Side-by-side comparison · Specs checked October 2026

Pfaff creative 4.5 vs Brother Stellaire XJ1

The creative 4.5 has the bigger embroidery field: 14 × 13.8 in against 9.5 × 14 in. Only the XJ1 has Wi-Fi.

Which should you buy?

Choose the creative 4.5 if you want the bigger embroidery field (14 × 13.8 in vs 9.5 × 14 in); or if you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.

Choose the XJ1 if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; or if you want more built-in designs (727 vs 270); or if you do a lot of lettering (24 built-in fonts vs 3).

creative 4.5 vs XJ1: specs side by side

SpecPfaff creative 4.5Brother Stellaire XJ1
TypeSewing and embroiderySewing and embroidery
Embroidery field14 × 13.8 in (360 × 350 mm)9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm)
Hoops included4.7 × 4.7 in (120 × 120 mm); 9.5 × 5.9 in (240 × 150 mm); 14 × 8 in (360 × 200 mm)9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm); 9.5 × 9.5 in (240 × 240 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm); 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)
File formats.VP3.PES, .PHC, .PHX, .DST, .PEN
Design transferUSB stick or USB cable to a computerUSB stick or Wi-Fi
Built-in designs270727
Lettering fonts324
Sewing stitches480727
Cap frameNoNo
Screen5.7 in touch10.1 in touch
Released—2019
StatusSold newDiscontinued
Typical price$6,989—

Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.

Embroidery field: creative 4.5 vs XJ1

creative 4.5XJ1
creative 4.5: 14 × 13.8 in (360 × 350 mm). XJ1: 9.5 × 14 in (240 × 360 mm). Drawn to scale.

The field is the biggest design each machine can stitch in one hooping. Bigger designs have to be split into parts. Check a design size.

creative 4.5

A fit for sewers who want large embroidery and a roomy machine with Pfaff's IDT even-feed system in one body, and who are happy to buy from Pfaff's store or a Pfaff dealer. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, a cap frame or a lower price.

About $6,989 new (checked October 2026)

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XJ1

A fit for serious sewers and embroiderers who want one machine for large-field embroidery, quilting and everyday sewing. Skip it if you want a multi-needle machine for production, or if you need a new machine with a dealer warranty, since the XJ1 is hard to find new.

Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Pfaff creative 4.5 and the XJ1?

The creative 4.5 has the bigger embroidery field: 14 × 13.8 in against 9.5 × 14 in. Only the XJ1 has Wi-Fi.

Is the XJ1 better than the creative 4.5?

It depends on what you need. Pick the XJ1 if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; pick the creative 4.5 if you want the bigger embroidery field (14 × 13.8 in vs 9.5 × 14 in).

Do the creative 4.5 and XJ1 have the same hoop size?

No. The creative 4.5 stitches up to 14 × 13.8 in and the XJ1 up to 9.5 × 14 in in one hooping.

Can the creative 4.5 and XJ1 use the same design files?

Not directly. Convert designs to the format each machine reads with embroidery software.

More comparisons

Full specs and sources: Pfaff creative 4.5 · Brother Stellaire XJ1. We are not affiliated with any maker.