Top Features of the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine

The Brother PE800 embroidery machine remains a powerhouse in 2025, offering a perfect entry into dedicated embroidery for hobbyists, beginners, and small business owners. Priced around $600–$800, this embroidery-only model stands out for its balance of advanced features and user-friendly design, making it ideal for personalizing apparel, home décor, or gifts without the bulk of a combo machine. With a generous 5" x 7" embroidery area and a color touchscreen, the PE800 delivers professional results on a budget. In this blog, we'll explore its top features, drawing from recent user reviews and specs to highlight why it's still a smart buy—even for used models under $1,000.

Overview of the Brother PE800

The Brother PE800 is a single-needle, embroidery-only machine designed for home use, emphasizing ease and creativity. Compact at about 16.5 inches deep, 7.76 inches wide, and 12.09 inches high, and weighing around 15 pounds, it's portable yet sturdy for everyday projects. Released as an upgrade to the PE770, it includes 138 built-in designs, 11 fonts, and USB connectivity for custom files, supporting formats like PES and DST. While it lacks wireless features (unlike newer models like the PE545), its reliability and value keep it popular. Users on Reddit in 2025 note that even 2020 models hold up well, often selling for $500–$700 used with accessories like hoops and thread racks.

Top Features of the Brother PE800

The PE800's features make it a versatile choice for everything from monograms to intricate motifs. Here's what sets it apart:

1. Large 5" x 7" Embroidery Area

The PE800's standout 5" x 7" hoop size allows for larger designs than many entry-level machines, accommodating jacket backs, quilt blocks, or detailed logos without constant repositioning. It includes a standard hoop and supports optional smaller ones (eg, 4" x 4") for precision work. Users praise this for reducing frustration on bigger projects, with one Reddit reviewer calling it a "game-changer for home use" compared to 4" x 4" models.

2. 138 Built-In Embroidery Designs and 11 Fonts

With 138 pre-loaded designs—including florals, scrollwork, quilts, and borders—plus 11 fonts (7 English, 3 Japanese, 1 Cyrillic), the PE800 offers instant inspiration. It also includes 10 frame designs and 14 border styles for quick customization. This library is perfect for beginners experimenting without downloads, and it integrates with iBroidery.com for thousands more (including Disney patterns). Reviews highlight the variety as a "huge plus" for starting small businesses.

3. Large 3.2" Color LCD Touchscreen

The vibrant 3.2" color touchscreen simplifies navigation, with intuitive icons for selecting designs, editing, and previewing. Features like drag-and-drop positioning, resizing (up to 200% zoom), rotating, and mirroring let you tweak on the fly. On-screen tutorials cover threading and hooping, making it beginner-friendly. A 2025 Amazon review notes it's "a huge upgrade from monochrome screens," easing the learning curve.

4.USB Port for Custom Designs

The built-in USB port supports easy import of custom PES, DST, PHS, and PEN files, ideal for digitized logos or patterns from services like ZDigitizing. With 5MB internal memory, you can store favorites for quick access. This feature shines for personalization—users on PatternReview love loading Etsy designs or creating monograms without software hassles.

5. Automatic Needle Threader and Thread Cutter

The advanced automatic needle threader pushes thread through the eye effortlessly, while the auto thread cutter trims after each color change for clean finishes. These save time on multi-color projects, with a quick-set top-loading bobbin preventing jams. Reviewers call it "a lifesaver for beginners," reducing setup frustration.

6. High-Speed ​​Performance and Adjustable Settings

Stitching up to 650 stitches per minute (SPM) with adjustable speeds, the PE800 handles detailed work efficiently. It includes two bright LED lights for visibility and a drop-feed mechanism for free-motion embroidery. For thick fabrics like denim, users recommend stabilizers, but the machine's even tension earns praise for consistent results .

