
Brother Stellaire Innov-is XJ2 Product Review & Demonstration
The Brother Stellaire Innov-is XJ2 is an extra-large sewing and embroidery machine built for advanced sewers and small-business sewers who want a large working area, an extensive design library and the professional tools to work with real precision. This machine delivers flawless results with ease across quilting, dressmaking, embroidery and home decor with endless creative options for full customisation.
The 360x240mm embroidery area is large enough to fit a full jacket back in a single hoop, which means large-scale designs and repeat patterns can be completed without repositioning. At up to 1,050 stitches per minute, embroidery on this scale moves at an efficient pace.
There are 889 built-in embroidery designs including 101 Disney designs and over 80 brand new exclusive designs. Beyond the built-in library, My Design Center lets you create original embroidery patterns directly on the 10.1-inch HD touchscreen, and My Design Snap app converts your own images into embroidery-ready artwork in minutes. The Artspira app connects wirelessly to the machine, so you can design and edit on a mobile device and send files straight to the XJ2 without cables or a computer.
Precision tools are built-in throughout. The laser sewing guide extends 19mm and projects a clear reference line that is particularly useful on darker fabrics when sewing parallel lines and darts. ICAPS automatic fabric thickness detection adjusts presser foot pressure continuously so you get consistent results across different weights and layers. The LED pointer on the embroidery foot shows the exact placement point before the needle descends, which means positioning is accurate on detailed or repeat embroidery work.
The sewing capability is equally well considered. With 760 utility and decorative stitches, 16 buttonhole styles and multi-directional sewing in up to 8 directions, the XJ2 covers quilting, garment construction and decorative work at a higher level than almost anything else on the market today. It really is an outstanding machine for ambitious makers wanting flawless results.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Sewing and embroidery machine, extra-large size
Design Options and Controls
889 designs, 760 stitches, 10.1-inch touchscreen
Embroidery Area
360x240mm (14 x 9.5 inches)
Workspace
285mm (11.25 inches) to the right of the needle
Needle System
Automatic electronic needle threader, 29 needle positions
Buttonholes
16 buttonhole styles, 1-step automatic
Skill Level
Expert
Machine Weight
17.1kg
This machine is perfect for
- Expert makers who demand a substantial hoop size, extensive designs and flawless results
- Tech-savvy users who want wireless connectivity and mobile app integration
- Badge/patch makers using Matrix Copy function - automatically fills hoop with repeated designs
- Quilters needing the 11.25" workspace for large projects
- Small business embroiderers wanting professional output with intuitive operation
Can sew but not ideal for
- Heavy fabric embroidery specialists - built for embroidery excellence not horse rugs and boat covers etc
Not suitable for
- Multi-needle embroidery requirements - single needle only
- Sewers uncomfortable with tech, smartphones or apps - wireless features rely on mobile devices
Materials and Build Quality
The XJ2 is an X-large machine engineered to stay stable during sustained high-speed embroidery and sewing. The 7-LED lighting illuminates the work area, adjustable to keep the needle zone well-lit without shadows, regardless of fabric colour or room lighting. The 10.1-inch IPS LCD touchscreen uses a high-resolution display that makes design editing and stitch selection clear and accurate, with touch pen support included for more precise input.
Construction and Build
The XJ2 is an X-large machine engineered to stay stable during sustained high-speed embroidery and sewing. The 7-LED lighting illuminates the work area, adjustable to keep the needle zone well-lit without shadows, regardless of fabric colour or room lighting. The 10.1-inch IPS LCD touchscreen uses a high-resolution display that makes design editing and stitch selection clear and accurate, with touch pen support included for more precise input.
The Square Feed Drive System (SFDS) provides seven-point even fabric feeding during sewing, which means layers move through at a consistent rate for straight, even seams on quilts, garments and multi-layer projects. Working with challenging fabrics is easy using the dual feed foot.
Square Feed Drive System
The Square Feed Drive System (SFDS) provides seven-point even fabric feeding during sewing, which means layers move through at a consistent rate for straight, even seams on quilts, garments and multi-layer projects. Working with challenging fabrics is easy using the dual feed foot.
