Stumpwork mistakes and fixes

Edges and coverage.

• Fabric shows at the edge: match fabric to thread and avoid light or bright colours.
• Bulky edges: use one strand of cotton.
• Cut a buttonhole stitch: try repairing it with pH neutral glue.
• Fuzzy edges: glue can tame them.
• Untidy edge: pull each buttonhole stitch the same way every time.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Jessica Long Embroidery: Stumpwork, an introduction to wired slips