7. Comprehensive Accessories and Tutorials

Out of the box, it includes an embroidery foot, 5" x 7" hoop, needles, bobbins, seam ripper, and dust cover—everything for immediate use. Built-in tutorials on the LCD guide threading, hooping, and basic editing, while the manual covers advanced tips. Accessories like extra hoops (sold separately) expand versatility for caps or socks.

Pros and Cons of the Brother PE800

From 2025 reviews on Amazon (4.6/5 stars), Reddit, and sewing forums, the PE800 is lauded for value but has some limitations.

Pros:

• Generous Hoop Size: 5" x 7" allows creative freedom without repositioning.
• User-Friendly Interface: Color touchscreen and tutorials make it accessible for newbies.
• Custom Design Support: USB and multiple formats enable easy personalization.
• Reliable and Durable: Minimal jams; holds up well used (eg, 2020 models still viable).
• Affordable Entry: Great for under $800, even used.

Cons:

• No Wireless Connectivity: Relies on USB, unlike newer models like the PE545.
• Embroidery-Only: No sewing functions; pair with a separate machine for versatility.
• Smaller Screen: 3.2" display feels cramped for complex edits.
• Learning Curve for Customs: Requires software for advanced designs.
• Limited Built-Ins: 138 designs are solid but may need supplements for pros.

Overall, it's a "dream deal" for under $1,000 used, per Reddit users.

User Experiences with the Brother PE800

Feedback from 2025 sources emphasizes its reliability. On Reddit's r/Machine_Embroidery, a user snagged a 2020 model for under $1,000 with extras, calling it "solid for home use" and low-maintenance. Another praised its "smooth operation" for quilts and shirts, noting 2.5 million stitches without issues. Amazon reviewers love the touchscreen for "quick monograms," with one saying it's "perfect for starting a side hustle." PatternReview users highlight the hoop size for "fewer re-hoops," though some wish for Wi-Fi. Common themes: Excellent for beginners, but upgrade to wireless models for tech-savvy users.

Who Should Buy the Brother PE800?

The PE800 is ideal for:

• Beginners: Tutorials and easy threading ease entry.
• Hobbyists: Great for gifts, patches, or home decor.
• Budget Buyers: Value-packed at $600–$800 new or less used.
• Small Businesses: Efficient for low-volume customs with ZDigitizing files.

Skip if you need sewing or wireless; consider the SE700 or PE545.

Tips for Maximizing Your PE800

• Quality Supplies: Use colorfast threads and stabilizers for crisp stitches.
• Custom Files: Import PES from ZDigitizing; test on scraps.
• Maintenance: Clean bobbin after 10 hours; oil as needed.
• Hoop Hacks: Use magnetic hoops for stretchy fabrics.
• Expand Library: Download from iBroidery for variety.

How Does the PE800 Compare?

• Vs. PE770: PE800 upgrades to color screen and more fonts; worth the $100–$200 extra.
• Vs. PE545: PE545 adds wireless (~$480) but smaller 4x4 hoop; PE800 for size.
• Vs. NS1150E: NS1150E has color screen and similar hoop (~$1,000); PE800 for budget embroidery-only.

The PE800 wins for hoop value.

Conclusion

The Brother PE800 shines in 2025 with its 5" x 7" hoop, color touchscreen, and 138 designs, making it a top pick for dedicated embroidery on a budget. Users rave about its ease and reliability, especially used under $1,000. While lacking wireless, its USB customs and tutorials deliver pro results. Pair with ZDigitizing for flawless files, and you'll craft stunning monograms or logos effortlessly. If larger designs excite you, the PE800 is a timeless choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the PE800 beginner-friendly?

Yes, with tutorials and auto-threader.

What's the hoop size?

5" x 7", great for medium projects.

Supports custom designs?

Yes, PES/DST via USB; ZDigitizing compatible.

Warranty?

25-year limited parts, 2 years electrical, 1 year labor.

Handles thick fabrics?

Yes, with stabilizers for denim.

PE800 vs. PE770?

PE800 has color screen and more fonts.