Though the themes may not have changed, embroidery designs and patterns have changed with time, region and style and of course religious beliefs. Indian embroidery designs are based on four broad themes namely nature, its flora and fauna, religion and life of people. Impact of foreign cultures and art form has left a visible effect on the styles.

Patterns in phulkari and chikan are generally floras, twines and vines. Different stitches give the uniqueness and the effect the. Phulkari has bright colored floral designs densely filled. Chikankari is predominantly white embroidery with shadow and jali work.

The kantha is more of a self expression depicting life of people and religious beliefs. Kasuti is representation of religion with gopurams, triangles and supporting motifs. Kashmiri embroidery is pure depiction of nature. As per the muslim belief, human and animal figures should not be used so the forms influenced by Persian or the Turkish styles or the samples obtained of the Mughal era have more floral or geometric patterns.