One might find them uncanny, but another may find them stunning and tacky, in a good way! It just happened that one day, an embroidery tattoo suddenly made an appearance, and it only kept evolving since then! Are they just a passing fad or a new revolution in tattoo styles? Keep reading to find out!
In this article, you will learn about such a phenomenon of what is an embroidery tattoo. We’ll tell you all about how they became popular, how they’re made, and whether they’re worth the hype. And, of course, we’ve got over 50 awesome embroidery tattoo designs for you to check out!
What Is the Secret of Embroidered Tattoos?
Embroidery tattoos are a unique and eye-catching style that combines two different arts: delicate embroidery and tattooing. What is the most interesting coincidence is that these two art forms both involve the use of needles, so why not fuse them both?
But no, it’s not what you think, no one is driving real threads into the skin. Embroidery tattoos are characterized by their raised, textured appearance, only resembling the embroidery floss stitches. Some artists can even achieve the so-called effect of loosening threads to add even more realism.
How Are Embroidery Tattoos Done?
While most of the initial tattooing process is similar to a traditional tattoo, the key difference lies in the final shading. Here, the artist thickens the ink and uses a steady back-and-forth motion to create a raised, “one-piece” effect. Contrary to popular belief, this thick ink retains its shape and texture for many years if applied correctly.
The longevity of a tattoo depends largely on the skill of the artist, as well as how well one will take care of it. If the artist goes too deep or too shallow, the tattoo will either fade or blow over time. The ideal outcome is a borderline scar/blowout effect that holds the color without relying solely on lines.
The Pioneer of the Embroidery Style Tattoo
To be frankly honest, an embroidery tattoo is not such an innovative idea if we discuss it in the context of 3D tattoos. By the early 2000s, embroidery tattoo artists like Mike DeVries were experimenting with mimicking the look of patchwork quilts and stitched fabric textures in their work.
But the very concept of making realistic tattoo patches directly on the body was developed by Brazilian embroidery tattoo artist Eduardo “Duda” Lozano in the 2010s. His hyperrealistic patch tattoos, resembling actual stitches and fabric textures, gained widespread attention and helped establish the style.
50+ Best Embroidery Tattoo Ideas
This tattoo technique doesn’t allow for much freedom, as everything is limited by the theme of the threads. However, we tried to collect the most interesting samples of embroidered tattoos as well as their simpler alternatives in case realism feels rather uncanny to someone.
Realistic Embroidery Tattoo
Some artists specialize in hyperrealistic embroidery tattoos that look like actual patches sewn onto the skin. These tattoos often incorporate fine lines, shading, and even loose threads for an incredibly lifelike effect.
Colorful Embroidery Tattoo
Celebrate vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage with Mexican embroidery tattoo designs, also named “bordado tattoos.” Among many designs, you can notice similar color schemes and frequent designs with hummingbirds.
This is no coincidence as, for example, in Aztec mythology, hummingbirds were seen as messengers of the gods and magical beings. They are often associated with positive meanings like joy, resilience, adaptability, and even good luck.
Minimalistic Embroidery Tattoo
Discover the charm of simplicity with a small embroidery tattoo. Just a few tiny stitches can grasp the vast tapestry of embroidery tattoo possibilities.
Band Embroidery Tattoo
Adorn your wrists with the elegance of bracelet tattoo embroidered tattoo design. Some designs are very difficult to distinguish at first glance from real bracelets. Such a timeless piece of jewelry is perfect for matching tattoos, as if perpetuating friendship.
Cross-Stitch Embroidery Tattoo
This type of embroidery tattoo stitch emerged around the mid-2010s as part of a broader trend of embroidery-inspired tattooing. This is a great alternative for those who are interested in this style of tattoo, but do not like hyperrealism.
The most popular designs include either flower embroidery tattoo or childish motifs, which are a little nostalgic for the cross-stitching hobby. But a cross tattoo also goes well with more modern lines, which adds a touch of elegance and completeness to the composition.
