The Complete Fashion Guide to Different Types of Embroidery

Embroidery is one of the most long-lasting art forms, and it remains popular to this day. You can find remarkable embroidery everywhere, from clothing to almost any fabric-based item. You can now embroider on anything, from jeans to knitwear, dresses, and T-shirts. Whether you are a fashionista or looking to start your own clothing line, there are many custom embroidery ideas you can choose to make your brand shine. 

Types of Embroidery You Should Know About

There are various custom embroidery and machine-driven methods. Still, regardless of your method, embroidery will surely add color, texture, and beauty to any of your fabric and clothing items. Here are the primary types of embroidery you should know about:

Chain Stitch Embroidery

One of the most popular types of embroidery is chain stitch embroidery; it is used to design chain-like patterns through a string of looped stitches. Such embroidery is typically hand-made but can also be machine-made. This design method is generally used to create intricate models and is ideal for decorating accessories and clothing. 

Crewel Embroidery

Crewel embroidery uses a specific type of wool yarn to create detailed designs, and it is mostly used for pillows, decorative wall hangings, and other home decor items. Also known as Jacobean embroidery, crewelwork is a surface embroidery used for decorative and creative purposes. To create a crewelwork stitch, you must either use a slip stitch or an outline stitch with different-colored threads to outline and shade the design. Using this technique, you can make almost anything, from animals to flowers to abstract patterns, and it can be done by hand or a machine. 

Patchwork Embroidery

This embroidery technique uses small pieces of fabric assembled on another fabric base. A patchwork technique is used for a more significant effect and is usually arranged according to aesthetics. You can use any stitch to decorate your design by hand or machine. However, this technique is mainly used to decorate quilts.

Fish Scale Embroidery

This embroidery technique incorporates the scale of fishes, such as goldfish, into the designs, mainly on velvet. The fish scale is prepared by poking holes at the base of each scale. Then, it can be stitched onto the fabric. 

Shadow Work Embroidery

This embroidery technique typically includes a herringbone stitch used on transparent or semitransparent fabrics. That way, the shadow work will be visible on the fabric’s face in an attractive manner. The shadow work embroidery technique is used on semi-sheer or sheer and lightweight fabrics, including voile, organza, georgette, batiste, organdie, or muslin. 

Outline Embroidery

In this method, the design outline is worked with various types of stitches, including back stitch, outline stitch, chain stitch, and stem stitch. The stitch is created by overlapping the backstitches, forming a new pattern.

Appliqué Embroidery 

This embroidery is often used to cut pieces of fabric to create intricate designs, such as decorative logos and patches or other designs on accessories and clothing. Appliqué embroidery can be done by hand or machine. 

Blackwork Embroidery

This counted-thread embroidery technique uses black thread to create geometric patterns on fabric. While it originated during the Elizabethan era, it is still used to create traditional and modern designs. Blackwork embroidery uses straight stitches and backstitches on an off-white or white fabric to form swirls, squares, diamonds, or other shapes, doubling threads for added strength and texture. You can achieve various effects by changing the techniques used or the size of the stitches.

Needlepoint Embroidery

Needlepoint embroidery is a counted-thread hand embroidery generally done on canvas or various interlocking-mesh fabrics to create impressive designs and patterns. The stitches used for this embroidery method are usually continental, tapestry, and basketweave, and you can combine them in various ways to achieve different results. Moreover, needlepoint can be used to create landscapes, pictures, and small motifs, such as flowers or animals. It is widely popular for making cushions, rugs, and wall hangings, but it is also great for decorating clothing items like jackets or accessories like bags.

Why Should You Choose Embroidery for Your Clothing Items?

Embroidery can be used for various purposes, as hobbyists use it to create outstanding pieces of art or decorate promotional items or create customized gifts. It’s fair to say that embroidery is an art form, as you can use it to express your creativity and even add a personalized touch to create stunning pieces of clothing and accessories. Moreover, embroidery is rewarding and challenging if you want to get into the trade of embroidery work. But once you have finished a design, you can have it professionally made and enjoy the beautiful results.

Based on the type of project you are working on, you can use one or more embroidery techniques to achieve the desired results. You can do the embroidery part yourself or create a custom design and get it professionally made. In fact, with the help of a print-on-demand business, you can get your customized embroidery items delivered to your doorstep in no time. 

On the other hand, there are a variety of machines used for embroidery, which is excellent for large and complicated designs with multiple patterns and colors. From simple handheld hoops and needles to advanced sewing machines, an extended variety of software programs can be used to control the machine’s movements so that you can add embellishments to a piece of clothing or create complete embroidered items. 

With so many digital printing methods, you can upload a design to a print-on-demand website and have your items delivered directly to your customers. Moreover, you can also create any custom clothing printing, not just embroidery. So whether you want to own your unique custom clothing or accessories or sell them online to make a profit, a print-on-demand company can help you succeed.