The Continuous Automatic Pressure System (ICAPS) detects fabric thickness electronically and adjusts presser foot pressure automatically as you sew, which is particularly useful when transitioning between different fabric weights within a single project. Electronic drop feed setting and the presser foot levelling button give additional control over fabric handling without manual adjustment.
ICAPS and Presser Foot Control
The Continuous Automatic Pressure System (ICAPS) detects fabric thickness electronically and adjusts presser foot pressure automatically as you sew, which is particularly useful when transitioning between different fabric weights within a single project. Electronic drop feed setting and the presser foot levelling button give additional control over fabric handling without manual adjustment.
The Difference is in the Details
At 1,050 stitches per minute for embroidery, the XJ2 finishes large designs faster and with fewer interruptions. The auto jump stitch trimmer cuts threads automatically between colour changes, the independent bobbin winder lets you wind a new bobbin without stopping your work and the upper and lower thread sensors alert you before thread runs out mid-design. The easy-access pop-out needle plate gives quick access to the bobbin without tools.
Productivity & Speed
At 1,050 stitches per minute for embroidery, the XJ2 finishes large designs faster and with fewer interruptions. The auto jump stitch trimmer cuts threads automatically between colour changes, the independent bobbin winder lets you wind a new bobbin without stopping your work and the upper and lower thread sensors alert you before thread runs out mid-design. The easy-access pop-out needle plate gives quick access to the bobbin without tools.
Brother backs the XJ2 with a 5-year warranty. Wireless firmware updates mean the machine can be updated as Brother releases improvements, so the software stays current automatically. The accessory compartment keeps feet and tools organised and within reach during long working sessions.
Built for Longevity
Brother backs the XJ2 with a 5-year warranty. Wireless firmware updates mean the machine can be updated as Brother releases improvements, so the software stays current automatically. The accessory compartment keeps feet and tools organised and within reach during long working sessions.
The XJ2 has built-in tutorials covering the XJ2's core functions while the Creative Consultant on-screen guidance helps with stitch and settings decisions for specific tasks. Our expert team at The Sewing Studio are authorised Brother retailers. Call, chat or email for advice at any stage.
Learning Resources
The XJ2 has built-in tutorials covering the XJ2's core functions while the Creative Consultant on-screen guidance helps with stitch and settings decisions for specific tasks. Our expert team at The Sewing Studio are authorised Brother retailers. Call, chat or email for advice at any stage.
The 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen offers scroll navigation and intuitive design editing, with a touch pen included for precise input. The knee lifter provides hands-free presser foot operation during long stitching runs, while the ergonomically designed foot controller with optional multi-function upgrade gives control over speed and functions without leaving the machine. Wireless connectivity means you can work with the Artspira app or My Stitch Monitor without reaching for cables.
Comfort & Ease of Use
The 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen offers scroll navigation and intuitive design editing, with a touch pen included for precise input. The knee lifter provides hands-free presser foot operation during long stitching runs, while the ergonomically designed foot controller with optional multi-function upgrade gives control over speed and functions without leaving the machine. Wireless connectivity means you can work with the Artspira app or My Stitch Monitor without reaching for cables.
Brother Stellaire Innov-is XJ2: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Large-Scale Embroidery Without Limits
Large garment embroidery, wide borders and repeat patterns can be completed in a single pass without re-hooping. Stunning quiltbroidery patterns including stippling and echo quilting create one-off designs unique to you.
A Design Library That Spans Every Style
With 889 built-in embroidery designs, 760 sewing stitches and My Design Center for creating original patterns on-screen, the XJ2 offers incredible creative capabilities. My Design Snap converts your own images into embroidery artwork for a truly bespoke result.
Precision That Follows Every Stitch
The laser sewing guide, LED pointer embroidery foot and ICAPS fabric sensing work together to keep placement, pressure and alignment accurate across embroidery, quilting and garment work. For makers who need consistent results on detailed or repeat projects, this level of built-in precision removes a great deal of the guesswork.
Inside the Brother Innov-is XJ2
Embroidery Area and Speed
The extra-large hoop area fits a full jacket back in a single hooping. At full speed, thread-dense designs and large repeats are completed without lengthy waits.
