Compare the Brother SE350, SE 400, LB6770PRW Project Runway and the LB6800PRW Project Runway sewing machines and you’ll find the differences are few in number but meaningful in regards to price and future functionality.
In amongst that price gap you may find a great bargain on a new combination embroidery and sewing machine and save yourself a few dollars.
Normally, I would write a review on each individual machine and give you the complete run down. However, these machines are so much alike – actually identical in nearly every aspect – that I’d simply be repeating myself because I just published a review on the SE 400 sewing machine.
You can read the entire list of features and see stitch images here:
Or keep reading to find out the exact differences between these four models.
Which one is best for you? It all comes down to how they’re different.
As far as features go, there are only 3 differences between the SE 350, SE 400, LB6770PRW and the LB6800PRW:
1. Computer Compatibility
The SE 400 and the LB6800 Project Runway machine have a USB port so that you can connect the machine to your computer to download more embroidery patterns vs relying on embroidery cards. This allows you to download new designs right from the computer to your sewing machine.
2. Limited Edition Project Runway
Logo and decals only come on the LB6770PRW and the LB6800PRW.
3. Project Runway Rolling Tote Bag
Only the LB6770PRW and the LB6800PRW come with the cool tote bag which has plenty of room to house the sewing machine, all accessories and some amount of space left over for your current project.
An X means that machine does NOT come with that item.
ALL OTHER FUNCTIONALITY IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS DESCRIBED here.
All four machines have the same set of built-in stitches – utility stitches, stretch stitches, decorative, heirloom and quilting. They also all have the same set of 70 embroidery patterns and framing options. All come with a 4×4 embroidery frame, the same presser feet and the same accessories.
Price Difference
| Sewing Machine | Project Runway Label | Project Runway Rolling Tote | Computer Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE 350 | No | No | No |
| SE 400 | No | No | Yes |
| LB6770PRW | Yes | Yes | No |
| LB6800PRW | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This is where things get interesting:
- Both the SE 400 and the LB6770PRW come with something more than the SE 350 (the SE 400 has the USB port while the LB6770PRW comes with the Project Runway tote) but they cost less. This means either of them is a better deal than the SE 350 at the moment.
- For $2 more than the cost of the SE 400, you could buy the LB6770 Project Runway sewing machine and get the rolling tote bag but you lose out on the USB port. (You can still get more embroidery designs without the computer connection – you just have to buy additional embroidery cards instead.)
NOTE: Check current prices here:
LB6770PRW
If price is an issue and you wanted to take advantage of the lowest priced sewing machines, it would come down to choosing computer compatibility OR the Project Runway label and rolling tote bag.
Keep in mind, too, that to take full advantage of either of the two models that have the USB port requires the purchase of the Brother PED Basic Software which can run another $120-150.
The Brother SE 350, SE 400, LB6770PRW, and the LB6800PRW have all the same functionality and just a few differences that boil down to being able to connect the sewing machine to your computer.
I have a question. I wrote brother and they told me that the se400 can download pes files form my computer to the sewing machine because of the usb port.
I only need the ped basic if the files are not in pes format, right?
just checking.
I had a 350 and sold it for financial reasons, but i really like the usb port and as you say its cheaper right now! im nin the market for a new machine, but cant go over the prices of 399 (even less is better! ) anyhow, thanks for your website and your help!
Debbie, I think you may be right. I’m actually going to call one of my local sewing stores and find out. Something I’d read earlier made me think that you had to use the software for downloading even the PES files but in reading over some material it looks like you only need the software IF you want to edit those files and have no other editing program that handles PES. I actually went out to physically demo this particular machine last week but got sidetracked by a couple of other models. Forget calling – I may just try to get back out to see it in action and get the scoop. 🙂 In either case, I’ll try to get a more clear response noted here as quickly as I can!
Debbie – I think I got it. The PED Basic software is needed only if you want to transfer designs from your computer to reader cards. This can be handy if you use a set of the same designs over and over or need to take your designs with you but don’t want to bring your laptop at the same time. You can then store the patterns on blank reader cards that will fit into the reader card slot of the machine.
