Appliqué and embroidery are both decorative textile techniques, but they differ in their methods and visual effects.

Appliqué is a technique where pieces of fabric are cut into shapes and sewn onto a larger fabric background. It creates bold, layered designs and is often used in quilting, clothing, and home décor. Appliqué can be sewn by hand, machine, or fused with adhesives. It allows for the use of different fabric textures and colors, giving a dimensional effect.

Embroidery, on the other hand, is the art of decorating fabric by stitching patterns with thread. It involves various stitches, such as satin stitch, chain stitch, and cross-stitch, to create intricate designs. Embroidery is done by hand or machine and can be highly detailed and often features added embellishments.

The main difference is that appliqué involves adding fabric pieces to create a design, whereas embroidery relies solely on stitching. Appliqué provides a more textured, fabric-based appearance, while embroidery offers a finer, more thread-intensive look. Both techniques can be combined for elaborate designs, such as embroidered appliqué, where stitching enhances fabric shapes for a more decorative effect.