Brother SE1900 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, 138 Designs, 240 Built-in Stitches, Computerized, 5" x 7" Hoop Area, 3.2" LCD Touchscreen Display, 8 Included Feet

For a number of years I used the Brother PE 700 for embroidery and that was an excellent machine. We moved into an apartment to be closer to our family at the start of ongoing pandemic and I could not take all of my machines but sent them on to other users. I purchased the Brother SE 1900 as a way to accommodate working in a much smaller space and was very surprised at how easy, quiet and beautiful it sews. And it has over 7.3 inches of space to the right of the needle and excellent lighting.I did not think I would really like using a combination machine but I love it!!! It is very easy to switch between embroidery and sewing. The color touch screen is fantastic! I can see everything without a problem. The alphabet fonts on the Sewing side come out fairly large and crisp, and the Embroidery functions are very quiet and give beautiful stitch outs.This machine does come with a knee lift and several feet. It does not come with an extension table for sewing; however, Brother sells an extension table that fits this model perfectly, SAWT4 Wide Table, 19 inches by 11 inches. This table is listed in the online catalog for Brother Accessories for the SE 1900 and the Brother Innovis 2750D.Since I also quilt, I purchased a generic Alpha Sew walking foot that is the same model as the Brother Branded SA140. Only this model of walking foot will work on the SE 1900. Other models cut too close to the needle and you could easily throw your timing off.If you are interested in purchasing other feet I would look at the Brother Accessories catalog first to get the precise parts number for that item. This will help you find either the correct Brother Brand or Generic Brand. If you look for a presser foot with a Brother dealer it will be easier if you have the Brother parts number. Otherwise, dealers will tell you rather curtly that they don't sell parts for the online Brother machines. (Ask me how I know this!).One last FYI- this sewing and embroidery model comes with a bobbin case that is designed to take 60 weight bobbin thread for the Embroidery Functions, and it comes with a spool of 60 weight thread. The Brother embroidery only machines are designed to be used with 90 weight thread and have a different bobbin case for only embroidery. I use the 60 weight bobbin thread for most of my designs.Update January 15, 2024: I have had this machine for almost 3 years now and in the past few months have used it mostly for embroidery since it stitches out beautifully. I did bring it in to be serviced after two years and have them work on the needle clamp and threader. After service and this minor repair the machine works like a dream.For folks who may be having a problem with the needle threader working consistently make sure in step #5 that your thread is placed in between a very tiny metal piece and the thread guide before proceeding. If you are changing your thread fast you can actually place the thread in the wrong spot and it could possibly shred. Secondly, make sure your needle is all the way up to the top of the clamp when you insert it, and finally, raise your needle up and down once to make sure it is in the highest position before you use the automatic threader.If you are an iPad user and want to bypass using software on your computer in order to download designs onto your machine, your iPad needs to be a 10th Generation or higher. You can use Apple's USB-C to USB Adapter for approximately $18. Use a Brother brand USB Flash Drive or a Flash Drive configured as a FAT32 Format USB 2.0 Flash Drive. Attach to adapter. Go to any site to download your embroidery designs or your own files. From downloads move them to a folder on your iCloud Drive (see Files Folder) then you can move them to your USB stick. I renamed my USB stick since it comes up as Untitled. You can save them on your USB stick and/or iCloud Drive.Make sure your SE 1900 is updated!!!!! The update allows you to see designs in folders and it has the machine recognize a Magnetic Hoop. Brother does make a magnetic hoop SAMF180N that fits the SE1900, PE 800, PE 900 and SE2000, which I purchased here from Amazon on sale for $105 from $259. I love the Brother magnetic hoop as it is super easy to use and holds my projects with good tension. While the specs say it is a 4 by 7 inch hoop the field looks quite big to me, especially if you rotate the design.I did not want to upgrade to a wireless machine right now and I am happy enough with the editing features the machine has built in. Me and my iPad live together, lol, trying to keep the Senior life simple.

The media could not be loaded. Working with craft machines (as in my literal job to sell machines, tools and all your project needs), I've seen and heard many things."Don't pick this brand" , "don't buy that brand".IMO what I've learned: it's all about your needs, wants and levels of crafting you wish to reach.I was completely intimidated by this machine. I still have my lil Singer Tradition I've had for about 4 years but been itching to get an embroidery machine for a long time. My coworker advised me: if you can wait and save up for it, get one that is at least 5x7.And it was 100% worth the wait. The screen isn't the best for details but if you're mostly aware of your colors or have a list to help you, you'll be okay. A bigger screen would be nice but that's okay. It's workable.I had no problems with using the USB to use my additional files. Simple to figure out.Favorite features: low thread bobbin alert, snip thread button, and automatic threader that actually works.Sewing? Oh my god, I nearly cried the first time. My Singer is due for maintenance but I know the cost is more than it's worth. It was a great starter, don't get me wrong. Served me very well. But this machine is BEAUTIFUL.Been couple months with it now, no complaints SO FAR as I'm still learning the full extent of it.My only actual issue is figuring out how to store the embroidery/sewing bed - depending on which one is not in use. I hate leaving it out and about, haven't found a storage place for it yet.And of course, it is loud when embroidering. It's a bit expected but I can personally deal with it as it's not an awful noise - just loud. Will usually walk away and put on headphones to help minimize it.(Video added is at real-time speed)