Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn.  Embroidery is an umbrella term that refers to all needlework hobbies, including cross stitch and needlepoint!

Needlework — also called Stitchery — is decorative sewing and textile arts handicrafts.  Crafted needlework products include fabric wreaths, flowers, etc. 

Appliqué is ornamental needlework in which pieces or patches of fabric in different shapes and patterns are sewn or stuck onto a larger piece to form a picture or pattern. It is commonly used as decoration, especially on garments. The technique is accomplished either by hand stitching or machine.  

Cross stitch can be performed on a variety of fabrics. Cross stitching requires closely woven fabric that is soft and pliable, like clothing fabric.

         In contrast, Needlepoint canvases are stiff and usually have larger holes (in order to accommodate a wider variety of threads).

Candlewicking, or Candlewick is a form of whitework embroidery that traditionally uses an unbleached cotton thread on a piece of unbleached muslin.  

Tambour beading is a technique that developed in Europe in the late eighteenth century. A small hook (tambour hook) is used to attach the beads to the ground cloth, rather than a needle. The word tambour is French for 'drum' and is named after the drum-shaped tensioning frame that was originally used.