The following glossary describes terminology used on this site and in the machine embroidery industry.
| Term or Phrase | Description |
|---|---|
| applique (design) | A design technique that incorporates pieces of fabric into the design as a fill area or background. |
| applique (patch) | Designs stitched onto fabric for the purpose of sewing the finished piece onto another object as a patch. |
| backing | Stabilizing material used underneath the fabric being embroidered to help prevent fabric shift and registration issues. |
| bean stitch | Also called triple stitch. Three stitches are placed between two points, creating a bolder line, commonly used for outlining objects or details. |
| birdnest | Messy collection of bobbin and/or top thread, usually between the embroidered material and the machine throat plate, or inside the bobbin area. |
| bobbin | In sewing and embroidery, the spool of thread which is usually below the working surface that provides the bottom side of the lockstitch. |
| digitizing | The act of converting analog or physical products to digital form. For embroidery, this is the act of creating the digital file that a computerized embroidery machine uses to stitch-out a design. |
| fill stitch | Area of a design covered by sequence of run stitches in successive rows laid parallel to each other. Fill stitches may contain variable length run stitches for randomness or to create a noticeable pattern. |
| flatbed | Embroidery machine that uses a table-top surface to support the product being stitched. The product must be able to lay flat for stitching. Common in consumer and some industrial machines. Commercial and industrial machines may come with a table to attach to the machine. |
| free arm | Embroidery machine with an open stitching area, except a narrow housing below the needle for the bobbin, similar to a free-arm sewing machine. Some free arm embroidery machines will have a table adapter for flatbed use. |
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