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Prepositions after verbs

Embroider on or embroider with?

Embroider usually takes with for the material or tool and on for the surface or fabric.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with embroider?

Use embroider with to mention thread, beads, or another material. Use embroider on to mention the surface or fabric where the design appears.

She embroidered the dress with silver thread
They embroidered flowers on the cushion cover
The artisan embroidered the jacket with beads

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
embroider with + material

Showing the material or tool

With introduces the thread, yarn, beads, or other material used in embroidery.

She embroidered the scarf with red silk
The costume was embroidered with sequins
2
embroider on + surface

Showing the fabric or surface

On introduces the cloth or surface that receives the embroidery.

They embroidered a dragon on the banner
Her initials were embroidered on the towel
3
embroider + object

Naming the item directly

The verb can take a direct object without a preposition.

embroider a tablecloth
embroider floral patterns

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
embroider with
The artist embroidered the cape with gold thread.
Uses with for the material or decorative element.
embroider on
They embroidered the logo on the sleeve.
Uses on for the surface or location of the embroidery.
embroider onto
She embroidered the design onto the fabric.
Onto emphasizes placement onto a surface and is also idiomatic.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using with for the surface

With usually introduces the material, not the fabric receiving the design.

✕ They embroidered flowers with the cushion. ✓ They embroidered flowers on the cushion.

Using on for the material

On normally refers to the surface, not the thread or decoration.

✕ The robe was embroidered on gold thread. ✓ The robe was embroidered with gold thread.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She embroidered the veil ___ pearls.
2. Their names were embroidered ___ the blankets.
3. The tailor embroidered the cuffs ___ silver silk.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say embroider on fabric?

Yes. On is natural when you mention the fabric or surface, such as embroider on linen.

Can embroider be used without a preposition?

Yes. You can say embroider a dress or embroider a pattern.

Is embroider with always about materials?

Usually yes. With commonly introduces thread, beads, silk, or another embroidery medium.

earmark-for-by-as-about, at "earn from", "earn by" or "earn in"? "ease into", "ease by" or "ease in"? "eat at", "eat with" or "eat in"? "echo in" or "echo by"? edit by, for, in, to or from? "educate in" or "educate at"? eject from, at, in, into or by? elaborate on, in, upon, by or about? "elect to" or "elect by"? elevate to, in, above, by or as? "eliminate from", "eliminate in" or "eliminate by"?

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