Stumpwork: Raised Embroidery Essentials
Celeste Chalasani
Class Preview
1:51
- In-depth Instruction; over 113 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction to Stumpwork
16:46
Meet Celeste Chalasani and learn about the history of raised embroidery, then choose backing and background fabrics for the class project. You'll transfer the design from the included template and learn how to prepare your hoop or frame. Choose your threads and you're ready to go!
Dimensional Stitches
15:31
Stumpwork requires careful planning of stitching order, from flat background needlework to dimensional and padded stitches to the wired slips that add a dramatic pop. Celeste guides you through the whipped reverse chain stitch for flower stems and the fun and fuzzy Turkey work for a bumblebee body.
Padding With Stitches
11:01
Begin creating dimensional padding by filling in a poppy leaf outline with running stitches, then covering them with a dense satin stitch. For thicker stems such as on sunflowers, Celeste shows how to lay down straight stitches, cross them with bars, then embroider with stem stitches.
Padding With Felt
15:49
Add even more dimension to your work by stitching over felt. Celeste explains the pros and cons of felt varieties, then shows how to create flower centers and pods, sharing a handy trick for transferring template shapes. Learn stitches such as the ribbed spiderweb and detached chain stitch to cover.
Wired Slips
20:45
Use wire to create embroidered elements that can rise off the fabric, such as flower petals. Learn about the best wire to use and how to couch it to fabric with buttonhole stitches. Fill the shape with long and short stitches and satin stitches to create subtle shading.
Transparent Wired Slips
11:28
With Celeste's guidance, embroider on sheer or shimmery backgrounds for ethereal elements such as insect wings. These embroidered pieces look as good from the back as from the front, so the same techniques are perfect for tightly curled petals on flowers such as calla lilies.
Cutting & Applying Wired Slips
20:42
Once you've embroidered the flower petals and bee's wings, it's time to cut them out and attach them to your project. Celeste shows you how to secure these elements, then gives final pointers on finishing up your motifs with a few final stitches and completing your project.
Bring your designs to life with modern stumpwork embroidery techniques. Let expert needlework instructor Celeste Chalasani be your guide as you learn how to add texture and dimensionality to your work. Begin by setting up your nature-inspired class project, preparing your hoop, planning the stitching order and creating outlines. Then, start adding dimension to a flower and bee design with whipped reverse chain stitch and Turkey work. To achieve a raised effect, you’ll build layers of stitching and felt padding underneath your embroidery. Next, incorporate wire slips — three-dimensional elements such as petals and wings. You’ll learn how to fill the slips in with stitching and apply them to your design. Plus, make your work shine from all angles with Celeste’s methods for stitching on sheer fabric. Then, complete your lovely project with classic finishing touches.
Celeste Chalasani
Celeste Chalasani is a designer and needlework instructor specializing in stumpwork embroidery. As an Embroidery Guild of America teacher, she often leads workshops at chapter and national events around the United States. She was the March 2015 featured Designer Across America in Needle Arts magazine and is also a member of the National Embroidery Teachers Association (NETA).
Bonus materials available after purchase