Between Naps on the Porch: Brother SE-400, Embroidery & Sewing

Jun 29, 2011

Brother SE-400, Embroidery & Sewing

When I was just 8 years old, my sister, Glenda, bought a Sears Kenmore sewing machine. She used it for many years then passed it down to me. Over the years it became very ornery, breaking thread despite a tune up and servicing.

I haven't sewn in 24 years but I've been itching to get back at it. After a bit of research online, I decided on a Brother SE-400. The best price I could find was on Amazon. I was attracted by the embroidery feature. I'm hoping I'll be able to monogram some napkins in the future.

Brother and I became better acquainted today... all gazillion parts. Ha!

I spent most of the day learning my way around this "computer" masquerading as a sewing machine.

I've been working on a little project I'll be sharing soon, probably for next week's Metamorphosis Monday. Today I made piping (or is it called cording) for the very first time. I went by the rules and cut it on the bias. Just don't ask why I decided to learn how to make cording with a striped fabric! Glutton for punishment...that's me!

Did you know there are videos on You Tube that will teach you how to make cording?

Turns out...it's pretty easy.

So far I'm really enjoying sewing on this Brother, SE-400. Do you sew? What's the most challenging sewing project you ever attempted/completed? Do you have any hints you can share with me about today's fancy new sewing machines? It's amazing what all they can do, isn't it?

See you later today for Tablecape Thursday!

Labels: Sewing

56 Comments:

At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Lynn said...: I LOVE your new sewing machine Susan! I have a 25 year old Kenmore, but it still works well! Can't wait to see your embroidered napkins-have fun:@)
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Bev said...: I LOVE to sew - mostly for my home. And I have a (huge) commercial embroidery machine and I must warn you...I started out with a Brother home machine. That's how my illness began that turned into a business!

My advice on sewing? There are AMAZING free tutorials out on the internet. Many times they are better than traditional patterns you can buy because they include step by step pictures and information. Also many of the nice people who post them will answer questions when you're stuck.

And if you really get into sewing, you'll want a counter height cutting table.

Can't wait to see what you'll make!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Nancy said...: Congrats on your new machine. I have a Brother but not an embroidery one. I love my machine and I'm sure you will love yours too. I am quilter and use mine mostly for quilts. Perhaps you will join us on the quilting blogs next!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...: This is good to know, Susan. I'd like to get a new sewing machine for Christmas this year and I wanted one that could do embroidery, too. I was finding either/or in the Singer ones I was looking at online, but this seems exactly like what I want.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Unknown said...: yay for you!! You will have so much fun with your new machine. yes, It is amazing what they can do now.
I have had two embroidery/sewing machines and have used my embroidery function to make a gazillion projects. I bought my first one in 1996. I have made things with a 10" tall monogram before, such as a shower curtain.
My advice is to do a test sew-out first, before you embroider on the actual project.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , martinealison said...: Il y a longtemps que je ne couds plus beaucoup... Autrement ce que j'ai fait de plus compliqué, ce serait mes stores en bouillonné... cependant j'avais apprécié de les avoir réalisés.
gros bisous.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Barbara Pilcher said...: Yes, I sew all the time.

In fact I just talked to my sewing machine repairman about a problem I'm having with thread breaking. I learned that a couple of parts of the machine where the thread passes can develop burrs. That's what causes thread breakage. It's fixable.

Just thought your other sewer/readers might want to know.

Have fun with your new machine. I'm sure you'll be turning out all kinds of beautiful, custom things for your home. And sharing, I hope!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Jan M said...: I thought I spied a sewing machine in a photograph of your new office, and wondered if we would be hearing more about it. Welcome to the world of sewing! Striped fabric is currently one of my favorites for piping and trim. While I have done many types of sewing, I currently focus mostly on heirloom sewing and smocking. The embroidery machines are wonderful for monograms and appliques!
I wish you and your machine many happy moments of creativity and memory making!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , laxsupermom said...: Congrats on the new machine, and mastering piping! Can't wait to see what you've been working on.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Patricia said...: I am so impressed that you are now going to be sewing. I'm a quilter, so this was the one and only missing element from your blog that I love...You are right about them being a computer. I don't have an embroidery machine, so mine isn't as complicated as your new Brother. Good luck with your project, I can't wait to see it.

