For the longest time, people have been practicing art in different forms, including sewing. And due to technological advancements, the sewing industries are now introducing sewing units that can flawlessly perform different artistic designs on fabrics. For this case, we will consider the best sewing machine for applique since the specialized embroidery machines are a work of art.
Such units allow you to create unique appliques with ease. Besides, they are excellent for embroidery and quilts. These machines are available as either embroidery or a combination of embroidery and sewing machine.
For the combined units, you can easily switch between regular sewing and doing appliques. This has rendered them versatile and ideal for sewers with little space. On the other hand, applique units are specifically for quilts or embroidery. They are also suitable for detailed work and embellishments. The only drawback is that they are expensive and you cannot use them for sewing.
When choosing the best sewing machine for applique, always consider factors such as your budget, skill level, space availability, and many more. I have detailed this article with reviews of the best units ideal for applique. Besides, there is a more detailed buying guide so you can never go wrong when choosing the machine for applique.
Best Sewing Machine for Applique Buyers’ Guide
To be successful in the sewing world, you need to choose the right machine that has all you need. For instance, not all sewing machines can perform most of the sewing tasks. Therefore, it’s right to determine all the essential features and models of what sewing machine you prefer.
Things even become more challenging when it comes to different sewing designs such as appliques. And since you have already read the reviews of the top nine sewing machines for applique, it’s time to grasp some things to consider before purchasing. This guide includes all the features to check, among other buying tips.
Read on to find out.
Why You Need the Best Sewing Machine for Applique
- Ease of use. What’s best about these units is how you don’t need to be a professional to use them. Most of the included features are elementary to operate.
- Large workspace. You can perform all your applique designs on the ample working space. This renders the machines ideal for large projects.
- High speed. Since you will most likely be working on applique projects, you don’t have to worry about what time you will finish your project. The reason is that these units have high sewing and embroidery speeds.
- Easy thread monitoring. You will not have to worry about running out of the thread on the bobbin winder since you can easily monitor the thread supply from the transparent bobbin cover. Besides, some units like the SINGER | Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine automatically winds the bobbin while operating.
- Easy design or stitch selection. What makes these machines stand out is the LCD screen. With this feature, you can easily choose your desired design or stitch with the touch on the screen.
- Quick threading. Threading these units from the spool to the needle’s eye takes a fraction of a second. Therefore, reducing eye strain and frustrations.
- Durable. With these products, you have guaranteed durability from the internal rugged metal framing that holds all the mechanisms in place.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Sewing Machine for Applique
Most of the above machines are beautiful to look at. However, each of the units comes with different features and capabilities that bring out their performance differences. Therefore, ensure you keenly look at the features below before purchasing.
- LCD Screen
All computerized sewing machines have LCD screens ideal for displaying the design and stitches before sewing. In the sewing units for applique, most of them feature a touchscreen LCD that makes your sewing life more manageable. Additionally, they have the Drag and Drop feature, allowing you to select your desired design easily.
Even though all these screens assist in displaying the set designs and patterns, you should note that the better they are in color recreation, the closer you can follow the original drawing.
- Embroidery Design Size
This feature is primarily an essential factor of consideration to those who tend to work on larger projects. However, the standard embroidery space for applique is approximately 4″ x 4″ fine for an average project. But if you want to work on more significant projects, look for models with an extended working area. However, it would be wise if you remembered that this would also require a bigger hoop size.
- Specialized or combination
Most embroidery machines work by following the pre-programmed designs that you select. This process involves the fabric being held in place by the embroidery hoops as the machine goes to work. And this is the same method used in making appliques. The only difference in these machines is that some are embroidery only while others can perform patterns and typical sewing tasks.
Choosing a specialized embroidery machine will see you enjoy high speeds, intricacy, and the applique size. However, these units are bulkier and not versatile. Therefore, you should choose depending on your daily needs.
