Photo embroidery is a form of embroidery that recreates photographic images using embroidery machines and specialized software.
With its intricate stitches and rich thread colors, it captures the textures, gradients, and even the light of a scene—often appearing photographic at first glance.
This technique is sometimes referred to as Photo Stitch in embroidery software such as those by Tajima and Brother.
However, I intentionally use the term “photo embroidery” to better reflect its artistic intent and the expressive potential of thread.
My Journey with Photo Embroidery
I started my career as a photo embroidery artist in 2018.
Initially, as the president of Seiken Co., Ltd., the sole distributor of Tajima embroidery machines in western Japan, I worked hard to promote the sale of Tajima embroidery machines while continuing to explore the possibilities of embroidery. This included photo embroidery.
However, when I first began my activities as a photo embroidery artist, I struggled with what I wanted to convey and express through this form of expression.
Through creating various works, I began to wonder, “Can I express light through embroidery techniques?”
This realization became the catalyst for defining photo embroidery as my form of expression.
Since then, under the theme of “expressing light through thread,” I have converted photographs into embroidery and presented them as artistic works.
This form of expression differs from commemorative portrait embroidery or commercialized photo embroidery,
as it places strong emphasis on artistic elements such as the composition of the work, the gradation of light and shadow, color selection, and the density of the embroidery.
Between Technology and Expression
Photo embroidery begins with converting a photograph into stitch data using software.
However, the automatically generated data alone is not enough to create an artwork.
I personally review and edit every stitch, reconstructing light, perspective, and atmosphere stitch by stitch.
Color layering, thread transitions, and visual depth are meticulously adjusted.
The result is an embroidered work that looks neither like the original photo nor a digital image.
It’s something unique to thread—a tactile expression that only embroidery can offer.
About My Work
My photo embroidery artworks have been exhibited in art events, featured in art yearbooks, and displayed in solo exhibitions.
Many viewers are surprised to learn that what they’re seeing is embroidery, not photography.
Each piece is created using a Tajima industrial embroidery machine and software such as DG16.
Because I also sell embroidery machines and support professionals in the field, I am able to pursue both the technical and artistic precision in every stitch.
I believe photo embroidery lies at the intersection of technology and art, and offers a form of expression still full of unexplored potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is photo embroidery the same as photo stitch?
A. Technically yes. But I use the term “photo embroidery” to emphasize its expressive and artistic nature.
Q. What kind of machine and thread do you use?
A. I use Tajima industrial embroidery machines and specialized software. Each work involves 63 or more colors of thread, carefully selected and edited.
Q. Can I purchase or see the artworks?
A. Please see my gallery for more information or contact me via the inquiry page.