My Design Center, My Design Snap and Artspira
My Design Center, My Design Snap and Artspira provide original design creation on-screen, photo-to-embroidery conversion and wireless transfer from a mobile device.
Laser Sewing Guide and LED Pointer Embroidery Foot
The laser guide extends 19mm for accurate parallel lines and darts. The LED pointer on the embroidery foot shows the exact placement point before the needle descends.
ICAPS, Square Feed Drive System and Dual Feed
ICAPS adjusts presser foot pressure automatically for consistent results across different fabric weights. The seven-point Square Feed Drive System and included dual feed foot provide even feeding on layered and challenging fabrics.
Easy Repeat
The Stellaire's Matrix Copy function automatically places repeat designs for maximum efficiency, which means you waste less fabric and save more time.
Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- Adapter
- Screw (small)
- Needles: 75/11 × 2
- Needles: 90/14 × 2
- Needles: 90/14 × 2 (ballpoint needle, gold coloured)
- Twin needles: 2/11 × 1
- Ballpoint needle set - 75/11 2 needles: ballpoint needle for embroidery
- Bobbin × 10 (one bobbin is in the machine)
- Seam ripper
- Scissors
- Cleaning brush
- Eyelet punch
- Screwdriver (small)
- Screwdriver (large)
- Disc‑shaped screwdriver
- Multi‑purpose screwdriver
- Spool cap (small)
- Spool cap (medium) × 2 (one spool cap is on the machine)
- Spool cap (large)
- Thread spool insert (mini king thread spool)
- Bobbin clip × 10
- Spool felt (on machine)
- Spool net × 2
- Embroidery needle plate cover
- Touch pen (stylus)
- Knee lifter
- Foot controller
- Standard bobbin case (green marking on the screw) (on the machine)
- Alternate bobbin case (no colour on the screw)
- Straight stitch needle plate
- Cord guide bobbin cover
- Bobbin cover (with mark) (on straight stitch needle plate)
- Bobbin cover (on machine)
- Embroidery frame with decal set 36 × 24 cm (approx. 14 × 9.5 inches)
- Embroidery frame with decal set 18 × 13 cm (approx. 7 × 5 inches)
- Embroidery positioning sticker sheets × 4
- Lens calibration sheet
- Embroidery bobbin thread (#60, white)
- Stabiliser material
- Grid sheet set
- Chalk pencil
- Accessory bag
- Yarn guide for embroidery couching
- Yarn threader
- Vertical spool pin
- Operation manual
- Embroidery design guide
Feet In The Box
- Zigzag foot J (on machine)
- N+ advanced monogramming foot N+
- Overcasting foot G
- Zipper foot I
- Buttonhole foot A
- Blind stitch foot R
- Button fitting foot M
- Regular dual feed foot (with 1 sole)
- Straight stitch foot
- Free motion open toe quilting foot O
- Embroidery foot W+ with LED pointer
- 1/4" piecing foot with guide
- Embroidery couching foot Y
Manufacturer Specifications
- Machine size: X‑large
- Product type: Embroidery, quilting, sewing, small business use
- Skill level: Expert, small business use
- Accessory compartment: Yes
- Bobbin type: Horizontal
- Case: Semi‑rigid soft case
- Machine type: Electronic
- Insertion of bobbin: Top‑load drop‑in bobbin
- Instructional manual PDF viewer: Yes
- Lighting: 7 LEDs
- Number of needles: 1
- Design Database Transfer app for Windows PC: Yes
- My Design Snap app: Yes
- USB port: 2 hosts (2.0/2.0) / 0 slave
- Wi‑LAN function: Yes
- Wireless firmware updates: Yes
- Display size: 10.1 inch
- Stitch selection: LCD touchscreen
- Type of screen: High‑resolution IPS LCD touchscreen
- Built‑in monogram styles: 295
- Built‑in embroidery frame patterns: 140 (10 shapes × 14 stitch types)
- Built‑in lettering styles (embroidery): 26 (24 alphabet, 2 Cyrillic)
- Built‑in patterns: 889
- Colour shuffling: Yes
- Couching embroidery: Yes
- Creating a custom thread table: Yes
- Decorative fill: 30
- Embroidery area in mm: 360 × 240 (14 × 9.5 inch)
- Embroidery frame clearance for bobbin change: Yes
- Embroidery positioning function: LED pointer