Patricia
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...: Hi Susan, Last summer I decided it was time to teach my college girl to use a sewing machine as I had been quite negligent in doing so! We bought the basic $ 99. Brother, took a refresher (for me) course at Jo-Anns, and Charlotte caught right on! I couldn't believe how improved the new machines are, even the most basic, compared with the old Singer I grew up with, which was a very sophisticated machine for its time! The worst project I ever made was a pair of corduroy pants in home ec class. Sister J. was NOT pleased with my attempt! Do schools even have home ec anymore?? I think you will have fun with your new hobby. Can't wait to see what you create! Linda
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Dawn said...: I know what you mean about the new machines, they are definitely computers. I purchased a serger about 2 years ago and had to have my 16 year old son watch the video and help me thread it. LOL Good luck with the machine. Can't wait to see a project:)
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Kathy,
I haven't tried the embroidery part, yet, but I really like how it's sewing so far.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Sara, thanks for that advice...good idea!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Marlis said...: Congrats on your new machine..Up until 4 years ago I was an educator with a major sewing machine company.. and yes they are computers that sew. Piping is best in stripes! Can't wait to see what you turn out with your new gem. Many blessings. Sew Happy! marlis
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Pink Overalls, I wonder if that's what wrong with my old Kenmore. I kept it since it's so well made...all metal, metal bobbins, etc... I just couldn't part with it...too many memories.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Linda, what a funny story! I took Home Ec, too...in 8th grade. I don't think they still have it in school, but not sure. It's a shame if they don't...comes in handy for so many things like hemming or mending.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Linda Burt Independent Willow House Design Consultant said...: Love this Post! Yes, I sew, mine is a ancient Singer with no features and only does a straight stitch or a zig-zag! My Mom bought it for me and I wouldn't change it! She was an excellent seamtress. She doesn't sew any more. I use to make all my daughters dresses when they were little. My biggest project was a Red evening gown for my oldest daughter's Prom. Turned out great and she looked amazing! Not because of the dress but because she is beautiful!
Have fun and I look forward to seeing your first project!
Linda
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Unknown said...: I have this exact same sewing machine! I LOVE IT!!!! You will too. So easy to use and is very durable. I know mine has gotten quite the workout and it keeps trucking. Can't wait to see what all you come up with.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Kathleen said...: Well maybe you will inspire me to take mine out of the box. I have a sewing machine, but bought the embroidery machine a few years ago. I found it overwhelming. The are no stores near here that give classes. I am sure mine is outdated by now, they come out with new models all the time.
My friends who are excellent sewers told me how to get a gazillion yards of piping out of a sm amount of fabric. I bought the cording for the inside, but haven't tackled it yet!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , The Sewing and Knitting Loft said...: I have the SE400 too. My mega-bucks sewing/embroidery machine finally died and I replaced it with the Brother machine. I agree with Sara, always do a trial stitch-out before using your good thread and fabric. I stitch on muslin, using regular thread, saving the embroidery thread for the real thing. Since I always want to know exactly where the design begins, I mark it with an ink pen after a few stitches, and also mark the inside of the hoop on the fabric. This is just something extra I do. I keep the sample in a notebook for future reference. Never try to stitch out designs without stabalizer. I cut several pieces at a time, that way I don't have to stop what I am doing and cut stabalizer. Enjoy your machine!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Kelly (Seaux Southern) said...: I purchased a Bernina 630 (embroidery/sewing)about 2 years ago. After having it a year and falling in love with machine embroidery I started a business and got so busy with it I went out and got a Bernina Deco (embroidery only). Most days I run both machines for up to 5 hours! LOVE IT!!! I am thinking about buying a big 6 needle commercial machine next. You will love creating new things on your sewing machine!! Addictive!!! Good Luck!! Have Fun!!!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Kathy Walker said...: I love to sew and just bought a brand new machine! My daughter wants cornice boxes...I am so intimidated...and it should be easy.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Sandy said...: Nice machine! You will enjoy sewing. I learned to sew in college from my two roommates. My parents bought me a Singer as a graduation gift which I traded in for a New Home (now called Jamone) in the early 1980s. It was a 3rd generation computerized sewing machine (yes, even back then) and still works fine today. I bought a Viking serger several years ago but haven't touch it since. I have my Grandmother's old Singer sewing machine from the 1940s too. It still works beautifully too. One of these days i would like to get a new computerized machine like you did for great embroidery...maybe a Bernina I'm just not sure where I can put it. I haven't been sewing much ...more into crocheting the last three years. But I do so enjoy to sew and hope to get back to it.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Terry @ La Bella Vie said...: Well girl, as you know I love to sew (you've seen my studio in a MM) and I am so glad your are back "in the fold"! Looks like you got a great machine too, I love my Embroidery machine but haven't done enough with it through the years. I will say though...piping is one of my all time favorite things to make, easy, easy, easy!

