Beginner’s Guide to Stumpwork

Kay Dennis is passionate about Stumpwork. This intricate, raised and padded embroidery has its origins in the 17th century, and is enjoying a revival amongst embroiderers and lacemakers. It is wonderfully versatile and will appeal both to the novice and needleworker. Using a mix of flat, padded, wired and free-standing elements, it employs a wide range of embroidery techniques. This comprehensive and colourful book covers both basic and needle lace techniques - sections on each contain a series of elaborate step-by-step demonstrations showing how to work individual techniques, followed by a project combining all the methods. Kay takes inspiration from a variety of sources and her designs include animals, flowers, fruits and insects - popular motifs in the 17th century. She also creates contemporary designs and there are advanced projects on landscape and figurative work. A gallery of Kay’s work is included to inspire the reader.