Appliqué embroidery · Fabric and stitching
Custom appliqué embroidery with fabric and stitching
Give large shapes, lettering and brand marks a layered textile finish. AJDN combines precisely cut fabric pieces with professional embroidery for garments, merchandise and collections.
- Large designs with fewer stitches
- Choice of fabric, colour and edge finish
- For samples and repeat production
More textile, fewer stitches
A bold technique for large, layered designs
With appliqué embroidery, a cut fabric shape is positioned on the garment and secured with embroidery stitches. The result is a tactile design with visible layers and a distinctive textile character.
It is especially effective for larger areas, varsity lettering, logos and back designs. Because fabric replaces part of the stitched fill, a large design can remain lighter and more flexible than a fully dense embroidery area.
Why choose appliqué at AJDN?
Material, shape and stitch type designed as one
Large areas
Fabric fills larger shapes efficiently and helps prevent the design from becoming unnecessarily heavy or rigid.
Layered texture
The combination of garment, appliqué fabric and embroidered edge creates visible depth and a premium finish.
Material and colour
We assess options such as twill, felt and woven fabrics and match colour and structure to the garment.
Edge finishes
Depending on design and material, choose a clean satin border, zigzag stitch or decorative open edge.
Combined techniques
Appliqué can be enhanced with flat embroidery, fine details or 3D elements for extra contrast.
Sample to series
Suitable for prototypes, fashion collections, teamwear, merchandise and repeat production.
From artwork to finished garment
How we produce your appliqué
Assess design and material
We discuss the application, garment, size, fabric, colours, edge finish and quantity.
Cut and embroidery files
We translate the artwork into fabric shapes, placement stitches and a technical embroidery programme.
Testing and refinement
We check positioning, adhesion, edge coverage, material behaviour and legibility of details.
Production and inspection
After approval, we produce the order and inspect shape, edges, loose threads and finish.
Design requirements
Prepare artwork for fabric appliqué
Appliqué performs best with clear shapes and enough room for an embroidered border. Fine details can be added as separate embroidery. We advise how to keep your artwork technically reliable and visually strong.
- Hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, teamwear and other stable textiles
- Varsity lettering, logos, back designs and larger graphic shapes
- Twill, felt or woven fabrics after assessment of design and use
- Satin stitching for a closed, clean border
- Zigzag or decorative edges where the material and design allow
- Combination with flat embroidery or 3D embroidery
Decision support for brands and businesses
When is appliqué embroidery the right choice?
Appliqué embroidery is ideal when a design must be large, recognisable and visibly textile-led. Typical uses include varsity lettering on sweatshirts, back logos on jackets, club emblems, limited editions and brand details where material and texture are part of the visual identity.
For very small lettering or extremely fine lines, flat embroidery is often more precise. If extra height is required, appliqué can be combined with 3D embroidery. A separate badge is more suitable when an emblem must be produced independently and attached to different products later. AJDN compares these options before creating the production files.
Brand identity and collection
We coordinate fabric colour, surface texture and edge stitching with your brand guidelines, garment collection and intended placement. Appliqué therefore becomes an integral product detail rather than a separate decoration.
Technical feasibility
The base garment, size, seams, stretch and washing requirements determine the appliqué fabric and stabilisation. We assess the garment and recommend a construction that stays attractive during wear and washing.
Samples and repeat orders
After approval of materials, colours and stitch construction, we retain the technical settings for consistent repeat production. AJDN can combine appliqué with garment sourcing, stock management, fulfilment and B2B shipping.
More embroidery options
Combine appliqué with the right technique
Business Appliqué information
Material, stitching and production explained first
From €8.15 excl. VAT
For an application approximately 60–80 mm wide and up to 5,000 stitches at 1–11 items. Garment excluded; standard material included.
Up to approximately 40 × 30 cm
Letters and standalone details from about 10 mm and lines from about 5 mm are recommended. Up to five layers.
From twill and felt to full-colour fabric
Cotton, polyester, leather, reflective, metallic and printed fabrics can be used after technical assessment. Special materials may incur a surcharge.
Normally one to five working days
Webshop on-demand normally takes one working day when everything is production-ready. Rush work only after confirmation.
Digitising from €10
For 1–11 items; no separate charge from 12. A paid sample is available from one item; one free production sample from 100 items.
By email · wash at 30 °C
AI, EPS or PDF is preferred; PNG at final size and 300 dpi is also accepted for assessment. Not via WhatsApp. Do not tumble dry.
Frequently asked questions
Practical information about appliqué embroidery
What is appliqué embroidery?
A cut piece of fabric is placed on the garment and secured with embroidery stitches. This creates large areas with fewer stitches and added texture.
When should I choose appliqué instead of standard embroidery?
Appliqué is strong for large letters, numbers and varsity designs. Standard embroidery is usually better for small logos and fine detail.
Which garments suit appliqué?
Appliqué can be applied to technically suitable clothing, preferably on the front or back. AJDN always checks the garment, position, material and artwork first.
Can I supply fabric and combine materials?
Yes, after technical assessment. Twill, felt, cotton, polyester, leather, reflective, metallic and printed fabric are possible, up to five layers and optionally combined with other embroidery or print techniques.
Which dimensions and details are suitable?
The practical maximum is approximately 40 × 30 cm. Letters and standalone details from about 10 mm and lines from about 5 mm are recommended.
How should appliqué be cared for?
Wash inside out at a maximum of 30 °C. Do not bleach, tumble dry or iron directly over the decoration; follow the strictest garment-label instruction.
Can I order a sample first?
Yes. A paid sample is available from one item. For a confirmed production order from 100 items, one physical sample is free; additional samples are quoted first.
What do appliqué and production cost?
From €8.15 excl. VAT for approximately 60–80 mm and up to 5,000 stitches at 1–11 items. Garment excluded, standard material included. Normal production takes one to five working days.
Ready to turn your artwork into fabric and stitches?
Email your logo or artwork to info@ajdn.com and include the garment, size, preferred fabric look, colours and quantity. We assess the technical options and recommend a suitable finish.
Request an appliqué quoteRequest a quote
Compare all embroidery techniques
Choose the finish that suits your logo, garment and intended use. Explore every technique or return to the complete garment embroidery overview.