Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine Review: Features, Benefits, And Drawbacks
The Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine is an affordable computerized embroidery machine that allows hobbyists and small business owners to create beautiful embroidered designs. With embroidery machines becoming increasingly popular for DIY and crafting projects, many are looking into more budget-friendly options like the PE550D.
This embroidery-only model packs an impressive set of features including 125 built-in designs and a user-friendly LCD touchscreen interface.
In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at the key features and specs of the Brother PE550D, dive into the benefits it provides users, and also examine some potential drawbacks to consider.
Read on to learn all about this embroidery machine’s capabilities to determine if it’s the right fit for your needs and budget.
Overview of the Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
The Brother PE550D is an embroidery-only computerized machine, meaning it can embroider designs but does not have the capability to sew regular stitches. It features a 4″ x 4″ maximum embroidery hoop size along with a built-in library of 125 embroidery designs, including 45 Disney-licensed characters perfect for embellishing projects for kids.
This Brother embroidery machine also provides 9 built-in embroidery fonts (6 English and 3 Japanese) allowing you to easily personalize projects with monogramming and lettering. Designs and edits are made simple with the PE550D’s large 3.2″ LCD color touchscreen display. The intuitive display makes it easy to preview designs, edit colors, and place motifs exactly where you want prior to stitching.
In addition to the built-in design library, the PE550D has onboard memory and a USB port to allow you to import your own embroidery designs. So if you have special designs you want to stitch, you can conveniently upload them right to the machine.
Other handy features include the automatic needle threading system to save time and frustration when changing threads. This embroidery machine has a decent maximum speed of 650 stitches per minute.
It comes with a 25-year limited warranty from Brother providing peace of mind.
Brother PE550D Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Computerized embroidery-only |
| Built-In Designs | 125 (including 45 Disney) |
| Built-In Fonts | 9 (6 English, 3 Japanese) |
| Maximum Embroidery Hoop Size | 4″ x 4″ |
| Display Screen | 3.2″ LCD color touchscreen |
| Import Design Formats | .PES, .PHC, .DST |
| Memory | 1MB built-in, USB port for importing designs |
| Maximum Embroidery Speed | 650 stitches per minute |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes |
| Warranty | 25-years limited |
| Dimensions | 16.5″ x 7.8″ x 12″ |
| Weight | 24 lbs |
Benefits and Advantages of the PE550D Embroidery Machine
The Brother PE550D offers crafters, DIYers, and small business owners a number of excellent benefits that make it a great value embroidery machine. Here are some of the key advantages users can expect from this model:
User-Friendly for Beginners
The PE550D is straightforward to set up right out of the box and has intuitive controls and settings. The instruction manual provides clear directions and visual guides on how to thread the machine, hoop fabric, transfer designs, and more. (Suggested placement for a “getting started” video or image tutorial). The large LCD touchscreen display makes choosing, editing, and placing embroidery designs easy with just a few taps. These features allow even those new to machine embroidery to learn the ropes quickly on the Brother PE550D.
Create Beautiful Embroidered Projects
With 125 built-in designs and multiple font options, the creative possibilities are endless with the PE550D. Stitch your own artsy embroidered wall hangings, embellish clothing with motifs and monograms, personalize baby blankets and bibs, and so much more. The Disney designs allow you to recreate the magic with character motifs perfect for kids’ items. With the imported designs option, you aren’t limited to just the built-in library either.
Intuitive LCD Touchscreen
The Brother PE550D’s 3.2” LCD color touchscreen makes selecting, customizing and placing embroidery designs smooth and intuitive. Easily preview designs in full color, rearrange motif placement, edit thread colors, and more – all from the screen. The ability to visualize the design process helps ensure your final sewn project matches your creative vision. (Suggested placement for image of touchscreen interface)
Good Selection of Built-in Designs and Fonts
With 125 built-in designs and 9 font options, the Brother PE550D provides enough variety for any embroidery enthusiast. The Disney character designs are especially fun for creating customized children’s pieces. And you have an array of options between the floral motifs, borders, alphabet designs, and more. The built-in English and Japanese fonts allow for monogramming and lettering possibilities.
Import Custom Designs from USB
In addition to the built-in design library, the PE550D gives you the ability to import your own or purchased designs right into the machine via the USB port. As your skills grow, you can find designs online (like on Etsy) or even digitize your own motifs to truly customize your projects. As long as they are .PES, .PHC, or .DST file formats, you can easily upload and stitch out custom designs.
Automatic Needle Threading
Dealing with needle threading can be a source of frustration, especially when working on projects with frequent thread color changes. Fortunately, the PE550D includes an automatic needle threading system that takes care of this tedious task for you. With just the touch of a lever, the thread is pushed through the needle eye – it’s fast, easy, and eliminates frustration!
Affordable Price Point
For all that it offers, the Brother PE550D is very reasonably priced, especially compared to higher-end computerized embroidery machines. This makes it accessible as a starter machine for beginners who want to get into machine embroidery without breaking the bank. More advanced embroiderers may also appreciate it as an affordable secondary machine. The quality and capabilities rival machines double the price or more.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While the PE550D does pack great features and value overall, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well before committing to this embroidery machine.
