“Much easier to use than I expected and the service when i bought the machine was very good.”
Brother Innov-is NV880E Embroidery Machine
The ideal embroidery machine for creative sewers looking to add an embroidery machine to their sewing room with easy wireless design transfer and accurate design placement.
£1,599.00
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£42.50 per month over 48 months*
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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).
Brother NV880E Product Review & Demonstration
The Brother Innov-is NV880E is a dedicated embroidery machine designed for makers who want to add detailed, colourful designs to clothing, gifts, quilts and home accessories. As part of Brother's Innov-is range, the NV880E brings a generous 260 x 160 mm embroidery area, wireless connectivity and on-screen design editing into a compact, easy-to-use package that suits both newcomers and experienced embroiderers.
At the centre of the machine is a 4.9-inch colour touchscreen that gives you full control over design selection, editing and stitch-out. Resize, rotate, mirror and reposition patterns directly on screen, then preview your design in full colour before stitching begins. The built-in colour sorting feature groups matching thread colours together, which reduces the number of thread changes during multi-colour designs and saves you time on longer projects.
Precision placement comes from the LED needle pointer, which projects a visible marker onto your fabric to show exactly where the needle will drop. This is particularly helpful when positioning monograms on pre-made items such as bags, school uniforms and baby gifts, where millimetre accuracy matters. The programmable jump stitch trimmer automatically cuts threads between colour sections and lettering, giving you a clean, professional finish on both the front and back of your work without reaching for scissors.
With 258 built-in embroidery designs, 13 lettering fonts and 140 frame patterns, the NV880E is ready to work straight out of the box. Add your own designs through the built-in USB port or wirelessly via the Design Database Transfer programme and the Brother Artspira app. Built-in tutorials guide you through setup, hooping and stitch-out, making this a confident choice for anyone adding embroidery to their making toolkit.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Dedicated embroidery-only machine
Design Library
258 built-in designs, 13 fonts and 140 frame designs
Control Type
4.9-inch colour LCD touchscreen
Embroidery Area
260 x 160 mm (10.2 x 6.3 inches)
Needle Configuration
Single needle with automatic tension adjustment
Hoops Included
Three hoops: 260 x 160 mm, 150 x 150 mm and 100 x 100 mm
Skill Level
Suitable for beginner and intermediate embroiderers
Machine Weight
9kg with compact 480 x 249 x 300 mm footprint
This machine is perfect for
- Ideal for complete embroidery beginners looking for a machine that's easy to use and set up. This is one of the easiest embroidery machines to learn to use
- Sewers who already own a sewing machine and want a dedicated embroidery only model
- Medium-sized project makers - 260x160mm (10"x6") handles names, medium motifs and most gift personalisation with ease
Can sew but not ideal for
- Embroiderers wanting the fastest stitch-out speeds, at 850 SPM this is capable but slower than premium machines (the XE2 runs at 1,050 SPM)
- The 4.9" touchscreen is clear and functional but smaller than premium machines, on-screen design editing works well for standard adjustments but feels more limited on complex multi-design layouts
Not suitable for
- Sewers wanting extra-large single-hoop embroidery for full jacket backs and large wall hangings
- Mac users wanting wireless transfer from a desktop PC - the free Design Database Transfer programme is Windows only. Mac users can transfer designs wirelessly using the Brother Artspira app on a phone or tablet, or alternatively via USB
Materials and Build Quality
The Brother NV880E features a solid internal frame that keeps the embroidery carriage tracking accurately at speeds up to 850 stitches per minute. The horizontal full rotary hook system runs quietly and produces consistent stitch tension across different fabric weights. At 9kg, the machine is light enough to move between rooms, but stable enough for uninterrupted stitch-outs on larger projects.
This construction means your embroidery designs stitch out cleanly, with even thread coverage and minimal vibration. The compact face plate design also gives better access to the needle area for quick changes between projects.
The NV880E detects the fabric being embroidered and adjusts thread tension automatically, removing one of the most common frustrations for embroiderers. Upper and lower thread sensors monitor your thread supply throughout the stitch-out and alert you if a thread breaks or runs low. The automatic thread cutter trims both top and bobbin threads at the touch of a button.
For makers working across multiple fabrics and thread types, automatic tension means fewer test runs and more consistent results. Combined with the quick-set drop-in bobbin system, setup time between projects drops to minutes rather than a frustrating trial-and-error process.
The LED needle pointer projects a visible light onto your fabric to mark exactly where the needle will start stitching. This takes the guesswork out of design placement and is especially useful when embroidering on pre-made items like tote bags, baby grows and school uniforms where positioning needs to be precise. The advanced needle threader guides thread through the needle eye in a single lever action.
Together, these features reduce setup errors and save time on every project. Accurate placement on the first attempt means less waste from misaligned designs, and the one-step threading system gets you stitching faster after each colour change.
