Surface embroidery is any form of embroidery in which the pattern is worked using decorative stitches and laid threads on top of the foundation fabric or canvas rather than through the fabric; it is contrasted with canvas work.

Much free embroidery is also surface embroidery, as are a few forms of counted-thread embroidery such as cross stitch.

Forms of surface embroidery include:

• Applique
• Art needlework
• Crewel embroidery
• Cross stitch
• Jacobean embroidery
• Stumpwork

Examples of surface embroidery include:

• Bayeux Tapestry
• Quaker tapestry

Embroidery