Brother SE-400 Review: Everything You Need To Know About This Feature-Packed Embroidery Machine

The Brother SE-400 is one of the most popular embroidery machines on the market, offering a wide range of sewing and embroidery capabilities at an affordable price point. In this comprehensive review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the features, capabilities, ease of use, and potential drawbacks of this versatile machine. Whether you’re a sewing enthusiast, crafter, hobbyist, or small business owner, read on to see if the SE-400 is the right embroidery machine for you!

Overview of the Brother SE-400 Embroidery and Sewing Machine

The Brother SE-400 is a computerized combo machine – it can both sew and embroider. This dual-purpose functionality makes it a flexible option for crafters and DIYers who want an all-in-one machine.

Here are the key specs and features of the Brother SE-400:

Technical Specifications

Spec	Details
Product Dimensions	16.5 x 7.3 x 11.7 inches
Weight	11.82 pounds
Warranty	25 years limited
Maximum Embroidery Area	4″ x 4″
Built-in Stitches	67
Built-in Embroidery Designs	70
Maximum Sewing Speed	710 stitches per minute
Automatic Needle Threader	Yes
USB Connectivity	Yes

The Brother SE-400 comes with a wide range of accessories including:

4 x 4″ embroidery hoop
Embroidery arm
8 sewing feet
Touch pen
Embroidery bobbin thread
Needle set
Seam ripper
Scissors
Screwdrivers
Spool caps
Bobbins
Accessory bag

This extensive accessory kit ensures you have everything you need to get started embroidering and sewing right out of the box.

Now let’s dive into the key features and capabilities of this versatile machine in more detail.

Main Features of the Brother SE-400

The SE-400 comes equipped with a robust set of features to handle both sewing and embroidering projects. Here are some of the highlights:

Combination Embroidery and Sewing Capabilities

The Brother SE-400 allows you to embroider designs up to 4 x 4 inches in size. It comes with a built-in library of 70 embroidery designs, 120 frame pattern combinations, and 5 lettering fonts.

For sewing, it offers 67 built-in utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting stitches. You can seamlessly switch between sewing and embroidery modes in seconds by attaching or removing the embroidery arm. This versatility makes it easy to incorporate embroidery into sewing projects.

User-Friendly Touchscreen Display

The large backlit LCD touchscreen display makes selecting stitches, customizing embroidery designs, and operating the machine intuitive and user-friendly. All the editing features like resizing or rotating designs are controlled right from the display.

The high-resolution screen also allows you to clearly see the designs and preview stitch work. This helps reduce mistakes or rework caused by not being able to see the designs properly.

Automatic Threading and Cutting

The SE-400 comes with several automated features that simplify setup and save time. The advanced automatic needle threader accurately guides the thread through the needle with just the press of a lever.

It also has a built-in automatic thread cutter that trims both top and bobbin threads with one click after sewing. These conveniences minimize frustrating manual steps in the sewing process.

Internet Connectivity and Design Import

One of the SE-400’s biggest assets is its USB port that allows you to import embroidery designs directly from your computer.

You can purchase unique designs from the iBroidery.com online store with thousands of patterns to choose from. This vastly expands your design capabilities beyond just the built-in options.

You can also find free embroidery designs online in the correct .PES file format that the SE-400 reads. Transferring designs is as simple as plugging in the USB, copying the files over, and loading them on the machine.

Easy Bobbin Winding and Threading

Winding the bobbin on the SE-400 is fast and straightforward with the built-in winder. The machine also has a convenient drop-in bobbin system so you can easily insert bobbins without needing to thread them.

In addition to the automatic needle threader, the machine has clearly labeled guides and paths to make threading the upper thread a breeze. This hassle-free setup lets you spend more time creating and less time prepping your machine.

Sewing Speed and Adjustments

With a maximum sewing speed of 710 stitches per minute, the SE-400 offers smooth, steady sewing for most lightweight and medium-weight fabrics. You can use the foot pedal or speed adjustment settings to go slower for precision work or utilize the high speed for long seams.

