Have you ever heard of plushwork embroidery? It is also called chenille work or Amish stumpwork.
I had never heard of this technique before until I randomly came across a tutorial for it online - so I decided to try it out and share it with you!
First, you should really check out this awesome tutorial. It includes step by step instructions with excellent photos and a handy pdf template to print the design!
I printed the template, traced and cut out a flower using a cover of a plastic container (specifically from a yogurt container!).
My first try was with Appleton wool on linen fabric.
The technique is very easy to learn - if you know satin stitch you can do this!
Done with the first layer.
I repeated two more layers of the same wool.
The next step is my favorite - cutting the layers!
After I cut all the layers I removed the plastic template.
Here is the finished plushwork flower!
See how fluffy! It reminds me of turkey work.
I think it could have used a couple more layers of wool to make it fluffier, especially in the center of the flower, but it was good practice.
Next, I chose a bigger size flower, cut the template out of cardboard instead of plastic - it worked just as well - and I used DMC tapestry wool.
Here it is with one layer of light blue and adding my second layer of dark blue.
Added another layer of dark blue - for a total of three wool layers.
Cut through the layers and remove the template...
Notice the difference with the DMC tapestry wool? It is a thicker wool than the Appleton wool.
I definitely like the end result with the thicker DMC wool. What do you think?
Have you ever heard of plushwork?
If you decide to give it a try, be sure to post your photos in the Feeling Stitchy Flickr Group or tag your photos on Instagram!
For more plushwork inspiration, check out this great Pinterest board.
