Who would have thought embroidery and tattoos could be such a match made in heaven? Talented tattoo artist Eduardo Lozano did, and he was one of the first artists who pursued this unique style.
He uses his techniques to create stunning designs that mimic the look of hand-stitched embroidery. His art ranges from cute to impressive, and you should definitely check it out.
Lozano’s embroidery tattoos are famous for their realism. Every little detail is paid attention to, down to the tiniest lines and textures that make the tattoos look like real, tangible threads.
The “broken” threads are Lozano’s trademark, which adds to the 3D effects and makes his works appear much more realistic.
So here are 30 of Lozano’s latest works. Check out these pieces of art and admire them with us! If you want to see other amazing tattoo ideas from Lozano, support him and show him your love by following his Instagram account here.
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Unpacking the Genius of Eduardo Lozano’s Embroidery Patch Tattoos
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary tattooing, innovation is the ultimate currency.
Few artists have managed to disrupt and redefine an entire style as profoundly as Eduardo “Duda” Lozano.
The Brazilian artist, known universally as Duda Lozano, has become a global sensation and a true pioneer for his hyper-realistic Embroidery Patch Tattoos.
These are not merely tattoos or patches; they are intricate, mind-bending trompe-l’oeil designs that make the artwork appear as though it has been stitched, with vibrant threads and frayed edges, directly onto the wearer’s skin.
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Duda Lozano’s work transcends the traditional boundaries of tattooing, merging the tactile craft of needlework with the two-dimensional art of ink on skin.
The core of his genius lies in his masterful command of realism, light, and shadow, transforming what could be a simple, flat design into a startlingly three-dimensional illusion.
He has single-handedly carved out a niche that is both visually arresting and deeply nostalgic, cementing his place as one of the most inventive artists working in the industry today.
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The “Patch Tattoo” Style
The genesis of Duda Lozano’s signature style is a perfect example of a seasoned artist seeking a unique voice by looking to his own history.
A Background in Textile Art
Lozano began his career in tattooing around 2002, but his artistic foundation was built in other mediums, notably airbrushing and design.
Crucially, he had prior professional experience working on embroidered caps and shirts logos.
This intimate, practical knowledge of how thread, stitching, and fabric interact with light proved to be the missing link.
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In his quest to create a truly distinct style, Lozano conceived of blending the hyper-realism he was passionate about with the tactile textures of embroidery.
In 2019, he executed his first “patch tattoo” and the immediate, viral reaction confirmed he had stumbled upon something revolutionary.
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The Illusion of Three Dimensions
The power of the patch tattoo is its successful execution of trompe-l’oeil (trick of the eye). Lozano’s technique focuses on three crucial elements that create the illusion of a sewn patch sitting on top of the skin:
- The Satin Stitch: He uses fine lines and color gradients to meticulously replicate the dense, directional thread work of a satin stitch. The texture is so precise that the tattoo looks like thousands of tiny, woven strands.
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- The Frayed Edge: His signature detail is the addition of loose, frayed threads hanging off the patch’s border and the binding stitch that prevents further unraveling. This intentional “imperfection” is a stroke of genius, immediately lending authenticity and a physical, tactile quality to the design.
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- Light and Shadow: This is the most crucial element. Lozano uses his deep understanding of realism to place precise shadows beneath the patch and highlights on the “threads.” The shadow lifts the patch from the skin, while the highlights give the threads a shiny, raised, convex appearance.
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Pop Culture and Nostalgia
While the technique is high art, the subjects Duda Lozano chooses are often deeply nostalgic and playful, which is a key component of the style’s widespread appeal.
The Pop Culture Canvas
Lozano often focuses on characters from the 1980s and 1990s, tapping into a rich vein of shared pop culture nostalgia. Clients flock to him for patch tattoos of:
- Classic Cartoon Characters: Garfield, The Aristocats’ Marie, The Simpsons.
- Video Game Icons: Super Mario characters, Pokémon.
- Film and Comic References: Star Wars, Calvin and Hobbes.
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By rendering these beloved, often simple, characters in such a complex and hyper-realistic medium, Lozano creates an appealing contrast that is both deeply personal and universally recognizable.
It transforms a client’s favorite childhood image into an intricate piece of high-art body modification.
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Color and Contrast
The patch style relies heavily on vibrant, saturated color. Lozano uses a bold, bright palette to mimic the look of new, brightly dyed embroidery thread.
The clean, dense colors stand in stark contrast to the skin tone, which further enhances the 3D sticker effect that makes his work so instantly recognizable.
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