Otherwise, the USB connection alone will work for transferring designs in either .pes or .dst to your SE400 machine. No need for the software to do that.
Here’s a manual on how to use the USB connection for the Brother SE400: http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/BSC/public/files/dlf/doch000186/he24lb68se40usb01enes.pdf
Some things to note from that manual are that designs that have certain attributes over the specified limits of memory inside the SE400 cannot be opened unless the files are edited – that may require the PED Basic. Also, the SE400 memory will only show up to 12 patterns in memory. Above that the files would need to be stored elsewhere on your hard drive or on reader cards written using the PED Basic software.
One other important note for anyone with questions about PED Basic (since we’re on the subject) – PED Basic will not let you create your own embroidery designs. It is only for transferring designs to reader cards that can be used with an embroidery machine. To actually design your own patterns requires design software such as PE Design (which is often confused with PED Basic).
Phew – hope that helps!
Erin
Another
I am so glad you wrote this comparison! I am looking to buy a machine for the first time and when i was looking at these four machines and so confused. I couldn’t remember if I read certain features on this machine or that machine and when it came down to it, I was reading the same features on all the machines. So the se 400 and the lb6800 are the same beside a label and a bag right?
Thanks again,
First time Sewer/embroideryier
Amanda
Yes, the only difference between the se 400 and lb6800 is the Project Runway label and the rolling bag. All the other features are the same. I went through the same sort of confused circle as you which is what led to the comparison. I was really interested in the se 400 but I kept getting lost in the detail! Had to make a spreadsheet (I get a little geeky that way….) just to figure them out. I think you and I are in good company as this post draws in a surprising number of people who are searching the internet with the very same question. 🙂
I’m a little jealous at the moment. 😉 I finally chose a Janome last week and while I absolutely love it, I went with a basic machine with a small set of utility and decorative stitches. It was only after I started playing around with the decorative stitches and seeing some home decor projects done with machine embroidery that I wished I’d held out for the se 400. I think you’re going to have a blast and you won’t outgrow this machine for years. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Erin
Is there software for these machines that will let you create an embroidery design from a jpeg?
Amy – Yes but that kind of embroidery design software costs a bit more than the simple card reader/writer software. The least expensive software I know of is called PE Design and you you can see it here on Amazon for an idea of the features: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RAVUII?ie=UTF8&tag=sewingmach0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001RAVUII. This software lets you create embroidery designs from your own images and clip art and converts them to a format the embroidery sewing machine can read. I always thought it would be neat to use for baby or kid photos or if you’re doing some custom projects for a special anniversary in the family. Also a great tool for any artist who draws or creates their own artwork and wants to use it in an embroidery project!
Erin
Thank you so much for your reply. I think I may wait to use my new embroidery unit some more but I am interested in this software. Maybe the prices will come down!
Amy
Do you know if the 6800 has quilting stitches?
Rosemarie, yes the LB6800PRW has several quilting stitches: Zigzag for quilting, a Hand Look quilt stitch, Stippling, and Applique plus several others. Since this machine has all the same stitches as the Brother SE400, you can see a complete list of the stitches (by name and photo) here: https://www.erinsayssew.com/brother-se400-computerized-embroidery-sewing-machine-review/
Hope that helps – I should probably put a copy of those stitches in this post, too, to make things easier. 🙂
Erin
Where are these machine made.
thanks
Barb – I can’t be 100% sure but I know Brother follows a regional business model. This means that while their corporate headquarters are in Japan, they do have physical operations in each of the major countries in their retail footprint. Their US regional office is headquartered in New Jersey and their US regional production facility is in Tennessee. You can see a complete list of Brother’s regional office and production facility locations on their corporate website here: http://www.brother.com/en/corporate/network/index.htm.
This article explains that in 1978 Brother put its first overseas (as compared to Japan) sewing machine plant in Taiwan but then went on to build manufacturing facilities in their other major locations, such as the US, in order to reduce shipping costs: http://www.answers.com/topic/brother-industries-ltd
That being said – if I browse the web I see plenty of used Brother listings that mention “made in Taiwan”. I don’t know if that means that Brother machines made in Taiwan are still imported to the US or if those machines just happened to be made before the US factory was put into service.
