Free Tutorials

Stumpwork is a three dimensional embroidery technique utilizing padding and wire. This tutorial will focus on wired slips which are 3D elements created using wire, fabric and floss. You will need plenty of patience to tackle a stumpwork project but you only need to know a handful of stitches to create these dynamic additions to your hand embroidery art.  

For some incredible inspiration please go check out embroidery artist Pippa Haynes of Lemon Pepper Studio. Her work is inspiring me to keep playing and pushing this amazing technique to create more realistic and...

 

Video #1. Intro and Materials 

 

 

 

 

 

The easiest way to complete a hand embroidery project is to finish it in a wooden embroidery hoop. For this tutorial I demonstrate two simple ways to finish your work in a hoop but there are many other options and variations you can try. I leave the backs of my hoops open, but if you’d like you can attach fabric (sewn or glued) or even some pretty card stock (glued) to the backs of your hoops to hide your stitches.

 

Before starting either method be sure the design is centered...

Long and short stitch, also known as "thread-painting" or "needle-painting" is a challenging yet rewarding embroidery skill. Use this stitch to create color gradations and shading or highlighting to give your subjects a three dimensional look. Here are a few key ideas I have discovered through many hours of long and short stitching.

Let's start with a refresher of basic long and short stitch. 

Row 1 (A) is filled with alternating long and short stitches.  The remaining rows (B - D) are filled by piercing through the previous row, creating overlap.  Because the original row is...

UPDATE: Please find a video here showing a finishing method without glue. Write up to follow soon!

Please enjoy the video tutorial below or follow along with the photos and descriptions here. Do not transfer your design until you have hooped up your fabric!

To view this tutorial as a PDF please click here.

1. You will need 2 wooden hoops and some linen blend fabric. I have not been able to create a successful double hoop using cotton fabric - I can't get the assembly tight enough to remove all of the wrinkles. I believe that the...