Stumpwork

Stumpwork, or raised work as it was historically known in the 17th Century, is a form of three-dimensional embroidery.

The raised quality of the embroidery is achieved by many techniques, more notably detached buttonhole stitch. This stitch or technique is worked producing a 'slip' which is then applied over padding to give relief to the embroidery. Traditionally biblical and mythological scenes of human figures, animals, birds and beasts were embroidered on to caskets, mirror frames and framed wall pictures. The designs were decorated and ornamented with flowers, fruit, and foliage using many embroidery techniques.