- Top-load bobbin
You had to open the whole recessed compartment a long time ago to check whether the bobbin is running low on thread. For modern sewing machines such as the applique sewing units, you don’t have to open the recess. The only thing to do is to slide open the panel and drop the bobbin in. Even better, the bobbin has a transparent cover that allows you to monitor the thread supply keenly. Some units are more advanced since they have a feature that automatically monitors the thread supply and lets you know when you are running low on thread.
- Number of stitches and embroidery designs
The more the number of stitches and embroidery design, the more you will make unique patterns. These numbers differ from one unit to the next, depending on the manufacturer. However, you don’t have to worry since most of the above machines have a nested USB port to feed your unit with more downloaded designs.
- Needle threader
This is yet another feature of consideration. It is a helpful feature to everyone, especially those with eyesight problems. The reason is that it can thread the entire machine within seconds without straining your eyes.
- Additional features
If you want to make your sewing life more manageable, consider choosing a machine with some extra features. For instance, an automatic thread cutter will cut all your threads after you finish sewing. The mechanized needle up/down part sets the needle in the up position after sewing and down before sewing.
Other features include a presser foot that helps in releasing the fabric. The bright LED sewing light is also an additional feature that will ensure you always work on an illuminated workspace.
Likely Problems to Encountered Using the Best Sewing Machine for Applique
Even though these machines can be mechanically or electronically complex, most problems encountered arise from incorrect threading, user error, needle in back to front, misuse or lack of essential maintenance, and many more. It can even get worse if you don’t oil your machine after five million stitches or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Computerized Machine mean?
This is an embroidery machine or an applique machine. It works by following the pattern in its internal memory or that uploaded by USB. This machine type displays the desired design on its LCD screen and then stitches it on the embroidery hoop’s fabric.
- Can you do appliques with an embroidery machine?
Yes, you can. This is because applique is all about stitching an elaborated design to a contrasting fabric. It’s also the process of stitching together two different pieces of fabric to create a pattern. The embroidery machine is the best for sewing appliques and requires top-notch skills above regular sewing.
- What size needle is the best for applique?
For an applique sewing machine to work well, the needle’s size needs to match the thread size. You will find this information on the pattern details.
- Can you freehand embroidery with a regular sewing machine?
Even though not all sewing machines are capable of embroidering, most of them have a setting where you can set your desired stitch and guide the fabric through the machine to make patterns. However, this process consumes more time and entirely relies on your abilities.
- What is the difference between embroidery and a regular sewing machine?
The best sewing machine for applique comes with an inbuilt computer that lets it follow an intricate pattern on the chosen design. For a regular sewing machine, you have to guide it with your hands, and it’s ideal for sewing clothes, attaching buttons, doing hemming, and all kinds of sewing projects.
Best Sewing Machine for Applique Products Reviews
Here’s we are going to look at individual products, their distinct features, advantages and their short comings. You will realize that most of these sewing machines are more or less the same with small feature making key details. Stay keen to ensure that you get the very best sewing machine for your applique projects.
1. Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
The Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine comes with outstanding features which ensure you can sew or stuck all the pieces of your fabrics onto larger pieces to form appealing pictures or patterns. First, it lets you view all your embroidery designs in full color on the embedded large 3.7″ Sew Smart color LCD. Even better, the display system is entirely touchscreen so that you can preview all your design edits before stitching.
Everything about this unit is pleasing. For instance, it features expanded embroidery design editing features. Among these is the ability to change individual thread colors, move designs on the display screen with a finger’s touch, place letters in an arc, and many more. This item does not limit your options. You can choose from the 80 integrated fresh and inspiring embroidery designs or import customized designs through the USB port.
Among the sewing features, you will get up to 103 versatile inbuilt stitches. There is also a needle up/down feature and a drop feed for creative free motion. Additionally, you can vary the operating speed with the provided variable speed controls. The SE600 also includes an expanded 6.4″ W x 4.1″ H distance between the needle and the arm to give you enough room for folding quilts and bulkier projects.
