Brother · Embroidery only · 5 × 7 in · Discontinued
Brother PE800 review: specs, pros, cons & who it’s for
- Embroidery field
- 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm)
- Machine type
- Embroidery only
- Built-in designs
- 138
- Max speed
- 650 spm
- Design transfer
- USB
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The short verdict
Choose it ifBuyers who find one used or as remaining stock at a clear discount and are happy with USB transfer.
Skip it ifMost new buyers: Brother lists it as discontinued, and the PE900 adds wireless, jump stitch trimming and more designs.
Brother PE800 video review
Video by On Again with Andre Glenn on YouTube. Independent creator content, shown as a reference. It is not part of our scoring.
Overview
The PE800 was one of the most popular beginner embroidery machines for years. Brother lists a 5 × 7 inch embroidery area, 138 built-in designs, 11 fonts, speeds up to 650 stitches per minute and USB design import.
Brother now lists it as discontinued. Note that Brother’s own product data is inconsistent on fonts: the description says 11 fonts while one spec attribute says 7.
The field size and speed match the PE900, so a used PE800 can still make sense at the right price. Check the warranty, ask for a test stitch-out and make sure the 5 × 7 hoop is included.
Lineup note: Discontinued and succeeded by the PE900, which keeps the 5 × 7 field and 650 spm and adds Wi-Fi, Artspira, jump stitch trimming and more designs.
Brother PE800 specifications
| Machine type | Embroidery only |
|---|---|
| Max embroidery field | 130 × 180 mm (5 × 7 in) |
| Built-in embroidery designs | 138 |
| Built-in fonts | 11 |
| Max embroidery speed | 650 stitches per minute |
| Display | 3.2 × 1.8" touch LCD |
| Design transfer | USB |
| Native file format | PES |
| Notable features | Automatic thread cutter |
| Status | Discontinued; may be sold as remaining or used stock |
Pros and cons
Strengths
- 5 × 7 field and 650 spm, the same as the PE900
- Large used market
- Simple USB workflow
Limitations
- Discontinued by Brother
- No wireless or jump stitch trimming
- Brother’s data conflicts on the font count (11 vs 7)
Brother PE8005 × 7 in · Embroidery only
Check availability on Amazon ↗Will your designs fit?
The 5 × 7 in label is rounded. The real limit is 130 × 180 mm. Measure the stitched design, not the fabric or the outside of the hoop, and remember a design can sometimes fit after a 90° rotation. Use the hoop fit checker with this machine preselected.
How it compares
Read our full comparison: Brother PE800 vs PE900: is the upgrade worth it?.
| Model | Field | Type | Designs | Max speed | Transfer | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother PE800 | 5 × 7 in | Embroidery only | 138 | 650 spm | USB | Check price ↗ |
| Brother PE900 | 5 × 7 in | Embroidery only | 193 | 650 spm | USB, Wi-Fi, Artspira app | Check price ↗ |
| Brother SE1900 | 5 × 7 in | Sewing + embroidery | 138 | — | USB | Check price ↗ |
Frequently asked questions
What size designs can the Brother PE800 embroider?
Brother lists a maximum embroidery field of 130 × 180 mm (about 5.1 × 7.1 in), marketed as 5 × 7 in. A design must fit inside that field; a larger design needs splitting in software and re-hooping, or a machine with a bigger field.
Can the Brother PE800 sew as well as embroider?
No. The Brother PE800 is embroidery-only. It stitches designs in a hoop but does not replace a sewing machine for seams, hems or repairs.
How do you get designs onto the Brother PE800?
Brother lists these transfer options: USB. The native format is PES. Always check that a purchased design is supplied in a compatible format and at a size that fits the 5 × 7 in field.
How many built-in designs does the Brother PE800 have?
Brother lists 138 built-in embroidery designs and 11 built-in lettering fonts. Built-in designs are enough for first projects; most people eventually buy or download additional designs.
Is the Brother PE800 good for beginners?
Buyers who find one used or as remaining stock at a clear discount and are happy with USB transfer. It is less suited to: most new buyers: Brother lists it as discontinued, and the PE900 adds wireless, jump stitch trimming and more designs. This verdict is based on published specifications, not hands-on testing.
How we evaluated it
We compare published manufacturer specifications against beginner needs: design size, sewing vs embroidery workflow, design transfer and built-in content. We have not tested this machine hands-on, and we never invent ratings. Read our methodology.