Ever wonder, “What is stumpwork embroidery?” It takes your hand embroidery to another dimension and makes it appear to jump right off of the fabric. Although it looks difficult, stumpwork builds on basic hand embroidery stitches to create gorgeous, 3-D projects with strikingly realistic results.
Learn stumpwork embroidery techniques at your own pace!
Start adding texture and dimension to your work with these HD video lessons you can watch anytime, anywhere.
What is stumpwork embroidery?
Also known as raised embroidery, stumpwork originated in mid-1600s England. Traditional stumpwork creations most often depict nature: flowers, insects and small animals.
Photo via Bluprint instructor Celeste Chalasani
The three-dimensional embroidery is achieved by layering stitching, adding beads, and stitching shapes around wires, then attaching everything to the fabric base.
Photo via Di van Niekerk
Artwork can be drawn by hand and pre-printed panels are also quite popular. In the photo above, fairy wings are stitched on fabric, then cut out and attached to the project. The addition of silk ribbon embroidery, and items such as hair and clothing, adds further interest.
Embroidery begins on the fabric surface then explodes into life-like portraits in thread.
Types of stumpwork
1. Padding
Photo via Di van Niekerk
Dimension is created by embroidering stitches in layers, adding raised stitching, and embroidering over a layer of padding, like wool felt.
Photo via Di van Niekerk
Almost like a hand-embroidered appliqué, stumpwork layers three-dimensional accents.
Photo via Di van Niekerk
This little bird gets embellished with wooly fibers, has a backing and more fiber stuffing added, and is perched on a nested branch. Wrapped stems and silk ribbon flowers complete the ensemble.
Want to learn more about silk ribbon embroidery? Mary Jo Hiney will show you how in the online class Embroidering With Ribbon.
2. Texture
Photo via Bluprint instructor Celeste Chalasani
Heavier wool and cotton threads add texture and help to create realistic shading.
Photo via Bluprint instructor Celeste Chalasani
Adding the Ghiordes knot, also known as Turkey work for the country of its origin, creates realistic bees. Wings, stitched in button hole with organza on wire,
3. Wired slips
Photo via Celeste Chalasani
Combine wire with sheer fabrics, like organza, to make delicate leaves, wings and flower petals.
Bluprint member Rosioquilter does a wonderful job with Stumpwork #1, her first attempt!
Learn stumpwork embroidery techniques at your own pace!
Start adding texture and dimension to your work with these HD video lessons you can watch anytime, anywhere.
