Stumpwork

Stumpwork is a form of miniature embroidery originating in fourteenth century Europe. It later became very popular with the Victorians. The technique produces three dimensional shapes in embroidery. Fabric can be cut out and padded with wire added to the edges to give shape, then embroidered and beaded if desired. These Shapes then can be built up into structures with a three dimensional quality. In Victorian times the themes were very much flowers, insects and small creatures. Wire was embroidered onto the edge of the handmade leaves which could then be bent and shaped into the desired design. The centres of the flowers where also built up in stump work, maybe with just embroidery and bead work added giving an unusual and striking three dimensional quality. The Victorians worked insects into their designs, usually bees, butterflies and dragonflies. Also small creatures would work their way into the design, mice and frogs were common. Stumpwork embroidery is worked using an embroidery hoop. A time consuming craft and a labour intensive technique, but one I am interested in trying developed into a contemporary design. ( Di van Niekerk 2006 p11)