Final answer:
The threads that are sewn onto fabric for ornamentation are referred to as embroidery. It is distinct from quilting, which involves making a padded textile, and has been practiced traditionally for centuries, with a resurgence during the Industrial Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for threads sewn onto a fabric surface for ornamentation, which can be done by hand or machine, is embroidery. Embroidery is a decorative craft that involves stitching designs onto fabric using thread or yarn. It differs from quilting, which involves sewing fabric scraps together to create a design and sandwiching them with padding and a backing fabric.
The art of quilting has a long history, with evidence of its practice dating back to ancient Egypt and becoming more widespread in Europe during the 12th century with the Crusades. The Industrial Revolution saw the rise of the sewing machine, which transformed the textile industry, yet hand-stitched quilts and embroideries remain popular artisanal practices today, rich in cultural tradition and artistry.