- Font editing functions / multiple lines and alignment (L‑C‑R): L‑C‑R
- Font size selection (L‑M‑S): Yes
- Frames included: 180 × 130 mm, 360 × 240 mm
- Jump stitch trim: Yes
- LED pointer: Embroidery foot included
- Max embroidery speed (stitches per minute): 1050
- Multiple line text input: Yes
- My Design Center: Yes
- My Design Snap: Mobile app for perfect placement of embroidery designs
- New UI (slide scroll operation): Yes
- Number of hoops (standard accessory): 2
- Number of spool stands: 2
- On‑screen video tutorials: Yes
- Pattern – size, change rotation & mirror: Yes
- Realistic preview of patterns: Yes
- Redo/undo when embroidery editing: Yes
- Single colour pattern converter: Yes
- Thread colour sorting: Yes
- Eco mode (auto power off/sleep mode): Yes
- 7‑point feed dog: Yes – SFDS (Square Feed Drive System)
- Adjustable presser foot: Electronic
- Automatic reverse/reinforcement stitch: Yes
- Bobbin work: Optional
- Built‑in lettering styles: 4 (3 alphabet, 1 Cyrillic)
- Buttonholes: 16
- Circular sewing: Optional
- Combine stitches: Yes
- Continuous Automatic Pressure System (ICAPS): Yes
- Direct dual feed: Yes
- Drop feed setting: Electronic
- Electronic slide speed control: Yes
- Extension wide table: Optional
- Free arm sewing: Yes
- Knee lift: Yes
- Laser function: Yes
- Lock stitch button: Yes
- Max sewing speed (stitches per minute): 1050
- Max sewing speed for decorative stitches: 710
- Mirror imaging: Yes
- Multi‑directional sewing: Yes (up to 8 sideways)
- Multi‑function foot controller: Optional
- My Custom Stitch: Yes
- Needle positions: 29
- Needle stop position control up/down: Yes
- Number of sewing stitches including buttonholes: 760
- Pivot function: Yes
- Presser foot levelling button: Yes
- Repeated single sewing: Yes
- SFDS (Square Feed Drive System): Yes
- Snap‑on presser feet system: Yes
- Speed control customised for zigzag width: Yes
- Stitch length (mm): 5
- Stitch width (mm): 7
- Workspace (cm): 28.5
- Warranty: Brother 5‑year warranty
- Adjustable thread tension: Automatic
- Automatic thread cutter: Yes
- Bobbin winder: Independent
- Lower thread sensor: Yes
- Needle threading system: Automatic
- Upper thread sensor: Yes
- Machine dimension (mm): 662 × 321 × 348
- Weight (kg): 17
Machine Dimensions and Weight
- Machine dimensions (W x D x H): 662 x 321 x 348mm
- Machine weight: 17.1kg
- Workspace: 285mm (11.25 inches) to the right of the needle
- Display: 10.1-inch high-resolution IPS LCD touchscreen
- Case: Semi-rigid soft case
Design Options and Controls
- Total built-in embroidery designs: 889
- Disney embroidery designs: 101
- Built-in embroidery frame patterns: 140 (10 shapes x 14 stitch types)
- Embroidery fonts: 26 (24 alphabets and 2 Cyrillic)
- Monogram alphabet patterns: 295 (including candle-wicking design)
- Decorative fill patterns: 30
- Total built-in sewing stitches (including buttonholes): 760
- Buttonhole styles: 16 (including 1-step automatic)
- Sewing lettering fonts: 4 (3 alphabet, 1 Cyrillic)
- Maximum stitch width: Up to 40mm
- Maximum embroidery speed: 1,050 stitches per minute
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,050 stitches per minute
- Maximum speed for decorative stitches: 710 stitches per minute
- Needle positions: 29
- Number of spool stands: 2
- Stitch selection: LCD touchscreen
Embroidery Features and Functions
- Embroidery area: 360x240mm (14 x 9.5 inches)
- My Design Center
- My Design Snap
- Artspira app compatibility
- My Stitch Monitor
- PE-Design 11 compatibility
- Matrix setting (Matrix Copy for repeat designs)
- Stitch to Block
- Yarn couching
- Couching foot
- LED pointer embroidery foot (W+)
- Colour shuffling
- Thread colour sorting
- Single colour pattern converter
- Enhanced font editing
- Multiple line text
- Font size selection
- Realistic preview
- Redo/undo
- Pattern size/rotation/mirror
