Single-sided embroidery
Also known as Su single-sided embroidery, or smooth-on-one-side embroidery.
Introduction: Single-sided embroidery is stitched on a fabric, to create images like flowers, plants, figures, animals, and portraits on one side, with the other side mounted on a Chinese- or western-styled frame. It is usually hanged on the wall for appreciation by people. Single-sided embroidery is characterized by its fine workmanship. Due to its moderate price and high performance-price ratio, it is more popular than double-sided embroidery among the general public, occupying a higher market share. 
“Soft mounting” is one of single-sided embroidery mounting techniques. Without any frame, glazing and flats, soft-mounted single-sided embroidery is still stylish and easier to carry. 

Double-sided embroidery
Also known as Su double-sided embroidery or smooth-on-both-side embroidery.
Categories: Common double-sided embroidery, double-sided embroidery with varied colors, double-sided embroidery with three different elements.
Introduction: Double-sided embroidery is stitched on a fabric, to create images on both sides during the same embroidering process, which have the same outlines and which are equally exquisite. Double-sided embroidery is a bright pearl in Chinese Su embroidery art, and it is a manifestation of the craftsmanship of Su embroidery. It has now evolved into “San Yi Xiu”, the embroidery with three different elements (different colors on both sides, different patterns, and different stitching skills). This is a marvelous progress in embroidering techniques. Double-sided embroidery with varied colors and double-sided embroidery with three different elements require higher workmanship. Apart from the general skills required by double-sided embroidery, some other skills may be also employed so that the colors on both sides are distinct and the ends and joints of stitches are not visible. There was a handicraftsman in Wu County, Suzhou, who was good at three-dimensional embroidery with different colors on both sides, and whose masterpiece is Yun Long Teng Fei (Flying Dragons in the Clouds), embroidered with golden threads containing gold, silver threads containing silver and colored silk threads. On one side is a golden dragon, while on the opposite side is a silver dragon. There are also rosy clouds, shining stars and glaring jewelry on it. It is an embroidery handicraft, but resembling a carving craft. Everyone may marvel at the magnificent double-sided embroidery technique.