Brother does follow ISO standards for production and quality regardless of originating factory, if that helps.
Erin
Thank you for the comparison. Well done. I was confused by the limited information on these similar models and could find no option to compare various models on the Brother website or elsewhere. The information you provided is much appreciated.
Bev – I don’t know why they make it so confusing, but they really do, don’t they? I’m sure they don’t set out to do that but every now and then it seems a sewing machine does so well for them that they make several close versions of it (especially with the Project Runway branding) and then stuff seems to happen so fast they can’t catch up with themselves. 🙂
Glad this helped!
Erin
The machine looks great & I’m ready to upgrade, but I have couple questions…
1)Can this machine handle denim and/or canvas well? I’ve been using an older model Singer mechanical & it handles pretty well.
2) Is there a removable feature so that skinny jeans hems are possible?
Thank you!
Yes, this machine (in any version) can handle denim and canvas. The manual tells you which size needle you will need to use for the best performance on those heavier fabrics. The flat bed attachment does remove for free arm sewing so you can handle circular hems needed for pants and sleeves.
Good questions. I should actually get a measurement on that free arm – some are smaller than others. While I don’t have the exact measurement at the moment I know it was of average size.
Thanks!
Hello! I have a question about the pe400. Does it have all the same button hole and special functions as the pe350 does?
Laura – Yes! 🙂 Everything is the same between the 350 and the 400 except for the added USB port.
Wow that’s great! Thank you!! Going with the pe400!
I meant se lol. Sorry. At least you knew what I meant 🙂
Hee hee – yes, I knew. 🙂 You should hear me some days after I’ve done a few reviews. SE, PC, PRW, ack!!! Too easy to get confused. Excited for you on the SE400, though – you’ll love it!
Erin
Ok, please don’t get sick of me yet lol. I am comparing the 350 and 400 side by side. The 350 says it has 10 styles of one-step automatic buttonholes. The 400 says it has a Buttonhole Foot. What does this mean? I will be using a lot of buttons in my work, but would like to have the USB. Does the button function work the same on both? I’m confused. Sorry. You can probably tell that I am new at all of this :/ I just want to learn and you seem to be the best on the internet, b/c I have searched and searched and you are finally opening my eyes and bringing me answers. So for that Erin, I thank you.
LOL! Not a problem. 🙂
Both the 350 and the 400 have the same 10 styles of 1-step buttonholes (you can see a picture of them here: https://www.erinsayssew.com/brother-se400-computerized-embroidery-sewing-machine-review/). The buttonhole foot is a type of presser foot that you attach when doing buttonholes. While you can always do buttonholes manually, a buttonhole foot is a type of presser foot you attach to machines that can automatically do a buttonhole for you. It’s usually long and, in this case, has room in the back of the presser foot where you can insert the actual button for the hole. The foot senses the size of the button and then makes the buttonhole exactly to fit. It’s a BREEZE! 🙂 And, yes, both the 350 and 400 come with the same buttonhole foot.
I know it’s difficult to find information on all of these so I make trips out specifically to see and touch them or to get the brochures. I’ve also read the manuals. It gets very confusing but I think I can answer most of your questions so ask away!
Erin
You are amazing! Thank you very much! Now you might be hearing from me when I purchse the machine lol Thanks again Erin. Have a blessed night.
You, too, and I’d LOVE to hear from you when you get the machine. Pics, even, of all your cool projects. Don’t hesitate to share! Although, I know how it goes – you’ll get so busy sewing and playing (and the holidays creeping up)…but that will be good, too! Enjoy! 😉
Hi Erin,
Do you know if the SE 400 is capible of handling multiple layers, or thick projects such as heavy quilts and rag quilts that require many layers of material?
Tracy, yes – the SE 400 can handle heavy quilts and rag quilts. As with most machines, using the right needle makes all the difference. A size 14 needle is included in the box but you might also need a size 16 needle, to be safe.
Thanks!
Erin
I have the lb6770 and I want to know about the bigger hoop. I called a sewing place near me and they said that it only does 4×4 designs but why would they sell a bigger hoop then? Also I want to do some bigger designs. Just don’t make since to me but maybe you know more!
