Top 10 Best Appliqué Sewing Machines

Embroidery is said to have originated in China around 30,000 BC. People have always enjoyed decorating their clothing and today is no exception.

Here is a range of applique sewing machines from the basic stitch machines to advanced combination machines. I am going to give you the statistics on 10 of the best machines available for you to choose from.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned embroiderer, knowledge is power and with this post, you will be able to easily identify which machine will work best for you.

What Is An Applique Sewing Machine?

An applique sewing machine can embroider and sew one piece of fabric onto another by using different stitches around the edges of the design. You can add interest using multiple needles with different colored threads and choosing decorative stitching.

What Makes An Applique Sewing Machine Different?

An applique sewing machine’s presser foot is round and sits firmly on the fabric which is stretched into an embroidery hoop. Regular sewing machines have one or twin needles but applique machines can have up to 10 needles.

How Do You Use An Applique Sewing Machine?

There are a number of steps to using the machine, you will need a template, fabric and fusible web. After tracing, cutting and securing the template to the fabric you can start embroidering by programming the machine to use different stitches and designs.

Do You Need Special Fabric To Use Applique Sewing Machines?

You can use any fabric that you have to cut out your templates and embroider onto other fabric. The process requires a fusible web but the fabric is not special.

When Would You Use An Applique Sewing Machine?

The applique sewing machine has a special foot and the option of more needles and because of this, you would use your machine for all embroidery and quilting projects. Unless it is a combination machine, you will not be able to do ordinary sewing with it.

What Are The Most Popular Stitches Used in Applique Sewing?

There are two main stitches that are used. One is called the satin stitch and is also referred to as a zigzag stitch, this is for filling areas of the pattern. The other is blanket stitch which is used extensively in applique sewing as it is the edge stitch.

Quick Peek: Best Applique Sewing Machines

There are applique sewing machines suitable for beginners and professional seamstresses. The Brother SE600 applique sewing machine is top of the list for both dressmakers and embroiderers because it is a combination machine suitable for applique and regular sewing.

If you want to upgrade to the top of the leader board with all the bells and whistles and have the budget to do so, then the Singer Legacy SE300 will give you years of satisfaction.

These are front runners however the list is long and strong with different features and benefits for all your sewing and craft needs.

• Best Overall: Brother SE600 80 Designs 7 Feet Applique Sewing Machine
  Combination machine for regular and applique sewing, 103 built-in stitches computerized with LCD touchscreen.
• Best Budget: Janome MOD-30 Needle Threader Computerized Sewing Machine
  Well priced machine, 30 built-in stitches, top-loading bobbin, one hand needle threader, 25-year warranty.
• Best No Fuss: Brother PE550D USB port Applique Sewing Machine
  125 Built-in designs easily displayed on a 3.2 LCD touchscreen, 45 Disney designs and 9 different fonts.
• Best Professional: Eversewn Sparrow QE Foot Kit Applique Sewing Machine
  Easy to use and to navigate the interface, 70 stitch patterns, convenient thread cutter, produces professional embroidery.
• Best Portable: Singer Quantum 9960 Accessory Kit Applique Sewing Machine
  Computerized, 600 stitches, extension table, automatic needle threader, 13 inbuilt 1 step buttonholes.
• Best Speed: Singer Legacy SE300 Heavy Duty Frame Sewing Machine
  Fast sewing and embroidery at 800 spm and 700 espm, large hoop, all-purpose foot, 200 embroidery designs.
• Best Fonts: Brother PE535 USB port 9 Fonts Applique Sewing Machine
  80 built-in designs, 4”x 4” hoop area, large color screen to preview all designs before stitching.
• Best Big and Bold: Janome Memory Craft 400E 160 Designs Applique Machine
  1 pack of pre-wound bobbins, 6 fonts, onscreen editing, 39.4lbs, stable machine, a combination of regular and embroidery sewing.
• Best Hybrid: Eversewn Sparrow 80 Stitch Applique Sewing Machine
  7mm max-width of the stitch, 49 decorative stitches, stop-start LED light, combination computerized machine.
• Best Style: Brother-LB5000S LCD Touchscreen Computerized Machine
  10 downloadable Star Wars Designs, Automatic Needle Threader, 7 quilting and sewing feet, 4 Star Wars faceplates.

Best Applique Sewing Machines Comparison Chart

This chart is for you to see at a glance the best applique sewing machines, highlighting benefits and features which will make your choice uncomplicated.

Top 10 Best Applique Sewing Machine Reviews

These reviews of the best applique sewing machines will enable you to compare each and discover the pros and cons and main features to help you make your choice.

Brother SE600 80 Designs 7 Feet Applique Sewing Machine

(Best Overall)

This applique sewing machine is the best overall because it has everything that is needed to create beautiful embroidery and is simple to navigate. The touchscreen display is large enough to preview and edit all your designs before committing to stitching them.

