6 Best Alternatives to the Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine (2026)

How alternatives compare to NQ1700E

Janome Memory Craft Dedicated Embroidery Machine

The Janome Memory Craft 500E is a dedicated embroidery machine weighing 20 pounds, which is 7 pounds lighter than the Brother NQ1700E. It focuses strictly on embroidery tasks rather than offering utility sewing functions. The build provides a sturdy workspace for crafters who want a single-purpose tool. While the Brother model includes wireless connectivity and a large 6 by 10-inch field, the Janome prioritizes a solid, standalone embroidery platform. You should consider this option if you prefer a lighter footprint and do not need the larger hoop capacity or wireless editing features of the Brother. It suits those seeking a reliable, fixed-purpose machine for consistent embroidery work without the added weight or dual-function complexity.

Bernette Sewing and Embroidery Machine

The Bernette b79 is a sewing and embroidery machine that includes an extension table and 11 presser feet. Unlike the Brother NQ1700E, which is dedicated solely to embroidery, this machine offers full sewing flexibility alongside embroidery features. It is designed for combined projects involving sewing, quilting, and embroidery. If you need a versatile setup that handles multiple stitch types beyond just digitized designs, this is a practical choice. The inclusion of an extension table supports larger sewing tasks. You should pick this alternative if your workflow requires switching between standard sewing and embroidery without needing a separate machine. It trades the dedicated large embroidery field of the Brother for broader utility in mixed-media crafting projects.

Bernette B79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

The Bernette B79 pairs 208 sewing stitches with 500 built-in embroidery designs on a 5-inch touchscreen. It includes three hoops and an extension table, offering a complete all-in-one station. Compared to the Brother NQ1700E, this machine combines sewing and embroidery capabilities in one unit. The Brother is limited to embroidery only. The Bernette provides more stitch variety for general sewing tasks. You should choose this option if you want a single machine that handles both construction sewing and decorative embroidery. It is ideal for users who value versatility over a dedicated large-format embroidery workspace. The setup eliminates the need for separate equipment, making it efficient for comprehensive textile projects.

Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

The Brother CS7000X is a computerized sewing and quilting machine with 70 built-in stitches and a wide table. It weighs 20.2 pounds, which is lighter than the Brother NQ1700E. This machine serves as a practical option if your priority is sewing and quilting workspace rather than a dedicated hoop-based embroidery setup. It lacks the large 6 by 10-inch embroidery field of the NQ1700E. You should pick this alternative if you focus on quilting and general sewing tasks. It provides extra workspace for large quilting projects. The machine is suitable for users who need robust sewing features but do not require the specialized large-scale embroidery capabilities of the dedicated embroidery model.

Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine

The Brother SE700 is a wireless sewing and embroidery machine that pairs standard stitching with small-scale embroidery. It weighs 15.6 pounds, significantly lighter than the 27-pound Brother NQ1700E. This machine fits projects within a 4-inch by 4-inch hoop, which is smaller than the 6 by 10-inch field of the NQ1700E. It includes a color touchscreen and wireless connection. You should consider this option if your projects are small and you need a dual-purpose machine. It is practical for users who want both sewing and embroidery in a compact form. The trade-off is the reduced embroidery area, but it offers greater portability and versatility for smaller craft projects.

Smartstitch 10-Needle Commercial Embroidery Machine

The Smartstitch S-1001 is a 10-needle commercial embroidery machine weighing 93 pounds. It delivers industrial speed for professional shops and businesses prioritizing output volume. This machine is much larger and heavier than the Brother NQ1700E. It is designed for high-volume production rather than home use. You should pick this alternative if you run a business requiring rapid embroidery output. It fits professional environments where compact size is less important than efficiency. The machine lacks the user-friendly touchscreen and wireless features of the Brother, focusing instead on durability and speed. It is suitable for commercial users who need to handle large quantities of embroidered items efficiently.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Brother 6 x 10 Wireless Embroidery Machine

Best for: large-format embroidery and magnetic hooping

Display Type

4.85" Full Color LCD Touch Screen

Embroidery Area

6" x 10"

Suitable For

Embroidery

Dimensions

17.6 × 29.3 × 13.9 inches

Weight

27 pounds

View on Amazon: Brother 6 x 10 Wireless Embroidery Machine Affiliate link

This dedicated embroidery machine provides a 6 by 10-inch workspace, wireless connectivity, and automatic thread trimming for jump stitches. You edit patterns directly on the 4.85-inch full-color LCD touchscreen. It includes 258 built-in designs plus software with 199 fonts and a 5 by 7-inch magnetic hoop. It suits you if you need a large-format embroidery workstation for jacket backs and patches without standard sewing functions.

Pros

• 6 by 10-inch maximum embroidery field
• 4.85-inch full-color LCD touchscreen with on-screen editing
• Includes 5 by 7-inch magnetic sash hoop and digitizing software
• Automatic jump stitch trimming cuts upper and lower threads
• 258 built-in designs and wireless file transfer

Cons

• Embroidery-only design lacks standard sewing stitches
• Large footprint measuring 29.3 inches wide and weighing 27 pounds

Good fit if

• You need a dedicated 6 by 10-inch embroidery area for large apparel projects.
• You want built-in wireless file transfer and on-screen design editing.
• You work with fabrics up to 2 millimeters thick using magnetic hooping.