Carley – Yes, all four versions of this sewing machine (the 350, 400, 6770PRW, and the PR6800PRW are only compatible with the 4×4 hoop. Brother makes several larger hoops – lik a 5×7 – but those are for use with other combination and embroidery machines produced by Brother. The Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine (embroidery only), for example, uses the 5×7 inch hoop. AllBrands.com Sewing Machines shows you a great selection of Brother’s current embroidery machines with larger hoop options. It’s a great site for online browsing!
Sincerely,
Erin
I have the brother se 400 and want to know how to use the applique feature. From what I am reading in the manual I should be able to do an object on a decorative fabric, cut it out by hand and then have the machine applique it onto another piece of material (ie. a shirt). Is this possible?? If so, how do I do this? also how would I do this with different types of fabrics…for example doing a Christmas tree green and the trunk brown. Hope this makes sense and thanks for the help!
Amber – Makes perfect sense. 😉 Also sounds like a fun project! Here’s a video with what I hope are some helpful instructions for your specific project. The demonstrator is not using the SE 400 but the instructions are close enough. Use your applique stitch and the appropriate presser foot and the video explains placement of the foot and how to turn corners. Let me know if you need more!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYcaixX1W8c
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi All,
I just got my Brother 6800 today and I am wondering how to get multiple lines embroidered at once? like:
Team
Jacob
Can’t you shrink the text size?
Hi, Mandy! The letters have 3 size options: small, medium, and large. I don’t think they can be reduced beyond the small size without having software to edit embroidery designs. To sew two rows of text might require that you actually sew each row as an individual design but on the same piece of fabric. Using chalk, you can mark your fabric to identify where you want each row and mark the center point of each row so to keep them evenly spaced. Certainly a good time to grab some practice fabric and see if you can make that work. I’m hoping someone with some additional insight comes along and chimes in here, too, as there’s probably a better way.
Team Jacob, huh? 🙂 Sounds like a fun project!
Erin
Love all the info on these machines thanks!! I think I’m ordering the SE350 tomorrow on overstock.com it’s only 267. refurbished. I’m so excited to play with it. I do however wish it had the USB but for the price I feel like I can’t go wrong? Im so excited to get it 🙂
Beth – Congrats! You’ll love it and I think you’ll be fine without the USB cord. You still have all the embroidery card options to play around with and those alone could keep you occupied for years and that price is incredible. Buying refurbished from Overstock can get you a great sewing machine at a low price as they include even machines returned unopened as “refurbished” and their return policy means you can thoroughly test it out when it arrives to make sure you get what you wanted. I LOVE getting a good deal!
(For other readers who are looking for a great deal, too, check out the tips here: https://www.erinsayssew.com/best-sewing-machine-deals/ which mentions how to find deals on Overstock, Amazon or through your local retail outlet.)
Get some thread and fabric ready so you can play! I found getting a new sewing machine was a great opportunity to scour my closet for clothes I no longer wear that would make fun scrap fabric. 🙂
Erin
Thanks!! After reading, reading and more reading I REALLY want the USB hook up lol. But this will just have to do for now. I have been saving all of my daughters favorite articles of clothing so I can make a quilt out of them. I think when she’s older she’ll love it. Are the fonts that come with the machine fancy? or just kinda Blah? I’m hoping for a curly kina font. Also I keep reading how it comes with a medium size loop? Is a Large one better to have and where is the best place to get that? If you have that info. Thanks.
That’s the sweetest idea for a project I’ve heard in months! I kind of wish I’d saved more baby clothes now, darn it! 🙂 You can see the fonts right here: https://www.erinsayssew.com/brother-se400-computerized-embroidery-sewing-machine-review/ They’re cute but there’s not really a curly, girlish font. However, this card might have what you’re after: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FVJTL4?ie=UTF8&tag=sewingmach0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001FVJTL4.
