Embroidery Machine Guide

Brother · Embroidery only · Specs checked October 2026

Brother NQ1700E: hoop size, file formats and specs

Also written: NQ-1700E, NQ 1700E, Innov-is NQ1700E, Innov-ís NQ1700E, Innovis NQ1700E

An embroidery-only machine with a 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) field, 258 built-in designs, 13 fonts and a 4.85 in color touchscreen. It takes designs by USB or wifi and reads PES, PHC, PEN and DST. It does not sew and has no official cap frame.

The Brother NQ1700E is a embroidery-only machine with a 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) embroidery field. It reads .PES, .PHC, .PEN, .DST files and gets designs by USB stick or Wi-Fi, and has 258 built-in designs and 13 lettering fonts.

NQ1700E hoop size and embroidery area

The NQ1700E can stitch a design up to 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) in one hooping, which is the 6 × 10 in size. That is the field limit: a larger hoop from another maker will not let it stitch a bigger area.

8 × 12NQ1700E field5 × 74 × 4
The NQ1700E field (filled) next to standard hoop sizes, drawn to scale.

In the box: 6" × 10" hoop (extra large) (6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)), 5" × 7" hoop (large) (5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm)).

Optional from Brother: 4" × 4" hoop (medium) (4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)), Small frame (about 1" × 2.5") (2.4 × 0.8 in (60 × 20 mm)).

Fits in one hooping at typical size: left chest, pocket, sleeve, beanie, towel, baby onesie, baby bib, tote bag, pillow cover, quilt block, patch.

Check if your design fits the NQ1700E

What file format does the NQ1700E use?

The NQ1700E reads .PES, .PHC, .PEN and .DST files. You load designs by USB stick or Wi-Fi, and the Artspira app works with it. Designs in other formats (for example .JEF or .EXP) need converting first with embroidery software.

Where to buy the Brother NQ1700E

About $2,399–$2,400 new (checked October 2026)

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Brother NQ1700E specs

TypeEmbroidery only
Embroidery field6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)
Hoops included6" × 10" hoop (extra large) (6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm)); 5" × 7" hoop (large) (5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm))
Optional hoops4" × 4" hoop (medium) (4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)); Small frame (about 1" × 2.5") (2.4 × 0.8 in (60 × 20 mm))
Cap frameNo
File formats it reads.PES, .PHC, .PEN, .DST
Design transferUSB stick or Wi-Fi
AppArtspira
Built-in designs258
Lettering fonts13
Screen4.85 in, colour, touch screen
Max embroidery speed850 stitches per minute
Weight27 lb (12.2 kg)
Released2021
StatusSold new
Typical priceAbout $2,399–$2,400 new (checked October 2026)
Skill levelIntermediate

Who the NQ1700E is for

A fit for people who want a larger field than 5 × 7 in for bigger designs and combined layouts without moving to a multi-needle machine. Skip it if you also want to sew on the same machine or want to embroider caps.

Strengths

  • 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) embroidery field, with 6 × 10 in and 5 × 7 in hoops in the box
  • Wifi transfer through Design Database Transfer (no USB needed), plus a USB port
  • 4.85 in color touchscreen with on-screen editing and a realistic preview
  • 258 built-in designs, 13 fonts and 140 frame-pattern combinations
  • Reads four file types: PES, PHC, PEN and DST

Limits

  • Embroidery only: it does not sew
  • Single needle, so you change thread color by hand
  • Top speed of 850 stitches per minute is lower than Brother's Stellaire2 (1,050)
  • Brother lists no cap frame for it

Good to know: Brother's manual lists the largest area as 26 × 16 cm (H × W), which Brother markets as 6 × 10 in. The manual also shows 4 × 4 in and 1 × 2-1/2 in frames as sold separately with some models; Brother US does not list them on the NQ1700E page, so check availability with a dealer. Brother's 5 × 7 in magnetic frame (SAMF180) lists the NQ1700E as compatible. The manual gives about 20 lb (9 kg) without the embroidery unit and 27 lb (12 kg) with it; the weight shown is the machine with the unit attached. Brother US shows a 4.2 × 2.4 in screen size (width × height), about 4.85 in on the diagonal.

How the NQ1700E compares

Listed in our buying guides

Frequently asked questions

What hoops come with the Brother NQ1700E?

Two hoops come in the box: a 6 × 10 in hoop (160 × 260 mm) and a 5 × 7 in hoop (130 × 180 mm). The 6 × 10 in hoop matches the machine's full embroidery field.

Is there a magnetic hoop for the Brother NQ1700E?

Yes. Brother's 5 × 7 in magnetic frame (SAMF180) lists the NQ1700E as compatible. Brother's pages do not show a magnetic frame for the full 6 × 10 in field.

What file formats does the Brother NQ1700E read?

Brother's manual says it reads PES, PHC, PEN and DST files. Designs can be up to 26 × 16 cm (about 10-1/4 × 6-1/4 in).

Does the Brother NQ1700E have wifi?

Yes. When connected to a wireless network, you can send designs from a PC with Brother's free Design Database Transfer software, with no USB needed. It also has a USB port for a flash drive.

How much is the Brother NQ1700E?

Brother does not show a price on its US page. The dealers we checked sold it new at the same price on 2026-10-15, so see the price range on this page.

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.