- Custom thread table
- Frame clearance
- 2 hoops included
- Frames: 360x240mm and 180x130mm
- Positioning sticker sheets x4
- On-screen video tutorials
- MP4 upload
- Laser sewing guide 19mm
- ICAPS (Continuous Automatic Pressure System)
- Multi-directional sewing (8 directions)
- Pivot function
- Lock stitch
- Mirror imaging
- Combine stitches
- My Custom Stitch
- Repeated single sewing
- SFDS 7-point (Square Feed Drive System)
- Direct dual feed
- Electronic drop feed
- Electronic adjustable presser foot pressure
- Presser foot levelling button
- Automatic thread cutter
- Auto jump stitch trimmer
- Automatic electronic needle threader
- Needle stop up/down
- Start/stop button
- Electronic slide speed control
- Speed control for zigzag
- Upper thread sensor
- Lower thread sensor
- Independent bobbin winder
- Optional bobbin work
- Free arm sewing
- Knee lifter
- Optional circular sewing
- Eco mode
- Built-in PDF viewer
- Wireless firmware updates
Bobbin and Needle System
- Bobbin type: Horizontal top-load drop-in
- Bobbin case: Standard bobbin case (green marking) and alternate bobbin case included
- Number of bobbins included: 10 (one fitted in machine)
- Needle threading: Automatic electronic
- Number of needles: 1
Connectivity
- Wi-LAN (wireless): Yes
- USB ports: 2 host (USB 2.0)
- Compatible apps: Artspira, My Design Snap, My Stitch Monitor, PE-Design 11
- Design database transfer app for Windows PC: Yes
- Wireless firmware updates: Yes
Warranty & Support
The Brother Stellaire Innov-is XJ2 is covered by a full 5-year Brother warranty (1 year for Commerical use). Our support team at The Sewing Studio is here if you ever need help, servicing or advice after purchase.
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help with the answers.
How large are the embroidery designs I can stitch on the XJ2?
The XJ2's embroidery area measures 360x240mm, which is large enough to fit a full jacket back within a single hoop. This is one of the largest hoop areas available on a combined sewing and embroidery machine, which means substantial garment designs, large decorative pieces and wide border patterns can be completed in one pass without re-hooping.
Can I use my own images and designs on the XJ2?
Yes, in two ways. My Design Snap converts photographs into embroidery-ready designs via a mobile app, which is then sent wirelessly to the machine. My Design Center lets you draw and build original patterns directly on the touchscreen. For more advanced design work, the XJ2 is also compatible with Brother PE-Design 11 software via USB or wireless connection.
What is the Artspira App and do I need it?
The Artspira app is a separate Brother application that lets you create, edit and manage embroidery and stitch designs on a mobile device, then send them wirelessly to the XJ2. It is not required to use the machine - the XJ2 operates fully as a standalone unit - but it extends your design options considerably and removes the need for a computer when transferring new designs.
Does the XJ2 handle everyday sewing as well as embroidery?
Yes. The XJ2 includes 760 utility and decorative sewing stitches, 16 buttonhole styles, a seven-point Square Feed Drive System and a regular dual feed foot. The 285mm workspace to the right of the needle gives room for quilts, structured garments and home furnishings. It functions as a capable sewing machine independently of its embroidery unit.
What presser feet are included with the XJ2?
Fourteen feet are included: zigzag foot J, N+ advanced monogramming foot, overcasting foot G, zipper foot I, buttonhole foot A, blind stitch foot R, button fitting foot M, regular dual feed foot, straight stitch foot, free motion open toe quilting foot O, embroidery foot W+ with LED pointer, 1/4" piecing foot with guide, and embroidery couching foot Y.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).