# Brother PE800 vs SE1900: embroidery only or sew and embroider Source: https://threadandfeed.com/blog/brother-pe800-vs-se1900 Published: 2026-10-09 Publisher: Thread & Feed **Short answer:** The Brother PE800 and SE1900 share the same 5x7 inch embroidery field, 138 built-in designs, 11 fonts and a 3.2 inch color touchscreen. The difference is sewing: the PE800 is embroidery only, while the SE1900 adds 240 sewing stitches, 10 buttonhole styles and 8 sewing feet. Buy the PE800 if you already own a sewing machine you like, and the SE1900 if you want one machine for both jobs. This page is for anyone choosing between Brother's two most common 5x7 home embroidery machines. On paper they look almost identical, and for embroidery they are very close. The real decision is whether you need a second machine for sewing or want both functions in one body. Below you will find a spec table built from the current listings, what the shared embroidery features mean in practice, where the SE1900's sewing side helps, the case for keeping embroidery and sewing on separate machines, and a clear verdict. ## PE800 vs SE1900 at a glance Both machines come from the same Brother family and use the same 5x7 inch embroidery field. That means any design that fits one fits the other. The table below lists only what the product listings state, so you can see exactly where the two machines match and where they split. | Feature | Brother PE800 | Brother SE1900 | | --- | --- | --- | | Machine type | Embroidery only | Sewing and embroidery combo | | Embroidery field | 5 x 7 in | 5 x 7 in | | Built-in designs | 138 | 138 | | Built-in fonts | 11 (7 English, 3 Japanese, 1 Cyrillic) | 11 embroidery fonts | | Screen | 3.2 in color LCD touchscreen | 3.2 in color LCD touchscreen | | Design import | USB port | Not stated in listing | | Sewing stitches | None | 240, including 10 auto-size buttonhole styles | | Included feet | Embroidery foot | Embroidery hoop plus 8 sewing feet | | Threading and bobbin | Not stated in listing | Advanced needle threader, drop-in top bobbin | Listing facts, Brother PE800 vs SE1900 ## What the shared embroidery features mean A 5x7 inch field (about 130 x 180 mm) is the most common size for home embroidery. It handles monograms, shirt chest logos, tote bag designs, quilt block motifs and most patches. If you plan to stitch large jacket backs or big quilt panels, a 5x7 machine will need split designs, and you should look at our [large hoop embroidery machine guide](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-large-hoop-embroidery-machine) instead. The 138 built-in designs and 11 fonts are the same on both machines, so lettering and monogram work is identical. The 3.2 inch color touchscreen lets you preview a design, check placement and make simple edits before you stitch. Most people end up loading designs they buy or digitize, and the PE800 listing confirms a USB port for importing designs. Brother machines in this range read the PES format; our page on [Brother embroidery file formats](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/brother-embroidery-machine-file-format) explains converting other files. If you are not sure a design will fit, the [embroidery hoop size guide](https://threadandfeed.com/tools/embroidery-hoop-size-guide) compares a design's dimensions to standard fields, including 5x7. ## Where the SE1900 earns its extra cost The SE1900 converts from embroidery to sewing by removing the embroidery unit and attaching a sewing foot. With 240 built-in stitches, 10 auto-size buttonhole styles, an advanced needle threader and a drop-in top bobbin, it works as a full computerized sewing machine for garments, home decor and quilt piecing. That matters most if you are starting from nothing. One SE1900 can replace a separate sewing machine and an embroidery-only machine, which saves table space and keeps the total spend down. It also suits people who embroider on items they sew themselves, such as quilt blocks, bags and kids' clothes, because you can sew and embellish on the same machine. - You do not own a sewing machine yet, or yours is worn out. - You have limited space for two machines. - You want buttonholes and decorative stitches as well as embroidery. - You mostly embroider pieces you sew yourself. ## The case for the embroidery-only PE800 The PE800 makes sense when you already have a sewing machine you like. Long embroidery runs can tie up a machine for an hour or more. With a separate PE800, your sewing machine stays free while the embroidery unit stitches, which is a real time saver if you sell embroidered items or make gifts in batches. Having two machines also means one breakdown does not stop all your work. If the embroidery machine needs service, you can still sew, and the other way round. And because the PE800 has no sewing mode, there is no conversion between modes to slow you down: the embroidery unit stays attached. If you are thinking about small-batch selling, also look at our [embroidery machine for small business guide](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-small-business), since multi-needle machines save thread changes on larger orders. [Compare Brother embroidery machines](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-brother-embroidery-machines) ## How to decide in three questions Beginners who are new to both sewing and embroidery are usually better served by the SE1900, because it covers both learning curves in one machine. Our guides to the [best sewing and embroidery machine](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-and-embroidery-machine) and the [best embroidery machine for beginners](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-beginners) cover more options at each price level, and [what you need to start machine embroidery](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/what-you-need-to-start-machine-embroidery) lists the stabilizer, thread and needles to buy with either machine. 1. Do you already own a sewing machine you are happy with? If yes, lean PE800. 2. Will you embroider for long sessions or in batches? If yes, a separate PE800 keeps your sewing machine free. 3. Do you need buttonholes, stretch stitches or decorative stitches and have no other machine? If yes, choose the SE1900. ## Supplies and setup are the same for both Because the embroidery side is shared, the supplies are too. You will need embroidery thread, bobbin thread, stabilizer suited to your fabric and embroidery needles. Our [machine embroidery stabilizer chart](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/machine-embroidery-stabilizer-chart) and [embroidery needle guide](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/machine-embroidery-needle-guide) apply to both machines. Hooping technique, tension and design density matter far more to stitch quality than which of these two models you pick. If you run into thread nests or breaks on either machine, start with [embroidery machine bird nesting](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/embroidery-machine-bird-nesting) and [embroidery thread shredding](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/embroidery-thread-shredding-and-breaking). Those fixes are the same for the PE800 and the SE1900. ## Frequently asked questions **Is the embroidery on the SE1900 the same as the PE800?** Based on the listings, yes for the basics: both have a 5x7 inch field, 138 built-in designs, 11 fonts and a 3.2 inch color touchscreen. **Can the PE800 sew regular seams?** No. The listing describes it as an embroidery-only machine. You need a separate sewing machine for seams, hems and buttonholes. **Can I use designs I download on both machines?** Yes, as long as they are in a format the machine reads and fit within the 5x7 field. The PE800 listing confirms a USB port for importing designs. **Which is better for a beginner?** If you have no sewing machine, the SE1900 is the simpler path because it does both jobs. If you already sew on a machine you like, the PE800 adds embroidery without paying again for sewing features. ## Machine guides for this topic - https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-brother-embroidery-machines - https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-and-embroidery-machine - https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-beginners