Are you still having a hard time deciding between Brother SE400 and SE425? If so, then you’re in the right place because, in this article, you’ll get an idea which one to choose. Since both machines are identical in terms of their appearance and several features, I’ll be conducting a Brother SE400 vs SE425 comparison review. This is aimed to help users or sewists alike to have a better understanding of the two machines, how you can differentiate them, and finally decide on which one fits your preferences best.
Overview: Brother SE400 vs SE425
Brother company has been in the sewing business ever since 1908. This was first established by Kanekichi Yasui, father of the founders of Brother. It started under the name Yasui Sewing Machine Co.[1], which initially started as a repair services and sewing machine parts manufacturer in Japan.
And through time, the Yasui brothers inherited their father’s passion for sewing machines and technological advancement, thus, the Brother Industries, Ltd. was created. In 1968, Brother stepped up their game by introducing the B-701 electric machine model which revolutionised the sewing trade.
Nowadays, taking a piece of fabric and creating something out of it is made easier than ever due to these sewing machines. Modern features such as speed control, built-in stitches and automatic functions make the sewing process much more efficient for sewists of all levels.
Brother SE400 | Brother SE425 |
Specifications: Dimensions -10.9 x 6.9 x 15.5 inches Weight – 13.5 pounds Built-in Sewing Stitches – 67 Sewing speed – 710 stitches per minute Bobbin – Top Drop-in Warranty – 25-year | Specifications: Dimensions – 11 x 7 x 15.5 inches Weight – 13.5 pounds Built-in Sewing Stitches – 67 Sewing speed – 710 stitches per minute Bobbin – Top Drop-in Warranty – 25-year |
PROS: Automatic threading Import designs from computer Large work area Can control sewing speed Long warranty Affordable | PROS: Easy to use Color-coding system makes the machine suitable for beginners. Affordable machine Three or four threads Fast stitching speed |
CONS: Black and white screen Easy needle breaking Foot pressure can’t adjust Must pay for additional designs | CONS: Low resolution instructional DVD Black and white screen You can only use rolled hems on thinner fabrics A rather loud machine |
How Do We Compare Brother SE400 vs SE425
Both the Brother SE40 and SE425 are a combination of embroidery and sewing[2]. Having a machine which can perform different tasks will definitely give you enough room for creativity. And since they have the same manufacturer and specs, it would be great to find out which of the two Brother machines live up to the Brother standards. Looking at the specs mentioned above, there’s no denying the fact that they’re closely similar. However, SE425 is priced higher than SE400, so the decision is whether the extra accessories you get is really worth the extra bucks.
In order to find out which one is the best, I’ll be comparing the two machine’s features based on several factors. These factors include its ease of use, stitches and designs, sewing and embroidery speed, lighting, LCD touch screen, and computer connectivity. These factors are aimed to help users, or sewists like you, have a better understanding of the features of both machines and know which one works best in accordance with your preference.
Brother SE400 vs SE425
Ease of Use
The SE400 and SE425 are both surprisingly easy-to-use. They both include quick set top drop-in bobbins, easy to view backlit LCD touch screen, automatic needle threading feature, large embroidery area, built-in LED light, free arm, and built-in tutorials. Combining all these features can definitely prove how these two machines are perfect for beginners and experienced sewists as well.
Both machines were designed with the focus on taking the effort out of sewing and embroidering, so users can easily stay focused and creative.
You will be amazed the first time you try these machines as they definitely remove the hassle in sewing. So when it comes to a user-friendly operation, both machines are excellent performers.
Winner: Brother SE400 and SE425
Stitches and Designs
In terms of the number of sewing stitches and designs, they clearly are very identical. Both machines also come with a variety of presser feet, 4”x4” hoop, and jam-proof bobbins to easily create tons of projects with ease. With Brother SE425, you don’t only get 70 pre-installed embroidery designs, but also a separate CD with 100 additional designs to choose from. As for the SE400, it’s equipped with only 70 designs on the machine. As mentioned previously, the SE425 costs more than the SE400. But overall, both machines can offer great variety and precision stitching.
Winner: Brother SE425
Computer Connectivity
Since they’re both computerized sewing and embroidery machines, they include a USB port for transferring and copying designs directly from the computer to the machine and vice-versa. They both have a limited built-in memory to allow users to save their favorite designs and freely use it anytime. Additionally, both machines also come with a slot for Brother design cards purposely for additional designs and embellishments which you can incorporate into your projects.
Winner: Brother SE400 and SE425
Sewing and Embroidery Speed
As seen on the comparison table, both machines also have the same sewing speed of 710 SPM, not just that, but they’re also similar in terms of their embroidering speed of 400 SPM. Even if their sewing speed isn’t the fastest ones on the market, they still have an advantage when it comes to delivering intricate and precise stitch works. Additionally, you’ll be glad to know that both includes an adjustable speed feature, which makes them compatible for sewists of all levels.
Winner: Brother SE400 and SE425
Lighting
For a better sewing performance and clearer workspace, a built-in LED light is a must. Gladly, both machines include a brightly-lit LED light which are highly beneficial for users or sewists with poor eyesight. Thus, these two machines are great when it comes to lighting up the workspace.
Winner: Brother SE400 and SE425
LCD Touch Screen
This feature is what makes up a computerized sewing machine. The LCD touchscreen is highly convenient as it features all the stitch and embroidery designs, tutorials, settings and adjustments. Since it’s a back lit LCD screen, users won’t have difficulty viewing designs and settings during the night. The only downside about their LCD screen is its monochromatic (Black and white) feature. So you’ll need to use some of your imagination to gauge what the design really looks like when it’s finished.
Winner: Brother SE400 and SE425
Which Model Should You Choose?
Considering all the features, specifications, and overall performance of the two, I’d definitely choose the SE400 over the SE425. This is due to the fact that there is not much difference between their features, but there is a substantial difference between their prices.
The only thing that sets them apart is the SE425’s additional designs in the CD, which you can already get on the internet, making it so unnecessary.
If you find the SE425 worth buying due to its added features, then it’s definitely worth a try!
But if you’re more on the practical side and don’t want to waste extra bucks on these features, then the SE400 is the ideal model to get. Not to mention, the Brother SE400 has been one of the most popular Brother embroidery and sewing machines as of today.
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Resources
- “Brother Group History Foundation-1940s | Brother.” https://global.brother/en/corporate/history/1940s. Accessed 19 Sep. 2020.
- “Difference Between Sewing Machine and Embroidery Machine.” 27 Oct. 2016, https://www.melco.com/blog/difference-between-sewing-machine-and-embroidery-machine. Accessed 19 Sep. 2020.