7 Types of Embroidery Used in Garments Complete Overview

7 Types of Embroidery Used in Garments: Complete Overview

Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric with a needle and thread, and the seven garment embroidery types covered in this guide are whitework, outline, candlewicking, patchwork, fish scale, counted thread, and gold embroidery. These types of embroidery use different embroidery methods and thread work, from raised colonial knots to metallic gold finishes. Businesses comparing industrial embroidery types usually choose between these embroidery styles based on the fabric, the budget, and the finished look they want on the garment.

Quick Summary

Do you know what embroidery is? What could be the different types of it? You know, embroidery is a craft that is used for decorating any fabric with needles and high-quality thread. The embroidery methods are executed on a tight weave like silk and cotton, or natural fabrics.


Different types of embroidery techniques are used by organizations, clubs, and other institutes for displaying artwork or names for building logo designs. Pearls, beads, stones, sequins, and others can be used in the types of embroidery for any garments.


Embroidery with a wide range of colored yarns is available for institutes and acquired by businesses.


In this blog, we are going to explain the types of embroidery that are used in garments. Are you excited to explore it with us? Let's get started then.

What is Embroidery?

Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to stitch designs with thread, yarn, or beads.

Embroidery thread spools for garment embroidery types

7 Garment Embroidery Types You Should Know

There are several types of embroidery techniques acquired by businesses in recent times, but with the change in trends, things are undergoing a massive change. Some of them include counted thread embroidery, whitework technique, candlewicking embroidery, and more. Are you excited to explore it with us? Let's get started then.

Floral embroidery machine process for garment embroidery

1. Whitework embroidery

The first type of embroidery that we are going to discuss is whitework embroidery that is used on white fabric, building a clean and elegant look with a finish. The whitework embroidery pattern is used for stitching styles, adding texture and patterns to the garments without any colored thread. Most of the popular brands are using whitework embroidery techniques for a finished look. The most common use cases include Hardanger, Hedebo, Broderie Anglaise, and Shadow Work.


Here are the most common use cases of whitework embroidery:

  • Bridal veils and gowns
  • Baby clothing like dresses and suits
  • Handkerchiefs used by chefs or customers in restaurants
  • Tablecloths and napkins or runners acquired by housewives
  • Bed linens and pillow covers are mostly used for bridal bedding

2. Outline embroidery

Outline embroidery is a technique used for stitching the edge of a design for defining the shape, and it is commonly created using stitches like backstitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, and outlining stitch. This common method gives designs a neat and clean or detailed appearance, making it ideal for floral patterns and decorative artwork. If you want to practice one of these stitches by hand, you can watch Chain Stitch Tutorials on the YouTube or similar platforms.


Here are the most common use cases of outline embroidery:

  • Monograms and personalized clothing
  • Floral and botanical designs
  • Logo and brand embroidery
  • Decorative borders and patterns
  • Embroidered lettering and text
  • Traditional and cultural garments
  • Handkerchiefs and table linens
  • Cushion covers and home décor

3. Candlewicking embroidery

The next embroidery technique is candlewicking embroidery, which creates beautiful raised patterns using thick cotton thread. It's usually stitched on unbleached muslin or any other plain cotton fabric. This embroidery technique is best for small, textured colonial knots, and it gives the design a soft and handcrafted look for garments.


Mostly candlewicking is used for creating elegant floral pattern borders, and it gives a vintage-inspired design on garments and home décor items.


Here are the most common use cases of candlewicking embroidery:

  • Quilts and bedspreads
  • Pillow and cushion covers
  • Tablecloths and table runners
  • Baby blankets and nursery items
  • Vintage-style dresses and blouses
  • Decorative wall hangings
  • Handkerchiefs and scarves
  • Curtains and home décor textiles

4. Patchwork embroidery

Another common embroidery style that we are going to discuss is patchwork embroidery. It combines small pieces of fabric to create unique patterns and eye-catching designs that fascinate the customers. These fabric pieces are arranged on a base fabric and stitched together through hand or machine embroidery.


It's one of the most common embroidery techniques loved for its creative and artistic look. It is used for quilts, jackets, bags, and cushion covers. It makes the garment look even more appealing and captivating. Patchwork embroidery is a great way to repurpose leftover fabrics and make them look appealing and beautiful. For a real-world example on workwear and casual clothing, see Denim Patches: A Garment Application.


The most common use cases of patchwork embroidery:

  • Quilts and bedspreads
  • Jackets and denim clothing
  • Tote bags and handbags
  • Cushion covers and pillowcases
  • Table runners and tablecloths
  • Children's clothing and baby quilts
  • Wall hangings and decorative art

5. Fish Scale Type of Embroidery

In general, if you hear the word fish scale, then you will get a conception of fish scaling thread used for the embroidery on the fabric. If you are thinking like that, then you are on the right path. Fish scale embroidery uses fish scales like goldfish for creating embroidery designs on the garments.


These fish scale embroidery patches are used on velvet material, creating an ever-altering look. In this process, fish scales are prepared first and then the base of each scale hole is made for a finished look.


Here are the most common use cases of fish scale embroidery:

  • Party wear dresses of women or young girls
  • Bridal dresses acquired by newlyweds
  • Traditional or cultural dresses
  • Fashion garments or jackets
  • Luxury handbags or clutches
  • Cushion covers or bedding accessories

6. Counted Thread Embroidery Work

The next garment embroidery type that we are going to explain is counted thread embroidery that is a style of needlework where you count the threads stitched on the fabric yourself. These techniques are acquired by popular cross-stitch or blackwork and even Hardanger. It helps in creating neat, clean, and attractive designs, especially for grid-like cloth.


The most common use cases of counted thread embroidery include:

  • Decorative wall art
  • Historical samplers
  • Household linens
  • Apparel and accessories

7. Gold Embroidery

Lastly, we have the gold embroidery technique, mostly applied on garments for a better finish, or should we say, a luxury look. This embroidery style is gold embroidery that is used for making the garments look more alluring and captivating. Silver has been used as gold-coated, and it makes the design more attractive to be worn.


The most common use cases of gold embroidery include:

  • Military uniforms
  • Badges and crests
  • Ceremonial wear
  • Bridal wear

Which Garment Embroidery Types Are You Going To Use?

And we are done for the day. We hope you enjoyed reading about the different garment embroidery types and how they could be used in different stages. Most of the businesses are now acquiring advanced machine embroidery patches for a more finished and alluring look. If you are comparing raised and flat stitching for your next order, read In-Depth: Flat vs 3D Puff.


If you think we have missed anything within the blog, then feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. Happy Reading.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Feel free to contact us for any queries or assistance. Looking forward to serving you with our top-notch design services

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Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to stitch designs with thread, yarn, or beads.

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The most common embroidery types include gold thread, fish scale, and white thread embroidery patches.

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The most common embroidery patches go somewhere between $0.91 and $9.00 per patch.

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Machine-stitched embroidery styles such as outline embroidery and counted thread work are the most durable for everyday garments, because the stitches sit tightly in the fabric and survive repeated washing. More delicate embroidery methods like fish scale and gold work last longer on occasion wear that is cleaned less often.

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Industrial embroidery types such as flat machine embroidery, 3D puff, and patch-based embroidery work best for bulk orders. They are quick to digitize, easy to repeat across hundreds of garments, and they hold the same finish from the first piece to the last.

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