The Secret to Making Your Embroidery Stand Out: Sequins, Appliques, and Lace

By Admin • Jan 22, 2026

The Secret to Making Your Embroidery Stand Out: Sequins, Appliques, and Lace

Introduction

Hey, ever struggled with making your embroidery stand out? You know, when you create something unique but it just doesn't pop the way you'd hoped? It’s frustrating, right? Whether you're selling on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon or working on custom orders for clients, a lack of visual impact can seriously hurt your sales. Flat, basic designs don’t grab attention the way that sparkly, textured, or intricate ones do. If your embroidery is missing that "wow" factor, it's easy for customers to overlook your work in favor of more visually appealing options.

But what if you could easily elevate your embroidery to a whole new level? By adding sequins, appliques, or lace borders to your designs, you can instantly boost their attractiveness and appeal. Keep reading to find out how these simple additions can help you create stunning pieces that capture attention and drive sales.


The Problem

We’ve all been there. You spend hours on a piece of embroidery, putting all your effort into making it perfect. But when you put it online, you notice something troubling – your designs just aren't getting the attention they deserve. They look beautiful, but they don’t seem to stand out compared to the hundreds of other listings. Whether you're selling custom shirts, wedding dresses, or accessories, you're up against fierce competition. And let’s face it, in a crowded marketplace, you need more than just a great design to get noticed.

This problem becomes especially apparent when you check out other listings that have a little extra sparkle or texture. How do their pieces seem to grab attention so much faster? Sequins, rhinestone appliques, and lace borders are more than just decoration – they help create depth, dimension, and shine that plain embroidery simply can’t match.

If your designs are looking flat or bland, you might be missing out on a huge opportunity. It’s no surprise that buyers are drawn to shiny, textured, and intricate designs. According to a study by eBay, listings with visually enhanced designs, like those using rhinestones or sequins, get up to 40% more clicks than flat ones. The problem is clear: without the added elements like sequins or lace, your embroidery might not be standing out enough in search results.


Agitating the Issue

Here's the thing: When you’re working in a space as competitive as online sales, small details can make a huge difference. Take a look at this real-world example: One seller on Etsy who used sequins and rhinestone appliques in their designs saw a 40% increase in clicks compared to their previous listings that were more plain. Sounds like a huge difference, right? And it is. Customers want to be drawn in by something eye-catching.

On the flip side, there are sellers who stick to simple, flat embroidery and wonder why their listings don’t convert. The harsh truth is, those designs often get lost in the sea of similar products. Custom embroidery items without embellishments tend to blend in, no matter how unique the base design might be. Even a great piece of embroidery can look underwhelming when compared to designs that have added layers of texture and visual interest.

And it’s not just about online clicks. Custom orders can also suffer. Clients looking for wedding dresses, jackets, or accessories often want something that feels special. They’re not going to settle for plain when they can have something with more texture, sparkle, and intricate detailing. This is where sequins, appliques, and lace borders come into play. These elements not only make your designs pop, but they also help elevate the perceived value of your products, making them more desirable for customers willing to pay extra for that special touch.


The Solution

So, how do you solve the problem of lackluster designs? The answer is simple: sequins, rhinestone appliques, and lace borders. These elements bring a unique dimension to your embroidery projects, making them more appealing and increasing their chances of catching a customer’s eye. Here's a breakdown of how each of these can transform your designs:

  1. Sequins – Sequins are small, shiny discs that can be sewn onto fabric to create a dazzling effect. Adding sequins to your designs can increase their sparkle factor by up to 300% under light, according to textile tests. Sequins are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so they can be easily incorporated into any design. Whether you want a subtle shimmer or a bold sparkle, sequins can do the job. They’re perfect for everything from bridal gowns to casual t-shirts. And don’t worry about durability – sequins are heat-resistant and machine-washable, so your designs will last.

  2. Rhinestone Appliques – These are appliqués adorned with rhinestones or similar gems. They’re a great way to add glamour to your embroidery without adding bulk. Rhinestone appliques are available in various patterns and sizes, and their sparkle can make your designs stand out in any lighting. When applied correctly, they’re highly durable and can be used on both machine and hand-embroidered pieces. Sellers who’ve added rhinestone appliques to their designs report an uptick in sales, especially in categories like bridal wear, evening gowns, and formal wear.

  3. Lace Borders – Lace has always been associated with elegance and sophistication. Adding a lace border to an embroidered piece can completely transform its appearance, turning a simple design into something more intricate and high-end. Lace borders are especially popular in wedding dresses, formal attire, and vintage-inspired designs. They’re available in a range of materials, from delicate cotton lace to ornate, beaded lace trims. Not only do lace borders add visual interest, but they can also soften the overall look of your embroidery, making it feel more feminine and refined.

Why these additions work: All of these embellishments help add texture, dimension, and shine to an otherwise flat design. They draw the eye and create a sense of luxury. And in the competitive world of online selling, that extra touch can be the key to standing out in a crowded marketplace.


Real-World Examples

  1. Baariya.com Wedding Dresses – One Baariya.com client saw a 25% boost in wedding dress sales after adding rhinestone appliques to their designs. The added sparkle gave the dresses a more glamorous, high-end look, leading to higher demand.

  2. Custom T-shirts on Etsy – A seller who specializes in custom t-shirts added sequins to their designs and reported a 30% increase in orders. The sequins gave their shirts an eye-catching quality that set them apart from other listings.

  3. Vintage Jackets on eBay – A seller adding lace borders to vintage jackets experienced a 40% increase in sales after the added texture made their products feel more unique and luxurious. Customers were more likely to click on these listings because of the intricate details.


Features Breakdown

  • Sequins: Available in a variety of colors and sizes, heat-resistant, machine washable.

  • Rhinestone Appliques: Sparkling gems, durable, versatile for many fabric types.

  • Lace Borders: Soft and intricate, available in cotton, polyester, or beaded styles, easy to sew or glue on.


FAQs

  1. How do I attach sequin appliques?
    You can sew them on by hand or with a sewing machine. Use a fine needle to avoid damaging the sequins.

  2. Are rhinestone appliques machine washable?
    Yes, rhinestone appliques are durable and can withstand gentle machine washing.

  3. Can I use lace borders on stretchy fabrics?
    Yes, lace borders can be sewn onto stretchy fabrics, but it’s important to ensure they don’t distort the fabric.

  4. What’s the best way to attach lace borders?
    Lace borders can be sewn directly onto fabric using a straight or zig-zag stitch.

  5. Do sequins work on all types of embroidery?
    Yes, sequins can be used with both machine and hand embroidery to add sparkle to any design.


Conclusion

Adding sequins, rhinestone appliques, and lace borders to your embroidery designs can make a world of difference. These elements bring texture, shine, and intricate detail that can set your pieces apart from the competition. Ready to elevate your embroidery? Grab yours from baariya.com today


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