The Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery Sewing Machine takes the SE350 up a notch by adding a USB port so you can download embroidery patterns and stitches and update your machine through your laptop or computer.
For its price range, this is a phenomenally functional machine - bordering on professional use due to the wide variety of features and sewing types that can be performed.
Brother SE400 Stitch Patterns
Because this is a combination sewing and embroidery machine, there are loads of stitches to accomplish either type of sewing. There are 67 general utility and sewing stitches such as 10 styles of 1-step buttonholes, Straight, Zigzag, Overcasting, BlindHem, Applique, Stretch, Patchwork, Quilting, Eyelet, Smocking, Decorative, Heirloom stitches and Side Cutter stitches. (Side Cutter stitches cut the fabric off at the seam during sewing similar to what a serger does for seam edges.)
Those stitches can be modified by adjusting the width or height or applying a mirror, twin or multi-directional stitch function.
For embroidery, there are 70 built-in embroidery designs including flowers, roses, baskets of flowers, animals, plants and birds. You choose the pattern and the machine will guide you through step-by-step including thread color selection. The LCD screen shows how much time it will take to complete each step.
Letters and characters used for embroidery and monogramming are excellent additions to today's sewing machines and the Brother SE400 includes 5 different fonts.
There are 10 styles of frame stitches you can use as a border around your work including a square, circle, and diamond and 12 different stitch styles to use in sewing those frames for a total of 120 frame options.
Brother SE400 Presser Feet
The Brother SE400 comes with 8 snap-on presser feet: Buttonhole, Overcasting, Monogramming, Zipper, Zigzag, Blind Stitch, Button Fitting, and the Embroidery foot.
Most product listings describe the machine as having only 7 presser feet but are not counting the embroidery foot in the equation.
The Zigzag foot has a leveling button to help it maneuver over thick seams or fabric edges (as is often necessary when hemming denim for jeans).
The presser foot height has 3 settings: down, regular up, and extra up for slipping thick fabrics under the presser foot.
Brother SE400 Features
Using some of the best technology for thread delivery and even stitching, the Brother SE 400 also includes automatic features to make machine set up as easy as possible and push button controls that handle things like thread cutting and bobbin winding.
Thread delivery is horizontal, the bobbin is a Quick-Set drop in style casing, and the feed dogs have seven points of contact for optimum fabric control.
There is an automatic needle threader, the ability to drop the feed dogs, and upper thread and bobbin sensors tell you when your thread had broken or is running low.
Push buttons are conveniently located for programming the needle to stop in the up or down position, a Start/Stop button, speed control slider, and a Reverse/Reinforcement stitch button.
All settings take place through the use of the Brother SE400's touch screen panel and nice sized icons display stitch patterns and directions.
Embroidering with the machine requires that you remove the extension table and slide the included embroidery unit onto the machine. Then place your fabric in the embroidery frame and ensure the right needle, thread, and presser foot are in place.
On the side of the machine is an embroidery card slot so you can purchase sets of embroidery designs to expand your library of artwork.
The Brother SE 400 embroidery sewing machine with USB port and embroidery card reader offers incredible functionality and value.
