Last week I got the Brother SE 400 with a 4 x 4 hoop. After owning it for one day and discovering all the free designs that I wanted were larger, I ordered the Brother PE 770. I will open the box tomorrow when my GS goes home. I am super excited. Go larger!

The larger the better. The 4x4 is so small that I find it difficult to find the embroidery patterns to fit. Remember that the actual embroidery space is even smaller than 4x4. I have a machine (Janome 11000) that has a very large hoop and I find even that is too small - I usually use the larger hoop for most of my designs. I'm hoping for an upgrade for Janome to be able to use the really HUGE designs especially for quilting.

Definately go with the larger hoop area.So many designs are now being offered in the 5x7 hoop size. You will still use your 4x4 but you will be amazed at how many more larger embroidery projects you will be able to make.

I have the PE700. I sold my Elna because it was only 4 inch embroidery. I use the 5 X 7 designs more than the small ones. I just made 2 embroidery quilts and use the larger designs and they came out beautiful.

I have the Janome 300E, and love it. Definately get the larger hoop capability.

I have the Janome 350e with the 5x7 hoop, it also had the USB that the 300 doesn't. I would not suggest a machine with a smaller hoop, I have found numerous designs that take larger than the 5x7 that I would like to do, so I may upgrade later.

The bigger the better

Depends on what you plan on quilting. I have a long oval hoop that I use frequently when I want to embroider pillowcases or dish towels. You can do it on smaller hoops by doing it in pieces, but that is difficult.

I use the 5x7 nearly all the time. Even if the design is made for the 4x4 you can still use the 5x7 hoop, but if the design is made for the 5x7, you cannot use the 4x4.
Plus, I love my Janome 9700...

Barbara

Get the largest capacity you can afford.. ALWAYS.
You will grow into it.
m