Embroidery Machine Guide

Brother · Sewing and embroidery · Specs checked October 2026

Brother HE240: hoop size, file formats and specs

Also written: HE-240, HE 240

An older sewing and embroidery combo with a 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) embroidery area, 70 built-in designs and 67 sewing stitches. It takes PES designs from a computer over USB cable. Brother US lists it as discontinued, so it is mostly a used-market machine.

The Brother HE240 is a discontinued sewing and embroidery machine with a 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) embroidery field. It reads .PES files and gets designs by USB cable to a computer, and has 70 built-in designs and 5 lettering fonts.

HE240 hoop size and embroidery area

The HE240 can stitch a design up to 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) in one hooping, which is the 4 × 4 in size. That is the field limit: a larger hoop from another maker will not let it stitch a bigger area.

5 × 7HE240 field
The HE240 field (filled) next to standard hoop sizes, drawn to scale.

In the box: 4" × 4" hoop (4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)).

Optional from Brother: 6.75" × 4" hoop (SA434; each design still 4" × 4") (4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)).

Fits in one hooping at typical size: left chest, pocket, sleeve, beanie, baby onesie, baby bib, patch.

Check if your design fits the HE240

What file format does the HE240 use?

The HE240 reads .PES files. You load designs by USB cable to a computer. Designs in other formats (for example .JEF or .EXP) need converting first with embroidery software.

Where to buy the Brother HE240

Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.

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Brother HE240 specs

TypeSewing and embroidery
Embroidery field4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)
Hoops included4" × 4" hoop (4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm))
Optional hoops6.75" × 4" hoop (SA434; each design still 4" × 4") (4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm))
Cap frameNo
File formats it reads.PES
Design transferUSB cable to a computer
Built-in designs70
Lettering fonts5
Sewing stitches67
Screentouch screen
Weight13.7 lb (6.2 kg)
StatusDiscontinued
Skill levelBeginner

Who the HE240 is for

A fit for a hobbyist who finds one used and wants one machine for everyday sewing plus small embroidery such as names and motifs. Skip it if you want designs bigger than 4 × 4 in, wireless transfer, a USB-stick port or finished hats.

Strengths

  • Sews and embroiders: 67 built-in sewing stitches (98 stitch functions) and 10 one-step buttonholes
  • 70 built-in embroidery designs and 120 frame pattern combinations
  • 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) hoop comes in the box
  • Back-lit LCD touch screen, advanced needle threader and drop-in bobbin
  • Imports PES designs from a computer, including ones bought online

Limits

  • Only a 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) embroidery area
  • No Wi-Fi and no app; Brother describes a computer link with a USB cable, not a USB-stick port
  • Single needle, so you change thread by hand for each color, and no cap frame is listed
  • Brother US lists it as discontinued, so you will mostly find used or refurbished units

Good to know: Brother's US product page lists the HE240 as discontinued and gives a 4 × 4 in embroidery area, a 4 × 4 in hoop in the package, 70 built-in designs, 120 frame pattern combinations, 67 sewing stitches with 98 stitch functions, and a USB cable. The page text mentions 5 lettering fonts, but its spec table shows 0 fonts; we use 5 from the text, so treat it as likely but not certain. The only file type named is PES (importing .pes designs from a computer); Brother's page does not list DST or other formats, so only PES is set. Transfer is set to cable because Brother lists computer connectivity and a USB cable and describes no card slot or USB-stick port. The spec table shows a speed of 710 and a weight of 13.7 with no units and says 'maximum sewing speed', so we leave embroidery speed empty; weight is taken as 13.7 lb (the same figure as the SE400). Brother's accessory pages list the HE240 as compatible with the SA432 4 × 4 in hoop and the SA434 6.75 × 4 in hoop. Brother's page for the HE240 gives a 4 × 4 in area, so we treat the SA434 as a frame that holds more than one design, as on the SE400; confirm with a dealer. Screen size is not published and Brother does not say if it is color or monochrome (set to monochrome like similar models). No release year or successor is stated. The US page shows 7 included sewing feet in one place and 10 in another, and Brother Canada says 11, so we give no foot count. The operation manual is on Brother's Online Solution Center, which did not load when we checked.

How the HE240 compares

Listed in our buying guides

Frequently asked questions

What is the Brother HE240 embroidery and sewing machine?

It is an older single-needle Brother combo that sews and embroiders. It has a 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) embroidery area, 70 built-in designs and 67 sewing stitches. Brother US lists it as discontinued.

Where can I find the Brother HE240 manual?

Brother US points to its Online Solution Center (support.brother.com) for the HE240 manuals and downloads. The machine also comes with a printed quick start guide and an instruction manual in English and Spanish.

How much is a Brother HE240?

Brother US lists it as discontinued, so it is no longer sold new by Brother. Prices now depend on the seller and on the condition of the used or refurbished machine. Check the hoop, needle threader and cable before you buy.

Is a used Brother HE240 worth buying?

It can suit simple 4 × 4 in embroidery plus basic sewing. Make sure it includes the 4 × 4 in hoop and the USB cable, and know that it has no Wi-Fi and no USB-stick port.

What embroidery size and file type does the Brother HE240 use?

Designs can be up to 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm). Brother says you can import PES designs from a computer, including designs bought online. It lists no other file types.

Sources

Specs come from Brother's own pages and manuals, checked October 2026. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. We are not affiliated with Brother. See how we research.