And the best part is that this tattoo does not require canvases, either soluble or waste ones. But you need to carefully choose your tattoo artist because this style requires patience.
When it comes to cross-stitching, there’s a big difference in how the artist approaches their work. Some artists do individual crosses, which gives it that authentic cross-stitch look, while others just draw long lines in one direction and then cross them with lines in the other direction, which can end up looking more like a grid.
Pixel Embroidery Tattoo
The charm of pixel tattoos lies in their simplicity, often resembling 8-bit or 16-bit graphics, reminiscent of the early days of gaming.
These tattoos draw inspiration from the pixelated graphics of retro video games, like Mario, Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and many more, creating a unique and visually striking style.
Embroidery Tattoo artists skilled in this style use precise line work to recreate the blocky, pixelated effect, giving the impression of a digital image translated onto the skin. Unlike many other tattoos, pixel tattoos often prioritize bold lines and outlines around each pixel square.
Vyshyvanka Embroidery Tattoo
This style is not just about tattoos that look like embroidery, they are the historical and cultural heritage of Ukrainian people.
Vyshyvanka itself is a traditional Ukrainian embroidery style with a rich history dating back centuries. Its intricate patterns and vibrant colors hold deep cultural meaning, symbolizing unity, protection, and ancestral connection.
Either, two colors are used for such tattoos: red, which means love, and black, which means sorrow. Like yin and yang, these colors and their meanings create a balance. Moreover, there are many different patterns, each of which has its symbolism.
Things To Consider Before Getting an Embroidery Tattoo
Embroidery tattoos sure have a way to stitch a style. But before you decide to jump on the train, a word of caution: this style comes with a hefty dose of aftercare and touch-up work.
The photos on social media and websites look tempting but keep in mind that most of these photos are either fresh work or edited photos. It is rare to see an outdated tattoo.
The colors lighten, especially the white on the rim, the texture softens, and the thread effect is blurred, leaving behind only faint echoes of the original design.
An example of a faded embroidery tattoo after 2 years. Source: Reddit
Many people even say that embroidered looking tattoos are just a fad, as it was with watercolor tattoos. They might dazzle for the first few months, but the intricate details won’t hold up for the long haul… Without the proper care, of course.
You should also take into account that this style of tattoo will be more expensive and slightly more painful due to the large number of details assembled in one place. Hyperrealistic designs are often divided into several sessions to avoid skin injury.
Summary
Embroidery tattoos have stitched their way into the tattooing realm, offering a unique approach to 3D tattoos. Some works look so realistic that they give you goosebumps. But don’t worry, because we’ve covered more than just hyperrealistic patches here.
We hope that this has helped you to get a better vision of what are embroidery tattoos. Be sure to share your ideas with your tattoo artist in case you decide to get an embroidered tattoo.
FAQ
? What Is an Embroidery Tattoo?
As you can see from the name itself, you got it right, this is a tattoo that looks like embroidery. They come in different styles, from hyperrealistic patches to more delicate stitches.
? Who Invented Embroidery Tattoos?
This style of tattooing itself has been around for a long time, as different cultures try to recreate traditional ornaments. But in the 2010s, Eduardo Lozano gave this style a new lease of life.
? How Much Does an Embroidery Tattoo Cost?
Well, embroidery tattoos are not a typical kind of deal. Small pieces might start around $200–$500, but larger, detailed embroidery tattoos could range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand bucks.
? How Painful Are Embroidery Tattoos To Make?
It’s not more painful than any other tattoo, but it can feel that way because it takes a lot of time and needs to be processed frequently in one place to achieve detail. Just make sure to assess your pain tolerance and schedule additional sessions if needed.
❌ Can Embroidery Tattoos Be Removed?
Yes, but it’s a process. Embroidery tattoos, with their delicate layers and details, can be tricky to erase completely. Laser removal is your best bet, but even then, it might take several sessions and leave some faint traces behind.