The SE350 does come with a 4×4 hoop and the only larger hoop that is compatible is the 6 3/4 x 4 inch hoop. That larger one only gives you another couple of inches but sometimes that’s all you need. So far, looks like the best price online right now is Amazon. I found it at Ken’s Sewing and Vacuum Center, too, but once you add the shipping it’s a dollar or two more than Amazon’s price which includes shipping. (Go figure!) You might just want to see how the 4×4 works for you first, though. While it limits the size of a single design to within that hoop range, you can do as many individual designs you need by moving your fabric around within that hoop.
BTW, while the USB is handy to have, you can get around that by getting the PED Basic software that allows you to load designs onto blank reader cards and then just put the reader card into the slot of the SE350. Not quite as convenient but then you’ll at least feel you’re not missing out on any patterns! It’s a bit spendy but you don’t have to get it right away. Maybe stick it on your Christmas list or look for a used one online. 🙂
And your daughter is going to LOVE that quilt. What a perfect family heirloom.
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks Erin! I just got it in the mail yesterday. YEA lol… So I’m spending the day reading the manual, haha. Thanks for all the great info!!
Beth – YAY!!! Load a bobbin, thread that needle, and just enjoy running that fabric underneath it. Put some nice music on nearby and you’ll have that quilt done in no time. LOL! Enjoy!
Erin
Hey Erin QUESTION lol… I still haven’t used the embroidery, but was wondering if it’s true that I only can use brand of emb. thread? I was told it’s called polly-something? not polyester 🙂 thanks!!
Beth – You aren’t restricted to using a certain brand (Sulky, Brother, Coats & Clark) of thread although the better the quality of thread, the less breakage and “fuzzing” you might run into – but you should use polyester thread for embroidery. Sometimes the thread is referred to as “poly embroidery thread” and some brands put their own spin on it like Poly X40 (which just refers to the weight of the polyester thread) or PolyDeco which is a shiny embroidery thread made by Sulky. Maybe someone gave you one of those brand specialized names for polyester thread as a recommendation?
If you think of the name, let me know. Otherwise as long as you use “embroidery” thread you should be in good shape. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Hi Erin Thanks that’s what I was hoping to hear 🙂 … the one I was thinking of is called polystar here is a link to amazon for it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MW4C1C?ie=UTF8&tag=sewingmach0b-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002MW4C1C
Beth – Oh, yeah! Polystar – see? “Cute” way of saying polyester! They crack me up…. 😉 Thanks for sharing. That looks like a good kit, though, and you’ve given me an idea for a post (you should see how long that list is! I need a good month to catch up!) A lot of people buy this kit: Threadart 40 Spool Embroidery Thread Set but how do you know which thread set is the best deal? One’s measured in yards, one in meters, one with 40 rolls, one with 63, one is 40 weight, one is 50 weight. Dear Lord, I confused even myself.
I did work out that the smaller kit costs about $1.37 per thousand yards of embroidery thread whereas the Polystar costs about $1.73 per thousand yards so it’s more expensive but it does have a stronger weight. (See how my head works? I could be at this all night! LOL!)
Moral of the story is that you aren’t limited to using Polystar. 🙂
Enjoy!
Erin
Thanks Erin!!! I might just go woth that polystar. You’re a great help.
Glad I could help. 😉
Happy New Year!
Erin
I am looking for an embroidery machine that will be used just for that purpose. I have an excellent sewing machine. I need to know what I am looking for in an embroidery machine. I do sew for the public (baby items more than anything) and many have ask me about embroidering. I have read many reviews, and don’t understand about sizes. Does a 4 x 4 mean that it will only do small embroidery? I am looking at the Brother 6800. I want to be able to connect to the internet and get different patterns. Do you have other suggestions? Thank you for any input you may have.
Debbie – Because you already have a sewing machine, you do have a number of options. First, the Brother LB6800PRW is a great choice and if you want to know more about it read my review on the Brother SE400 here (they’re the same machine and I’ve packed that other review with a lot of detail): https://www.erinsayssew.com/brother-se400-computerized-embroidery-sewing-machine-review/
The size of the hoop determines the maximum size of an embroidery pattern that can be completed within that frame before you need to reposition the fabric. It doesn’t mean that you are limited to only doing patterns that fit within that size but it does mean that you may have to manually “connect” 4×4 blocks of embroidery work to complete a larger design. This can be done with software that will help you break a large embroidery pattern down into those 4×4 blocks or, for downloaded fonts, you may be able to break monogramming work down into a a few characters at a time. It’s just a bit more cumbersome than using a larger hoop.