Limited to 4″ x 4″ Hoop Size
The maximum embroidery hoop size the Brother PE550D supports is 4″ x 4″. This is fine for smaller projects like embellishing garments, quilting motifs, and more. However, those wanting to create larger, more intricate embroidery designs will quickly find the hoop size limiting. If you want to embroider bigger pieces like full jacket backs or sweeping landscapes, a larger hoop is needed.
Embroidery Only Functionality
Since the PE550D is an embroidery-only machine, you cannot rely on it for general sewing utility. No built-in stitches are included for constructing garments, quilting, crafts, home decor and more. You would need a separate dedicated sewing machine, or look into a digital sewing/embroidery combo machine instead.
Manuals May Be Hard for New Users
While Brother manuals are known for being thorough, some new PE550D users report the instruction material is overly technical and complex. Directions could be confusing for total beginners. Taking the time to watch online video tutorials can help clarify any areas the manual doesn’t explain clearly.
Smaller Design Library Than Advanced Models
With 125 built-in options, the PE550D offers fewer designs than more advanced (and more expensive) embroidery machines boasting libraries in the thousands. Serious embroiderers may long for a wider selection over time. But for most hobbyists, there are more than enough choices.
Lacks Wi-Fi and App Connectivity
Many new computerized sewing and embroidery machines allow control and design via connected apps and WiFi. This can add convenience for remotely managing and monitoring projects. Unfortunately connectivity options are not included with the PE550D. While not essential, it would provide more freedom.
Ideal Users and Uses for the Brother PE550D
Here are some of the crafters, DIYers, and embroiderers that would really benefit from the Brother PE550D:
Beginner Embroiderers
The PE550D is an excellent starter embroidery machine for beginners thanks to the intuitive display screen, built-in designs, and user-friendly setup. The Disney whimsy is great for motivating new embroiderers as well! It allows newcomers to learn the basics without investing in an ultra-advanced machine first.
Seasoned Embroiderers on a Budget
More experienced embroiderers may also appreciate the PE550D as an affordable secondary machine. It provides digital convenience without going over-the-top on price. Great for quick projects or trying out new techniques without moving your heavy-duty main machine.
DIY Crafters and Hobbyists
Love to embroider your own flourishes onto clothing, accessories, quilts, and crafts? The PE550D gives hobbyists unlimited creative potential through a fun embroidery process and array of built-in designs. Personalize away!
Home-Based Small Business Owners
Those running a small embroidery business out of their home can benefit from the PE550D. It allows you to stitch quality designs for merchandising and custom client work at a reasonable price.
Quilters
Quilters can add beautiful decorative motifs and personalized accents to their quilted creations with the embroidery capabilities of the Brother PE550D machine.
Accessories and Supplies for the PE550D
To help you make the most of your new Brother PE550D embroidery machine, here are some recommended accessories and supplies to have on hand:
- Embroidery Thread – Madeira Aerolock, Sulky Rayon, or Polyester embroidery threads create stunning stitchwork.
- Embroidery Needles – Use sharp, fine machine embroidery needles like Organ SLIMS for best results.
- Stabilizer – Backings like tear-away, cut-away or wash-away stabilizers keep fabric taut.
- Embroidery Hoops – Explore larger hoops for bigger projects, or specialty hoops like cap frames.
- Embroidery Designs – Purchase design packages or find free designs online to expand your options.
- Bobbins – Stock up on extra bobbins so you don’t have to stop and rewind mid-project.
Having quality tools and accessories will optimize your experience and finished results!
Alternatives to the Brother PE550D
The Brother PE550D is a great mid-range computerized embroidery machine, but may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are two alternatives to consider:
Brother PE800
- Upgrade pick with a 5″ x 7″ hoop size
- 138 built-in designs, 11 fonts
- Larger touchscreen at 4.85″
- Higher embroidery speed – 650 spm vs 1050 spm
- More expensive than the PE550D
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
- Computerized sewing and embroidery machine
- Large library of 600 built-in stitches
- 13 one-step buttonhole styles
- Auto-pilot mode
- 200 embroidery designs and 5 fonts built-in
- More costly than a dedicated embroidery machine
Brother PE550D Review Conclusion and Recommendation
In conclusion, the Brother PE550D offers beginner and intermediate embroiderers notable value. It’s intuitive and user-friendly for newcomers to machine embroidery, and provides an adequate built-in design selection for projects. The Disney element adds unique appeal. However, the limitations of embroidery-only utility and smaller 4” x 4” hoop may put off some users. There are more heavy-duty machines available for advanced crafters and commercial work.
Ultimately, the Brother PE550D is best suited for hobby embroiderers who appreciate the lower price point and Disney charm. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of enjoyable usage and beautiful results. Just be aware of the hoop size constraint and lack of sewing capability before purchasing to ensure it will meet your creative needs.