How Can You Tell If Something Is Hand Embroidered?

Hand embroidery is an art form that has been cherished for centuries. You probably know someone such as your mom, grandmother, or friend who embroiders. It's a craft that can easily be shared with others.

The intricate stitches and personal touch of hand embroidery give pieces a unique and timeless quality. There are many variations of this needlework craft as well as machines that will embroider for you.

When looking at an embroidered piece or image, how can you tell if it's hand embroidery, machine embroidery, or something else?

Here's how can you tell if something is hand embroidered:

Hand Embroidery vs. Machine Embroidery

One of the most obvious ways to distinguish between hand and machine embroidery is by examining the stitches. There are hundreds of hand embroidery stitches. If the embroidery is raised from the fabric and uses a wide variety of stitches, it's most likely done by hand.

Hand embroidery stitches will also typically have slight variations in length and spacing. This is because we're human and can't be as precise as a machine. In contrast, machine embroidery stitches are usually more uniform and consistent due to the precision of the machine.

Another telltale sign is the back of the embroidery. Hand embroidery often has a tidier back, with fewer visible knots and thread ends, because stitchers start and stop more often. Machine embroidery, on the other hand, may have a more messy back, with thread ends and knots more evident due to the automated nature of the process.

The photo above shows an embroidery machine embroidering on the left and a hand embroidered stained glass landscape on the right.

AI-Generated Embroidery vs. Hand Embroidery

With the advancement of AI technology, it's now possible to create embroidery designs using artificial intelligence. These designs can mimic the look of hand embroidery, blurring the lines between handmade and machine-made. However, there are still ways to differentiate between AI-generated and hand-embroidered pieces.

One clue is the complexity of the design. While AI-generated designs can be intricate, they often lack the subtle imperfections and nuances that are characteristic of hand embroidery. Can you get an idea of what embroidery stitches are used by looking at the picture? Look for irregularities in the stitches or small variations in color, which are more likely to be present in hand-embroidered pieces.

Another clue is the light and shading. AI generated art looks more like how a oainter or digital artist would blend colors together instead of how an embroiderer would. The blending and shading on AI generated artwork is too good to be believable. Basically, if it's too good to be true, it's probably not hand embroidered.

The photo above shows an AI generated desert embroidery from Microsoft AI Image Generator on the left and two hand embroidered desert designs on the right.

Identifying Hand Embroidery Takes a Keen Eye

Determining whether something is hand embroidered requires a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for the artistry involved. By examining the stitches, the back of the embroidery, and the overall design, you can often discern whether a piece was made by hand or by machine. While AI-generated embroidery adds a new dimension to this age-old craft, the beauty of hand embroidery lies in its unique, handmade quality. So next time you come across a beautifully embroidered piece, take a moment to appreciate the skill and artistry that went into creating it.