Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine: A Comprehensive Review

The Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine is one of the most popular home embroidery machines on the market. In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine all the features and capabilities of this embroidery-only model to help you determine if it’s the right fit for elevating your embroidery skills and projects.

Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine Review

The Brother PE800 is an embroidery-only machine, meaning it cannot sew regular stitches. However, its generous 5″ x 7″ hoop size and built-in design library make embroidering a breeze. This machine comes loaded with 138 beautiful embroidery designs ranging from flowers and scrollwork to holiday patterns.

It also has 11 built-in monogramming fonts. The Brother PE800 features a large 3.2″ LCD color touchscreen display that allows you to easily preview designs and make edits like resizing, rotating, and recoloring all on-screen. Embroidery designs can be imported via the USB port, giving you unlimited creative options.

This popular model offers several automated features like a needle threader, automatic thread trimmer, and default tension settings to simplify embroidery for beginners. Even those new to embroidery can get professional-looking results. Read on for a deep dive into all the Brother PE800’s capabilities.

Image caption: The Brother PE800 embroidery machine has a 5″ x 7″ hoop size and 138 built-in designs.

Technical Specifications

Before diving into the key features, here is an overview of the Brother PE800’s technical specifications:

Specification	Details
Machine Weight	17.64 pounds
Machine Dimensions	17.5′′ x 9.5′′ x 11.8′′
Maximum Embroidery Speed	650 stitches per minute
Built-in Designs	138 (includes 10 frame shapes, 14 border styles, 11 fonts)
Maximum Embroidery Field	5″ x 7″
Included Hoops	5″ x 7″ hoop
Display	3.2″ LCD color touchscreen
Warranty	25 years limited

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Now let’s explore the machine’s top features in more detail.

Image caption: An infographic showing the key specifications of the Brother PE800 embroidery machine.

Built-in Designs and Fonts

One major advantage of the Brother PE800 is that it comes pre-loaded with 138 beautiful embroidery designs. This includes a wide variety of detailed floral patterns, holiday and seasonal motifs, decorative designs, and more.

There are so many options to choose from, you could embroider for a long time before needing to source external designs. Here’s an overview of what’s included:

• 138 unique embroidery patterns – This covers a wide range of design styles and visual effects. Floral designs are particularly popular, with delicate embroidered flowers, wreaths, and garlands.
• 10 frame shapes – Choose from basic shapes like circles and squares to more unique frames such as a guitar pick shape and badge shape.
• 14 frame borders – Accent any framed design with a scalloped, zig zag, or braided border.
• 11 fonts – Personalize projects with built-in lettering. 7 fonts are in English, 3 in Japanese, and 1 in Cyrillic.

Being able to instantly access such a extensive design library makes the Brother PE800 an ideal choice for beginners. You can start embroidering amazing projects without an additional design purchase. Experienced embroiders will also appreciate having an assortment of patterns at their fingertips.

Plus, the designs cover a versatile range of styles, allowing you to monogram clothing, decorate household linens, customize bags and accessories, and more.

Image caption: A sampling of the 138 built-in embroidery designs includes delicate florals, holiday motifs, and scrollwork.

Having so many designs included right on the machine gives you tremendous creative flexibility. While the exact designs Brother includes may vary, you’ll have plenty to work with either way.

To get started embroidering quickly, I recommend picking one of the simpler floral designs or monogramming your towels or clothing using the built-in English fonts. Here are some recommended supplies that make monogramming easy:

• Iron-on stabilizer – Iron this onto fabric before hooping to prevent distortion. I like the Iron-On Tear-Away Stabilizer.
• Water-soluble stabilizer – Place on top of fabric in hoop to avoid stitches sinking into the material. The Sulky Solvy Stabilizer is a top pick.
• Embroidery threads – Quality rayon or polyester threads create smooth embroidered designs. Try the Brother Embroidery Thread Kit.
• Bobbins – The machine uses SA156 bobbins. Stock up on the Brother Bobbin Case and SA156 Bobbins.