Summary of the key features
- The spring action zigzag foot provides smoother fabric feeding.
- It features longer 7 point feed dogs.
- You have options of up to 103 stitches.
Pros
- You can vary the speed.
- It allows you to bring creativity to life with ease.
- It’s easy to use the LCD touchscreen.
- The unit has a compact design.
Cons
- The unit only has seven sewing feet.
2. SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
As a computerized sewing machine, SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 comes with everything you need from the best sewing machine for applique. It features up to 600 inbuilt stitches, including five alphanumeric fonts and 13 automatic one-step buttonholes. The buttonholes have an exclusive underplate, stitch elongation, and mirror imaging that allows you to expound on your creativity.
With this item, you will perform all your applique sewing, even on larger fabrics, thanks to the included extension table that provides a large working area. The electronic twin needle settings allow you to work on other stitching types other than the standard straight stitch. It does this by reducing the stitch width for sewing so that the needle can clear the presser foot while sewing.
The internal metal framing guarantees durability on this unit. It does this by ensuring all the mechanisms are in perfect alignment. The one-touch stitch selection simplifies the entire process of selecting your desired stitch. Even better, you can easily read off the stitches before deciding from the front panel of the machine.
Summary of the key features
- It comes with up to 600 stitch applications.
- The machine has 13 buttonhole styles.
- It has a one-touch stitch selection.
- This item features an inbuilt needle threader.
- The unit comes with an extension table.
Pros
- It’s easy to use the direct stitch selection.
- You will experience effortless threading of the needle for faster starts.
- The item is ideal for large fabrics.
- It has a wide selection of stitches.
- The bobbin system has a clear cover.
- It’s durable.
Cons
- It only has 13 buttonhole styles.
3. Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine
With up to 125 inbuilt designs, the Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine will help you develop unique designs and patterns on your fabrics. The package includes 45 Disney designs and nine fonts to personalize your projects. Among the nine fonts, six are English, while three are Japanese lettering font styles.
The product provides you with limitless design options since you can import the embroidery designs into this unit via the USB port. The large 3.2″ color touchscreen allows you to preview all your chosen designs in alternate colors before stitching. What’s more, is that you will perform all your embroideries on the large 4″ x 4″ workspace.
Additionally, you can adjust the nested embroidery designs on this machine. One method is by aligning the text in curves or at an angle, increasing and decreasing the spacing between lines, and placing texts on multiple lines. Loading the thread is easier with the automatic needle threader that threads the entire machine with the touch of a lever.
What makes this machine unique is the additional embroidery feature that permits you to mirror, resize, move, and rotate images before starting your embroidery project.
Summary of the key features
- The item has an inbuilt needle threader.
- You can preview your designs on the 3.2″ Sew Smart LCD color touchscreen.
- It has up to 125 decorative designs.
- This unit features six English and three Japanese fonts.
- It has a 4″ x 4″ working space
Pros
- The product has high operating speeds.
- It comes with a user manual.
- It’s a flexible machine.
- The product is compact and lightweight.
- It’s durable.
- The item is portable.
Cons
- The unit only has 125 decorative designs.
4. EverSewn Sparrow QE Professional Sewing and Quilting Machine
Equipped with various outstanding features, there is no applique project that the EverSewn Sparrow QE cannot handle. First, it provides creativity without frustration for both beginners and experienced sewists. It also offers plenty of room (8”) between the needle and the machine to sew a large number of fabrics with ease.
With up to 70 carefully selected stitch patterns, this unit has the perfect stitches for your next project. The automatic thread cutter lets you cut all your threads with a push of a button. Besides, you can thread the entire machine from the spool to the needle’s eye in a matter of seconds. Integrated with a clear cover drop-in bobbin feature, you can easily monitor the thread supply.