There is a slightly larger frame that works with the 6800 embroidery machine but it’s not much larger. The challenge is that getting an embroidery machine that does anything substantially greater costs a LOT more.
There are a couple of embroidery-only machines that cost similar to the 6800 but because they do ONLY embroidery you’d get more embroidery functionality for your money. If you don’t need the sewing functionality, even as a backup, you might look at these:
Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine with USB Memory-Stick Compatibility – more built in embroidery patterns and 1 more built in font, hoop size 5×7 inches, USB port, and on-screen design editing
Brother PE700II Embroidery Machine with USB Port – very similar to the PE770 but with a slightly larger LCD screen
Janome MC200E Memory Craft 5×5 – costs less than the other two but also has fewer designs and features
In addition, Brother has a few Innov-is models that you can’t get online but could test at a Brother retailer near you and Janome has a few more Memory Craft (MC) models but any of those other options have been priced more than the 6800.
I hope that at least points you in the right direction but let me know if you need anything else!
Thanks!
Erin
Hello, Erin!im really interest in Brother SE 400 and have some questions. First is does this machine have instructions on russian? i know its 16 languages but which?))) im really need russian one) and one more, can i make progects with leather, will this machine able to sew leather(like one ore 2 layers of thin leather)and make some pictures on it?
and one more, i am a beginner, so may be you could recommend what else should i buy with sewing machine ?
Elena – Yes, Russian is one of the 16 languages available for the screen instructions. The written instructions won’t be available in Russian, though, but the pictures are pretty understandable.
I would think you would be okay with two layers of thin leather but I haven’t actually sewn on leather myself. I know it will go through multiple (more than 2) layers of denim and that’s about all I’ve got to go on. Just make sure you use the needle for thick fabrics (size 16).
For just the machine, look at getting some extra bobbins so you don’t have to unwind thread off of one to switch colors, an assortment of threads in a variety of colors for the embroidery feature, and some stabilizer material. Perhaps some extra needles, too, depending on how much sewing you’re going to do!
For working with fabric, make sure you have a good set of fabric scissors, pins, a tape measure, and some chalk for marking lines on fabric (or a vanishing fabric marker). There are some great books on sewing, too, that give you some basic projects you can use to learn sewing machine techniques as you go.
That should get you started!
Sincerely,
Erin
P.S. My sons were reading out of a book about How to Learn Russian that one of them got from the library the other day. I took Russian in college but only remember two words – a shame, because I loved the language!
Erin,thanks a lot for you answer! i am so glad it have russian language! and now i know what else i need to get! its amazing, thanks a lot! i am happy soon i will have great sewing machine! already have a room for sewing) im so excited!
i wish your son good luck with studying language, its really hard for learning, crazy grammar !!!!!and if he will need somebody to tolk – write me) i can help)
Hi Erin!
Thank you so much for sharing this info. I have a couple of questions that I hope you can help me with.
I am in the market for a sewing machine. A few days ago I bought a very nice Janome with nice stitches…but I sent it back because in my heart I really wanted to have more embroidery options.
The two machines that have my eye are the Brother SE 400 and a Brother HE-120. I have found reviews for the HE-120, but I am confused about how the two compare. I don’t even see the HE-120 referenced on the brother.com website. Is the HE-120 the same model as the SE 350?
Do I understand you correctly…if I want to download extra designs onto a blank memory card, I must FIRST spend extra money on software….My only other option would be to keep buying new cards collections?
Thanks again for your help! I appreciate it!
Daviette – I haven’t come across the HE-120 before but since the HE-240 is the same as the SE400, it would not surprise me that the HE-120 was the same as the SE350. The HE-240 is the version the Home Shopping Network sells of this machine. Perhaps the HE-120 was the HSN model for the 350, then. It’s hard to tell as I’m not seeing much information online about it anywhere. What price are you seeing for the HE-120?