Embroidery Area Size

The Brother PE800 comes with a spacious 5″ x 7″ embroidery field. This means you can create embroidery designs up to 5″ wide and 7″ tall without having to reposition the hoop.

The included hoop is also 5″ x 7″, giving you the full working area right out of the box. Being able to embroider larger designs makes a world of difference compared to smaller 4″ x 4″ hoop machines.

Here are some of the benefits of having an expanded embroidery area:

• Bigger monograms and motifs – The generous size allows for monograms, custom phrases, and single design elements up to 5″ x 7″.
• Less rehooping – You can embroider many designs in one hooping instead of having to reposition the hoop multiple times.
• Less wasted fabric – When you have to rehoop repeatedly to complete a design, you often end up with fabric leftovers. The larger area helps reduce fabric waste.
• Quilt blocks – Many 5″ quilt blocks can be embroidered in one pass. For pieced blocks, embroider the pieces individually then assemble the block.
• Towel sets – Entire towel sets can be coordinated by embroidering matching 5″ designs on each one.

For maximum versatility, I’d recommend getting some additional hoops:

• 4″ x 4″ hoop – Great for smaller projects and blankets. The Brother PE800 4″ x 4″ Hoop works nicely.
• 6″ x 10″ hoop – Allows even bigger designs by repositioning. Check out the Brother PE800 6″ x 10″ Hoop.
• Adjustable hoop – Fits a range of hoop sizes to save money. The Brother Adjustable Quilting Hoop is perfect.

Thanks to the generous 5″ x 7″ maximum embroidery area, you unlock more creative possibilities with the Brother PE800 compared to smaller hoop machines.

Image caption: The spacious 5″ x 7″ embroidery field allows bigger designs and less rehooping.

LCD Screen and Functionality

Efficiently navigating through designs, editing options, and machine settings is easy with the Brother PE800’s LCD display screen. It measures 3.2″ wide and 1.8″ tall, giving you ample room to see your designs.

The screen shows all menus, selections, and designs in vibrant color. You won’t be squinting at tiny monochrome graphics. The LCD screen makes it possible to:

• Preview embroidery designs – View how the design will stitch out in full color before beginning.
• Select and edit built-in designs – Choose from any of the 138 built-ins and make adjustments right on the screen.
• Change thread colors – Customize the thread colors in a design to match your project.
• Resize designs – Enlarge or shrink designs uniformly or disproportionately.
• Rotate designs – Rotate patterns in 90, 10, or 1 degree increments as desired.
• Create horizontal mirrors – Flip designs horizontally to create symmetrical embroidery.
• Edit monogram fonts – Modify the thread density, size, and arcing of lettering.
• Combine designs – Merge multiple designs into one hooping with drag and drop editing.

The color LCD touchscreen makes it very intuitive to personalize and edit designs on the Brother PE800 embroidery machine. Doing so directly on the machine is more convenient than editing on a computer and transferring designs.

The ability to preview the design’s colors and see your resized or rotated version before stitching gives you creative confidence!

Image caption: Edit embroidery patterns and preview design colors on the 3.2″ LCD touchscreen.

To really get the most out of the LCD display and built-in design options, I recommend these helpful accessories:

• Embroidery editing software – Digitizing programs like Embrilliance or SewArt let you edit designs on a computer to expand possibilities.
• Digitizer pen – Using a pen like the Brother PE-Design Plus Stylus makes editing directly on the LCD screen more natural.
• USB flash drive – Import extra designs easily using a USB stick like the PNY Turbo 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive.

Leveraging both the built-in functionality and added software opens a world of embroidery design options when using the Brother PE800.

Import Custom Designs

While the 138 built-in motifs are wonderful, you’ll eventually want to branch out into custom and unique designs. The Brother PE800 makes this simple to do using the built-in USB port.

This port allows you to import externally digitized designs from a USB flash drive. Having the freedom to embroider virtually any design you can imagine takes this machine to the next level.

