Design custom products with Printify
Embroidery is more than just thread and needle – it’s a premium design choice that brings your apparel to life.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover what embroidery is, how it works, the different types, and why it’s perfect for custom apparel. From classic stitches to embroidery supplies, get ready to deep-dive into this unique design method.
What is embroidery, and how does it work?
In general, we define embroidery as the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread, turning everyday apparel into something special.
It’s all about stitching your design – whether that’s a cute patch, a bold logo, or a detailed floral pattern – onto your chosen material. You can do this by hand or with machine embroidery, depending on your resources, skills, and project.
How does it work?
- Hand embroidery – Use basic stitches like the straight stitch, stem stitch, or cross stitch to build your design, moving your needle in and out of the fabric in a precise pattern.
- Embroidery machine – Upload a digital design, load your fabric, and hit start. The machine automatically moves the needle and thread based on the design file from the embroidery software.
Embroidery works beautifully on slightly thicker fabrics like cotton, linen, and canvas, perfect for embellishing t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or tapestry. It’s a fun way to add a personal and creative touch to anything you make.
Embroidery materials and tools
Ready to embroider patterns, funny quotes, or custom logos? Here are the essentials you’ll need if embroidering by hand:
- Fabric – Materials like cotton and linen twill are excellent for embroidery stitches.
- Threads – Cotton thread, silk thread, and wool threads give your designs different textures and finishes.
- Embroidery needles – Special needles with larger eyes for your chosen embroidery thread.
- Embroidery hoop – Holds your fabric taut for easier stitching.
Different types of embroidery explained
From basic hand embroidery stitches to bold 3D puff designs, let’s break down the most popular types of embroidery and how each one can take your next embroidery project from basic to brilliant.
Flat embroidery
Flat embroidery is the most common embroidery technique, where stitches lie flat against the fabric.
Perfect for decorating clothing and accessories, this style uses basic embroidery stitches, like satin and straight, to create clean, precise designs. It’s ideal for logos, simple artwork, and adding a touch of personality to your merch.
3D puff embroidery
Want to make your designs pop? 3D puff embroidery does just that. By stitching over a layer of foam, this technique creates a raised, three-dimensional look that’s great for hats, sweatshirts, and bags.
It’s a unique way to add bold texture to your design for an eye-catching, tactile finish.
Appliqué embroidery
Appliqué embroidery combines fabric and stitching to make dynamic designs. It involves sewing pieces of fabric, like felt or cotton, onto your base material, then securing them with embroidery stitches.
This technique works wonders for geometric patterns and landscape designs, adding color and depth to your pieces.
Chain stitch
This is a classic technique that loops threads to create linked stitches, forming decorative lines and bold outlines.
Popular in both hand and machine embroidery, it’s great for everything from lettering to intricate florals. These stitch designs can transform simple linens or modern streetwear into wearable works of art.
Freestyle embroidery
This embroidery technique is all about creativity. Unlike counted thread embroidery, this style lets you mix different stitches, like knotted and straight, to craft your own unique designs.
Whether you’re embellishing clothing or making an abstract wall hanging, this type of embroidery is a fun, expressive way to show off your embroidery skills.
Whitework embroidery
An elegant technique that uses white thread on white linen cloth or cotton. Think beautiful heirloom designs and delicate, lacy textures. Whitework is stunning for handkerchiefs, home linens, and wedding keepsakes. It’s all about subtle, timeless beauty.
Japanese embroidery
This is a refined, intricate style that often uses silk thread for a luminous effect. It features detailed motifs like flowers and cranes, using techniques that have been perfected for centuries.
Beyond an embroidery style, it’s an art form that requires patience and precision for breathtaking beauty.
Crewel embroidery
Crewel embroidery is a centuries-old technique that uses wool threads to create rich, textured designs. Traditionally worked on linen cloth or twill, this style combines simple stitches to build elaborate, raised designs.
With flowing motifs and bold colors, crewel work brings an authentic, tactile charm to any piece, especially home decor.
The best products for embroidery designs
Ready to explore the most exciting embroidery products in the Printify Catalog? Let’s take a closer look at some standout picks that’ll help you bring stunning embroidery ideas to life.
