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Threaded stitches, also known as laced stitches, are a group of stitches characterised by a 'foundation’ stitch that is combined with a second thread.

See embroidery styles.

See canvas embroidery.

See canvas embroidery.

Canvas embroidery is a form of counted thread embroidery, in which decorative stitches are worked on a canvas ground to create a dense pattern that covers much of the ground material. There are various forms of canvas work such as Berlin wool work and Florentine work.

Surface embroidery is an American English term for a form of free style embroidery.

Defining and cataloguing a piece of embroidery is always subjective and often depends on the reason why someone (artist, collector, producer, seller, user) is trying to define a particular object. For the purpose of this encyclopaedia it was regarded as necessary to at least attempt to present various definitions of embroidery styles and techniques that can be found throughout the world.

There are different forms of stitching, depending on whether the primary aim is structural or decorative. With respect to structural sewing, if a sleeve, for example, is sewn onto a garment with stitches and then these are removed, then the sleeve will fall off.

There are various definitions for decorative needlework and these have changed over time. For the purpose of this encyclopaedia, the term is used as an umbrella concept that includes a range of decorative textile techniques, such as applied decoration, appliqué, beadwork, embroidery, patchwork and quilting.

A dalmatic is a garment used as a Christian Church liturgical vestment. It takes the form of a long, wide-sleeved garment, often open at the sides, having become almost identical with the tunicle. The colour of the dalmatic varies according to when it is worn within the Church calendar (see: Christian liturgical colours).