Brother SE1900 Review: Is It Still the King of Combo Machines?
For years, the embroidery world had a strict hierarchy: you either bought a cheap 4×4 inch machine that you outgrew in a month, or you mortgaged your house for a high-end multi-needle unit. Then came the Brother SE1900.
This computerized combination machine changed the landscape by offering a generous 5×7 embroidery field and high-end sewing features at a mid-range price point. It became the “holy grail” upgrade for users of the smaller Brother SE600.
But with newer models hitting the market and technology advancing, does the SE1900 still hold its crown? In this comprehensive review, we’ll tear down the specs, test the performance, and compare it to its siblings to see if this workhorse deserves a spot in your sewing room.
🏁 The Quick Verdict
The Brother SE1900 remains one of the most versatile machines ever made for the home hobbyist. It successfully bridges the gap between sewing and embroidery without compromising on either.
Pros: The 5×7 hoop is a game-changer, the color touchscreen is intuitive, and the automatic jump-stitch trimming is a massive time-saver.
Cons: It lacks Wi-Fi (unlike the newer SE2000), and it has a large footprint.
Bottom Line: If you can find it, buy it. It is the perfect machine for the intermediate sewer looking to start a small embroidery business or expand their creative horizons.
What is the Brother SE1900?
The Brother SE1900 is a “Combo” machine. This means it functions as a fully capable computerized sewing machine and transforms into an embroidery machine by sliding on an embroidery unit. If you are wondering what is a computerized sewing machine, it essentially uses digital motors to control stitch width, length, and embroidery patterns with precision.
It sits right in the “Goldilocks” zone of Brother’s lineup. It is significantly more powerful than the entry-level SE600 but far more affordable than the Luminaire or Stellaire series. It is designed for sewists who want to quilt, make garments, and embroider logos or designs on the same machine.
Key Specifications:
- Embroidery Field: 5″ x 7″ (130mm x 180mm).
- Built-in Stitches: 240 sewing stitches.
- Embroidery Designs: 138 built-in designs + USB port.
- Speed: 850 stitches per minute.
- Screen: 3.2″ Color Touch LCD.
- Feeding: Square Feed Drive System (SFDS).
Deep Dive: Features That Matter
1. The 5×7 Embroidery Field
If you are upgrading from a 4×4 machine, the 5×7 field feels like moving from a studio apartment to a mansion. The extra space allows you to monogram large towels, embroider jacket backs, and execute larger in-the-hoop (ITH) projects without the headache of splitting designs. This feature alone is usually the primary reason people read Brother PE800 vs SE600 comparisons—the hoop size matters.
2. Advanced Sewing Capabilities
Unlike the PE800 (which is embroidery only), the SE1900 is a beast of a sewing machine. It features My Custom Stitch™, which allows you to design your own decorative stitches on the screen. It also includes “sideways sewing.” This unique feature allows the feed dogs to move horizontally, letting you sew large patches onto legs or sleeves without rotating the fabric—a lifesaver for mending.
3. Automatic Jump Stitch Trimming
For anyone who has spent hours manually snipping the “jump threads” between letters in a monogram, this feature is worth the price of admission. The SE1900 automatically cuts the thread when it jumps from one section of the embroidery to the next. This results in a cleaner back and significantly less finishing work.
4. The LCD Interface
The color touchscreen is responsive and intuitive. You can drag and drop designs, mirror image them, rotate by single degrees, and change thread colors virtually to preview your design. It also includes built-in tutorials. If you run into issues, like error code E6, the screen often guides you to the solution.
Performance Evaluation
Sewing Test: Denim and Knits
We ran the SE1900 through the gauntlet. Using a standard denim needle, it pierced through 4 layers of heavy denim with ease. The Square Feed Drive System (SFDS) ensures the fabric feeds smoothly, preventing the bunching often seen on cheaper machines. If you struggle with skipped stitches on denim, check our guide on sewing machine needle problems, but know that the SE1900 is forgiving.
Embroidery Precision
The embroidery quality is crisp. Satin stitches are dense, and the tension is generally excellent right out of the box. We tested it with metallic threads (often a nightmare), and with a little tension adjustment and the right needle, it performed admirably. Remember to use quality stabilizer—using sewing clips to hold your stabilizer to the fabric before hooping can help keep things tight.
