needleworking

Refers to any process or technique done with a needle and thread, such as sewing, stitching, smocking, quilting, and embroidery. In common usage, the term is sometimes used to refer to decorative work rather than plain sewing; however, to distinguish more decorative work from plain sewing, it is less ambiguous to use "fancy needlework" or a specific needlework technique, such as "embroidery."