Trends in Embroidery and Textile Decoration (Text and Fotos : Reiner Knochel)
Throughout all the centuries, fashion has always mirrored what moves us, and this remains true today, as seen in many completely diverse trends. These trends are shaped by strong contrasts clashing with one another, reflecting a desire of harmony on one hand, while describing an almost revolutionary mood on the other.
We are looking back to our cultural heritage – styles from past eras are being reinterpreted and traditional, nearly forgotten crafts are experiencing a revival
Nature meets most modern technological innovation and daily life without artificial intelligence is hard to imagine. At the same time, or perhaps because of it, the desire is growing for having real emotions in personal relations as well as regarding the products we are buying. But as always, we prefer to let the pictures speak for themselves:
Upcycling and the reuse of second-hand or unused materials are increasingly moving from a niche market into commercial use. During the Munich Fabric Start Show in July 2026 for example, students from Modefachschule Sigmaringen could present their work in the “Sustainable Innovations” forum: Leather taken from used sofas was transformed into modular, versatile couture pieces. The enthusiastic comments of many representatives from traditional fashion companies were really impressive…
Leather Outfits created by students from Modefachschule Sigmaringen, presented in Simon Angel’s Sustainable Innovations Forum during Munich Fabric Start in July 2026. Leather: La femme qui rit 
Leather Outfits created by students from Modefachschule Sigmaringen, presented in Simon Angel’s Sustainable Innovations Forum during Munich Fabric Start in July 2026. Leather: La femme qui rit
This design presents a beautiful contrast between nature and high-tech: A real leaf, embroidered with reflective embroidery thread:
We will see many warm and earthy shades in this season. The following design shows the fern leaf embroidered in mat cotton thread Cotty 30 next to the same design stitched with the iridescent effect thread METY. Thus, a contrast meets within the same pattern…
Metallic looks and iridescent effects create a dreamy and airy vibe on the garments.
Designs: Caroline Jones. Embroidered with iridescent colors from METY 
Designs: Caroline Jones. Embroidered with POLY SPARKLE
We would like to have it feather-light, both the weight of the fabrics as well as their decoration. The subtle use of effect embroidery threads creates a minimalistic and unique “less is more”effect.
Cozy, soft and comfortable fabrics are an ideal theme for autumn and winter – in strong autumn colours, acented with dark blue shades.
It’s a very interesting trend to achieve brand and collection exclusivity through small-batch series, premium fabrics and fair local production. This goes along with custom decorations which are also experiencing a revival, crafted on historic, hand-operated machines. Sharing also the story of the time and craftsmanship behind each custom piece boosts the product appeal even further…
Flowers, embroidered with woolly (later brushed) FILAINE yarn. Design and execution: www.lovebuzz.cc 
Flowers, embroidered with COTTY 30 cotton thread on a historic Cornely machine. Design and execution: www.lovebuzz.cc
The use of Chenille / Moss embroidery is also becoming more and more attractive and popular, both for logo embroideries on sweaters and accessories as well as for floral designs, combined with classic embroidery. Gunold’s FILAINE 12 is excellent for this embroidery technique.
Chenille-Embroidery, realized by designers from London College of Fashion 
Chenille-Embroidery, realized by designers from London College of Fashion 
Chenille-Embroidery, realized by designers from London College of Fashion
Chenille-Embroidery, realized by designers from London College of Fashion
machine embroidered cross-stitch using Cotty 30 thread, created by www.stickbaer.de 
rose design realized with rhinestones by www.alles-strass.com 
historic hand embroidery created with thin cotton thread (vintage find)
Interesting appearance and functional at the same time: this embroidered QR code looks attractive and innovative and can avoid separate hangtags !
Special weaving effects are becoming very popular, using long floats and other weaving techniques. The woven flower design in the sample below was repeated with embroidered flowers and we used the top thead also in the bobbin, so the fabric looks attractive on both sides!
Embroidery: Jutta Erb, Modefachschule Sigmaringen, using neon coloured POLY by Gunold 
Embroidery: Jutta Erb, Modefachschule Sigmaringen, using neon coloured POLY by Gunold
Harmonious colors captivate through finely tuned combinations but are deliberately disrupted by irregular stitching and frayed fabrics. This helps to make them appear more interesting and striking.
Embroidery realized by students from London College of Fashion using Gunold threads 
Flowers, embroidered with SULKY 40 (100 % viscose) by Rahmig & Partner
Leather (in this case we used the wonderful “Olivenleder”) is getting even richer with some embroideries – either ton-sur-ton with few filling stitches or embroidered in contrast colours to add additional highlights.
Olivenleder, embroidered with Poly by Gunold. Realisation: Texoversum Hochschule Reutlingen 
Olivenleder, embroidered with Poly by Gunold. Realisation: Texoversum Hochschule Reutlingen 
Olivenleder, embroidered with Poly by Gunold. Realisation: Texoversum Hochschule Reutlingen 
Olivenleder, embroidered with Poly by Gunold. Realisation: Texoversum Hochschule Reutlingen
Rough, partially destroyed surfaces are held together with a few stitches, gaining an additional layer through the embroidery.
Barktex bark fabric, embroidered with COTTY 30 by Texoversum Hochschule Reutlingen 
Fabric by Studio Sarmite, embroidered with POLY 40 by Texoversum Hochschule Reutlingen 
Material manipulation on linen fabric with Gunold threads and reflective transfer dots by Regine IQ trim. Realisation: Reiner Knochel
Smart and functional – on a second glance: By using reflective effect thread, protective visibility can also be incorporated into a garment in a fashionable and attractive way.
Embroidery with Gunold’s new REFLECTIVE 30 thread on denim, realized by Jutta Erb, Modefachschule Sigmaringen 
Embroidery with Gunold’s new REFLECTIVE 30 thread on denim, realized by Jutta Erb, Modefachschule Sigmaringen
To conclude, an inspiring retro presentation of the the good old music cassette which is being rediscovered by many musicians:
We hope you can start the new season inspired and innovative and maybe we can even support or assist your creative processes ? Looking forward to this !
Companies and organizations mentioned in this trend report:
https://www.arts.ac.uk/ (University of the Arts London / London College of Fashion)