Brother Celeste CX1e (2025) Review: Big Hoop, Bold Features
By diver361 in Embroidery machine news
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Brother Celeste CX1e — Bold Features, Real Trade-Offs 🪡✨
🔍 Key Specs & What’s New
Feature | Info |
|---|---|
Embroidery field | 9.5″ × 14″ (≈ 240 × 360 mm) — large hoop for big designs. |
Display | 10.1″ HD touch LCD for design editing & preview. |
Built-in designs & fonts | 523 designs, 26 embroidery fonts + decorative/craft patterns. |
Speed | Up to 1,050 stitches per minute (SPM). |
Hoops included | Two hoops: 9.5″×14″ & 5″×7″. |
Positioning features | 2-point needle drop positioning + LED pointer. |
Connectivity / extras | WiFi, Artspira app, My Stitch Monitor, automatic features (thread cutter, tension, etc.). |
👍 What People Like
“Large field + smart positioning are big wins — I can stitch big designs in one hooping, minimal waste.” — user quote in ThimbleBook community discussing the CX1/CX1e.
“The screen is crisp, editing on the machine feels modern & intuitive. The LED pointer really helps with alignment.” — store demo from Echidna Sewing.
Top positives:
🖼 Huge hoop capacity (9.5×14) lets you do big motifs without rehooping, which saves time and effort.
💡 Advanced positioning + preview features reduce mistakes.
🎨 Strong design library & fonts means more creative flexibility out of the box.
📱 App connectivity (Artspira, My Stitch Monitor) makes it more convenient; remote alerts are helpful.
⚙️ Automatic thread tension / automatic thread cutter etc. — less fiddling.
👎 Complaints & Weaknesses
“Despite its power, I found the machine large and heavy — takes up space, and moving it isn’t easy.” — comment in sales listing reviews.
“Not many sample-stitch previews from past users yet — curious how it handles thick fabrics, upholstery, or multiple layers.” — early forum discussion.
Where it might fall short:
🔧 Size & weight are nontrivial. Users mention that with the embroidery unit attached, it’s a big machine; needs stable table.
💡 Some question whether features like “automatic tension” work well with trickier fabrics (denim, canvas, heavy knits) — real-world testing is still limited.
📦 Price is high; this is not an entry-level machine for casual users. The investment must justify usage.
🪡 While speed is good (1,050 SPM), it may not beat older high-end models designed for industrial-light or pro shop output.
⚙ Critical Comparison: CX1e vs Brother’s Older Models
Compared To | How CX1e Improves | Where It May Lag |
|---|---|---|
Older Brother large embroidery machines (e.g., SD-series, earlier Innov-is lines) | - Much larger hoop space with modern preview screen and positioning features. | - Possibly similar or thinner build for heavy use; old models may still beat it on durability or brand legacy. |
Brother combo sewing-embroidery machines | CX1e is embroidery-only, so fewer compromises (no sewing), more focused value. Older combo machines may have limited embroidery coverage or smaller hoops. | If you need sewing + embroidery, you’ll need another machine or a combo; CX1e doesn’t cover sewing tasks. Also, some sewing + embroidery combos from Brother offer stitching for clothing that CX1e just can’t do. |
🎯 Verdict
Is it worth it? Yes — if your priority is embroidery (large designs, complex layouts, frequent work). The CX1e brings a set of high-end features that make life much easier: jumbo hoop, great positioning, solid design library, apps, auto features, and crisp UI.
But it’s not ideal if:
You only do small or occasional embroidery. The size, price, and rigidity may be overkill.
You also want sewing functions in one machine. If so, a combo machine might be better.
You're often working with very heavy fabrics or nonstandard materials—you’ll want to test how CX1e handles those.
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