Embroidered hats
Trucker hats, dad caps, snapbacks, bucket hats, and beanies – these pieces are perfect for spotlighting your wildest ideas. Spice up your headwear game with bold colors, sleek logos, or creative text elements.
Sweatshirts and hoodies
Think cozy comfort with a premium glow-up. Sweatshirts and hoodies hold quality embroidery well, turning your quirky sketches or contemporary art into long-lasting prints. Go for minimalist monograms for a classic look or loud, colorful designs that pop on chilly days.
Embroidered t-shirts
Machine embroidery turns soft cotton into statement pieces, adding dimension and style. From bold slogans to intricate patterns, embroidery offers a clean, durable finish that stands out. Great for elevated casual wear, uniforms, or custom merch.
Why choose embroidery for your POD store?
Embroidery isn’t just an old-school craft – it’s a powerhouse for your POD business. Here’s why it’s a top choice:
- Premium appeal – Embroidery adds that textured, luxe look that screen printing lacks.
- Long-lasting quality – Stitched threads outlast fading prints, so your designs stay sharp wash after wash.
- Branding opportunities – It’s the go-to for bold logos, monograms, and professional branding.
Plus, the numbers don’t lie. The decorated apparel market hit $38.7 billion in 2025, and embroidery leads the running with a 28% market share.
How to get started with custom embroidery on Printify
Got a design that deserves to be stitched into something great? With Printify, it’s easy to bring your embroidered products to life – no equipment, inventory, or hassle. Get access to trusted Print Providers, easy store integrations, and fast global fulfillment.
Here’s how to turn your epic custom embroidery ideas into real products:
- Sign up – Create a free Printify account.
- Pick your products – Explore our Catalog, filter for embroidery, and choose from tees, hoodies, sweatshirts, and hats.
- Start designing – Use our free Product Creator with AI, patterns, text tools, and free graphics for realistic mockups.
- Save and sell – Order for yourself or list online. Printify connects with leading platforms like Shopify and Etsy for automated fulfillment.
What is embroidery: FAQ
Embroidery works by stitching thread or yarn into fabric, using hand embroidery or a modern embroidery machine to automate the process. An embroidery hoop holds the fabric taut, while embroidery floss or threads create detailed designs.
Embroidery is an art form that decorates fabric with designs using stitches, while sewing joins pieces of fabric together. Both use thread and needles, but embroidery creates embellishments, while sewing forms garments.
Absolutely! Hand embroidery is surprisingly beginner-friendly. Start with a small embroidery hoop, cotton or linen fabric, and a few simple stitches – like the running, back, or satin stitch.
These can create everything from tiny flowers to fun patterns. Experiment with different thread colors and textures, like shiny silk thread or matte cotton floss.
Don’t worry about perfection. Part of the charm of embroidery is the handmade, slightly irregular look. You’ll be surprised how quickly your embroidery skills grow once you start stitching.
Here’s a quick overview of some popular embroidery stitches:
- Cross stitch – X-shaped stitches create neat, grid-based patterns that are great for counted embroidery like samplers or pixel art.
- Satin stitch – Smooth, tightly packed stitches that fill shapes completely, perfect for monograms and bold motifs.
- Chain stitch – Looped stitches that create a braided look, awesome for outlines and text.
- Running stitch – Simple, evenly spaced stitches for outlines or dashed lines.
- Stem stitch – A subtle twist in the line, ideal for curved stems and organic shapes.
- Split stitch – Stitches that pierce the previous stitch for a thicker, textured line, giving a more rustic look.
- Blanket stitch – Looped edges for finishing raw fabric or felt shapes.
- French knot – Little raised knots add a pop of texture, ideal for flower centers and small accents.
- Back stitch – Strong, continuous lines, great for outlining shapes and letters.
- Double running stitch – Two-pass outlining for a thicker, more refined line.
- Straight stitch – The simplest stitch, versatile for adding details, petals, or filling shapes.
- Knotted stitches – Create raised, bumpy details for added texture and dimension, like little berries or flower buds.
Summary
Embroidery transforms ordinary apparel into standout custom pieces using timeless stitching techniques. From flat and 3D puff embroidery to more intricate stitches, you’ve learned about the tools, types, and top product picks to get started.
Want to add a premium feel to your custom products without working a sewing machine? Start designing custom embroidered products today with Printify’s easy-to-use tools and top-quality Print Providers.
