Can You Use an Embroidery Machine to Sew?

On this page (10 sections)

1. Can you use an embroidery machine to sew seams and hems?
2. How is an embroidery machine different from a sewing machine?
3. Which type of machine should a beginner buy?
4. Can an embroidery-only machine sew a straight line?
5. How do you switch a combo machine from sewing to embroidery?
6. What stabilizer and needle do you need when switching modes?
7. Can you embroider on a regular sewing machine instead?
8. What can you make once the machine does both jobs?
9. Do you need a separate sewing machine if you own a combo?
10. So, can you use an embroidery machine to sew?

Yes, you can use an embroidery machine to sew, but only on a model built for both jobs. A sewing-and-embroidery combo like the Brother SE700 stitches seams and hems and also runs digitized designs in a hoop.

An embroidery-only machine cannot do that, so this guide shows how the two types differ and how to switch a combo from one job to the other.

Can you use an embroidery machine to sew seams and hems?

Yes, if it's a combo machine with sewing stitches and sewing feet. The Brother SE700 includes 103 built-in sewing stitches and 10 one-step auto-size buttonhole styles, so it handles construction work as well as embroidery.

An embroidery-only model has no stitch options for seams and no standard presser feet, so it cannot join fabric.

Check the stitch count and the included feet before you buy. A combo machine lists both sewing stitches and embroidery designs.

A dedicated embroidery unit lists designs and fonts only.

The SE700 comes with 8 sewing feet, including zigzag, overcasting, zipper, blind stitch, button fitting, buttonhole, monogramming and embroidery feet. That set covers most everyday garment work without extra purchases.

If your machine only lists embroidery designs and fonts, plan on a separate sewing machine for seams. Our guide to machine embroidery for beginners explains what each type of machine is actually built to do.

How is an embroidery machine different from a sewing machine?

A sewing machine moves the fabric past a fixed needle; an embroidery machine moves a hooped fabric under the needle to follow a design. The sewing machine's feed dogs pull fabric in a straight line.

The embroidery arm holds the hoop and shifts it in small steps to place each stitch.

Sewing machines focus on stitch types and presser feet for seams, hems, zippers and buttonholes. Embroidery machines focus on design files, hoop sizes and thread colors.

A combo machine combines both sets of features in one cabinet.

The SE700 shows the split clearly. It has a 4 x 4 inch embroidery field with an included hoop and embroidery arm, plus 135 built-in designs and 10 embroidery lettering fonts.

It also has sewing stitches and feet for garment work.

That dual setup is why combo machines suit beginners with limited space. You get one unit for both tasks instead of two machines and two spots on the table.

Which type of machine should a beginner buy?

Buy a combo machine if you want to sew and embroider, and an embroidery-only model if you only want designs. A beginner with no machine should look at the combo first, since you can sew a tote bag, hem a pair of pants and add a monogram to a towel without buying a second unit.

The SE700 fits that path with 135 built-in designs and a 4 x 4 inch hoop.

An embroidery-only model suits someone who already sews and wants to add designs to finished pieces. It also suits a sewist who wants a larger hoop area than a combo typically offers.

The trade-off is cost and table space, so decide which job matters more before you buy.

Can an embroidery-only machine sew a straight line?

No, an embroidery-only machine cannot sew a seam or hem. It lacks sewing stitches and a standard presser foot for fabric construction.

Its needle follows design files, not the straight-line stitching a seam needs.

People sometimes assume any machine with a needle can sew. An embroidery-only unit moves the hooped fabric under the needle, not past feed dogs.

Without that feed system, you cannot run a straight seam for a hem or a zipper.

Check the controls if you are unsure about a model. Sewing stitch selections and presser feet point to a combo.

Design files, hoop sizes and thread color charts point to an embroidery-only unit.

If you own an embroidery-only model and want to sew, keep a separate sewing machine. A basic mechanical model handles seams and hems at a low cost.

Many sewists run the two side by side and move projects between them.

How do you switch a combo machine from sewing to embroidery?

Attach the embroidery arm, fit the embroidery foot, lower the feed dogs, hoop the fabric and pick a design. The SE700 includes the embroidery arm and a 4 x 4 inch hoop, so the setup is in the box.

Switch back by raising the feed dogs and refitting the standard presser foot.

Follow the machine's on-screen prompts for mode changes. The 3.7 inch color touchscreen on the SE700 lets you preview a design before stitching and edit it on screen.

That preview helps you check placement and size before the needle moves.

Thread matters at this step. Use embroidery thread and an embroidery needle for designs, and regular sewing thread for seams.