The adjustable stitch length and width give you more control over your stitches for custom finishes. You can also control the thread tension for balanced stitches on different fabric weights.

Included Accessories

As mentioned previously, the SE-400 comes with a starter kit of sewing accessories like embroidery hoops, bobbins, needles, touch pen, specialty presser feet and more. Having all these accessories right out of the box saves you money and gives you everything you need to learn both sewing and embroidery techniques.

Capabilities and Performance as an Embroidery Machine

Now that we’ve covered an overview of the SE-400’s features, let’s take an in-depth look at how this machine performs for embroidery in particular.

Convenient Features for Embroidery

The Brother SE-400 provides many conveniences that simplify the embroidery process for beginners and experts alike:

Onscreen embroidery tutorials – Learn how to hoop fabric, attach the embroidery unit, thread for embroidery and more using the built-in video tutorials.
Auto thread cutting – The automatic thread cutting feature snips embroidery threads for you after each color change or finished design.
Resume function – If you run out of bobbin thread midway through a design, you can pause the machine, re-thread, and press resume to pickup exactly where you left off.
Adjustable speeds – The machine sews embroidery designs at 400 stitches per minute but you can reduce the speed for better control.
Color sorting – The SE-400 sorts the embroidery colors and shows the stitching sequence on the display so you always know which thread to use next.

Built-In Design Library

While the SE-400 comes with 70 built-in embroidery designs, they are relatively basic. Fortunately, you have a few options to add more variety:

Import designs – As mentioned, you can import thousands of .PES designs from the Brother iBroidery library or other free sites using the USB port.
Monogramming – Use the 5 built-in monogramming fonts to create personalized designs, names, and words up to 7 letters.
Editing features – Resize, rotate, mirror image, or reposition the built-in designs or imported ones to create custom variations.

Embroidery Area

The maximum embroidery field for the SE-400 is 4 x 4 inches. This is on the smaller side, making it best for projects like decorative motifs on clothing, linens, banners, gifts, accessories, and more.

You can also stitch out larger patterns by re-hooping the fabric multiple times. The SE-400’s embroidery area may feel limited if you want to create big, dense embroidery designs. Just keep the size constraint in mind based on your project needs.

Embroidery Speed

At 400 stitches per minute, the SE-400 has an average embroidery speed for home machines. Small designs and monograms will stitch out faster, while large multi-color patterns will take more time.

The built-in design library provides handy time estimates for each pattern. As long as you manage your expectations, the SE-400 delivers attractive embroidery at decent speeds. Slowing it down can also result in smoother stitching.

Design Positioning

On the SE-400’s display, you can see the design size, position it within the hoop, and zoom in for precise alignment. Multiple hooping positions are also marked on the hoop itself.

These features give you control over design placement so you can line up motifs or lettering exactly where you want on the project. Proper alignment is key for achieving professional embroidery results.

User-Friendliness

Despite its extensive capabilities, the SE-400 has a manageable learning curve thanks to the intuitive LCD screen, step-by-step guidance, and automatic features. Once you get the hang of hooping, threading, and stabilizer selection, it handles the embroidery process automatically while keeping you informed.

The machine detects errors, alerts for color changes, and stops when designs are complete. With online tutorials and the included manual, it’s easy to learn how to create beautiful embroidery projects with the SE-400.

Performance and Features for Sewing

Aside from embroidery, the SE-400 can handle a wide range of general sewing tasks. Let’s look at how it works for basic sewing and construction applications.

Variety of Built-in Stitches

The Brother SE-400 boasts 67 built-in sewing stitches for:

Piecing quilts
Decorative stitching
Heirloom sewing
Applique
Blind hemming
Buttonholes
Zippers
And more

You’ll have your bases covered for sewing and finishing all types of fabric projects. The LCD screen makes it simple to select your desired stitch and adjust the width and length as needed.

Free Arm Sewing

The SE-400 offers a detachable free arm option perfect for sewing sleeves, cuffs, pant legs, and any cylindrical areas where fabric needs to be manipulated around the arm. Free arm sewing prevents fabric bunching and facilitates even stitching.