With 80 built-in designs and 103 stitches to choose from, creating on this machine is a pleasure. Whether you want to sew or embroider, the advanced benefits of the  Brother SE600 will deliver.

Key features:

• Touchscreen Display
• 80 Built-in-designs
• 103 Built-in-stitches

Product Specifications:

Brand	Brother
Dimensions	21.18 x 15.51
Weight	26.2lbs
Height	16.54
Color	White
Materials	Metal

Watch this video to see the wonderful features of the Brother SE600:

Janome MOD-30 Needle Threader Computerized Sewing Machine

(Best Budget)

This Janome MOD comes in on the right budget but it still has all the benefits of the more pricey models. The backlit display allows you to easily select stitches width and length as well as set the speed.

The Janome is a machine built for your convenience with 30 built-in stitches, a start/stop switch, a one-handed needle threader and a top-loading bobbin. This compact attractive machine is suitable for beginners and more advanced seamstresses.

Key features:

• Backlit LCD display
• Drop Feed
• 3 One-Step Buttonholes

Product Specifications:

Brand	Janome
Dimensions	1 x 16
Weight	12.7lbs
Height	12
Color	White
Materials	Metal

The Janome MOD-30 is an easy machine to start using if you are a newbie. Watch this video to know:

Brother PE550D USB Port Applique Sewing Machine

(Best No Fuss)

This embroidery machine is programmed with multiple Disney Character designs and a touchscreen for previewing all your creations before stitching. If you prefer you can download your own designs to the built-in memory via the USB port.

The embroidery plate is a standard size of 4 inches by 4 inches. A grid sheet and alignment tools are provided for automatically lining up your needle to the correct position on the fabric which is an added advantage with this machine.

The needle threader is a welcome addition and the instructional DVD helps with learning and benefiting from all the features on the Brother PE550D.

Key features:

• 45 Disney Designs
• Large LCD touchscreen
• USB port

Product Specifications:

Brand	Brother
Dimensions	16.5 x 7.8
Weight	1lbs
Height	12
Color	White
Materials	Plastic/Metal

Watch this video to see the complete assembly of the Brother PE 550D:

Eversewn Sparrow QE Foot Kit Applique Sewing Machine

(Best Professional)

The quality of the stitches on the EverSewn Sparrow QE is very high and with 70 patterns it is a great applique machine for both beginners and advanced users.

One of the convenient features of this machine is that it has foot control as well as an 8” throat space which makes large quilting projects much easier to work on.

The interface on the Sparrow QE works intuitively so changing stitches width, length and tension are at the touch of a button.

Key features:

• Simple navigation panel
• 70 stitch patterns
• Quick change settings

Product Specifications:

Brand	EverSewn
Dimensions	18 x 7.5
Weight	23.85lbs
Height	12
Color	White
Materials	Metal

It is great for both sewing and applique work. Watch this video:

Singer Quantum 9960 Accessory Kit Applique Sewing Machine

(Best in Portable)

A stylish feature of this machine is how it is designed with a pull out carry handle and a top lift up casing that keeps all the workings and accessories neatly in one place.

The top lid covers the bobbin winding spindle and stopper amongst other functions, and it is printed with all the stitches that come standard with the machine for easy reference.

Offering big capabilities such as 600 stitches that will cover any applique project, an automatic needle threader and foot control the Singer Quantum 9960 makes sewing effortless.

Key features:

• Automatic needle threader
• 600 built-in stitches
• 11-foot pressers

Product Specifications:

Brand	Singer
Dimensions	17.25 x 8.25
Weight	20 lbs
Height	12
Color	White
Materials	Metal

Watch this video to see just how compact and portable this applique sewing machine is:

Singer Legacy SE300 Heavy Duty Frame Sewing Machine

(Best Speed)

As the name suggests this machine lives up to being a legacy. It is durable, functional and it is both a sewing machine and an applique machine. The 200 designs will keep you creating for many years.

The speed of the stitching is one of the main features of this machine. When embroidering speed can make a big difference in saving time on larger projects.

This is a new beginning for Singer machines because the legacy SE340 has more functions and capabilities than its predecessors and performs at a very high level.

Key features:

• Touchscreen
• 250 built-in stitches
• Upper thread sensor

Product Specifications:

Brand	Singer
Dimensions	20.25 x 8
Weight	18.6lbs
Height	12.25
Color	White
Materials	Metal

Watch this video to see why this Singer Applique Sewing Machine is such a great choice:

Brother PE535 USB Port 9 Fonts Applique Sewing Machine

(Best to Fonts)

This machine is easy to use and makes every project look professional with all the unique patterns, fonts and designs available. To personalize your craftwork, the machine has a USB port for transferring directly from a PC.

Brother PE535 is user friendly and has clear instructions and a DVD included in helping new embroiderers to explore and master all the features of this high functioning machine.

