Embellishment Explained

In sewing and crafts, an embellishment is anything that adds design interest to the piece.^[1]

Embellishments allow individuals to express their personal style and identity. Clothing can be a form of self-expression, and the choice of embellishments can communicate one's personality, taste, and cultural background.

Examples in sewing and craft

• appliqué can be made by sewing machine of decorative techniques and or
• embroidery, done either by machine or by hand
• piping made from either self-fabric, contrast fabric, or a simply a cord.
• trim (sewing)
• lace, either pre-made or home-made
• Fringe (trim)
• beads
• batik

Items that normally serve a function may also be used as embellishment. For example:

• buttons can be placed anywhere on the piece
• zippers can be unzipped and be used as piping, or simply stitched on
• buckles can be placed anywhere on the piece
• grommets can be placed anywhere even when there is no cord is looped through them
• sequins can be placed anywhere

Notes and References

1. News: Threads magazine . 19 Inventive Embellishment Ideas . 19 March 2019 . threads . The Taunton Press, Inc. . 12 November 2014.