The Difference is in the Details
The NV880E stitches at up to 850 stitches per minute, which means even detailed multi-colour designs can be completed in a reasonable timeframe. The programmable jump stitch trimmer automatically cuts connecting threads between design sections, eliminating the need to trim by hand after each colour change. Colour sorting groups matching threads together across your design, which reduces the number of rethread steps during complex multi-colour stitch-outs. The drop-in bobbin and quick-set system keep downtime between projects to a minimum.
Brother builds the NV880E around a horizontal full rotary hook system with consistent tracking and low wear over time. The Brother warranty covers parts and labour for 3 years for domestic use (1 year for commercial/teaching use), reflecting confidence in the machine's construction. The internal frame and carriage mechanism are engineered to maintain accurate hoop positioning through years of regular use, and the compact body resists the knocks and bumps of being transported to classes and workshops.
Built-in on-screen tutorials walk you through setup, hooping, design selection and stitch-out, so you always have guidance at hand. The Brother Artspira app and SupportApp provide additional tutorials, design inspiration and firmware updates. Here at The Sewing Studio, we provide expert advice and support whenever you need it, backed by Brother's UK network of authorised service centres for warranty repairs and annual servicing.
The NV880E includes built-in help menus and step-by-step tutorials that cover everything from threading to design editing. The Brother SupportApp for iOS and Android offers video tutorials, project ideas and troubleshooting guides. Our YouTube channel and website offer helpful tutorials and tips to help you get the most from your machine. For makers who want to take their embroidery further, Brother's PE Design Plus2 and PE Design 11 software let you create your own designs from photographs, logos and artwork (Windows PC compatible only).
The 4.9-inch colour touchscreen provides a clear, responsive interface for browsing designs, editing layouts and previewing stitch-outs in full colour. The central control panel keeps all the buttons you use most within easy reach, and the improved face plate angle makes needle changes simpler. Two LED lights illuminate the embroidery area for clear visibility during detailed work. At 9 kg, the NV880E is one of the lighter machines in its class, making it practical for makers who attend embroidery groups, workshops or retreats.
Brother Innov-is NV880E: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
LED Needle Pointer for Accurate Design Placement
The built-in LED pointer projects a visible marker onto your fabric to show exactly where the needle will drop. This makes positioning monograms on bags, names on school uniforms and motifs on baby gifts straightforward and accurate. No more test runs or repositioning to get your design centred.
Wireless Design Transfer and USB Connectivity
Send designs wirelessly from your Windows PC to the NV880E using the free Design Database Transfer programme. The Brother Artspira app lets you browse and send designs from your tablet or mobile device. A built-in USB port provides a second route for importing designs from a USB stick, giving you flexibility for managing your design library.
Programmable Jump Stitch Trimming
The NV880E automatically trims connecting threads between design sections, colour changes and individual letters. This gives both the front and reverse of your embroidery a clean, tidy finish without manual trimming. For lettering and multi-section designs, this feature alone saves considerable finishing time.
Inside the Brother NV880E
Built-in Design Library and On-Screen Editing
The NV880E comes loaded with 258 embroidery designs, including florals, animals, seasonal patterns, blackwork and regal motifs. Thirteen built-in fonts and a monogramming function let you add text to any project. The on-screen editor allows you to resize, rotate, mirror, combine and reposition designs directly on the touchscreen, then save your edited layouts to the machine's memory for reuse.
Colour Sorting and Full-Colour Preview
Preview every design in full colour on the 4.9-inch touchscreen before stitching begins. The colour sorting function reorders your design's stitch sequence to group matching thread colours together, which means fewer colour changes and faster stitch-outs on multi-colour projects.
Three Embroidery Hoops Included
The NV880E comes with three hoops to cover a range of project sizes: 260 x 160 mm for larger designs and quilt blocks, 150 x 150 mm for medium motifs and 100 x 100 mm for small details and individual letters. Brother's optional 180 x 130 mm magnetic hoop is also compatible with this machine for fast hooping on fabrics up to 2 mm thick.
Automatic Thread Tension System
The machine detects the fabric being embroidered and adjusts thread tension accordingly. This means clean, consistent stitching across cotton, denim, fleece, towelling and other common embroidery fabrics without manual tension adjustments between projects.
Advanced Needle Threader
Thread the needle in a single lever action. Follow the guide, set the thread in position, push the lever and release. The threader pulls the thread through the needle eye with consistent accuracy, saving time on every colour change throughout your design.
Product Specifications
Key Features
- 4.9 Inch colour touchscreen
- 260 x 160 mm embroidery area
- 258 built-in patterns and 13 fonts
- Advanced needle threader
- Auto jump stitch trimmer
- Colour sorting
- LED pointer
- Wireless connection
Accessories in the box
- Embroidery foot with LED pointer U+ (on machine)
- Seam ripper
- Bobbin (4) (One bobbin is on machine.)
