hello,
I have just purchased an LB-6800. My motivation was the dry cleaners wanting $50 to replace zippers in our two winter coats. I’ve been learning a lot on line and see that you can purchase embrodiery thread in a large 5500 yard size. Will the Brother LB-6800 take this size spool? I found a great price on the larger bobbins.
Thank you,
Rose
If they don’t fit you could always use a thread stand behind the machine. The 5500 yd spools from metroemb dot com are 5 in tall and 2 1/4 in wide. I just put the spool in a 6 in by 2 1/2 in round plastic container and place it behind the machine. Works like a charm on my Brother SE400.
I’ve been thinking about buying a machine, but am interested in one that embroiders so I can make labels for the things I make. My mom has an old Singer at home (currently inside a a large sewing cabinet) that I could have (70’s era) that I have used before years ago, but I was thinking about just upgrading. I’ve been looking into the SE 400 and the LB 6800 PRW and all the things people are saying about them being the same. But even though amazon is currently selling them for about the same price, the list prices are much different: $899.00 for the SE-400 and $599.00 for the PRW. So I thought it was odd how people were complaining on amazon about the prw one being more money just because you are getting the “name”. I went to brother’s site and the specs do seem the same, except the machine weight for the PRW is listed as 16.09 lbs and the SE-400 as 10.9 lbs. Does anyone know why this would be?
Also, since for now I’m only really interested in embroidery to make labels and such, are there some cheaper sewing machines that do some simple basic lettering? I thought I had seen one, and I didn’t want to spend extra money if I don’t need to.
Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
They’re identical except the LB6800PRW comes with Project Runway logos on it and also has a carry bag. I think the LB6800PRW is now $37 more than the SE400 on Amazon. The weight difference may just be a difference in the way the total shipping weight and the machine weight are called out … maybe a typo. The SE400 definitely weighs more than 10.9 pounds! Maybe more like 10.9 Kilos. 😉
p.s. Just weighed my SE400 and it comes in at 17+ pounds on my digital scale.
p.p.s. Today’s computerized sewing/embroidery machines weight a LOT less as they do not need all those myriad cams and gears that earlier machines needed to make all the fancy stitches. 😉
Thanks. I found out my mom’s old Singer is a Creative Touch 1036, so I’m thinking about upgrading. But does anyone know how some of the brother machines that have alphanumeric stitches perform? I haven’t been able to find much in the way of examples or info. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this site. It has been so amazingly helpful – I had just about given up finding a place for this kind of guidance when I stumbled on your site.
I’m looking at buying this machine as it’s just what I want for a starter machine and a great price. All the info you’ve provided has solidified my decision. Now it’s just doing the research to find the best price for whichever “style” of the 400 that I get.
I started out looking at the costco deal with the thread, but I see that its $39 less at Amazon today, but without the thread. It seems that someone commented somewhere that the costco version comes with fewer accessories. Is this the case, and if so, does anyone know what the different accdessory list is?
Hi,
Thanks, I’ve found your site very helpful in exploring the SE400 vs lb6800. Just wanted to let everyone know both machines are offered at Overstock.com at the same prices as Amazon.
I just ordered the lb 6800prw and would like to know if anyone has a sewing cabinet they could recommend that it would fit . Would also like a lift in it. Thanks for any suggestions. I am worried about the dementions of the machine and it fitting the opening of cabinet.
Thanks so much for this site!
I was wondering if the 6800 and SE400 are the same and if they’d be a good deal.
Now I know and can’t wait to order! Seems to be the perfect machine for me.
sewing, little embroidery and even quilting. Wow!
By the way I looked on walmart deals and they are currently only $3 apart (but the 6800 is newer and you get the bag, so I’d go fot that).
Do you know if they have a voltage regulation, so that I can take it with me in a few years when we move abroad?
Am looking at the SE400 & Brother 6800thrd. Does the se400 have the 1,10 & 90degree
rotation like the 6800?
Ronni – Yes, the SE400 rotates patterns 1 degree at a time, 10 degrees at a time or 90 degrees at a time. This allows you complete rotation control. If you needed to rotate by just 5 degrees, you’d press the 1 degree rotation 5 times. You can also rotate both to the left or to the right. (The two machines actually share the same manual so all features are identical.)