Happy sewing!
Terry
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Unknown said...: Yay!!!! I love, love, love my sewing machine but am quite obsessed with my embroidery machine and you'll really love the fact that you can do fonts and all kinds of things from your computer! You're gonna love it :) I've been playing around with sewing napkins by using fishing line (I heard about this technique from a sewing instructor at my local Hancock Fabrics). It looks fabulous so far. I've got some really good tutorial websites for sewing and inexpensive and free embroidery design websites if you want to check them out hollar and i'll email them to you :) Have fun and I can't wait to see what you accomplish.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Blondie's Journal said...: I bought a sewing machine over a year ago and still can't figure out how to thread it!! I wonder if my heart is in it!

XO,
Jane
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Jocelyn said...: I learned to sew in Home Ec (and NO they do not have Home Ec in schools anymore), and after several years of garment sewing I fell in love with quilting. I sewed on an old Kenmore for ages, but my sweet hubby bought me a Bernina 7 years ago, which has become my workhorse. The most challenging project I ever made was a quilt pattern from an Australian magazine. But I love how it turned out. I hope it's okay to let your readers know that I am having a giveaway for an amazing BeamNRead Deluxe light on my blog. It's great for handwork or even just reading at night.

http://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com/2011/06/beam-n-read.html
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Unknown said...: Congrats on the 'baby' Brother!HeHe. Once you get him all booted up and learns everything you want him to do he's a powerhouse of stitchery know-how. I have a White sewing machine, but..LOL..I am no seamstress by any means, but I can do basic sewing. Embroidery is one of my passions..been doing it since I was 5, love to look at all the new embroidery machines, but in the end though I get a sense of satisfaction out of hand-embroidery.
I'd be so happy if you came by website Brown Gingham Creations. Hopefully soon I'll be able to do a tablescape using my newly designed placemats.
Have Fun!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Unknown said...: Congrats on the 'baby' Brother!HeHe. Once you get him all booted up and learns everything you want him to do he's a powerhouse of stitchery know-how. I have a White sewing machine, but..LOL..I am no seamstress by any means, but I can do basic sewing. Embroidery is one of my passions..been doing it since I was 5, love to look at all the new embroidery machines, but in the end though I get a sense of satisfaction out of hand-embroidery.
I'd be so happy if you came by website Brown Gingham Creations. Hopefully soon I'll be able to do a tablescape using my newly designed placemats.
Have Fun!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , sweet violets said...: Good for you!! How exciting!!! My sister bought a Brother a few years ago also with the embroidery feature, she loves it and has made some pretty amazing things...

I have a Bernina and it is the Cadillac I always wanted!!! Yes, its a computer dolled up as a sewing machine!!! I always use stripes or tiny checks for piping....and yes, you can find a video on line for anything, I use it all the time. I mostly quilt and make projects for sale in my shops.

For the cutting table, I use a 6'x4' table with legs that I put up on bed risers, they sell at BED bath and beyond, so it is waist high and very comfortable for cutting and laying out projects. You are going to have so much fun!!! and you can use your printer to print on fabric with clip art you download to make into pillows, runners, curtains....etc.....you can also make iron on transfers from the printer/copier. We won't hear from you for awhile.......cleo
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , jninecostumes said...: I learned to sew when I was 10. Hated it! Now a couple decades later, I love to sew as long as it is creative. I quilt and have the opportunity to teach sewing in my local public high school. Congrats on the new sewing machine. And yes sewing can be rocket science with a machine like yours!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Leslie's Garden said...: I started sewing when I was pregnant with my first child. I sewed a dress that I LOVED! It was after I had worn it many times before I noticed that the "wrong" side of the fabric that was showing when the bottom flipped up was soooooo much prettier than the "right" side...oops. I had sewn the dress on the wrong side of the fabric:) Live and learn! I know you'll love your machine.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , ShirleyC said...: I've been sewing my whole life. It is my stress reliever, and I started embroidering nearly 7 years ago. I love it all!

