I have the SE400 and a Singer CE250. Both will sew and embroider. The singer will do 5x7 and the Brother does only 4x4. Most of the designs I use, have been good in 4x4. They look nice on quilt blocks up to 12 x12. I have been doing baby bibs and the 4x4 is the perfect size. Look and think what your end products will be and do you really need the larger hoop for an entry level machine. As for me, it looks like I might stay at this level as there are so many cute designs this size.