That’s a great question because I haven’t covered a great deal of embroidery pattern control in the review.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks-can you put the sa434 hoop on the se400 for larger patterns?
Ronni – Yes, you can use the SA434 hoop on the SE400 (and on the LB6800PRW). You can see a full list of compatible hoop sizes here.
Thanks!
Erin
What about the Brother Innov-is 950D for embroidery? How big is the hoop size?
Hi, Ronni!
The Innov-is 950D uses the same hoop sizes as the SE400 and is compatible with the SA431 (2 x 1 1/2 in), SA432 (4 x 4 in), and SA434 (6 3/4 x 4 in) hoops.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks you for the valuable info on your website & the quick response to questions. With what I found & read, I just purchased the 6800thrd from Costco, I want to make embroidered quilt labels for my quilts, I feel the hoop size will work for that. In the future I could buy the sa434 hoop for larger designs. Thank you Erin.
Ronni, you’re very welcome! I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new machine. Quilt labels? What a great idea! I’ve never tackled a quilt but my mother-in-law and a friend of mine are heavy quilters and I don’t know that they’ve ever done labels. I’ll have to share with them!
Good luck and thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Erin
Erin, I see that you commented on the LB6800PRW with the grand slam over a year ago (Feb 2011). I’m looking at that package for my daughter’s middle school graduation gift (her request). I’ve found the machine alone on Amazon for about $360, but the grand slam machine/option is $698. I’m not sure what that the price difference was when you originally compared. I’m trying to explain to her that she can buy a lot of supplies that she needs with the $300+ saved without the grand slam package. She is drawn by the huge selection of designs and has not been able to find the 15000+ designs disc for sale anywhere else. Plus, it seems that the threads can be pricy. The package seems like a lot of great stuff, just not sure it’s stuff she’ll use/need and I have no idea if it’s a good buy based on the lower price of the machine today. I’d greatly appreciate your thoughts. Thanks so much.
Sheri – Oh, I recently had a similar discussion with my son. He’s buying his first car and was looking at cars that would have cost all of his savings. When I pointed out that he’d need money left over for taxes, fees, registration and…oh…gas, his opinion changed. He managed the transition pretty quickly so I hope you’ll find the following information helps your daughter do the same. 😉
Here’s everything that comes with the Grand Slam package along with the retail cost if you were to buy the item separately:
The total is $219.99 without including a value for the 15,000 embroidery designs. The difference between buying with or without the Grand Slam package is about $340. Subtract the $220 (219.99) from the difference and you’re paying $120 for the 15,000 embroidery designs.
Now it’s left to determine if that $120 for the designs is worth it. First, 15,000 is a LOT Of designs. She’d have to embroider 20 designs a day every day for two years to use each of them once. Many of them will be things she wouldn’t find useful or of interest to her so she’s not really getting 15,000 designs she’d ACTUALLY use but more like maybe 5,000 designs she’d like and of those only 1000 she might truly stitch.
The alternative is to look for a cheaper set of designs and nothing is cheaper than free. You can download 1500 designs here for free: http://www.annthegran.com/FreeDesigns.aspx and if you join their membership site (which is $59.99 for a year), you get more designs PLUS discounts on stabilizer, etc.
She can also get up to 3 free embroidery designs here each week: http://www.embroiderydesigns.com/free_embroidery_design_download.aspx
Then there’s the cost of fabric, a cutting mat, a cutting wheel, needles, patterns – that extra $340 could go a long way towards building up a nice set of supplies and get her exactly the things she wants (and will USE) from the Grand Slam package instead of getting everything whether she’d use it or not.
It’s like customizing her supplies to be a much better fit and utilizing free online resources to save that money.
Hope that helps! Either way, she’s going to get a great gift!
Sincerely,
Erin
I’ve been told by a local dealer that the Innov-IS 950D has more metal parts than the LB6800PRW, but as far as I can tell from Brother’s website, they are nearly identical machines … with the 950D having the Disney designs built-in and maybe a couple other accessories.
Same dealer also told me that the Disney character designs could NOT be downloaded from iBroidery.com and used on the LB6800PRW, but ONLY on the 950D. That doesn’t seem right.