Our walkthrough on how to use an embroidery machine covers threading, hooping and the first test stitch in order.

Keep the manual near the machine for the first few switches, since each combo model arranges its mode menu differently.

What stabilizer and needle do you need when switching modes?

Use a medium tear-away stabilizer under the fabric for embroidery and an embroidery needle for the design. A size 75/11 embroidery needle has a widened groove and enlarged eye that reduce friction on rayon and polyester threads.

A regular sewing needle is fine for seams.

The brothread roll is 12 inches wide by 50 yards, and its 1.8 oz medium weight suits light to medium stitch density. Cut a piece larger than the hoop so the hoop grips stabilizer on all sides.

For denser designs, use more than one layer.

The Schmetz needles come as 5 cards of 5 needles in size 75/11. They fit home sewing machines and are built for rayon, polyester and specialty threads.

Swap in a fresh needle when stitches start skipping or thread shreds.

Sewing seams does not need stabilizer. Tear-away is temporary support for embroidery, so remove it after the design is finished.

Keep a separate spool of regular thread for seams so you are not switching spools each time.

Can you embroider on a regular sewing machine instead?

You can do free-motion stitching and simple lettering on a regular sewing machine, but not automated designs. Drop the feed dogs, fit a darning or free-motion foot and move the fabric by hand.

The machine cannot read a design file or move a hoop on its own.

Free-motion work takes practice. Stitch speed and hand movement have to match, and the results vary from one attempt to the next.

It suits small motifs and outlines more than detailed multi-color designs. A regular machine also handles basic lettering with its built-in alphabet stitches, but it does not match the 10 embroidery fonts and 135 designs a combo unit offers.

If your goal is clean, repeatable designs, an embroidery machine is the right tool. Our guide to an embroidery machine for quilting covers the quilting side in more detail.

What can you make once the machine does both jobs?

A combo machine lets you sew a project and then embroider it in the same session. That covers bags, aprons, pillow covers, children's clothes and home decor.

The SE700 description names children's clothes, apparel repairs and home decor as typical uses.

The workflow is simple. Sew the seams and hems first, then hoop the finished area and stitch the design.

Or embroider a flat panel before you sew it into a bag or quilt block. The second order keeps the hoop away from bulky seams.

Small hoops suit cuffs, pockets and corners. The 4 x 4 inch hoop on the SE700 handles monograms, small motifs and name tags.

Larger designs need a bigger hoop, which combo machines often offer as an add-on. For project ideas by skill level, see what you can make with an embroidery machine.

Do you need a separate sewing machine if you own a combo?

No, a combo machine replaces a basic sewing machine for most home projects. It sews seams, hems and buttonholes and also runs embroidery designs.

You save table space and the cost of a second unit.

Two cases still call for a separate machine. A sewist who does heavy garment construction may want a dedicated sewing machine with more stitch options.

Someone who embroiders large designs may want an embroidery-only unit with a bigger hoop. The SE700 covers 103 stitches and 8 feet, which handles everyday repairs and garment work.

Keep the combo clean and switch modes carefully. Lint under the bobbin case and a forgotten feed dog lever cause most beginner problems.

A quick brush-out after each project keeps both functions running well.

So, can you use an embroidery machine to sew?

Yes, a sewing-and-embroidery combo can sew and embroider, while an embroidery-only machine cannot sew seams. Check for sewing stitches, presser feet and feed dogs before you count on a machine for construction work.

For most beginners, a combo is the practical pick, and the Brother SE700 fits that role with 135 designs, 10 fonts and 8 sewing feet.

If you only want designs and already own a sewing machine, an embroidery-only unit makes sense. Either way, match the needles and stabilizer to the job.

A size 75/11 embroidery needle and a medium tear-away stabilizer keep designs clean, and regular thread and a sewing needle handle the seams. Start with a flat project and switch modes slowly.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use an embroidery machine to sew regular clothes?

Only a combo machine can do that. A sewing-and-embroidery model like the Brother SE700 has stitches and feet for seams and hems, so you can sew garments and then add embroidery.

An embroidery-only machine is built for stitching designs on fabric, not for joining pieces.

What is the difference between an embroidery machine and a sewing machine?

A sewing machine moves fabric under a needle to join pieces with straight and decorative stitches. An embroidery machine holds fabric tight in a hoop and moves the hoop under the needle to stitch a design.

A combo machine has both functions in one cabinet.

Do I need a separate sewing machine if I own an embroidery-only model?

Yes. An embroidery-only machine cannot sew seams, hems or zippers, so you need a regular sewing machine for construction work.

Many sewists keep a basic sewing machine next to the embroidery unit and move projects between them.