I just bought the Simplicity biass tape maker machine, and I am loving that little sucker. I sew for my little granddaughter, and I use bias tape and cording a lot, or piping, as you say. Making your own really specializes your projects!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Y'all are getting me so excited for sewing! I can't wait to find out what all this machine can do!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Bonnie Steffensen said...: I found you a few months back and can't remember if I ever have written a comment before. I just have to tell you I LOVE YOUR BLOG. We moved to Norway last year due to the economic climate in America(my husband's norwegian) and I have missed it so ever since. Even if this is only for a few years it has been extremely hard. So I wanted you to know that I absolutely love reading your blog and can't wait to see what you've whipped up with your new sewing machine. It has inspired me to get out my own and see what happens! Thanks again you brighten my rainy norwegian days with your fantastic blog!
Bonnie
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Marianne said...: Welcome to the world of sewing. I've sewn everything in my home over the years. I had a 40 year old Singer when I moved in here and upgraded to a Janome..great machine. If you can sew a straight line you can sew anything. Just measure 3x and cut once. Oh, the mistakes I've made. And you can call it cording, piping and some call it self welting..anything goes. I just love the look of using it. It's easy and inexpensive compared to trim. Enjoy your machine.
Marianne :)
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Dawn said...: Congratulations Susan on your new machine.All the fun you will have. My mom has the same one.I am always asking to borrow it. I just love monograms on napkins and pillows and towels. (oh my!)I can't wait to see what you create. Enjoy!!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Sue said...: If I walk into a fabric store, my eyes start watering and I start sneezing. Now, I know it is the dye in the fabric...but I really believe that I'm allergic to sewing. I wish I wanted to learn, but I don't. I couldn't even make the washcloth slippers in 7th grade Home Ec. Give me a cookbook instead please! I can't wait to see your projects!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Kathryn Griffin said...: Can't wait to see what you sew! I've got curtains that I will be sewing in the near future. Looking forward to it!

http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Bonnie,
Thanks so much for your comment! It made my day! I hope you have some sunny days real soon. You'll just make your own sunshine by sewing and creating. Looking forward to hearing what you make!
XO
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Sarah said...: Susan, I'll be interested to know how you two get along. ;-) I'm in the market for a sewing machine. I haven't had a working machine for ten years. So I'll stay tuned to what you think. ~ Sarah
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Mary said...: I haven't sewn in years, and I am very interested in how you like this machine. I was looking on line last year for one to finish a wall hanging/quilt my Mom had started but sadly never got to complete.

