As an introductory class to the technique of Stumpwork, it is best suited to those with a little basic experience of stitching in general but you do not need to have attempted any raised stitching before to join in. There is no need to wait for or purchase a kit to go alongside it, however you will need to gather a few very basic embroidery materials and pieces of equipment and you will be good to get started right away.

items needed:

• Item to work on

• Embroidery Thread: Stranded Cotton your choice of 3-5 colours

• Needle: Chenille No 22, or Embroidery/Crewel needle No. 5 needle with large eye

• Thread snips

• Drawing implement: soft pencil, heat removable pen, water erasable fabric marker

• Embroidery hoop: Slightly larger than the first window’s worth of area you want to embroider

• Base Fabric: Calico or similar medium tightly woven stable fabric for window mounting

• Pins (ideally with a large head)

• Regular Sewing thread

• Paper for drawing exercise

• Thimble (optional)

We think this technique is wonderful for adding some extra detail to items that could benefit from a little attention: think about hankies, ties, scarves or a napkin/ tablecloth or pillowcase set. Alternatively you could use it as a repair technique to cover over a damaged area of a garment like an ink stained shirt cuff, pocket on jeans or a tatty hem. The options are endless.