Ease of Use
The Advanced Needle Threader is superior to the one found on the CS6000i or similar lower-end models. You simply press a lever, and the machine threads the eye for you. The top drop-in bobbin is jam-resistant and features a clear cover, so you don’t run out of thread mid-design.
Pros & Cons
✅ The Good
- Versatility: Does both sewing and 5×7 embroidery exceptionally well.
- Jump Stitch Cutting: A professional feature that saves time.
- Sideways Sewing: Rare feature for mending and patches.
- Lighting: Bright LED lighting around the needle area.
- Knee Lifter: Includes a knee lifter for hands-free presser foot raising.
❌ The Bad
- Footprint: It is a large, heavy machine. You need a sturdy sewing table.
- No Wi-Fi: Data transfer is via USB stick only.
- Single Needle: You still have to change thread colors manually.
- Price: It is an investment compared to the SE600.
Comparison: Brother SE1900 vs. The Competition
Brother SE1900 vs. Brother SE600
This is the classic upgrade path. The SE600 is limited to a 4×4 hoop. The SE1900 gives you 5×7. If you are serious about embroidery, you will eventually want the 5×7 space. The SE1900 also has more than double the sewing stitches. Read the full head-to-head: Brother SE600 vs SE1900.
Brother SE1900 vs. Brother PE800
The PE800 is the embroidery-only version of the SE1900. It has the same motor, same screen, and same hoop size, but it cannot sew. If you already have a great sewing machine like a Brother PQ1500SL, save money and buy the PE800. If you need one machine to do it all, the SE1900 is the winner. Check out Brother PE800 vs SE1900.
Brother SE1900 vs. Brother SE2000
The SE2000 is the successor. The main difference? Wi-Fi. The SE2000 connects to Brother’s Artspira app, allowing wireless design transfer. Mechanically, they are very similar. If you hate USB sticks, get the SE2000. If you want to save a few hundred dollars, the SE1900 performs just as well.
Maintenance & Care
To protect your investment, regular maintenance is key.
- Clean the Bobbin Case: Embroidery generates a lot of lint. Remove the needle plate and brush it out after every project. A jammed machine is often just a dirty machine. See why is my sewing machine jamming.
- Change Needles: Use “Embroidery” needles for design work and “Universal” or “Jeans” needles for sewing. A dull needle can ruin a project.
- Use Good Thread: Cheap thread breaks and shreds. Stick to the best cotton threads or high-sheen polyesters for embroidery.
Essential Add-Ons
The SE1900 comes with a lot of feet (Zigzag, Buttonhole, Overcasting, Monogramming, Zipper, Blind Stitch, Button Fitting, Embroidery), but you will need a few extras:
- Stabilizer: You cannot embroider without it. Tear-away for woven, cut-away for knits.
- Rotary Cutter: For cutting fabric precisely for appliqué. See beginner’s guide to rotary cutting.
- Thread Stand: If you buy large cones of thread (which is cheaper), you’ll need an external stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SE1900 come with a hard case?
Yes! Unlike the cheaper models, the SE1900 typically ships with a hard protective cover, which is great for keeping dust out of the computerized components.
Can I use magnetic hoops?
Yes, you can purchase aftermarket magnetic hoops for the SE1900, which make hooping bulky items like towels much easier.
Is it good for quilting?
Absolutely. With the drop feed dogs, wide table capability (sold separately), and large throat space, it is excellent for free-motion quilting. Just ensure you use the best batting for quilting to avoid bulk issues.
Final Verdict: The Sweet Spot of Sewing
The Brother SE1900 is successful because it respects the user. It offers professional features—like the automatic jump stitch cutter and the 5×7 hoop—without the intimidation factor of an industrial machine.
It is the perfect machine for the “ambitious creative.” Whether you are starting an Etsy shop for embroidered baby clothes, making cosplay armor with heavy fabrics, or quilting heirloom blankets, the SE1900 has the power and precision to back you up.
While the lack of Wi-Fi dates it slightly compared to the new SE2000, the performance-to-price ratio of the SE1900 makes it an absolute steal in the current market.
