What are the Different Types of Embroidery?

If you are looking for custom embroidery online, it helps to have an idea of what you are looking for. Take advantage of this informative overview to find the perfect customized onesie for your favorite little bundle of joy or custom design a one-of-a-kind gift for someone you love.
Crewel Work
Surface stitching with loose twist yarn on a firm fabric where the stitching is freely worked.
Cross Stitch
Counted thread embroidery in small X patterns on fabric with an even, open weave.
Counted Thread Embroidery
Carefully counted and measured stitching yields a very exact geometric pattern.
Huck Embroidery
Combines embroidery with weaving to create a looser, flowing pattern.
Drawn Thread Embroidery
This embroidery type’s name comes from the pulling of threads to create intentional gaps in the design.
Outline Embroidery
Overlapping stitching, or backstitching, creates a rope-like pattern. This overlap allows for a more fluid flow to the picture or pattern.
Pulled Thread Embroidery
Instead of removing threads to create spaces, the stitches are pulled tight to create the wanted gaps. This is best used with a loose fabric base.
Candlewicking Embroidery
In the whitework family, this style is distinct in its use of Colonial knot stitches. As with whitework, it is a light stitch on a darker background.
Patchwork Embroidery
Most often used in quilting, this technique uses base stitching to combine fabric pieces into one larger pattern.
Cutwork
This is a type of surface embroidering that creates a raised pattern. This style uses a fine backing cloth comprised of buttonhole and running stitches.
Sachiko
Originating in Japan, Sachiko focuses on simple geometric patterns with a tight running stitch.
Stumpwork
This embroidery style creates 3-D images raised from the surface of the fabric.
Fish Scale Embroidery
Originating in Victorian England, this style embroiders specially prepared fish scales into intricate patterns on varied fabrics.
Blackwork
This embroidery style from Spain utilizes a dark thread on a light background.
Whitework
This style uses white or light thread to create lovely raised patterns that tend toward the floral.
Thread Painting
With careful, tight patterned stitches, this technique can create the impression of painting through the use of texture, color, and lighting.
Shadow Work Embroidery
Worked on very light or sheer fabric, this style is stitched on the back side and creates a shadowed effect.
Needlepoint
Generally, using a tent stitch, needlepoint tends to completely cover a stiff, open weave canvas.
Punch Needle
Using a hollow punch needle, this type of embroidery creates loops to give a thick, textured feel.
Ribbon Embroidery
Similar to the punch needle style, ribbon embroidery relies on small loops of material to give a plush texture to the pattern.
Hardanger Embroidery
Traditionally a technique of white thread on white backing material, this style creates open, geometric patterns.
1StitchAtaTimeShop is Here for All Your Embroidery Needs!
Did you read about an embroidery type that you think you’ll love? Check out our custom shop and send some information about your idea!
Questions? Contact us today!