Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine Review
The Brother PE770 embroidery machine is one of the best options for those looking to get started with machine embroidery. In this detailed review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, capabilities, and performance of the PE770 to help you decide if it’s the right embroidery machine for you.
Overview of the Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine
The Brother PE770 is an embroidery-only machine, meaning it cannot be used for regular sewing. However, as a dedicated embroidery machine, it comes packed with features specifically for embroidering, monogramming, and crafting embroidery projects.
This computerized embroidery machine is easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners. At the same time, it’s powerful enough to meet the needs of more advanced embroiderers.
Some of the highlights of the PE770 embroidery machine include:
- 136 built-in embroidery designs and 6 lettering fonts
- Large 5″ x 7″ embroidery field
- Backlit LCD touchscreen display
- Design editing capabilities
- Automatic needle threading system
- USB port for importing designs
- Easy bobbin winding and dropping in
The PE770 offers versatility for all types of embroidery work. The wide array of built-in designs, ability to import patterns, and design editing features give you the freedom to create custom projects.
This machine is an excellent value for the price. It costs significantly less than computerized combination machines that can both sew and embroider.
Below we’ll explore the features and benefits of the Brother PE770 in more detail.
Technical Specifications of the Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine
Before diving into the key features, here is an overview of the technical specifications and details for the PE770:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Embroidery-only |
| Built-in Designs | 136 |
| Built-in Lettering Fonts | 6 |
| Maximum Embroidery Field | 5″ x 7″ |
| Display | Backlit LCD touchscreen, 1.4″ x 2.7″ |
| Maximum Embroidery Speed | 650 stitches per minute |
| Built-in Memory | Yes |
| USB Port | Yes |
| Automatic Needle Threader | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | Yes |
| Bobbin System | Drop-in jam resistant |
| Needle Positions | Adjustable |
| Included Hoop | 5″ x 7″ |
| Included Accessories | 3 Bobbins, Seam ripper, Scissors, Cleaning brush, Needle set, Screwdrivers, Spool caps |
| Machine Weight | 26.5 lbs |
| Machine Dimensions | 16.77″ x 21.26″ x 17.28″ |
| Warranty | 25 years limited |
Built-in Designs and Memory
One of the biggest assets of the Brother PE770 is the 136 built-in embroidery designs it comes with. The wide variety of patterns include delicate scrollwork, floral motifs, classic quilt patterns, trendy fashion designs, and much more.
The PE770 comes with 136 built-in embroidery designs. Image via Brother.
There are also 10 frame shapes and 12 border styles to allow endless customization of the built-in patterns.
In addition to the decorative designs, you get 6 built-in font styles. Transform the built-in alphabets into monograms, names, phrases, and any words you want to embroider.
The built-in memory gives you the ability to save customized designs for future use. This is handy when you want to tweak one of the built-in patterns and access it again later without having to reformat it each time.
Having so many designs and options at your fingertips is invaluable. You’ll always have a wealth of patterns and lettering available for your projects.
User-Friendly LCD Touchscreen
Operating and navigating the Brother PE770 is made simple with the backlit LCD touchscreen display. The screen measures 1.4” x 2.7” which provides ample viewing area.
The LCD screen shows the designs in the machine’s memory and allows you to select and edit them. You can preview designs in the hoop which is beneficial for placement. The icons and interface make selecting stitches, adjusting settings, and operating functions very straightforward.
The touchscreen’s backlight illuminates the display, so you can clearly see the screen whether you’re embroidering in low light or bright conditions.
Overall, the LCD screen gives you the ability to manage all the machine’s embroidery capabilities with just a few button presses.
Design Editing Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Brother PE770 is the built-in design editing functions.
These powerful features allow you to customize and personalize embroidery designs right on the LCD screen. With just a few taps on the screen, you can:
- Rotate designs – Rotate patterns 1, 10, or 90 degrees for perfect placement and alignment
- Mirror image – Flip designs horizontally to create mirrored effects
- Increase/decrease size – Enlarge or shrink designs up to 20% bigger or smaller
- Preview edits – View how edits look on the screen before stitching
Having the freedom to edit embroidery designs expands your creative possibilities and takes your projects to the next level.
Editing designs is easy with the Brother PE770’s screen.
Plus, you can combine designs and edit them as a group for more advanced changes. The positioning feature will also notify you if a design needs to be rotated to fit properly in the hoop.
Automatic Needle Threading
Threading the needle on a sewing or embroidery machine can be tricky. The PE770 makes this process essentially error-proof with its automatic needle threading function.
Simply follow the thread guide and thread the machine up to the needle. When you push down the threading lever, the threader will pull the thread directly through the needle.
This saves a lot of time and frustration when setting up your machine to embroider. The automatic needle threading feature helps beginners immensely since threading a needle manually takes practice.
Threading the needle is a breeze with the automatic needle threader.
Between the automatic needle threader and easy bobbin winding, you can have your machine threaded top and bottom and be ready to embroider in no time.
Includes 5″ x 7″ Embroidery Hoop
The Brother PE770 comes with one 5″ x 7″ embroidery hoop. This gives you a generous embroidery field of 5 inches high by 7 inches wide for stitching designs.
The included hoop size is perfect for embroidering projects like quilts, jacket backs, towels, bags, and more.
Having a larger embroidery field versus smaller 4″ x 4″ hoops allows you more space to combine designs, embroider bigger patterns, and lettering without re-hooping.
However, you can also purchase additional hoops separately for more size options. Many users recommend getting at least one 4″ x 4″ hoop as well.
