Are you interested in a tattoo that looks different from all the rest? Let us introduce you to an emerging tattoo trend, the embroidery tattoo. These tattoos look as if they’ve been stitched on rather than inked. Most of these tattoos depict nostalgic characters from childhood but others imagine the beauty of the natural world. There’s no wrong way to go about these charming tattoos.

Hallmarks of embroidery tattoos include a subtle white or light grey frame that runs the shape of the “patch.” Other things you will find are “stray threads,” and a slight shadow effect that makes these tattoos look as if they’re raised off of the skin. Overall it’s a 3D look that trumps the eye into thinking it’s seeing actual texture. If you’d like to get inspired, take a look at these amazing embroidery tattoos!

As we mentioned, cute characters from pop culture are the name of the game when it comes to embroidery tattoos. This cute pal from Pokemon kicks off the list and is a perfect example of an embroidery tattoo.

Here, we find Lumiere and Cogsworth looking rather cute in stitch form. The artist has had some fun with the flame elements of this tattoo which makes it so playful and fun.

The person who shared this stunning image captioned it to let viewers know that it was inspired by Slovakian embroidery. The red ink looks so compelling in this embroidery tattoo.

Aside from nostalgic characters, flowers are the next, most popular option for embroidery tattoos. In this fine example, we find a most charming rose.

Feast your eyes on this handsome butterfly that is a little different from most of the patch tattoos on this list as it is not outlined in white and also does not have a shadow. Despite skipping those design features, it still looks fantastic.

Here’s a rock-n-roll tattoo that’s been inspired by The Rolling Stones. “Tattoo you” the banner across the design reads. It’s a very fresh design that has a point of view.

Here’s an adorable embroidery tattoo of Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants. Cartoon characters are wildly popular among these types of designs and this pink starfish is giving life.

Here’s a SpongeBob tattoo to pair with the previous one. Take a look at those “stray threads” that seem to organically spring from the design. They are one element that helps make these types of tattoos truly believable.

Here’s a more obscure design that we likely would not have guessed had the person who shared this image not captioned it “Hello Kitty’s Bow.” It’s a subtle nod to a beloved character that might appeal to those who want a more sophisticated design.

What a masterpiece! Here’s one of the largest embroidery tattoos on this list. While most are modest in size, this one goes big and it really pays off. The flowers look perfectly stitched and appear very tidy and well composed.

Here’s the first but not the last duck tattoo on this list. Take a look at all of those tiny lines used to bring the character to life. What a fabulous piece!

Pet tattoos are wildly popular today and we found this example of a cat and a dog that both look so smart. If you’d like a creative way to celebrate your furry friends, consider transforming their likeness into an embroidery tattoo.

We encountered a few embroidery tattoos that are sport-themed. Here’s one of the finest that finds the logo for the Liverpool Football Club.

Some tattoo artists are coupling the embroidery tattoos they do with more traditional styles for a cool juxtaposition. We find Snoopy “stitched” while his friends are done in a scaled-down black ink. It really makes Snoopy pop!

Here’s a cool old-school microphone that looks fantastic in embroidery form. Consider celebrating your passions with a tattoo that symbolizes them like this one.

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Here’s your favorite character from Finding Nemo. Any cartoon character is up for grabs with these types of tattoos and Nemo looks really cute done in this style.

Here’s the cute Yoshi tattoo that you did not know that you needed. The beloved video game character looks so smart here in a very tidy tattoo.

Wow! Here’s the Blue Demon of Lucha Libre fame that really makes a statement. The simple mask is instantly recognizable and looks fabulous as an embroidery tattoo.

Fan-favorite characters from The Lion King can be found in this warm tattoo. If you’re wanting a Disney tattoo, it’s clear that the embroidery effect is an ideal vehicle for them.

In this showstopping nature-inspired design we find a hummingbird tattooed in some truly fabulous colors. Expert shading help bring the design plenty of texture, making it appear 3D.

“Over the Rainbow,” this tattoo says below an embroidery tattoo that looks like an oval patch. Those famed ruby slippers look dreamy in this Wizard of Oz-inspired design.

As promised, here’s the second cartoon duck on the list. Donald looks as if he’s about to step right off of the arm he’s been tattooed on.

This embroidery tattoo doesn’t look like a tattoo at all. We find The Child AKA Baby Yoda here from The Mandalorian. Vibrant colors have been chosen to bring this cute character to life.

Here’s another one of the floral embroidery tattoos that will take your breath away. It’s framed by a black ink border that adds drama and helps make the effect look real.

Here’s a sweet tattoo that’s a subtle nod to the animated feature, Up. Only fans of the film will be able to guess the inspiration for this one which likely proves rewarding for this person.

Here’s another one of the embroidery tattoos that includes elements that don’t appear to be stitched. The Genie’s lamp and the smoke coming from it look rather 2D next to the “patch.”

Here’s an embroidery tattoo that looks as if it could be a Boy Scout or Girl Scout badge for foraging in the forest. Almost anything can be translated to this style so think outside of the box for some interesting subject matter.

Here’s a truly beautiful yet simple tattoo that finds a heart that looks like it’s been cross-stitched along with a needle. Less is often more and if you want a pared-down design, something similar could be perfect for you.

Flowers look exceptional in this style as you’ve likely seen thus far. If you are craving a floral tattoo, consider having it done in this effect as these designs really are winners.

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Here’s another embroidery tattoo that incorporates a cross-stitch pattern. The owl looks totally believable next to the graphic “stitching” done in green and red. This tattoo is proof that you can go big with this style and still walk away with a marvelous tattoo.

There you go! We hope you fell in love with one of these embroidery tattoos and will consider getting a special one. This fun trend shows no sign of slowing and we would love to see even more of them in the wild. Happy tattooing!