Appliqué: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in the context of fabric and clothing design, where pieces of fabric are sewn onto a larger piece to create a pattern or image.

• The dress featured a beautiful appliqué of flowers on the bodice.
• She enjoyed creating appliqué quilts as a hobby.

Used more generally for anything that adorns or adds beauty to an object, space, or event. This can include holiday decorations, home decor, or ornamental details.

• The Christmas tree was covered in various decorations.
• He added some decoration to his room to make it more lively.

Usually refers to items used for decoration, especially small objects to place on a Christmas tree or to decorate rooms. Can also refer to objects of artistic and decorative nature.

• They hung several ornaments on their Christmas tree.
• The vase was more of an ornament than a functional object.

Typically used when referring to adding extra details to something to make it more attractive or interesting. Can have a somewhat negative connotation if used to describe unnecessary, excessive, or exaggerated additions.

• The chef used a drizzle of chocolate as an embellishment on the dessert.
• His story had a lot of embellishments that made it seem more exciting than it actually was.

Used in sewing when fabric pieces are sewn onto a larger piece to create a picture or pattern. Common in fashion and decorative arts.

• She added a floral appliqué to her denim jacket.
• The appliqué technique was used to decorate the pillow cover.

Technique of sewing together pieces of fabric into a larger design, often used in making quilts but also for other items like bags and clothing.

• She made a patchwork quilt from old family clothes.
• The patchwork blanket looked colorful and vibrant.

The process of creating a quilt, which typically involves three layers of fabric (a top, batting, and a backing) sewn together. Primarily used for bed covers and decorative quilts.

• Quiltmaking is a cherished family tradition.
• He took a class to learn the basics of quiltmaking.

The craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn. Often used for clothing, accessories, and home decor.

• Her dress was covered in beautiful embroidery.
• He spent the evening working on a detailed embroidery piece.

Use this word in the context of decorating or adding ornamentation to fabric by sewing pieces of fabric onto it.

• She created a beautiful applique on the quilt with colorful patches

This phrase is apt for situations where you are stitching a piece of fabric or an item onto another piece of fabric.

• She needs to sew on the missing button on her coat

This word is best used when you are connecting or joining one thing to another. It can be either physical attachment or metaphorical.

• Please attach the document to your email before sending it

Appropriate in situations where you need to secure something, often by tying, locking, or using any mechanism that holds objects together.

• Fasten your seatbelt before the car starts moving