Brother SE400

Description

The Brother SE400 is a full-size machine, built with easy to use computerised / programmable features. The Brother SE400 has a total of 67 different types of stitches, including 10 buttonhole stitches.

Is the Brother SE400 right for my skill level?

We class the Brother SE400 Sewing and Embroidery Machine as “Advanced“, meaning that this machine has features that are suitable for a sewer working at an advanced skill level. In general, machines that are classed as “Advanced” are for those who have been sewing for some time and know exactly the types of specialised features that they know and love. Advanced machines are generally at the higher end of the price range due to features that are quite specialised, such as features for embroidery or monogramming. Advanced machines may also have some features that are borrowed from industrial machines such as features that help you to handle the fabric more easily, or that allow you to automate more functions to speed up your workflow.

What size is the Brother SE400 Sewing and Embroidery Machine?

We class the Brother SE400 as a full-size machine. Standard or full-size machines are the most versatile machine size as they work for a range of sewing applications. Full-size machines are usually wider than compact machines and this gives you slightly more space to manoeuvre the fabric around the needle area.

The width / length / height dimensions of the Brother SE400 are 52cm x 38cm x 39cm. Or in inches 20.3” x 15” x 15.2“.

The Brother SE400 weighs approximately 6.4kg or 14lb.

What are the basic sewing features on the Brother SE400?

The Brother SE400 has basic features such as a free arm with removable cover, standard foot pedal and a start / stop button. LED lighting provides illumination of the area around the needle. Reverse stitches, used for securing the thread in the fabric at the beginning and end of a stitching line, are created with a reverse button.

What about threading and setting up the bobbin for the Brother SE400?

When setting up and threading the sewing machine, the Brother SE400 has a drop-in bobbin for quick rethreading of your machine. This machine uses bobbin class SA156.

There are also thread guides on this model and the needle threading is automatic / assisted. Threading guides such as small arrows or numbers marked on the machine make it easier to see how to thread the upper thread, which is especially helpful for beginners. Sewers who struggle to see how to thread the needle may also benefit from the automatic needle threader on this model, which is a small inbuilt device that swings around and helps you to hook the thread through the eye of the needle.

What presser feet are compatible with the Brother SE400 Sewing and Embroidery Machine?

We believe the Brother SE400 is compatible with presser feet that are press on / low shank. If you already have presser feet that are compatible with this type of shank from a previous sewing machine, then in many cases you will be able to use the same presser feet on this model as well.

To be sure that presser feet can be used on different machines, or when buying new presser feet and other parts and accessories, you should always check that the parts are compatible with your specific machine number. So for this machine you will need parts and accessories compatible with make and model Brother SE400.

What are the basic stitch types for the Brother SE400 Sewing and Embroidery Machine?

Stitch types on the Brother SE400 include: Straight Stitch, Buttonhole, Decorative, Monogramming, Zigzag, Embroidery. The buttonhole process is a 1 Step Buttonhole. 1 step buttonholes are automated and easy to use for beginners. There are 10 buttonhole stitches.

Can I adjust the stitch width and length on the Brother SE400?

On the Brother SE400, the maximum stitch length is 5mm, and the maximum stitch width is 7mm. The stitch length on this model is adjusted with an adjustable / manual control. When a machine has adjustable stitch length you can manually adjust the length of the stitches to create different effects and alter the appearance of the inbuilt stitches. The stitch width on this machine is adjusted with an adjustable / manual control. Adjustable stitch width allows you to manually widen your stitches, which can be particularly helpful for customising zigzag stitches.

What fabrics can I sew with the Brother SE400?

The Brother SE400 is listed as being suitable for a range of different fabric weights, from silk to denim. On many machines, these results will only be achieved with the correct needle and thread combination, so specialty needles and threads may need to be purchased separately and may not be supplied with your machine. You should consult the manual for your machine to ensure that the machine is set up correctly when sewing different fabrics, and always sew test samples to get the best possible stitch quality and to achieve perfectly balanced tension.

Can I adjust the thread tension and the presser foot pressure on the Brother SE400?

To help you achieve the best possible stitch quality across different fabrics the Brother SE400 adjusts the tension of the upper thread using an adjustable / manual control. Adjustable upper thread tension gives you complete control over the tension of the upper thread and this tension can be manually adjusted to balance the tension of your stitches. This model appears to have no special features for presser foot adjustment, so if this feature is important to you, you may like to consider machines with manual / adjustable presser foot pressure.

Does the Brother SE400 have any automated features?

This model has no special automated controls. For example, this model does not have automated controls for the needle stop position, automated back tacks or automated thread trimming. If automated controls are important to you then you might like to consider a machine classed as Competent, Advanced or Professional. However, the Brother SE400 has a button control to move the needle position up or down once you have stopped stitching.

What is the voltage of the Brother SE400?

With a voltage of 110v we believe this machine is suitable to use in the USA, but it is always best to consult the information provided by the manufacturer (Brother) or consult a sewing machine distributor prior to purchase to ensure that the machine will work in your region if you are unsure. Most manufacturers do not recommend using adaptors to convert the voltage of your machine for safety reasons.