Yes, if the machine doesn’t have the USB port then the machine can only read new designs through the card reader so you’d have to get the software that writes designs to the cards plus a supply of cards or buy the pre-filled embroidery cards. The USB port is a money saver in the long run, in my opinion. 😉
Sincerely,
Erin
Thanks for checking Erin! I found the HE-120 for 309.99 refurbished. I also see the SE400 refurbished for $299.99.
It can’t hurt to have more options(USB), especially since it’s a little cheaper what looks like the same exact features. I guess the only question is whether I get a nice accessory that makes it worth it.
My machine is scheduled to arrive in 2 days….right now I am planning to send it back in exchange for the SE400.
In the meantime, I will order thread and choose a pattern so that I can get busy making baby blankets.
I am so excited!
Daviette
Thanks again
Daviette – Your welcome. 😉 You’re going to be able to make gorgeous baby blankets with the SE400 and all those embroidery options!
Enjoy!
Erin
Hi Erin!
This is my first visit to your site and I love it! I have used my mother-in-law’s SE400 several times (more than she has!) and I am about to buy one of my own! I love this machine. I embroider a lot of names, so the 4 x 6 3/4 hoop is great for me! I simply save the name by character groups, complete the first section, move just the hoop, then do the next section! I use a free embroidery editing software manufactured by Sierra. The software is called Stitch Era Universal. It has tons of features and all for free! you should check it out!
Great site you have here!
Leah
Erin,
You need to edit Item 1 above. The SE400 CAN be connected directly to a computer with the USB cable. The SE400 will then look like a external “hard drive” that you can store .dst or .pes format files on. I got this information from the Brother “Instruction Manual: USB Connections” PDF file.
Rick
Rick – Great catch! Just made the correction.
Thanks!!
Erin
FYI – The Baby Lock Sofia 2 is almost a 100% copy of these machines. There is some difference in the USB port operations though.
Hey. I hope you respond.. its has been a while since anyone has posted on here. I just purchased a LB-6800PRW. I have looked on the Brother website at accessories and the 6×4 hoop is listed however after I purchased the hoop. Loaded the hoop on the machine and then tried to transfer a 6×4 pattern from SewWhat program the machine will not recognize the file. Is this machine just not compatible at all with a 6×4 hoop and if that is the case false advertising on Brothers part or if it is what am I doing wrong?? Help Thanks
Jenny, while the hoop size is compatible with the machine it may be the embroidery file from SewWhat that isn’t compatible. Make sure the file extension is compatible but even if it is you might have to use software to modify the design into 4×4 inch sections.
Sincerely,
Erin
Greetings, I wanted to also extend thanks in reference to the comparison of the machines. I am a newbie to the sewing world and had been looking into a Brother machine being my brand of choice but was lost to “do I get the SE400 or the LB6800PRW?”. After reading the reviews and the comments/questions I am confident in my choice; LB6800PRW (w/ tote…I’m a bargainer getting the bag with the machine sold me. lol) Nonetheless, I just wanted to address that A LOT of the questions that were on my mind have been answered here… especially being a beginner sewer! So thanks EVERYONE!!!!!
Erin, thanks so much for the great information here. I am very interested in the Brother lb 6800 PRW. My question is does it have automatic tension setting or is it manual. The description was confusing.
Thanks again,
Cathy
Hi Erin,
Happy to find this sight.
Just from looking on the computer I am interested in a new Baby Lock Sofia 2 sewing machine. Not sure what it costs at the store, But looks like it’s cheaper than the other Baby Locks that do embroidery and has a USB. I am new to embroidery. My son is a US Chess Champion and I thought would be nice to put it on some shirts for him.
I now see the Brothers SE400 sewing machine. I have stayed away from the brothers due to thinking all have Disney on it and I am not interested in that. It has the USB also.
I am wondering about the difference in cost?
I am also wondering mechanically difference?
I would like to understand all the differences in the machine itself, including (metal v plastic) ,different Stitches, threading, cutters, if one machine embroiders nicer than the other, anything else I might need to compare these machines to make a informed decision on which machine to buy.