Applique

Appliqué is a decorative technique in which shaped pieces of another fabric, leather or material are sewn or glued onto a base cloth, creating a pattern by layering. Unlike thread embroidery, appliqué works with whole pieces, so it yields large, expressive, often contrasting motifs. Its edges are secured by overcasting, a decorative stitch or trim. Appliqué is used both in folk dress (sewn-on coloured inserts on sheepskin coats and waistcoats) and in modern fashion — from children's clothing to couture dresses with flowers and three-dimensional elements. It is a faster way than solid embroidery to add graphic quality, colour and texture to a look.