A technique whereby a secondary material is neatly set into the first. For example, in woodwork, a pattern is carved out of the main wood at a shallow depth, then the wood to be inlaid is cut to this same exact depth and shape and carefully fitted and glued into place. With the best inlaid work, the joints between the woods are barely noticeable.
In interior textiles, inlaid work is usually done with leather, which is cut and worked in the same manner as wood. A deep felt or bark wood cloth could also accommodate this type of work. Such inlaid work can be two, three toned, or multi toned–each piece dyed to a different colour, and made as extravagant or quietly chic as you like.