Here are some of the main ways to import new designs:

• Buy pre-digitized designs – Purchase sets of designs to expand your library. These come in compatible formats like .PES to work with the PE800. Sites like iBroidery have hundreds to choose from.
• Use digitizing software – Create your own designs from scratch or convert images using an embroidery program on your computer. Then save them to import.
• Convert free designs – Find free embroidery designs online and use software to convert them to a compatible file type like .PES if needed. Many freebies can be found on sites like EmbroideryDesignsGuru.
• Design services – Hire a digitizing service to convert your logo or artwork into files for the machine. This nets completely custom results.

The type of files the Brother PE800 can read include:

• .PES
• .DST
• .PHC
• .PEN

Being able to supplement the built-in library with virtually unlimited imported designs offers endless creative options. Personalize your projects by embroidering your own handwriting, favorite quotes, unique illustrations, custom logos, and more.

Image caption: Import endless custom embroidery motifs through the USB port.

Here are some must-have supplies for getting started with imported designs:

• USB flash drive – Use a USB to transfer designs from your computer. The Sandisk Cruzer 128GB USB works great.
• Cleaning supplies – Keeping the machine in top shape will ensure high embroidery quality. Pick up the Brother PE800 Cleaning Kit.
• Touch pen – A pen like the Brother PE-Design Touch Pen makes editing imported designs on-screen easy.
• Embroidery thread set – Quality threads create stunning embroidery. Check out the eHome 45 Color Embroidery Thread Set.

Convenient Automatic Features

Even as an embroidery beginner, you can feel confident creating projects on the Brother PE800 thanks to several convenient automated features. These capabilities simplify the embroidery process so you can focus on being creative.

Some of the most useful automatic features include:

Automatic Needle Threader

Threading the eye of a needle can be tricky, but the PE800 does this for you automatically. Simply lower the lever and the threader does the work!

Automatic Thread Cutter

There’s no need to trim threads between color changes. The built-in cutter snips threads automatically when you select the next color.

Quick-Set Bobbin

Changing the bobbin is fast and easy with the drop-in bobbin system. The machine even pulls up the bobbin thread for you.

Default Tension Settings

The optimal tension is set automatically. You can then customize the tension as needed per design.

These automated functions provide a smooth, low-frustration embroidering experience for users of any skill level. Spending less time on manual tasks means more time enjoying the process and end result!

Image caption: Functions like the automatic thread cutter simplify embroidering for beginners.

Below are some accessories to better leverage the automatic features:

• Bobbin assortment – Having sufficient bobbins means you won’t have to stop and rewind. Get the 100 Pack of Brother Bobbins.
• Needle set – Investing in quality needles will minimize thread breaks and frustration. Consider the Brother 5-Pack PE800 Needles.
• Embroidery scissors – Snip pesky jump stitches between color changes. The Brother Designio Series Embroidery Scissors are perfect.

Easy to Set Up and Learn

Embroidery machines often come with a steep learning curve, but the Brother PE800 makes it easy for complete beginners to get started. Unboxing and setting up the machine is made simpler thanks to the included quick start guide.

This handy booklet walks you through the steps of:

• Unpacking the machine and accessories
• Attaching the embroidery foot
• Winding the bobbin
• Threading the machine
• Hooping fabric
• Choosing an embroidery pattern

There are also handy built-in tutorials right on the LCD screen. These animated tutorials demonstrate how to:

• Correctly wind the bobbin
• Thread the machine
• Attach and remove the embroidery frames
• Use machine features and settings

Other beginner-friendly touches include:

• Numbered threading diagrams printed on the machine
• Step-by-step graphics in the operational manual
• Detailed on-screen threading instructions

With multiple learning aids at your fingertips, you’ll be up and embroidering in no time. This machine helps you build skills and confidence in a smooth, stress-free way.

Image caption: Beginners can refer to the included quick start guide for easy setup.

