Brother Skitch PP1: hoop size, file formats and specs
Also written: Skitch PP1, Brother Skitch, PP-1, PP 1
Compact single-needle embroidery machine with a 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) field and a magnetic frame. It has no screen of its own: you pick, edit and send designs from the free Artspira app. It stitches up to 400 stitches per minute.
The Brother Skitch PP1 is a embroidery-only machine with a 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) embroidery field. It reads .PES, .PHC, .DST files and gets designs by Wi-Fi.
PP1 hoop size and embroidery area
The PP1 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.
In the box: 4 × 4 in magnetic frame (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 PP1
What file format does the PP1 use?
The PP1 reads .PES, .PHC and .DST files. You load designs by 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 Skitch PP1
About $530–$700 new (checked October 2026)
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Brother Skitch PP1 specs
| Type | Embroidery only |
|---|---|
| Embroidery field | 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) |
| Hoops included | 4 × 4 in magnetic frame (4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)) |
| Cap frame | No |
| File formats it reads | .PES, .PHC, .DST |
| Design transfer | Wi-Fi |
| App | Artspira |
| Max embroidery speed | 400 stitches per minute |
| Weight | 16.6 lb (7.5 kg) |
| Status | Sold new |
| Typical price | About $530–$700 new (checked October 2026) |
| Skill level | Beginner |
Who the PP1 is for
A fit for a beginner who wants small designs, names and patches and is happy to run everything from a phone or tablet. Skip it if you want a built-in screen, a larger field, a USB port or a cap frame.
Strengths
- 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) magnetic frame in the box, so fabric is held without screwing a hoop shut
- Designs are sent wirelessly from the Artspira app; Brother includes 100 free designs
- Light and small at about 16.6 lb
- Artspira imports .pes, .phc, .phx and .dst files
- Single needle with an included needle set, bobbins and starter supplies
Limits
- Only a 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) field, and Brother lists no larger hoop for it
- Needs the Artspira app on a phone or tablet to run; Brother's page does not describe a screen or USB port
- Slow top speed of 400 stitches per minute
- Brother lists no cap frame, and the optional frame list is not published
Good to know: Brother US describes the PP1 as wireless and requiring the free Artspira app; Brother's page does not say Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and dealers say Bluetooth, so transfer is tagged wifi as the nearest allowed value. Brother's PP1 page does not list file formats; formats shown are what Brother's Artspira support page says the app imports (.pes, .phc, .phx, .dst), and .phx is not in the allowed format list. Built-in designs and fonts are not published (designs come from the app: 100 free exclusive ones, a free Standard plan and a paid Artspira+ plan). Needle count in the needle set and release year are not published. Dealer prices seen: sale about $530, regular about $700.
How the PP1 compares
- Brother PE535 vs PP1: PE535 has a 4 × 4 in field.
- Brother PE545 vs PP1: PE545 has a 4 × 4 in field.
Listed in our buying guides
- Embroidery machines for beginners
- Embroidery machines for home use
- Which Brother embroidery machine should you buy?
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Brother Skitch PP1 embroidery area?
The field is 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm). The box has one 4 × 4 in magnetic frame, and Brother's page lists no larger hoop.
Is the Brother Skitch PP1 a single-needle embroidery machine?
Yes. It is an embroidery-only machine with one needle, so you change thread by hand for each color. It runs at up to 400 stitches per minute.
Does the Brother Skitch PP1 work without a phone or tablet?
Brother says the machine is powered by the required Artspira app. Its page describes no screen and no USB port, so plan on using a phone or tablet.
Brother Skitch PP1 or PE535?
Both have a 4 × 4 in field. The Skitch PP1 is controlled from the Artspira app and has a magnetic frame. The PE535 has its own touch screen and 80 built-in designs, takes designs by USB stick, and Brother US lists it as discontinued.
What file types can the Brother Skitch PP1 use?
Brother's page does not list machine formats. Brother's Artspira support page says the app imports .pes, .phc, .phx and .dst designs, which it then sends to the machine.
Similar machines
- Embroidery only
Brother PE535
4 × 4 in field
.PES, .PHC, .DST
Discontinued
- Embroidery only
Brother PE545
4 × 4 in field
.PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN · Wi-Fi
$480–$500 new
- Embroidery only
Brother PE550D
4 × 4 in field
.PES, .PHC, .DST
Discontinued
- Embroidery only
Brother PE500
4 × 4 in field
.PES, .DST
Discontinued
- Embroidery only
Brother PE540D
4 × 4 in field
.PES, .DST
Discontinued
- Embroidery only
Bernina DECO 650
4 × 4 in field
.CARD
Discontinued
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.