- Needle set
- Cleaning brush
- Spool cap (large, medium, small)
- Thread spool insert (mini king thread spool)
- Spool net
- Scissors
- Set of screwdrivers
- Bobbin case (no colour on the screw) (on machine)
- Embroidery bobbin thread
- Dust cover
- Power supply cord
- Accessory bag
- Operation Manual
- Quick Reference Guide
- Embroidery sheet 260 x 160mm
- Embroidery sheet 150 x 150mm
- Embroidery sheet 100 x 100mm
- Embroidery Design Guide
Hoops in the box
- 1 x Embroidery hoop 160mm x 260mm
- 1 x Embroidery hoop 150mm x 150mm
- 1 x Embroidery hoop 100mm x 100mm
Manufacturer Specifications
- Machine Size: Medium
- Product Type: Embroidery
- Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Bobbin Type: Horizontal
- Case: Soft Case
- Machine Type: Electronic
- Insertion of Bobbin: Quick Set Bobbin
- Lighting: 2 LEDs
- Number Of Needles: 1
- USB Port: USB Port
- Design Database Transfer app for Windows PC: Yes
- Wi-LAN Function: Yes
- Wireless firmware updates: Yes
- Type of Screen: LCD-Touchscreen Colour
- Display Size: 4,9 Inch
- Built-In Lettering Styles (Embroidery): 13
- Built-In Patterns: 258
- Embroidery Area in mm: 160 x 260
- Font Size Selection (L-M-S): Yes
- Frames Included: 3
- LED Pointer: Yes
- Max Embroidery Speed (Stitches per Minute): 850
- Multiple Line Text Input: Yes
- Number of Spool Stands: 1
- Pattern - Size, Change Rotation & Mirror: Yes
- Realistic Preview of Patterns: Yes
- Jump Stitch Trim: Yes
- Number of Hoops (Standard Accessory): 3
- Warranty: Brother 3 year Warranty
- Commercial use only 1 year warrant
- Automatic Thread Cutter: Yes
- Bobbin Winder: Yes
- Lower Thread Sensor: Yes
- Needle Threading System: Extra Advanced
- Upper Thread Sensor: Yes
- Machine Dimension (mm): 480x249x300
- Weight (kg): 9
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (W x D x H): 480 mm x 249 mm x 300 mm
- Machine weight: 9 kg
- Embroidery area: 260 x 160 mm (10.2 x 6.3 inches)
Embroidery Options and Controls
- Built-in embroidery designs: 258
- Built-in fonts: 13 (nine alphabet, one Cyrillic, three Japanese)
- Built-in frame patterns: 140
- Maximum embroidery speed: 850 stitches per minute
- Display: 4.9-inch full-colour LCD touchscreen
- Font size selection (L, M, S): Yes
- Multiple line text input: Yes
- Pattern resize, rotation and mirror: Yes
- Colour sorting: Yes
- Full-colour design preview: Yes
- Stitch memory: Yes
Connectivity
- USB port: 1
- Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi): Yes
- Wireless firmware updates: Yes
- Design Database Transfer: Yes (Windows PC only)
- Brother Artspira app: Yes (iOS and Android)
Warranty & Support
The Brother Innov-is NV880E comes with a full 3-year Brother warranty covering parts and labour. Commercial use carries a 1-year warranty. Our support team is here if you ever need help or servicing.
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help with the answers.
Is the NV880E an embroidery-only machine, or can it sew as well?
The Brother NV880E is a dedicated embroidery machine. It does not have standard sewing functions such as straight stitch, zigzag or buttonholes. If you need both sewing and embroidery, consider a combination machine like the Brother Innov-is range that includes sewing capability.
What file formats does the NV880E accept?
The machine reads PES and DST embroidery file formats. You can transfer designs via the USB port or wirelessly using the Design Database Transfer programme on a Windows PC, or via the Brother Artspira app on your tablet or mobile device.
Can I use designs from the internet on this machine?
Yes. Any embroidery design saved in PES or DST format can be loaded onto the NV880E via USB stick or wireless transfer. Many free and paid embroidery design websites offer files in these formats. Brother's PE Design Plus2 and PE Design 11 software also let you create and edit your own designs.
What size designs can the NV880E stitch out?
The largest included hoop is 260 x 160 mm (approximately 10 x 6 inches), which handles names, medium-to-large motifs, quilt blocks and most personalisation projects. Two smaller hoops (150 x 150 mm and 100 x 100 mm) are also included for smaller designs.
Is this machine suitable for a complete beginner?
Yes, this model is ideal for a complete beginner. The NV880E includes built-in on-screen tutorials, a help function and the Brother SupportApp for step-by-step guidance. The automatic tension, drop-in bobbin and advanced needle threader make setup straightforward. Many of our customers have chosen this as their first embroidery machine and found it easy to learn.
What maintenance does the NV880E require?
Regular cleaning of the bobbin area and occasional oiling as directed in your manual. For annual servicing and any repairs, contact us to arrange servicing with a professional engineer.
Can I buy on Finance?
Yes. We offer finance options (subject to status). Use the finance calculator on this page or contact us for tailored plans.
Need advice?
Our in-house team makes it their job to know these machines inside and out. Call, message or chat to get honest, expert advice from people who actually sew.
Give us a call
Our team is ready to guide you through any questions and help you order with confidence.
01209 216 942
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