Anyone here with experience that can let me know if this is true?
Thanks!
Boyd
Boyd – Multiple Brother dealers have been reported as saying that the Brother machines that are available for sale online have more plastic parts than the ones available only in the dealer brick and mortar locations. That may be true however, the implication is that the machines with more plastic will have a higher likelihood of breakdown and I have not found any information that would prove that is the case. Some of these models have been around for more than 10 years and still have high ratings from people who have had them that long.
I’m just as confused as you by the dealer’s statement about Disney designs not being compatible with the LB6800PRW. Right on the ibroidery site you can choose the LB6800PRW model, choose character designs and see a selection of 674 Disney patterns that are supposedly compatible with this model. That’s Brother’s site so I’d go with that information over the dealer’s info in this instance. Even on Brother’s product page for this item it says that it is ibroidery compatible and that you can download from thousands of “licensed” patterns.
Fun stuff sifting through the “facts”, isn’t it? 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin,
Just wanted to follow-up with some official information that I received back from Brother’s Tech Support (no need to buy both machines and take them apart). They didn’t say this information was confidential, so I think it’s fine to say this information here…
——– Email received December 10, 2013 ———-
Dear Boyd,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us and your interest in the Brother home sewing and embroidery machines.
The machines are built the same. Of course the NV-950D has Disney designs built-in and is sold by our Brother authorized Dealers. So they will offer training and support on the product as well. Parts and accessories for the machines would be interchangeable.
Hope this information is helpful. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again.
Sincerely,
Customer Service
Brother International Corporation
——–
So, there you have it! Internal parts are identical. Frustrating to get misinformation from the dealer … as a scare tactic to get you to buy one from them. Why can’t they just be honest about it? For double the price, you get Disney designs built-in, classes, and support. Period. Then it’s up to the buyer to decide whether all of that’s worth an extra $350. (Sorry to vent)
Hope this info helps someone else.
Boyd
Boyd – thank you so much for coming back to share! I, too, have been tempted to take one apart and find out for sure. My husband is a mechanic and it was on my honey-do list at some point to tackle this but much easier to call Brother. I might have to do it anyway some day because the pictures sure would make for a great blog post. 😉
Enjoy your LB6800 – I think that was a good choice and certainly a better bargain.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks Erin for taking the time to reply. If I had the time and funds to do it, I’d love to buy both machines, dissect them, and get to the bottom of the truth … just because I’m curious.
I’ll probably just go with the LB6800PRW ($349 from Amazon vs. $699+tax for the 950D at the local dealer). It looks like it’s going to be plenty for the type of sewing I’m planning on doing with it and it should free up some extra $ to buy fabric, thread, and other materials.
Thanks again,
Boyd
If my memory is correct there are way more stitches on the 950 and it also has the my custom stitch which allows you to create your own stitches.
Two and a half weeks ago I bought the SE400 from Amazon for $299.00. I’m new to the Brother brand but not new to sewing. For 40 years I have sewn on Singer sewing machines. While I have enjoyed the embroidery side of the SE400 I feel as though I am having to learn how to use a sewing machine all over again. There are only 2 dislikes I have. The seam guide lines are not next to the presser foot due to the see through bobbin plate. The lines start above the foot with only an extremely short, faint marking below the bobbin plate. With the line next to the foot I can focus on both the needle and the edge of the fabric as it sews not three different areas while sewing. The other dislike is sewing by buttons only. Fortunately the machine comes with a foot pedal so I can better control the speed of the machine. When I received the machine I had already started sewing my granddaughter’s Easter dress, thought about finishing it on the new machine but went back to my other to finish the dress. I will have to learn how to sew with it after I finish her dress to get a better feel for it.
Forgot to include a question. With my Singer machines I feed the thread through the hole in the bobbin before threading. With the Brother you have to wind the thread around the bobbin then put on the winder. In your opinion, is there any reason why the bobbin couldn’t be threaded the same as the Singer? Thank you!
Hi , I have been looking at both machine .but they don’t have AHA in them .and I am new to the computerized and embroidery machine.i have been a sewing machine person all my life.and work in factoring.long time ago.i am looking for something upper , then brothers se400. If you can help me. Maybe little more in the money. Thanks