The PE770 is compatible with Brother embroidery hoops up to 5″ x 12″ for super large designs. You just have to stitch them in sections.
Using the proper hoop for each project will hold the fabric taut and prevent shifting or bunching as you embroider.
Import Designs with the USB Port
While the built-in design library provides tons of options, you may want to embroider your own patterns or designs purchased from websites.
The USB port on the PE770 allows you to import designs from a USB memory stick. Nearly any PES or DST file format design can be used with the machine this way.
Here are some of the advantages of the USB connectivity:
- Import beautiful designs from sites like EmbroideryDesigns.com and iBroidery.com
- Digitize your own designs or photos using embroidery software
- Download free designs from blogs and websites
- Quickly transfer designs from your computer to the embroidery machine
- Easily save your edited designs on the USB for future use
With a USB stick, there are virtually endless design possibilities. You can create completely customized embroidery projects from existing patterns or ones made from scratch.
Importing designs is as easy as plugging in a USB stick.
Plus, any designs you import using the USB can also be saved in the built-in memory if there is room, creating a library of your go-to patterns.
Embroiders on Light and Medium Fabrics
What types of fabric can you use with the Brother PE770 embroidery machine? This model can handle light to medium weight fabrics well.
Materials like cotton, linen, voile, satin, poplin, fleece, denim, and canvas work nicely for embroidery with the PE770.
The key is to always use a stabilizer on the back of the fabric for best results. This provides structure and support so the fabric doesn’t stretch or pucker.
Some examples of good stabilizers to try are:
- OESD AquaMesh Stabilizer – Soft yet stable washaway stabilizer for wovens
- OESD BadgeMaster – Permanent stabilizer for embroidery on shirts, bags, etc
- Heat n Bond Ultrahold – Iron-on stabilizer for knits like t-shirts
Using the proper stabilizer will give your embroidered projects a crisp, professional look on fabric. Be sure to check the stabilizer’s suitability for your fabric type.
Thicker fabrics like leather and denim might require a more powerful commercial machine. If you want to embroider hats, you’ll need a special hat hoop attachment.
Overall though, the PE770 can handle most light to medium weight fabrics for home embroiderers.
Works Well with Polyester Embroidery Thread
Along with fabric, choosing the right thread is key to successful embroidery. Polyester embroidery thread is the best choice to use with the Brother PE770.
Look for thread that is made specifically for embroidery rather than regular sewing thread. It has a high sheen and smooth texture that won’t get caught in the machine.
Polyester thread comes in a wide range of vibrant colors perfect for standing out on fabric. It has great tensile strength and won’t easily break.
Ideal embroidery thread weights for the PE770 are 40 wt and 50 wt. The higher numbers indicate a finer, thinner thread. Thinner thread flows smoothly through the needle eye.
Some top-rated polyester embroidery threads to try are:
- Robison-Anton Polyester Embroidery Thread – 40 wt, 1000 yard cones for bulk projects
- Sulky PolyLite Polyester Embroidery Thread – Variety pack of popular 40 wt colors
- Isacord Polyester Embroidery Thread – 40 wt professional grade 2500 meter cones
Polyester thread will provide quality embroidery stitches without frequent thread breaks. Be sure to match the thread weight recommendations for your machine.
PE770 Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve covered the key features and performance of the Brother PE770 embroidery machine, here is a summary of the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Large built-in design library
- User-friendly LCD touchscreen
- Design editing capabilities
- Automatic needle threading
- Large 5″ x 7″ embroidery field
- USB port for importing embroidery designs
- Works well on light and medium fabrics
- Good size and weight for home use
- Excellent value for the price
Cons:
- Embroiders only, no regular sewing
- Can’t embroider heavy fabrics like thick leather
- Small display screen graphics
- Hoop mounting position needs improvement
- No built-in memory to save edited designs
Alternatives to Consider
The Brother PE770 offers tremendous value for an embroidery-focused machine. However, there are some alternatives in a similar price range that you may want to look into as well.
Brother SE600 – This is a 4″ x 4″ combination embroidery and sewing machine. So you can embroider, sew, and quilt all on one machine.
EverSewn Sparrow 30s – Compact but powerful 4″ x 4″ embroidery machine with crisp LCD display. Easy to use for beginners.
Janome Memory Craft 400E – Janome’s embroidery-only machine with superior stitch quality and precise details.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 – Large sewing and embroidery machine with 13″ x 6″ field. Hundreds of built-in stitches and designs.
Be sure to compare features and prices to decide which machine best fits your needs and skill level.
Our Final Thoughts
The Brother PE770 embroidery machine delivers impressive performance and versatility, especially considering the reasonable price tag.
With user-friendly operation, built-in editing functions, and abundant included designs, it’s no wonder the PE770 is a popular choice for embroidery enthusiasts.
This machine can meet the needs of both beginners learning to embroider as well as more advanced crafters looking to take on larger projects.
The PE770 really shines if you’re seeking an embroidery-focused machine. With the built-in memory and USB port, you’ll have unlimited potential to create personalized embroidery.
While it can’t handle heavy fabrics like leather, it performs beautifully on light to medium weight materials. Investing in quality needles and embroidery thread will help it run smoothly.
Overall, the Brother PE770 is an excellent value embroidery machine that can grow your skills while producing beautiful stitched designs.
The Brother PE770 embroidery machine makes embroidering and monogramming easy and fun with user-friendly features and performance. If you’re seeking a dedicated embroidery machine, it’s a top choice for beginners or experienced embroiderers.