Skip if

• You need a hybrid machine that also handles regular sewing stitches.
• You have limited workspace for a machine measuring 29.3 inches wide.

Verdict: Brother 6x10 Wireless Embroidery Machine delivers a spacious 6 by 10-inch workspace and built-in wireless editing for dedicated embroidery projects. It sets the baseline for standalone embroidery performance across this guide if you do not require utility sewing.

2 Also great

Janome Memory Craft Dedicated Embroidery Machine

Best for: dedicated embroidery projects on a sturdy workspace

Suitable For

Embroidery

Dimensions

7.9 × 160 × 11 inches

Weight

20 pounds

View on Amazon: Janome Memory Craft Dedicated Embroidery Machine Affiliate link

The Janome Memory Craft Embroidery Machine is a dedicated embroidery unit designed strictly for embroidery work rather than standard sewing. It weighs 20 pounds, measures 11 inches high, and is built for dedicated stitch projects. If you need a standalone embroidery unit with multiple style options across the line, this machine gives you a focused setup without extra regular sewing functions cluttering your table workspace.

Pros

• Dedicated solely to embroidery tasks
• Weighs 20 pounds for a stable tabletop base
• Compact vertical profile measuring 11 inches high
• Available in four style configurations across the line

Cons

• Only suitable for embroidery with no general sewing utility listed
• Product dimensions specify an extensive width of 160 inches

Good fit if

• You want a machine designated specifically for embroidery tasks.
• You prefer a 20-pound unit to anchor your embroidery workspace.

Skip if

• You need a combination machine capable of regular everyday sewing.
• You have limited workspace unable to accommodate the listed width.

Verdict: Janome Memory Craft Embroidery Machine provides a dedicated single-purpose embroidery platform with a solid 20-pound build. It suits crafters seeking standalone embroidery equipment rather than a combination sewing machine.

3 Also great

Bernette Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Best for: combined sewing, quilting, and embroidery projects

Display Type

LCD display

Included Presser Feet

11 feet

Suitable For

Embroidery

Included Accessories

Extension Table

View on Amazon: Bernette Sewing and Embroidery Machine Affiliate link

The Bernette Sewing and Embroidery Machine combines garment construction and stitching in one computerized unit. Unlike embroidery-only units, it features an LCD display, an included extension table, and 11 distinct presser feet. It comes with three hoops, an automatic thread cutter, and adjustable foot pressure for thick fabrics. This setup suits you if you need a single workspace for both quilting projects and multi-hoop embroidery designs.

Pros

• Includes 11 presser feet and three embroidery hoops
• Bundled extension table expands the working area
• Built-in automatic thread cutter and needle threader
• LCD display for navigating stitch settings

Cons

• Hoop dimensions are not detailed in published specs
• No wireless transfer features listed

Good fit if

• You want one machine for both sewing and embroidery tasks.
• You need an extension table and diverse presser feet included.
• You stitch thick fabrics requiring adjustable foot pressure.

Skip if

• You only want a dedicated embroidery-only unit.
• You require wireless design transfer over Wi-Fi.

Verdict: Bernette Sewing and Embroidery Machine delivers a versatile dual-purpose setup with an extension table and 11 included presser feet. It gives you full sewing flexibility alongside dedicated embroidery features.

4 Also great

Bernette B79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Best for: combined sewing and embroidery in one setup

Stitch Count

208

Max Stitch Width

7mm

Display Type

5" full-color touchscreen

Suitable For

Embroidery

Included Accessories

Extension Table

Dimensions

20 × 23 × 22 inches

View on Amazon: Bernette B79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Affiliate link

This computerized machine combines sewing and embroidery in one unit, distinguishing it from embroidery-only alternatives. You get a 5-inch full-color touchscreen, 208 built-in sewing stitches, and 500 built-in embroidery designs. It includes three hoops, dual feed, an extension table, and a USB port for importing your own patterns. If you need both standard stitching and embroidery capability in a single chassis, this dual-function setup suits your workspace.

Pros

• Dual sewing and embroidery functionality with 208 stitches
• Includes 3 embroidery hoops and an extension table
• 5-inch color touchscreen with multi-function control knobs
• Over 500 built-in embroidery designs with USB import
• Integrated dual feed and automatic thread cutter

Cons

• Semi-automatic rather than fully automatic needle threader
• Large footprint measuring 23 by 22 by 20 inches
• Maximum stitch width capped at 7mm

Good fit if

• You want a single machine for both regular sewing and embroidery work.
• You need multiple hoop sizes included in the box.
• You prefer navigating and editing designs directly on a 5-inch color touchscreen.

Skip if

• You only need a dedicated embroidery-only unit.
• You have limited counter space for a 23-inch wide machine.

