Trending Now: See What's Hot in Machine Embroidery

Check out these designs and discover what is popular in machine embroidery with six trends that you don’t want to miss!

6 machine embroidery techniques that are trending now:

1. Glitter & glisten

Photo via Craftsy member Crazy For Appliqués.

Glitter flex vinyl is a hot trend in appliqué embroidery. It can be laundered, is soft to touch, and adds a pop of sparkle to make the ordinary extraordinary. Read more about glitter flex vinyl here.

Photo via Craftsy member Sanity’s Machine Embroidery Designs

Mylar is another product that adds a shimmering touch to appliqué and light-stitch designs.

Photo via Craftsy member Edies Designs

In the absence of glitter vinyl and Mylar, a variety of special occasion fabrics, like lacy metallic, can be used with appliqué designs.

2. Split designs

Photo via Craftsy member Edies Designs

Both monograms and names are popular additions to split embroidery designs.

Photo via Craftsy member Appliqué Geek

These designs allow stitchers to easily customize machine embroidery for towels, pillows, shirts, and more!

3. Subway art

Photo via Craftsy member Carole Baker Designs

Subway art is a collage of related words, in various fonts, arranged horizontally and vertically.

4. Anything In the hoop

Photo via Cratftsy member EmbGarden

You name it, and it probably can be embroidered in the hoop (ITH). Whether it is wristlets or purses, this will be the easiest zipper you have ever stitched!

Photo via Craftsy member Pickle Pie Designs

ITH designs may look complicated but are extremely easy to create and require little to no finishing work, like these cute mug rugs.

Photo via Craftsy member EmbGarden

Hair clippies are another hugely popular ITH project. 

5. Faux smocking

Photo via Craftsy member Baby Kay’s Appliques

The time involved in creating heirloom techniques has been greatly improved with the embroidery machine.  No more pleating, now there is an even easier method for simulating smocking.

6. 3-D

Photo via Craftsy member Embroidershoppe

Some pretty spectacular three-dimensional designs can be stitched on an embroidery machine. One trend is decorative fairy lights with 3D embroidery. These lights are accented by beautiful organza flowers.

Photo via Craftsy member Embroidershoppe.

Adding a layer of butterfly wings to this gorgeous embroidered lavender pillow gives the piece depth and interest.

Photo via Craftsy member

Baby Kay’s Appliqués

Adding ribbon loops to an appliqué design makes this adorable seahorse shirt even more fun!

What is your favorite machine embroidery trend?