Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As far as features and ease of use, this new PE525 Embroidery Machine from Brother is up to par with many of the more expensive Brother embroidery machines. The biggest difference between the two is the size of the embroidery area. If you are looking for an embroidery-only machine for a beginner, than this model may work perfectly. But please consider the following: 1) For beginners, or if you are not sure you if will become a serious embroidery enthusiast, I would suggest you take a look at the Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing and 4x4 Embroidery Machine With 67 Built-in Stitches, 70 Built-in Designs, 5 Lettering Fonts. It will do everything the PE525 will do, as well as sew. The Amazon Prime price on that sew/embroidery model has been even lower than the PE525 embroidery-only machine, but prices do fluctuate. Even if it costs a bit more, because it does both functions, it may better serve your needs. 2) And, if you are a serious and/or experienced embroidery hobbyist, or you wish to become one, then I am sure you are already aware that investing a couple of hundred dollars more in a machine like the Brother PE770 5x7 inch Embroidery-only machine with built-in memory, USB port, 6 lettering fonts and 136 built-in designs will be a better option over time. Why? Because the PE500 series of Brother machines only have a small, 4" by 4" embroidery area, which severely limits your options in choosing and implementing embroidery designs and monogramming. Overall, as far as ease of use and functionality, I would rate this machine at 5 stars. It gets down-graded to 4 stars primarily due to the smaller embroidery area, and the fact that, if you shop around, you can purchase a comparable Brother machine that will both sew and do everything this machine will do, for around the same amount of money. In addition, there are a couple of other things to keep in mind if you are researching embroidery machines: - As previously mentioned, this model (PE525) does not do sewing, it is an embroidery-only machine. - Embroidery is an expensive hobby. Besides the cost of the machine, expect to invest around $100 (and probably more) in assorted threads and stabilizing materials, as well as tools, such as special scissors, etc. - Don't expect to be an expert the first time out. Be prepared to invest a good amount of time in learning the craft and how to use your machine effectively. In other words, be patient and read instructions. (I suggest you take a look at some of the many Youtube videos that are out there before you even purchase a machine, so you will know what you are getting into!) - Again, the biggest difference between this Brother model and those that cost a few hundred dollars more is the size of the embroidery area and the hoop attachment. This determines how large your embroidered design can be. The PE500 models have a 4" by 4" embroidery area. Go up a model (PE700 series and above), and they have at least a 7" by 4" hoop attachment and embroidery area. - The PE525 is the same machine as the Brother PE540D 4x4 Embroidery Machine with 70 Built-in Decorative Designs, 35 Disney Designs, 5 Fonts, minus the built in Disney embroidery designs. You can always purchase the PE525 and then download and pay for the Disney or any other designs you may desire for a couple of dollars each at ibroidery.com. This is a fun, creative, and exciting hobby, which lends itself to some careful planning and research on the part of the consumer before making a purchase. Brother is definitely a leader in this genre and has some great machines available (including this one). Spending a few more minutes up front deciding which machine bests serves your needs should definitely help to prevent any future regrets.