Verdict: Bernette Sewing and Embroidery Combo with 3 Hoops pairs 208 sewing stitches with 500 built-in embroidery designs on a 5-inch touchscreen. It provides an all-in-one sewing and stitching station without requiring a separate dedicated embroidery unit.

5 Best budget

Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

Best for: quilting projects needing extra workspace

Stitch Count

70

Included Presser Feet

10 sewing feet

Type

Computerized

Suitable For

Quilting, Embroidery

Dimensions

22 × 11.8 × 17.2 inches

Weight

20.2 pounds

View on Amazon: Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine Affiliate link

This computerized Brother machine offers 70 built-in stitches, including utility, decorative, heirloom, and quilting options, along with seven one-step buttonholes. It includes a wide table, a quilt guide, and 10 presser feet, supported by a metal frame and larger needle-to-arm workspace. If you need a dedicated stitch-and-quilt setup rather than a standalone embroidery unit, this model gives you practical room and included accessories for large fabric projects.

Pros

• 70 built-in stitches with 7 auto-size buttonholes
• Includes wide table, quilt guide, and 10 sewing feet
• Metal frame construction with fixed needle bar
• Automatic needle threader and drop-in top bobbin

Cons

• No embroidery hoops listed among included accessories
• Heavier unit weighing 20.2 pounds

Good fit if

• You need an included wide table and quilt guide for larger items.
• You want 70 built-in stitches paired with 10 dedicated sewing feet.

Skip if

• You require dedicated embroidery hoops included in the package.
• You need a portable machine weighing under 20 pounds.

Verdict: Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine provides 70 built-in stitches, 10 feet, and a wide table for quilting tasks. It serves as a practical option if your priority is sewing and quilting workspace rather than a dedicated hoop-based embroidery setup.

6

Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Best for: dual sewing and small-format wireless embroidery

Stitch Count

103

Display Type

3.7-inch LCD color touchscreen

Included Presser Feet

8 feet

Embroidery Area

4" x 4"

Suitable For

Embroidery

Dimensions

16.5 × 7.76 × 12.1 inches

View on Amazon: Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine Affiliate link

You get a dual-purpose machine that handles both standard sewing and computerized embroidery. It provides a 4-inch by 4-inch embroidery area alongside 103 built-in sewing stitches and 135 embroidery designs. Wireless connectivity links to the Artspira mobile app and PC software for pattern transfers without cables. This unit suits you if you want sewing utility and small-format embroidery in a single 15.6-pound tabletop unit.

Pros

• Dual functionality with 103 sewing stitches and 135 embroidery designs
• Built-in wireless LAN for transferring patterns via Artspira or PC software
• Color 3.7-inch LCD touchscreen for on-screen editing and previewing
• Includes 8 sewing feet and an automatic needle threader

Cons

• Embroidery area is capped at 4 inches by 4 inches
• Restricted to 120-volt US power outlets

Good fit if

• You want a single machine for everyday sewing and 4-inch by 4-inch embroidery projects.
• You prefer transferring designs wirelessly from a computer or mobile app.
• You need a compact 15.6-pound machine with included presser feet.

Skip if

• You require embroidery fields larger than 4 inches by 4 inches.
• You need a machine compatible with electrical systems outside US 120-volt standards.

Verdict: Brother Wireless Sewing and Embroidery Machine pairs standard stitching with small-scale embroidery via a wireless connection and a color touchscreen. It is a practical dual-purpose pick if your projects fit within a 4-inch by 4-inch hoop.

7 Best premium

Smartstitch 10-Needle Commercial Embroidery Machine

Best for: high-volume commercial embroidery production

Max Sewing Speed

1200 SPM

Display Type

7" Touch Screen

Needle Count

10 needles

Embroidery Area

9.5" x 14.2"

Suitable For

Embroidery

Dimensions

25 × 34 × 33 inches

View on Amazon: Smartstitch 10-Needle Commercial Embroidery Machine Affiliate link

The Smartstitch S-1001 is an industrial embroidery machine designed for high-volume production. It features a 10-needle head and a maximum speed of 1200 SPM. The large 9.5 by 14.2 inch embroidery area handles substantial designs. A 7-inch touch screen controls the process. This unit weighs 93 pounds and measures 34 by 25 inches. It suits businesses needing speed and capacity.

Pros

• 10-needle head for multi-color designs
• 1200 SPM maximum sewing speed
• 9.5 by 14.2 inch embroidery area
• 7-inch touch screen display

Cons

• Heavy 93-pound build requires sturdy support
• Large footprint needs dedicated workspace
• Industrial grade may be overkill for hobbyists

Good fit if

• You run a commercial embroidery business
• You need high-speed multi-needle production
• You require a large embroidery area

Skip if

• You need a lightweight portable machine
• You only embroider small personal items
• You lack space for a 34-inch unit

Verdict: Smartstitch S-1001 10-Needle Industrial Embroidery Machine delivers industrial speed for professional shops. It fits businesses prioritizing output volume over compact size.

Specifications side by side

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