A quick Google search will give you a perfectly concise definition of what art is. As indicated, it is “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.” It is what you make of a particular craft, whether music, cooking, or, in this case, embroidery.
The following photos are from the Embroidery subreddit, an online haven where people showcase their skills using a needle, some thread, and textile fabric. And so far, they have shown nothing short of brilliant work, as you will come to see while scrolling through.
Enjoy these magnificent creations, which may very well inspire you to try your hand at some embroidery work yourself.
#1 Polar Bear In Spring Time
Image credits: a_warm_garlic_yurt
#2 I Embroidered This Handsome Fella’s Portrait
Image credits: cremepat
#3 Layered Koi Pond
Image credits: ahbeecelia
We got in touch with a few experts who provided us with valuable insights into this beautiful craft. One of them is designer and textile arts instructor Kathy Barlow. According to her, one of the most common misconceptions about embroidery is that people think it “just cross-stitching cute sayings and pictures.”
“Think Jacobean flora crewelwork in bold wool yarns flowing across bedroom curtains or a living-room throw pillow. Or a striking hexagon of Japanese Sashiko showcased on an artisan-sewn bag,” she told Bored Panda. “Or transforming a hole in one’s jeans into a feature, with a vivid, visible mend. Just a snippet of the possibilities.”
#4 I Stitched This Three Years Ago Following The Invasion Of Ukraine. It Seems Like An Apt Time To Share It Again. I Stand With Ukraine. 🇺🇦🌻
Image credits: colormuse
#5 Have You Seen This Chicken?
Image credits: befse123
#6 A Snowy Embroidery Project Heavily Inspired By Narumi Takada
Image credits: SecretHoSlappa
For Eric Turney, sales/marketing director and president of B2B merch company The Monterey Company, a common misunderstanding people have about embroidery is that it is “outdated” and “only suited for traditional designs.” But, as he explained, their work at the company often involves creating modern and custom pieces for various brands.
“While at home, I use a simple one-head machine to make fun, creative designs for friends,” Turney said.
#7 Purple Octopus 3D 🐙
Image credits: UncannyValley2_0
#8 3D Cat! With Lanterns!
Image credits: Glass-Butterfly-
#9 I Started This Yesterday. I'm Tired Of Being In America. 😩
Image credits: WoodpeckerFirst6842
Many people may describe embroidery as a therapeutic pastime. According to embellishment designer Mariana Leung, it’s because touching materials that are soft and varied in texture is “grounding.”
“Embroidery works can be used in practical applications like clothing or home decor, unlike flat art, such as a painting,” she said.
#10 First Ever Attempt At A Portrait
Image credits: darcyduh
#11 Reading By Moonlight 2
Image credits: Six_Eyes_Stitches
#12 Hand Embroidered Monstera Plant
Image credits: kilgourhc
However, embroidery is more than just a therapeutic activity. For Turney, it is also meditative because it requires you to slow down and focus.
“It requires patience and attention to detail,” he said. “And the sense of accomplishment when the design comes to life is huge. I have a blast creating designs and presents for my family.”
#13 Just Finished My Hand Stitched New Zealand Ruru/Morepork! Absolutely Love These Birds!
Image credits: sinistersista
#14 I Embroidered This Work Just In Time For Spring And The Blooming Of Crocuses❤️
Image credits: embroiderybynusik
#15 Beginner Attempt At A Large Jacket Patch, Art Is "Fruit Bats With Pomegranate" By Albino Jackrabbit
Image credits: 09283098
Barlow’s experience is quite different. According to her, she found a sense of community through this activity, thanks to the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. As a member of the Valley Quail chapter in Walnut Creek, CA, she relishes her experience of a “shared love of handiwork” and lifelong learning with her peers.
“We help one another with how to complete various stitches, threads, and color choices; and mostly we enjoy the company of fellow creative souls,” she said.
#16 Mushies In The Forest
Image credits: caitscapes
#17 This Is Fine 🪴
Image credits: samicat69
#18 Kiwi Based On Old Online Illustration
Image credits: iLabrador
Our experts collectively agreed that embroidery has been a life-changing experience for them. In Turney’s case, it’s been both a hobby and a career path.
“Running a business around it has taught me how versatile and in-demand it is, while doing it at home reminds me of the joy and creativity that first drew me in,” he explained.
#19 Dear Garth, You’re Not Alone
Image credits: Ohsewnerdy
#20 This Is Maurice :)
Image credits: LavishnessOk885
#21 Wanted To Practice My Back Stitch With Something Forgiving Due To My Shaky Hands. Perfection
Image credits: cosmicpeanut
For Leung, taking up the craft has been beneficial since her days as a young fashion graduate. It has so far opened multiple doors for her.
“Embroidery offered me the opportunity to work with some of the most famous designers I idolized, so yes, it was life-changing!”
#22 My European Robin Is Complete, And No Longer Looking Like A Hamster
Image credits: Miss_Behaves
#23 This Year’s Valentine Pingu Design 🪡🐧🩷
Image credits: kenz024
#24 I Can‘T Believe It Actually Worked!
Image credits: Vandi_5
#25 Made These For My Sister’s New Baby
Image credits: possumbilities
#26 Kraken Lighthouse For A Friend
Image credits: Old-Internal-927
#27 Stump Work Western Tiger Swallowtail
Image credits: CalmPresentation8613
#28 Friend Asked Me To Help Cover Up A Hole
Image credits: Eeyorethepessimist
#29 You People Are Genius
Image credits: WTFucker-0202
#30 Freedom
Image credits: ispiho
#31 Finished This One Today!
Image credits: deathbydexter
#32 I Ransacked My Tea Stash To Stitch This Quote From Mansfield Park By Jane Austen
Image credits: colormuse
#33 In The Immortal Words Of Zack De La Rocha…
Image credits: enthusiastic_laze
#34 I Finished Another Log!
Image credits: Humorii
#35 My Baroque Calla Lily
Image credits: AJMac100
#36 I Embroidered My Friends Wedding Bouquet
Image credits: notyourcheeese
#37 Just Finished Embroidering My Swim Bag
Image credits: whatellah
#38 My Latest Secret Word Piece - “Take Your Time”
Image credits: prettystrangedesign
#39 Felt Like This Is Appropriate For Today
Image credits: SarahSaidSo182
#40 I've Been Playing Around With Fabric Lately To Add Some Depth And Whimsy To My Designs ☕️🫖
Image credits: bluehydrangea
#41 Bead Embroidery Purple Beetroot Brooch
Image credits: MisssMalika
#42 Easing Back Into Embroidery And I Just Finished This One Up
Image credits: thelittlemurmaider
#43 Night Night, Sleep Tight 🌛
Image credits: hvalur87
#44 I Stitched The Final Stanza Of My Favorite Song, Danny Boy
Image credits: colormuse
#45 Done Or Outline Lettering?
Image credits: Suspicious-Lemon2451
#46 I Surprised Friends With A Replacement For The Post-It Note List By Their Door. They Were Thrilled!
Image credits: ShortandSweets
#47 Embroidered Necklaces!
Image credits: egg_on_the_floor
#48 Banana Slug ✨️✨️✨️
Image credits: bluehydrangea
#49 Paint Blobs 🎨
Image credits: fullmetalneedle
#50 In Progress
Image credits: Solid_Group5179
