Embroidery vs Applique

How to Distinguish Between Two Historic Techniques

Published on August 22, 2026

"We feel very proud to preserve both of these traditional art forms."

- Talley Pike

Choosing an embellishment style is one of the best parts about designing custom linens. Here at Leontine, we carry forward two beautiful, traditional approaches—embroidery and applique. Learning their differences also provides a window into the hand-sewn, made-to-last processes that make our linens so special.

The Anne monogram, a gorgeous example of embroidery

The George monogram, a geometric applique style

Embroidery

As can be seen in the Olivia monogram pictured here on a towel, embroidery is achieved by sewing thread directly onto fabric to form letters, dots, and shapes. The thread itself forms the design. Embroidery is the more delicate of the two techniques, and provides an air of refinement to designs which incorporate it.

Each embroidered piece is guided by hand on sewing machines in our studio. This careful, traditional approach ensures custom, gorgeous linens made to stand the test of time.

watch our embroidery process

Applique

Applique, as pictured here in the sunny Celeste monogram on a hand towel, involves sewing one piece of fabric down onto another fabric in the outline of a pattern and cutting away the excess. This process creates a bolder, more solid look that embroidery and is perfect for providing that pop of color in a space.

Our sister company, the Eleanor Beard studio in Hardinsburg, Kentucky, has been mastering the art of applique for over 100 years. Each piece of applique work is guided by hand, ensuring a carefully executed custom design that's made to last.

watch our applique process

To learn more about these two art forms, as well as the other techniques we practice here at Leontine Linens, visit our Technique page.