Hand Embroidery vs Machine Embroidery: How to Tell the Difference

Lots of clothes today are labelled "embroidered". Some are stitched by hand by skilled artisans; most are made in seconds on computerised machines. Both have their place, but they are not the same thing. Here is how you can tell the difference, and what it means for the piece you buy.

What is hand embroidery?

Hand embroidery is decoration stitched onto fabric with a needle and thread, one stitch at a time. An artisan draws or traces the design, then fills it in by hand. A small floral motif can take hours. India has a long tradition of hand embroidery, and Jaipur and the rest of Rajasthan are home to many skilled embroidery artisans.

What is machine embroidery?

Machine embroidery is stitched by a computerised machine that follows a digital file. It is fast and cheap, and every piece comes out exactly the same.

5 ways to tell the difference

Look for small variations. Hand-stitched flowers are never perfectly identical. If every petal on every garment is exactly the same, it is likely machine-made.
Check the back of the fabric. Machine embroidery usually has a stiff backing paper or interfacing and very regular stitching on the reverse. Hand embroidery is softer, with the thread ends knotted or woven in.
Feel the stitches. Hand stitches often have a slightly raised, textured feel. Machine stitches tend to be flat, dense and uniform.
Look at the thread. Machines often use shiny polyester thread. Hand embroidery is frequently done in cotton or silk thread with a softer finish.
Consider the price. Real handwork takes time. If a heavily embroidered piece is extremely cheap, it is almost certainly machine-made.

Why choose hand embroidery?

It is one of a kind. No two pieces are exactly alike.
It supports artisans. Buying handwork keeps a traditional skill alive and supports the people who practise it.
It feels softer. Without stiff backing, hand embroidery moves with the fabric, which matters on light summer cotton.

How to care for hand-embroidered clothes

Hand wash or use a delicate cycle in cold water.
Wash dark colours separately.
Dry in the shade, not in strong direct sun.
Iron on the reverse side so the stitches are not flattened.

Hand embroidery at Reich Couture

Our Bloom Top and Weekender Co-ord are hand-embroidered by artisans in Jaipur on breathable organic flex cotton. Because every flower is stitched by hand, small differences are the maker's signature, not flaws. Explore the full hand-embroidered collection.