On this outstanding machine, you will also find a knee lift system that gives you the comfort and freedom to sew for long hours. It lets you raise or lower the presser foot with your knees, keeping your hands on the fabric. If you need to expound on this unit’s capability, you can separately purchase the slide-on table and a special quilting deluxe foot kit.
Summary of the key features
- The unit features up to 70 stitch patterns.
- It has an 8″ throat space.
- It comes with beautiful stitch quality.
- It has an automatic thread cutter.
- This item integrates a knee lift system.
Pros
- The machine provides you with the freedom and comfort to sew.
- It’s easy to thread the machine.
- You can easily monitor the thread supply.
- It’s easy to use.
- It’s perfect for big or bulky projects and quilts.
Cons
- The throat space is only 8″ large.
5. Brother Designio Series DZ820E
When you want to complete elegant applique designs, choose the Brother Designio Series DZ820E. This product comes with two extra embroidery hoops, including the 4” x 4” and 2.5” x 1” for optimum performance. Additionally, it comes with up to 136 inbuilt embroidery designs that allow you to customize in style. Among these designs, there are six lettering fonts and up to 120 frame pattern combinations.
Apart from the provided inbuilt designs, you can still take your looks to the next level of design from the included CD. And if this is not enough, you can access over 5000 unique designs available for individual purchase. Besides, you can easily view the inbuilt tutorials and the editing features right on the backlit LCD touchscreen display.
The DZ820E helps you save your time with the reliable automatic, easy needle threading system. Additionally, it has an automatic thread trimming mechanism that facilitates optimum results. With this item, you should never worry about durability since it comes with a metal interior framing that holds all the mechanisms in place.
Summary of the key features
- The item comes with two extra embroidery hoops.
- It has up to 136 inbuilt designs to choose from.
- This machine allows you to download over 5000 unique designs.
- It has an easy needle threading system.
Pros
- You can easily view your design selection on the LCD touchscreen.
- It has a large embroidery area.
- This unit does not limit you to the inbuilt designs.
- You can store your designs in the inbuilt memory.
Cons
- The included CD only has 200 bonus embroidery designs.
6. EverSewn Sparrow 20
If you are an ambitious sewer, the EverSewn Sparrow 20 is the right machine for you. It comes with a stitching package that includes up to 80 stitching options. The machine also has a maximum stitch width of 7mm and 15 needle positions that let you expound on your sewing ability and the machine’s capability.
With this unit, you can control the start/stop button without using the foot pedal. Besides, it has a mechanized needle up/down functions which you can use to specify the needle’s position.
What’s fantastic about this item is the computerized hook system with a drop-in rotary free arm with a maximum length of up to 163mm. Additionally, you will enjoy sewing with speeds of up to 850 stitches per minute. The upper thread tension ensures the thread has the right strength of operation. However, you will have to cut the thread manually. With an incorporated LED light, you rest assured of a well-illuminated sewing path.
Summary of the key features
- The item has a free arm of a length of 163mm.
- It operates with a maximum speed of up to 850 stitches per minute.
- This unit comes with up to 80 stitches.
- The maximum stitch length and width are 4.5mm and 7mm, respectively.
- It has an applique foot button.
- The item has a bright LED sewing light.
- It has ten quilting stitches and 49 decorative stitches
Pros
- The machine has a high operating speed.
- You can specify the position of the needle at the end of a row of stitching features.
- You can effectively monitor the thread supply.
- It’s a durable unit.
Cons
- You will have to perform manual thread cutting.
7. Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine
With this item, it doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an expert. Brother PE535 Embroidery Machine provides you with incredible value and ease of use features for all your applique projects. The product also has a large embroidery area measuring 4” x 4” and up to 80 inbuilt designs.
From these designs, you will find ten frame patterns and nine unique fonts. The nine fonts are ideal for lettering and monogramming and are divided into 6 for English and 3 for Japanese.