I use to sew garden flags for gifts but they came down in price so I stopped.
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , vignette design said...: When I was 16, my parents bought me a Singer sewing machine for Christmas. It goes forward, backward and zigzags. That's it! I sewed all my clothes in school out of necessity. I still have that machine and always will. Later as a young wife and mother, I sewed all our drapes, pillows, duvet covers and anything else for the home. The hardest thing I ever made was floral drapes for my living room. Lined and pleated.
I don't think I could learn to sew on a new machine. They scare me! Good luck Susan with your cording/piping! ~Delores
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Susan said...: Susan you will love your machine! It is wonderful to have a machine that will embroidery beautiful designs!
I have a husqvarna rose machine and I just love mine!
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Tablescapes By Diane said...: Hi lovely lady.
I know you will love your new sewing machine !! I also have a Brother for the past 24 years now and love to sew. Welcome to the world of sewing. So Happy for you have fun Susan,
XXOO Diane
At Wednesday, June 29, 2011 , Karen said...: Congratulations, Susan! Brother makes a wonderful machine. You may find that once you "get" the machine and the embroidery machine, that you will really get the sewing bug. Don't be afraid to contact your local dealer for help and find out what embroidery classes they offer. They will be your best friend. I have a Bernina 440 QE for piecing and quilting. I have a new Viking Designer Diamond for general sewing...both are divine and both have embroidery machine attachments so I can do two things at once! Yes, it happens! I am currently working on my first heirloom christening gown for a new granddaughter. It has machine embroidery added along the skirt. I will think of you tomorrow when I work on and hope you are loving your new machine and not getting frustrated. Find a friend who knows how to do embroidery on a machine...there's so much to know!! Good luck!
At Thursday, June 30, 2011 , Karen B. said...: A 50 year old Kenmore that is solid as a slab of granite is still my go-to sewing machine. From Barbie doll clothes and the 4-H dress I made in 1972...my entire Jr. High wardrobe...to all the draperies in 3 different homes and 7 different couch slipcovers....it has stood by me like an old friend and it hasn't spent one day in the shop! But oh my, that Brother 400 has caught my eye these last few months and is tempting me to go computerized!
Have fun.....sewing is very rewarding!
At Wednesday, July 06, 2011 , emptynester3 said...: When I saw the sewing machine picture for this post, I had to see what was up. I would love the embroidery machine! I have been sewing since I was 14 and have made all kinds of things- prom dresses, diapers- probably the most challenging was a diaper bag that I made for my daughter/grandson- it was murder, but I got through it and it turned out pretty good! Have fun!
At Thursday, July 07, 2011 , Tess Maxey said...: Susan, this weekend I pulled out the new singer sewing machine I got for Christmas. I actually just took it out of the box! and I thought about this post when I did it. I made new pillow covers for some old sofa pillows that my family loved to throw on the floor and just couldn't part with, and they were SOOOO much fun to make. I, like you, had forgotten how much fun it was to sew!!! I used to sew for pleasure but in raising my son it was neglected and only used for mending and halloween costumes. The old one we bough second hand finally conked out and I received a new one for Christmas and I looked at it as just something to mend with once again, until this past weekend. Now I'm buying sewing books and looking for things to make!! Love love love your blog.
At Thursday, July 07, 2011 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Tess that's awesome! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed sewing, too. You've inspired me to go out and look for some sewing books...I'd love to get some new ideas for things to make. There's a neat blog called Grosgrain. Google that and they have some. fun patterns each day on that site. Amazes me all the things people come up with to sew.
At Friday, July 08, 2011 , FlyAwayHome said...: Congrats on the new machine and getting back in the saddle! You are going to LOVE that embroidery machine. I hope you will come check me out for a little inspiration. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
At Tuesday, July 12, 2011 , Alicia said...: I just know that beautiful things will come from your beautiful new room and machine. Lots of stablizer for the embroidery. Also, there are so many great feet out there for your machine that make sewing easier. Try a cording foot to sew the piping onto the project, it will get the stitching closer to the cord without you stretching the bias fabric. Stripes and checks are my favorites for cording and binding. Can't wait to see your next project.
At Tuesday, July 12, 2011 , Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...: Hi Alicia, I'm so glad you mentioned that...maybe you can help me. My machine did come with a special foot for cording (zipper foot) and it worked great...got really close. But when I sewed my cording into my pillow, I somehow managed to twist it a little or really I think I did it when I made the cording so the cording came out a little stretched/twisted. It doesn't look really bad but I'd like to avoid that next time. I guess I was pulling a little too hard and stretched the fabric. I'm learning. lol
At Tuesday, July 12, 2011 , mrsben said...: Congratulations on the new addition to your family Susan. ºÜº
As I only consider myself a 'hobby sewer', have done it for yearS and have four machines the best advice I can give to you is practise, practise, practise and always remember a mistake can be to your advantage if you turn it into a 'lesson learned'.
Regarding your welting, IMO it cud be one of three things; either you had the fabric or welting too taught or the fabric was not cut on the bias or possibly all three.
Hope that helps a tad, and HAPPY SEWING to you gal.
-Brenda-

@Dawn: No need to re-thread your Serger each time you change thread(s). Best way is: a) loosen up the tension dials b) snip the present threads near the spool but do NOT pull the threads thru c) Remove the old spools, replace with new d) Attach/secure the new threads to the old with a small double knot and pull the (old and) new threads thru til they reach the position of the pressure foot f)re-adjust you tension dials and cut off the 'old' thread .... and you are ready to go.....provided of course it was threaded correctly in the first place.
At Tuesday, July 12, 2011 , cheryl said...: Hi Susan - now you have a office/sewing room! Looking forward to see how you do with your new machine. I have been sewing for many years and have stayed away from embroidery machines. Partly because I don't think I would do much monogramming and partly because it's another "new" computer to learn! I am hoping to find it in my budget this year to get a serger. I'll wait and watch what you do - I may change my mind! Also, prudent baby has a great tutorial on making double welting. I just made some for the cornice boards I was putting together and it was so easy. And such a professional look for such a small effort. Good luck and post your trials and tribulations!

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Jun 29, 2011

Brother SE-400, Embroidery & Sewing

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