Embroidery and fancy work · 4 October 2026 · 4 min read
Adding embroidery to a made-to-measure outfit
How to add embroidery, lace or borders to an outfit we stitch to your measurements: choosing a level, placing the work and what your written quote confirms.
InspirationEmbroidery planned as part of the outfit
If you want to add embroidery to your outfit, the simplest route is to ask for it when you order the outfit itself. When we stitch a kameez, kurta, co-ord or abaya to your measurements, embroidery, lace and borders can be built into the same design, placed around the seams and included in the same written quote. You choose a level on the quote form, show us the look you like, and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design before anything is cut.
Planning it this way has a practical advantage. The person cutting the garment knows exactly where the neckline will sit, how wide the sleeve opening is and where the hem falls, so the work can be positioned to suit your measurements rather than squeezed onto a finished piece. It is the heart of our custom embroidery service, and it is offered wherever we deliver, from the UK to the UAE.
Three decisions to make first
You do not need to know embroidery terms to order well. Three plain decisions cover almost everything:
- How much: the quote form offers delicate (neckline or sleeves), detailed (neckline, sleeves and hem) and statement (bolder work for Eid and parties), or you can ask us to advise. Our guide to the three levels explains each one.
- Where: neckline, sleeves, hem, dupatta edges or the back. The placement guide walks through each area.
- What it should feel like: tone on tone and quiet, or a contrast that stands out; soft and matt, or with a little shine. Describe it in words and add a photo if you have one.
Your fabric or ours
Embroidery can be added with either service option. With Fabric + Stitching, we supply the agreed fabric and plan the work around it, so we can suggest a base that takes embroidery well. With Stitching Only, you send suitable fabric, such as an unstitched suit, after we have confirmed it, and the work is planned for that fabric. Our Stitching Only page explains the two shipping stages.
Many unstitched suits already come with an embroidered neckline panel or border. In that case you may not need anything extra; the question is how to place what you have. If the pack is plain, or you want a little more, say so in your notes and we will tell you what would sit well with the existing print or weave.
Describe the look, not a technique
Embroidery has many names, and the same word can mean different things to different people. We do not promise any named technique in advance. Instead, describe what you like: a fine line of thread around the neck, a scatter of small motifs, a wider band at the hem, a lace edge on the sleeve. A reference photo says even more, and our machine or hand embroidery guide is useful background if you are curious about how different finishes are made.
We then reply with what is possible on your fabric and design. Sometimes that is exactly what you asked for; sometimes it is a close alternative that will wear better on a fine lawn or a heavy winter fabric. Either way, you see it in writing before you decide.
What your written quote confirms
Before you pay, the quote sets out everything that has been agreed, so there are no surprises later:
- The design, including the embroidery level, placement and any lace or border, plus your fabric and measurements.
- The total cost, which includes delivery to your address and any import duties, taxes and customs or courier fees, so nothing more is due when the parcel arrives.
- The processing time: 5 to 7 working days of production once the quote is approved and paid in full (for Stitching Only, once your fabric has reached us). Shipping time is separate.
- The policies that apply, including cancellation. See design approval for how sign-off works.
Getting started
Open the stitching quote form, choose your garment and an embellishment level, and upload a photo of any embroidery you admire. If you would rather start from a full design of your own, the custom stitching page covers that route. Payment is made in full in advance, by bank transfer, Wise or a card payment link, once you are happy with the quote.
Common questions
Can I add embroidery to any outfit you stitch?
You can ask for it on any outfit we make to measure, including kurtas, three-piece suits, co-ords and abayas. What is possible depends on the fabric and design, and we confirm it in your written quote before anything is cut.
Do I have to choose a level if I am not sure?
No. Choose advise me on the quote form and tell us the occasion and the feel you want. We will suggest a level and placement that suits the fabric, and you can change it before you approve the quote.
Is the embroidery quoted separately from the stitching?
When it is part of an outfit we are stitching, it is included in the same written quote as the rest of the design, so you see one total that also covers delivery and import charges.