That’s not all. The PE535 boasts its inbuilt memory function that permits you to import designs from a USB memory stick via the embedded USB port. You will also see your designs in color on the LCD color touchscreen before stitching them. It’s even easier to use the unique pattern Drag and Drop feature, which allows you to move and position your desired design on display with the touch of your finger.
Summary of the key features
- It has an easy needle threading system.
- The unit features a Drag and Drop feature.
- You can import designs from a USB memory stick.
- It has fonts for lettering and monogramming.
- It has up to 80 inbuilt designs.
- This product comes with a large 3.2” LCD screen.
Pros
- The machine has tutorial videos.
- It has guaranteed durability.
- It comes with a user manual.
- The unit has an easy threading system to help you get started.
Cons
- The embroidery area is only 4” x 4”.
8. EverSewn Hero – 400-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
With an ample embroidery space measuring 110mm x 170mm, you can perform most of your applique projects with ease. The embroidery module has a USB port where you can connect your storage device to import new embroidery designs. What’s unique about this product is the warning feature that alerts you when the thread is running low. Besides, it automatically stops the machine if the upper thread is broken or empty.
This machine provides many features that you can discover at your fingertips with the included LCD touchscreen. This screen displays in three modes, including standard, memory, and embroidery. Additionally, this item comes with a generous stitch pattern package with up to 400 exclusive pre-programmed embroidery designs.
Summary of the key features
- It features an LCD screen.
- You can import customized designs.
- The maximum stitch width is 7mm.
Pros
- It has a workspace of 6.5.”
- The embroidery design sizing is up to 110mm x 170mm.
- It has a rugged interior metal framing.
- The item is easy to use.
- It has a compact design.
Cons
- The working space is only 6.5”.
9. SINGER | Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine
SINGER has unleashed the new SINGER | Legacy SE300 Embroidery Machine, which comes with up to 250 inbuilt stitches. Among these stitches, you will find some for basic, stretch, decorative, and buttonholes. Besides, it has 200 embroidery designs plus six alphabet options to expound your creative and monogramming possibilities.
The automatic needle threader effortlessly threads the needle’s eye without straining or frustrating your eyes. As one of the best sewing machines for applique, this product has a large embroidery area to handle large fabrics effectively.
This item has a maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute and a top embroidery speed of 700 stitches per minute so that you can complete all your applique projects in no time. Additionally, you will find an embedded USB port where you can transfer your customized embroidery designs. What’s so special about this machine is how it can wind the bobbin while embroidering.
Summary of the key features
- The machine has up to 250 inbuilt stitches.
- This unit has 200 embroidery designs and six alphabet options.
- The maximum sewing speed is 800 SPM.
- The buttonhole foot has an underplate.
- It comes with an LCD touch screen.
- The product has a USB port.
- It has a maximum embroidery speed of 700 stitches per minute.
Pros
- It has high sewing and embroidery speeds.
- You can effortlessly thread your machine.
- The unit can wind the bobbin while sewing.
- It features upper thread tension.
- You can easily vary the sewing and embroidery settings.
- It has both large and small embroidery hoops.
- The online support is available at any time from SINGER’S official site.
Cons
- The maximum embroidery speed is only 700 stitches per minute.
Watch the video below on how to applique
Conclusion
So, by now, you pretty much know about the best sewing machine for applique, and you have overviewed the top nine of them. You must have realized that the contrasting features vary from one unit depending on the model. You have seen all the parts to pay attention to before the purchase on the buyer guide section.
I believe that I have also answered most of the questions that might have been running through your mind on the Frequently Asked Questions section. However, if you still have a burning question, you can post it in the comment section below.
With all this information, I hope that the next time you will hit the market, everything will be accessible. However, if it’s still challenging to decide which machine to settle on, I would recommend the Brother SE600 Sewing and Embroidery Machine. This unit has all that you can wish for to get started on your next applique project. I wish you all the best.