Included Presser Feet

In addition to the embroidery foot, the SE-400 comes with 7 specialty presser feet for various techniques:

Zipper foot – For installing zippers and piping with extra seam guidance.
Buttonhole foot – One step creation of consistent button holes.
Overcasting foot – Prevents fabric fraying by encasing edges.
Blind hem foot – Makes nearly invisible hems for a professional finish.
Button fitting foot – Allows you to sew on buttons accurately.
Zigzag foot – For applying appliques, sewing decorative stitches, and attaching trims.

Having the right presser foot makes sewing tasks much easier and expands the machine’s capabilities. The quick change system allows you to snap on the correct foot in seconds.

Adjustable Settings

Just like with embroidery, you can customize the sewing settings on the SE-400. Adjustable stitch length and width allow you to dial in the right settings for your fabric weight and sewing technique.

The start/stop feature lets you sew without the foot control for greater control while quilting or following a pattern. There is also an automatic reinforcement stitch function that does reverse stitches at the beginning and end of seams for a neat finish.

Sewing Speed

With a maximum sewing speed of 710 stitches per minutes, the SE-400 keeps up with most general sewing tasks. While not as fast as industrial machines, it provides adequate speed for constructing apparel, quilts, crafts, home decor items, and more at home. Slowing it down gives you more accuracy for detail work.

Sewing Machine Benefits

Even if you purchase the SE-400 for its embroidery functions, the inclusion of computerized sewing capabilities provides additional benefits:

Ability to stitch out embroidery designs
Completing solid fill stitching in embroidery patterns
Sewing clothing, quilts, and projects using the embroidery machine
Added value and versatility for your investment
Convenience of one machine instead of two

So you get excellent double duty from the SE-400 as both a sewing and embroidery machine.

Ease of Use of the Brother SE-400

Given its dual functionality and robust feature set, how beginner-friendly is the SE-400 embroidery machine? Let’s evaluate its ease of use.

Easy Set Up

When first getting started, the process to thread the SE-400 and get ready to sew or embroider is straightforward:

Use the automatic needle threader by following the threading guides.
Wind a bobbin using the built-in winder, then drop it into the bobbin case.
Thread the bobbin case following the diagrams.
Snap on the appropriate presser foot for your technique.
Select your desired stitch or embroidery design on the LCD display.
Adjust any settings as needed.

The automatic threading, numbered guides, and tutorials in the machine make for effortless set up. With some practice, you’ll have it threaded and ready to go in under 5 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guidance

The Brother SE-400 essentially walks you through every process, from sewing a buttonhole to editing an imported embroidery design. The LCD screen provides guidance like:

Prompting you to re-thread after a few stitches if the threads didn’t catch properly
Indicating where to place batting with onscreen markers for quilting
Reminding you to change to the next color thread during embroidery
Warning of errors if the bobbin runs out or the machine detects an issue

The machine takes out much of the guesswork with its clear direction at every step. As you build confidence, you’ll rely on the guidance less frequently.

Easy Design Editing

Modifying a built-in design or imported embroidery pattern is straightforward with the editing functions accessible right on the LCD screen.

Simply select the design, then use the intuitive icons to:

Adjust the pattern’s size
Rotate it in 90 degree increments
Mirror image the design
Change the colors
Move the placement in the hoop

The icons make sense visually, and the results of your adjustments appear on the screen instantly. Even editing complex designs feels natural after just a bit of practice.

LCD Screen Interface

Despite its small size, the LCD interface makes choosing designs or stitches effortless. Categories are clearly labeled via icons and text to minimize confusion.

You can scroll up and down to locate your desired selection. The lettering embroidery fonts also allow you to use the touch keys on the display like a keyboard to enter words or names to be converted into embroidery automatically.

Overall, Brother put great care into maximizing the simple user experience with the intuitive and responsive LCD screen.

Drawbacks and Downsides of the Brother SE-400

For all its worthwhile features and performance, the SE-400 does come with a few limitations to keep in mind, particularly:

Small embroidery field – The 4 x 4 inch maximum embroidery area cannot accommodate large, dense designs. You’ll be limited to smaller motifs and need to re-hoop bigger patterns in sections.