Key features:

• LCD Touchscreen
• USB port
• 9 different fonts

Product Specifications:

Brand	Brother
Dimensions	16.5 x 7.8
Weight	14.99 lbs
Height	12
Color	White
Materials	Plastic and Metal

Watch this video for a look at how to excel at your embroidery craft using this applique sewing machine:

Janome Memory Craft 400E 160 Designs Applique Machine

(Best Big and Bold)

The most beneficial feature of the Janome 400E is that the embroidery plate is almost twice the size of regular plates. At 7.9 x 7.9, this area gives you more options to work easily on bigger projects with ease.

The quality of the stitching on the Janome is of a very high standard and together with the 160 designs, you will not be disappointed in the professional-looking end result.

There are so many features on the Janome: the automatic needle threader and cutter as well as the full-colour LCD touchscreen for previewing all work before stitching.

Key features:

• 7.9 x 7.9 embroidery field
• 160 Quality designs
• USB port

Product Specifications:

Brand	Janome
Dimensions	25.98 x 22.01
Weight	25lbs
Height	21.81
Color	White
Materials	Metal

Watch this video to see how Janome has delivered on new and exciting features:

Eversewn Sparrow 80 Stitch Applique Sewing Machine

(Best Hybrid)

When you are researching buying a machine pause and consider your needs and you will undoubtedly want to know more about this Eversewn Sparrow combination machine.

Eversewn has some advanced capabilities such as the start/stop button and the needle up needle down which are not usually standard on machines.

This hybrid machine definitely offers more with multiple feet and 80 different stitches. The quality is very high and overall the machine is easy to use.

Key features:

• LCD display
• Start/stop button
• 80 stitch onboard computer

Product Specifications:

Brand	EverSewn
Dimensions	19.29 x 13.86
Weight	17.06
Height	10.16
Color	Fuchsia Pink
Materials	Plastic and Metal

Watch this video for a tour of this stunning little combination sewing and applique machine:

Brother-LB5000S LCD Touchscreen Computerized Machine

(Best Style)

Not only is this Brother applique sewing machine a limited edition, but it also has free design downloads of Star Wars to turn any craft project into an instant success.

103 different stitches and 80 designs including 4 interchangeable Star Wars faceplates that are very easy to switch between with the assistance of repositionable adhesive.

The feed dogs are longer and this enables you to smoothly feed your fabric through and in addition to that, the spring action zigzag foot is also longer for an easier sewing experience.

Key features:

• 103 stitches
• 2 LCD touchscreen
• Combination Machine

Product Specifications:

Brand	Brother
Dimensions	16.5 x 7.7
Weight	1lbs
Height	12
Color	Star Wars Themed
Materials	Metal

Watch this video to see the unveiling of the limited edition Star Wars applique sewing machine:

Features To Look For When Purchasing An Applique Sewing Machine

Start by writing a list of what you will need from your applique machine and which features will suit your particular needs. These features will impact your decision and should be considered before making your purchase.

Embroidery Area

The most common size for embroidery areas is 4” x 4” which is for a regular size sewing project. If you intend to work on large pieces it would be best to look at a machine that has the capacity in the region of 7” x 7” which is almost double the average size area.

Combination Machine

Not all machines are combination applique machines, some only do embroidery. If the majority of your work is embroidery it would be sensible to invest in a singular applique machine. The combination machines are convenient if your business is both regular sewing and embroidery.

Needle Threader

The automatic needle threaders have a small hook near the needle which passes through the eye to catch and retract the thread saving valuable time.

Stitch Speed

Machines can stitch at a high speed, some at 850 stitches per minute. When doing applique work it is an advantage as some of the projects can be very large using 1000s of stitches.

LCD Screen

The colour LCD touchscreen is helpful for following directions and patterns and for beginners to get step by step guidelines on how to apply the different settings and benefits of their machine.

FAQs

These are some of the more common questions that have been raised about owning an applique sewing machine. I trust the answers will help you with any queries you may have.

My Top Pick

It was a difficult choice for me when considering all the wonderful options and features of these incredibly efficient applique sewing machines.

Eventually, I came to my top two picks, the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 because of the portability of the machine. A big advantage is that it is easy to carry and take your craft on the road with you.

This applique machine makes travelling and sewing a pleasure using the handle and with the lid covering and holding everything in place it is comfortable and convenient.

Working on large quilts and big embroidery projects the Janome Memory Craft 400E makes everything effortless. Having a large embroidery field at 7.9 x 7.9 allows more room and speeds up the process.

The touchscreen for previewing designs before stitching is a big advantage. Other great features are the needle threader and cutter making your sewing experience a pleasure.

I trust that you have gained more insight and understanding into applique sewing machines by reading these reviews. Please share this information with your friends, family and colleagues and leave a comment telling me which is your top pick.