How to Embroider: String Padding Stitch - Video and Step by Step Tutorial for 3D Stumpwork

String Padding Stitch

String padding is a stumpwork technique that allows you to build dimension into your stitching. With the strings you can adjust the height and width of the padding. Use this DIY video and step-by-step tutorial to learn how to embroider the string padding stitch.

What you'll need to create the string padding stitch:

• cotton fabric

• embroidery hoop

• embroidery thread

• embroidery needle

• embroidery scissors

String Padding Stitch Video

String Padding Stitch Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Start by laying the string that will be used as padding on the fabric to ensure it will fill the shape.

2. Next, use a second thread to tac the string down in the middle of the shape.

3. Then move the strings on one side away and make a short seed stitch to lock the tacking stitching in place.

4. Next, start tacking down and tapering the strings on one side of the shape. To do this, hold the strings off the side. Pull out some of the strings from the underside of the bunch and cut them away. Then use the thread to tac down the strings along the shape.

5. Now repeat. Pull the strings off the the side, cut away more strings from the underside and tac the strings down.

6. Repeat this process until the shape is filled and there are only one or two strings left at the end of the shape.

7. To finish off this side of the shape, cut the last few strings and make a short tacking stitch over the top of them. Then make perpendicular stitch that blends into the tapered end of the strings.

8. Now repeat on the other side of the shape.

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Looking for more helpful embroidery tips, supplies, and hands-on workshops?

Workshops

Join Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ for a hands-on workshop! Melissa makes hand embroidery easy with a wide variety of embroidery classes. Classes are beginner-friendly to advanced and will walk you through a wide variety of stitches, techniques, and designs.

Find all upcoming workshops at: https://www.mcreativej.com/upcoming-seattle-events

Embroidery Books

Want a great hand embroidery reference? Try one of Melissa's hand embroidery books! Each book is great for beginners and breaks down materials, stitches, techniques, and projects for you.

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