the difference between appliqué and embroidery?

Appliqué

• What it is: Adding extra pieces of fabric (or sometimes leather, felt, etc.) onto a larger base fabric.

• How it’s done: The fabric pieces are cut into shapes (like flowers, letters, or patterns) and then stitched or fused onto the main material.

• Look & feel: Creates a layered effect—raised and textured because it uses separate pieces of fabric.

• Common use: Logos on sports jerseys, quilt designs, decorative patches on clothing.

Embroidery

• What it is: Decorating fabric by stitching directly into the base fabric with thread or yarn.

• How it’s done: Patterns are created entirely with stitches (e.g., satin stitch, chain stitch, cross-stitch). No extra fabric is added.

• Look & feel: Usually flatter than appliqué, though still textured. More detailed because it’s “drawn” with thread.

• Common use: Company logos on uniforms, intricate designs on dresses, monograms on towels.

In short:

• Appliqué = fabric on fabric (layered)

• Embroidery = thread on fabric (stitched design)