If you want to know what is the best sewing machine for applique, consider three brands. We’ll talk about the features of each unit to help you decide which would be the best value for your money.
Additionally, this article will discuss some tips on working appliques with a sewing machine. You can also read how to applique letters with a sewing machine to get started.
What Is The Best Sewing Machine For Applique To Buy
Singer Legacy SE300
It would be the best value for money to get a machine capable of sewing and embroidery, so you’ll have more stitches you can use when working on appliques on projects. And since Singer is among the top sewing machine brands in the industry, one of the models with this feature that you can check out is the Singer Legacy SE300.
Customizable and versatile
The Singer Legacy SE300 features 250 built-in stitches, so you can conveniently select the type that will look best for the specific appliques you’re using to design your project. It’s even possible for the user to make their own stitch sequences and then save them in the machine’s memory.
But besides the customizable stitches, the Legacy SE300 also offers a good embroidery space measuring 10 ¼ by 6 inches and 4 by 4 inches. These two hoop sizes should be versatile enough for various applique designs.
Brother SE600
If you are a fan of Brother sewing machines, consider their sewing and embroidery model called the Brother SE600 for appliques. This machine would be perfect when working with appliques because of its large Sew Smart color LCD touch screen display.
Easy to use and spacious
Having a large LCD screen will help you preview your design and make stitching more precise when sewing appliques. This is the main advantage of using an embroidery machine when sewing appliques compared to models without preview and editing features.
Another feature that you’ll like with the Brother SE600 is that it has a sizeable needle-to-arm workspace. You won’t feel limited with the projects you’re decorating with appliques because you can comfortably manipulate them to the right of the needle.
Janome Horizon Quilt Maker Memory Craft 15000
If you don’t mind splurging on a unit, consider the Janome Horizon Quilt Maker Memory Craft 15000. The price is somewhat intimidating, but it’s worth the investment if you’re sewing appliques for business.
Powerful and helpful
The Memory Craft 15000 is powerful enough to work even leather appliques, as mentioned by users. It even has a large touch screen and hoop to work on your designs quickly.
Furthermore, this sewing and embroidery machine is compatible with the brand’s apps such as AcuDesign, AcuEdit, and AcuMonitor, to name a few. Combine this feature with the 510 stitches and 480 embroidery designs built-in on this Janome feature; you can feel confident with working different styles and designs of appliques, regardless of their intricacy.
Can You Applique With A Regular Sewing Machine?
You can applique with a regular sewing machine using satin or zigzag stitch. You’ll bind the edge and attach the applique to the area of the project.
How do you applique with a sewing machine for beginners?
- Position the applique on the material and outline it with a fabric pen
- Baste the applique to the fabric, and you can learn more about what is baste in sewing to know why it’s preferred over pinning
- Set the sewing machine to the zigzag stitch and sew around the applique
- Experiment with the stitch length to know which will look best with your design
- Once done, tuck the thread tail under the stitches and trim the loose threads
What Machine Stitch Does Traditional Applique Use?
Straight stitch
A regular sewing machine can applique because you can use straight stitches. This type of stitch is beneficial for appliques where you use knit fabrics that can fray.
Zigzag stitch
The most common machine stitch for appliques is the zigzag stitch, and the best attachment is an applique or satin foot. Then, set the stitch length to zero, but adjust according to the size of the design.
For example, large appliques must use wide zigzag stitches, while smaller designs must use narrow zigzag stitches. You also want narrow stitches for firmly woven materials and wider stitches on loosely woven fabrics.
How To Machine Applique
- Stabilize the foundation fabric and hoop it
- Mark the design on the applique and foundation fabric
- Sew on the foundation fabric over the design with a straight stitch and keep the applique fabric on top of this placement stitch
- Pin the materials and sew around the applique with a straight stitch, then cut around it
- Make a zigzag stitch over the securing straight stitches you made
- Finish the outline with satin stitches and trim the excess threads outside the applique
Conclusion
And that’s it! We just reviewed what is the best sewing machine for applique from Singer, Brother, and Janome.
These machines are capable of sewing and embroidery, so you won’t be limited with the stitch styles you can use when sewing appliques. They also have generous work areas to help you comfortaby manipulate various project sizes.
We hope this list helped you find what you need; leave us a question if you have any.