Venue: Central Scotland School of Craft, Dunblane
A full day of intricate stitching in this immersive Wire Edged Stumpwork Embroidery. In line with our aim to support the continuation of heritage craft skills, this workshop explores the traditional craft of wire-edged stumpwork embroidery, an age-old technique that creates three-dimensional embroidered forms. Stumpwork has its roots in historic embroidery practices and is used to build raised, sculptural elements that add depth, structure and movement to textile work. The class focuses on building confidence with a slow, detailed method of stitching that combines structure and fine handwork. Wire-edged stumpwork is especially effective for florals, leaves and insects, where raised forms help bring natural subjects to life. The wire allows elements to be shaped and lifted from the fabric, creating a flexible, dimensional effect.
Techniques covered include working with wire and closed buttonhole stitch, satin stitch, long and short stitch, French knots, and the processes of plunging and assembly. These elements come together to build structured 3D embroidered forms.
By the end of the workshop you will understand the method well enough to continue developing and completing your own design at home. As stumpwork is a slow stitch process, you should expect to complete a few petals or leaves, with faster stitchers likely completing a small flower.