Low resolution display – While generally user-friendly, the LCD screen has a lower resolution that impacts the design image quality. Tiny details are difficult to distinguish.

No WiFi connectivity – Lacking built-in wireless connectivity, you have to plug into a computer via USB cable to transfer designs which is inconvenient.

Basic editing capabilities – Functions like lettering, design resizing, rotating and mirror imaging are handy but may not satisfy advanced users. More complex editing requires third party software.

Occasional thread breaks – Some users report frequent thread breaks, particularly on high speed and with poor quality threads.

Smaller stitch count – At 70 built-in stitches for sewing, the SE-400 does not offer the stitch variety that pricier machines boast.

No automatic fabric feed – Without a built-in fabric feeding system, quilting larger pieces can be tedious and challenging.

Noise level – This is a quieter machine but embroidery at high speeds generates some low-level mechanical noise.

Keep in mind that these downsides reflect the SE-400’s reasonable price point. Competing combo machines with more robust features and fewer limitations cost significantly more.

Suggested Improvements

Here are some changes that could enhance the SE-400 sewing and embroidery machine:

Larger embroidery field like 6″ x 10″
Higher resolution display for improved design visibility
WiFi and wireless connectivity features
Expanded built-in design library with more variety
More editing capabilities – letter spacing, design combining etc.
Sturdier needle system to prevent thread breaks
Additional decorative and specialized stitches
Sturdier frame and body construction
Built-in fabric feeding feature for quilting
Quieter mechanics and operation

While Brother already offers higher priced models with some of these upgrades, incorporating them into the SE-400 line could justify a slightly higher price tag.

Alternatives to the Brother SE-400 Embroidery Machine

If the SE-400 falls short for your needs, here are two alternative Brother embroidery machines to consider at different price points.

Brother SE600 Embroidery Machine

The Brother SE600 offers similar capabilities with:

Larger 5 x 7 inch embroidery field
More built-in designs
Additional editing functions
Better LCD screen resolution
More sewing stitch options

With these upgrades, it improves upon some of the SE-400’s key limitations at a higher $500+ price point.

Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

For the ultimate embroidery experience, the Brother PE800 offers a 5 x 7 inch hoop, larger built-in design library, and more advanced features.

Key benefits of upgrading to the PE800 include:

138 built-in embroidery designs with scrollwork, florals and more
11 built-in font styles for monogramming
Ability to combine designs on screen
Larger 5″ x 7″ embroidery field
Expanded editing capabilities – individual letter placement, rotation in 1-degree increments
On-screen progress bar for improved tracking
Higher 800 stitches per minute speed
Automatic fabric feed for frames
Improved LCD screen resolution and display

With perks like design combining, better editing, and faster speeds, the PE800 allows more creativity and efficiency for avid embroiderers. It provides an enhanced user experience for a higher budget at around $650.

The PE800 represents Brother’s top-of-the-line home embroidery machine before leaping up to their commercial models. For advanced crafters and monogramming businesses, the splurge delivers upgraded performance to take your embroidery to the next level.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Brother SE-400 offers extensive sewing and embroidery capabilities in a user-friendly machine at an affordable price point. For crafters, DIYers, hobbyists, and home-based entrepreneurs on a budget, it’s an excellent choice.

This sewing and embroidery combo machine provides strong value through its dual-purpose functionality. You get a robust embroidery machine alongside a computerized sewing machine with 67 built-in stitches – all for under $350. Even with its limitations, the SE-400 outperforms expectations.

If you’re new to embroidery, this machine simplifies the learning curve through its LCD interface and built-in tutorials. Experienced embroiders will also appreciate the diverse included accessories, design importing, and adjustable settings. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.

While the SE-400 cannot replace high-end commercial embroidery machines with large hoops and industrial speed, it fulfills the needs of most home crafters. Before purchasing, just ensure the 4 x 4 inch hoop size meets your project requirements.

For hobbyists seeking an affordable, feature-packed embroidery option, the Brother SE-400 sewing and embroidery machine will enable you to give your DIY projects a customized, elevated look without breaking the bank.