32+ Best Embroidery Tattoo Ideas and Designs
Embroidery and tattoos have a lot in common. When you combine the two, the end result is a striking image that is sure to grab everyone’s attention.
Embroidery covers a wide range of techniques, ranging from freestyling to detailed paintings. This gives stitchers so many options to make their desired art.
Embroidery dates way back to ancient times where people would use the cross stitch and crewel method to create their designs.
Nowadays, most embroidery tattoos are based on a patch or clothing. They look incredibly lifelike that they seem like they are ready to burst from the skin. If you are looking for a new tattoo, this is certainly worth looking into.
Here 33 embroidery tattoo ideas to inspire your next bit of ink.
Table of Contents
1. Flower Bed
When you think of the term “embroidery tattoo”, this design is probably one of the first things you’ll think about. It’s colourful, detailed and simply stunning. Even having the one flower head would look great.
1. These tattoos have left out the classic designs
Panda tattoo eating bamboo, with cross stitch embroidery effect
2. To bring the magic of color and threads to your skin
Thin person showing heart tattoo with cross stitch embroidery effect on his right arm.
3. Rose
This embroidery tattoo looks just like it has just been sewn on. The artist even included some ragged ‘stitch’ marks on the white to show this off. What a beautiful design and it would look great on anyone.
4. With embroidery effects in cross stitch and relief
Woman recharged on a white wall, looking sideways, with bare shoulder to show her rose tattoo with cross-stitch embroidery effect.
5. Mixing the best of two completely different worlds
Girl lying on a sofa, showing her bare shoulder to show her roses guide tattoo with cross stitch embroidery effect.
6. Hummingbird
Moving away from the classic theme of flowers and we have this gorgeous hummingbird design. It’s simple yet elegant and would work great on the inside of your arms or your legs.
7. Robin
This really shows off the artist’s embroidery skills. The robin looks like it’s in 3D and ready to fly off the skin. It clearly shows how awesome an embroidery tattoo can look when it’s done right.
8. Each design is unique
Person showing his forearm with a pink tulip tattoo with cross stitch embroidery effect
9. Reflect culture and passion for art
Tattoo of colorful birds looking at the sun with embroidered effect.
10. Simba
Idea and image source: https://mymodernmet.com/duda-lozano-patch-tattoos/
Ah, Simba, one of the most iconic Disney characters of all time. He looks so cute here with his big eyes and playful pose. It’s almost as if he was created just to be a great embroidery tattoo idea.
11. Alice In Wonderland
Sure, Simba may be cute, but some would argue he doesn’t compare to Alice in Wonderland. This embroidery tattoo idea says all that needs to be said.
12. Each tattoo is a story that is embroidered through the years
Person showing his tattooed forearm with the design of a hand embroidering a rose on a loom with embroidery effect
13. And each stitch is a reflection of the memories that remain alive
Girl standing in profile showing her right arm with a tattoo guides in blue with embroidery effect.
14. Sewing Machine
How realistic does this look? Answer: very! Show off your passion for sewing and textiles with this awesome idea.
15. Flower Reeds
This is another elegant and sophisticated idea. The thinner flowers imply innocence, something that most other designs cannot capture. This is the ideal design to try if you are getting your first ever tattoo.
16. No matter which design you choose
Person showing his arm with a tattoo of brown bird design perched on the branch of a tree with embroidery effect
17. You probably do not stop looking at it
Person turned on his back showing his tattooed back with a human heart design with embroidered effect.
18. Minions
The Minions took over the world when they first came onto the scene. They are mischievous and bubbly, traits that sum up what getting an embroidery tattoo is all about. Another great design idea by a talented artist.
19. Belly Rose
Belly buttons aren’t really used for much except for piercings, so why not go the extra mile and blend it into a design like this? It’s subtle, cute and perfect for showing off in the summer with a crop top.
20. Rick & Morty
If you’re a fan of Rick and Morty, you are going to love this one. The bright colours and sharp lines really bring the characters to life. It’s also funny and playful – what more could you want?
21. Your grandmother is going to love him
Girl showing her tattooed forearm with a large red rose with cross stitch embroidery effect
22. Just let your imagination fly
Person showing his tattooed arm with an orange flamingo with cross stitch embroidery effect
23. And embroider on your skin a touch of color
Girl modeling her tattooed doll with small roses with cross stitch embroidery effect.
24. Flower Pendant
This embroidery tattoo idea is another one of those that you would automatically think of – and there’s a good reason for that. The flowers look great and the way the lines are drawn makes them feel like they’re really growing.
25. Faith
This is one for those with religion and faith close to their hearts. Since it’s so lifelike, whenever you need that bit of inspiration, they’ll always be with you to help.
26. Waves
Waves represent a power greater than ourselves. They produce an overwhelming amount of energy, so using them as an embroidery tattoo will act as a reminder of all the potential you have inside.
27. Classic Cross-Stitching
This embroidery tattoo idea really emphasises the cross-stitching technique. The pattern is gorgeous and would look great as a sleeve too.
28. Mixer
Just like with the sewing embroidery tattoo idea earlier, why not show to everyone your passion for baking with something like this?
29. Band Logos
Of course, there was always going to be a band-related tattoo idea. They are a classic. There’s no debating this. Choose your favorite logo and go for it!
30. Sports Logos
This one is for the sports fans. Just as players wear it on their shit, get an embroidery tattoo of your team to really feel you’re part of the team.
31. Weird & Quirky
This idea is funky to the max! It’s certainly out there and will get everyone talking, perfect when you meet someone new and looking for an ice-breaker. Plus, it just looks amazing anyway.
32. (Another) Flower Arrangement
If you’re looking to attract some attention, there’s nothing else you need other than this embroidery tattoo idea. It’s bright, playful and gorgeous. Perfect.