Brother SE-400 Review

I recently received a Brother SE-400 sewing machine!  The computerized SE-400 combination embroidery and sewing machine is designed to help you give your projects a customized, high-end look -- all while being priced to fit your budget! Featuring 70 built-in embroidery designs, 67 built-in sewing stitches, 120 frame pattern combinations and 5 embroidery lettering fonts, the SE-400 is the perfect machine for all your sewing, embroidery, crafting and home décor projects. Computer connectivity allows you to enjoy future machine updates and easily import and digitize embroidery designs directly from your computer. Features like the automatic needle threading system and backlit touch screen LCD make working on the machine easy on your eyes, while the Quick-Set™ drop-in top bobbin, easy bobbin-winding system and built-in push-button thread cutter add a new level of convenience to your sewing and embroidery crafting. With an impressive assortment of included accessories, the SE-400 is truly an affordable, feature-rich choice for the budding fashion designer.

Main Features

• Computer Connectivity with Update Capabilities
• 70 built-in embroidery designs, 5 monogramming fonts and 120 frame pattern combinations
• 67 built-in sewing stitches with 98 stitch functions
• Easy-to-view back-lit, touch screen LCD display
• On-screen reference guide in 16 languages
• Quick-Set™ drop-in bobbin and automatic needle threader
• Built-in push button thread cutter
• Large 4” x 4” embroidery area
• Brightly lit LED work area

This machine is retailing between $499 and $388 depending on the retailer. It can be purchased online at walmart.com, Amazon.com and more.

Let me tell you this is a fancy machine.  I already had a good old basic machine, but it was just that basic!  This machine is a combination of creativity and technology.  It does it all basic mending, embroidery, quilting, craft sewing and more.  The SE-400 is compact machine (or at least compact compared to my other one) and comes with a handle at the top, which makes it  portable.  Which is perfect for me.  I can move it to any room of the house and work on a project.   I am in love with this machine!

I decided to go ahead and try out some Christmas gifts.   First up was some Christmas towels.   I decided to make a couple different styles.   First up was the good old hot pad towels.  I have to make up a ton of these for gifts this year.  I plan on giving each preschool teacher in my kids class one this year! So I needed to get a head start on these.  I also decided to try out a few of the different features and make some applique type towels.  Some of the features were done by hand, as I have not learned all the bells and whistles of this machine.

I also decided to make some wine bottle bags!    Now I loosely followed these instructions here.

As most my friends know I am not big on following patterns, instructions or following recipes.  LOL.  I take an idea and run with it.  If you are not up to making your own wine bottle bag or short on time, you could easily buy one at a store and just embroidery it with your machine.  Here is my take on a wine bottle:

The possibilities are endless with this machine.  I am looking forward to after the holidays and I just have some time to sit and play with it.  I already have a couple ideas in my head that I want to try out!

The Brother SE-400 is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who loves to sew and wants to get into embroidery or if they simply want to  upgrade their old sewing machine to a combination embroidery and sewing machine.

Disclaimer:  I  received the above mentioned  machine  to facilitate this review.   All opinions are my own.  I was not compensated in any other way.  For my full disclosure policy please click here