Comparison

AcuSketch vs CREATIVATE

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AcuSketch

Easily create embroidery designs by tracing on your iPad. Transform freehand drawings into stitches for handmade-looking crafts. Compatible with select sewing machines or export designs as jef+ files.

Highlights
  • Trace drawings to create stitch patterns
  • Freehand drawing for unique designs
  • Export designs as jef+ files
  • Connect to Wireless LAN sewing machines
  • Insert images for tracing
  • Stitch simulator
Read full description

The AcuSketch app allows you to create an embroidery design by tracing on the canvas displayed on the iPad screen with your finger or a stylus. You can send the embroidery design that you have created to Wireless LAN capable JANOME sewing machines or export the design to other applications as a jef+ file. AcuSketch Features: * Make handmade-looking work using stitches created from lines drawn freehand. * Make free-motion-quilting-like patterns and enjoy machine quilting. * As the lines drawn with your finger or a stylus become stitches, even people who are not good with computers or digitizing software can create designs and make embroidery data. * Simple to use and fun. Stitches: * Various stitch types. Basic stitch Single run stitches Line stitch pack (In-App Purchase) Triple stitch Zigzag stitch Stem stitch * Choose whether to add Locking stitches. * Adjust the length of the stitches. * Set the width of the stitches (only stitches with adjustable width). * Flip the stitches over (only stitches with adjustable width). * The stitches are sewn in order of drawing. Other Features: * Additional functionality when drawing lines. By starting to draw from the end of an existing line, you can extend lines. When you finish drawing a line, you can connect the end of the line with another one. * A function to insert images for tracing. * Save function for drawings. * Export function for embroidery designs. * Stitch simulator. Send embroidery design: * AcuSketch is compatible with the following sewing machine models: Please check the following web page: https://www7.janome.co.jp/global/softupdate/acusketch/ * Conditions: The iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. The sewing machine is connected to the same Wireless LAN access point as the iPad. * For iOS 14 or above, please allow the app access to find and connect to devices on your local network.

About

CREATIVATE

This app provides comprehensive guidance and tools for sewing, embroidery, quilting, and craft cutting. It offers step-by-step instructions, design customization, and integration with cutting machines to simplify creative projects.

Highlights
  • Step-by-step guidance
  • Stitch database
  • Quilt block design and preview
  • Craft design and cutting
  • Sewing machine setup and operation
  • Embroidery design editing and placement
  • Photo to embroidery conversion
Read full description

The CREATIVATE™ App is your all-in-one creative companion for sewing, embroidery, quilting, and craft cutting - with everything you need to learn, create, and make your best work yet. Sewing Features (Mobile & Tablet) Whether you're setting up your machine for the first time or tackling an advanced project, CREATIVATE has you covered. - Step-by-Step Guidance: Get machine-specific setup and sewing support tailored to your machine. - Stitch Database: Browse and select stitches with recommended settings for your project. - Learning Tutorials: Build your skills with guided stitch and technique tutorials. - Troubleshooting Help: Find fast solutions to common sewing issues. Singer Smart Heavy Duty 9120 - App Control (Mobile) Control your Singer Smart Heavy Duty 9120 directly from your phone with dedicated sewing and embroidery controls - all from the CREATIVATE app. - Stitch Selector: Select stitches, adjust settings, and send them straight to your machine. - Embroidery Controller: Monitor stitch-out progress, step through stitches, manage color block changes, and control hoop positioning - all from your phone. Embroidery Features (Mobile & Tablet) - Embroidery Editor: Core design and editing tools built into the app - compatible with any connected embroidery machine. - Design Placement: Photograph your hoop and send it directly to your machine for precise placement. - PhotoStitch: Turn any photo into an embroidery design with a single shot. Quilting Features (Tablet only) Design, cut, and piece your quilts with a simple, intuitive digital tool - perfect for first-timers and experienced quilters alike. - Design your quilt blocks, choose fabrics, add borders and sashing, and preview your finished quilt. - Get easy-to-follow cutting charts and step-by-step piecing instructions. - Integrates exclusively with the SINGER® MOMENTO™ Craft Cutting Machine for faster, more precise fabric cuts. Craft Cutting Features (Tablet only) Create custom designs and bring them to life on the SINGER® MOMENTO™ 24" Craft Cutting Machine. - Design: Add text, shapes, images, and more to your canvas. - Customize: Use built-in tools to make every design uniquely yours. - Endless Possibilities: Works with fabric, vinyl, and much more. Download now and start making your best work yet. CREATIVATE-connected machines are premium sewing, embroidery, quilting, and craft cutting machines sold under the SINGER®, HUSQVARNA® VIKING®, and PFAFF® brands. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

CREATIVATE4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: CREATIVATE at 4.4 against AcuSketch's 2.6. CREATIVATE also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (402 vs 10). AcuSketch's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. AcuSketch sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. CREATIVATE asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

CREATIVATE holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CREATIVATE has 402 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 17% and 18% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AcuSketch ships an update every 4 months, CREATIVATE every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
AcuSketch versus CREATIVATE: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAcuSketchCREATIVATE
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (10 ratings)4.4 (402 ratings) — better
Positive reviews16.7% of reviews17.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings10402 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB374 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJANOME CorporationVSM Group AB

Customer experience

AcuSketch

All ratings10 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive16.7%
Neutral8.3%
Negative75.0%

CREATIVATE

All ratings402 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral3.7%
Negative12.9%
Written reviews74 reviews
Positive17.6%
Neutral4.1%
Negative78.4%

Bugs and requests

AcuSketch

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

CREATIVATE

Reported bugs

18 issues
  • Measurement unit selection dialog box cut off/not fully visible
  • Unable to confirm measurement choice (mm/inches) - OK button unresponsive
  • App freezes when accessing embroidery, crafting, or quilting tabs
  • Login button missing or unresponsive
  • Sign-in credentials field present but no submit button
Show 13 more
  • Monitor function crashes immediately upon opening
  • App crashes when opening embroidery tab
  • File compatibility issues after app rebranding from SewNet
  • Cannot change file types
  • Thread change notifications broken for over 1 year
  • App hangs after selecting measurement units
  • Keyboard hides create account/subscribe button on smaller screens
  • QR box missing from home page
  • Continuous loading screens without syncing
  • Payment checkout freezes during processing
  • Server cannot be reached for login
  • Machine connection failures
  • Website frequently asks to re-login despite being logged in

Requested features

8 requests
  • Add missing sewing machine models to database
  • Implement working print functionality
  • Fix audible push notifications for monitor alerts
  • Improve mobile app design capabilities
  • Add support for older machine models (Epic 1, Designer Ruby 90, Topaz 50, etc.)
Show 3 more
  • Restore features from previous mySewnet version
  • Optimize app for smaller phone screens and older devices
  • Improve time estimation accuracy for monitor function

In-app purchases

1 purchases

AcuSketch

One-time1
  • Line stitch pack$3.99
None

CREATIVATE

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is AcuSketch free?
AcuSketch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CREATIVATE free?
CREATIVATE is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, AcuSketch or CREATIVATE?
CREATIVATE is rated higher. AcuSketch averages 2.6 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while CREATIVATE averages 4.4 from 402 ratings.
Do AcuSketch or CREATIVATE have ads?
Neither AcuSketch nor CREATIVATE shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AcuSketch or CREATIVATE?
AcuSketch ships an update every 4 months, and CREATIVATE every 5 weeks. Most recently, AcuSketch was updated on October 1, 2026 and CREATIVATE on October 20, 2026.

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