Cord Embroidery (Schnürli Embroidery)

In cord embroidery, yarns are laid onto the embroidery ground and fixed to the fabric with fine stitching threads. The applied yarn – called "Schnürli" (little cord) in Swiss German – sits raised on the surface, creating a distinctly sculptural, relief-like lace with a tangible texture.

Technique and effect

Cord embroidery is a variant of embroidery lace and has its roots in the eastern Swiss embroidery tradition around St. Gallen. The cord-like outlines lift the motifs clearly off the ground – an effect flat stitches alone cannot achieve, giving the lace a very precious appearance.

Where you will find it

Thanks to its elegant three-dimensional look, cord embroidery is used on high-quality day- and nightwear, for example on bra cups, on the yokes of vests or as decorative borders on nightdresses.

You will find more terms explained in our Underwear Glossary.