Some products that further simplify mastering the Brother PE800 include:

• Instructional DVD – This DVD provides video tutorials covering setup to embroidery. Check out the Brother PE800 Instructional DVD.
• Embroidery starter kit – Kits like the Brother 6 Piece Embroidery Starter Tool Kit have helpful beginner supplies.
• Embroidery machine oil – Keep your machine running smoothly by regularly oiling. Try the Singer sewing machine oil.

Investing in quality tools and maintenance supplies helps ensure longevity and optimal performance.

Ideal for Home and Small Business Use

With its generous 5″ x 7″ embroidery area, abundance of built-in designs, and helpful features like the automatic thread cutter, the Brother PE800 can handle consistent home embroidery projects. The precise stitching and rich details make it ideal for embellishing clothing, creating embroidered patches, monogramming baby blankets, and so much more.

Budding entrepreneurs can also leverage this machine’s capabilities to launch or grow a small home-based embroidery business.

Here’s how the PE800 fits small business needs:

• Impressive design capacity – The built-ins offer lots of variety for customers, and you can import unlimited designs.
• Good stitch speed – At 650 stitches per minute, the PE800 can handle orders efficiently.
• Accurate alignment – The positioning system ensures design alignment for neat results.
• Professional-quality embroidery – This machine creates polished, production-level embroidery ideal for selling.
• User-friendly operation – Easy threading and bobbin features make constant use feasible.
• Reliable performance – Being able to handle high volumes will satisfy customers.

For those seeking to turn embroidery into a side business or full-time gig, the PE800 delivers the convenience, quality, and reliability that your brand needs to succeed.

Image caption: The built-in library and importing capabilities make the PE800 ideal for small embroidery businesses.

Some helpful business tools include:

• Marketing materials – Promote your embroidery service with professionally printed marketing packs. Check Vistaprint’s Embroidery Business Marketing Materials.
• eCommerce platform – Sell your finished pieces in an online store. Try easy-to-use Shopify to create your storefront.
• Inventory software – Keeping track of designs and orders helps streamline operations. Embrilliance’s Threds Inventory Software is made for embroiderers.
• Receipt printer – Print order forms and receipts for customers with a portable printer like the HP Wireless Portable Printer.

The right accessories make running your embroidery business seamless. Invest in tools that automate tasks and production.

Pros and Cons

To recap, here are the key benefits and downsides of the Brother PE800 embroidery machine:

Pros

• 138 built-in designs with diverse motifs and monogramming fonts
• Large 5″ x 7″ maximum embroidery area
• Vibrant 3.2” LCD color touchscreen makes editing designs intuitive
• Import unlimited external designs via USB
• Several convenient automated features like thread cutting and needling threading
• Very user-friendly for beginners to set up and learn
• Reliable performance for home projects or small business use

Cons

• More limited editing capabilities than advanced embroidery software
• Cannot sew regular stitches; embroidery-only machine
• Manual thread color changes required compared to a multi-needle machine
• On the higher end of pricing for home embroidery machines
• Larger hoops must be purchased separately

The Brother PE800’s advantageous design capacity, generous embroidery field,LCD display, and additional user-friendly attributes outweigh its few limitations. Overall, it is an excellent mid-range computerized embroidery machine for hobbyists or small business.

Conclusion

After reviewing all of the Brother PE800’s top-of-the-line features, it’s easy to see why this embroidery-only machine is a favorite for both beginners getting started and experienced embroiders looking to level up.

The generous 5″ x 7″ hoop size coupled with the built-in library of 138 designs gives you ample creative capability right out of the box. Intuitive functions like the color LCD touchscreen editing make it a breeze to customize motifs to suit your projects. And user-friendly attributes such as the automatic thread cutter provide a frustration-free embroidering experience.

While an embroidery/sewing combo machine offers more versatility, the Brother PE800 delivers professional-grade embroidery results and reliability. For devoted embroiderers seeking the highest quality at an affordable price point, this machine delivers on all fronts.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your hobby skills or start a small home-based embroidery business, the feature-packed Brother PE800 gives you the tools to succeed.