Stumpwork Muslin Question

[Margo Brooks]

I'm about to begin my first stumpwork project, but all the books are written in British and Australian English. They call for "good quality quilters muslin" for a ground fabric.  Here in the US muslin is usally either really poor quality or like sheeting. One shreds and the other is tough to penetrate with a needle. What do people use? Can I use cotten from JoAnn Fabrics or another discount fabric chain, or should I go to a quilting store?

[Margaret]

Just been checking one of my stumpwork books (Beginners guild to stumpwork) by Kay Dennis and she uses light and medium weight calico. Think it is known as muslin in USA, muslin in UK is much finer and more loosly woven.

Best of luck with your project, I have done a little stumpwork very  little needleweaving more the long and short stitch etc.

If you look under members Lorna Bateman is a wonderful stumpworker, she I am sure will be able to advise you.

[Margo Brooks]

 

[Margo Brooks]

 

[Margo Brooks]

Thanks! The terminology differences sometimes leave me scratching my head. I'm not sure if we are talking Macintosh and Empire, or apples and oranges.
 
Margaret said:

Just been checking one of my stumpwork books (Beginners guild to stumpwork) by Kay Dennis and she uses light and medium weight calico. Think it is known as muslin in USA, muslin in UK is much finer and more loosly woven.

Best of luck with your project, I have done a little stumpwork very  little needleweaving more the long and short stitch etc.

If you look under members Lorna Bateman is a wonderful stumpworker, she I am sure will be able to advise you.

[Elmsley Rose]

Hey :-)

Since you are starting Stumpwork, maybe you'd like to join us in the Stumpwork group? The people there are lovely and very helpful. We had a big discussion on muslin (calico in the US), including confusion about the two words, awhile back. You'll be able to find it in there somewhere...main part of the forum rather than a separate thread.

And Margaret's answer is correct, btw. The calico/muslin is there to provide support for the weight of your work. You don't have to go to the expense of "Quilter's Calico". I've always used the 'standard' light or medium weight calico. It's like cotton sheeting yes. Don't get caught out that 'muslin' is an see-thought fabric in some countries - obviously that doesn't support the weight of your work!

[Margo Brooks]

Fantastic!

Elmsley Rose said:

Hey :-)

Since you are starting Stumpwork, maybe you'd like to join us in the Stumpwork group? The people there are lovely and very helpful. We had a big discussion on muslin (calico in the US), including confusion about the two words, awhile back. You'll be able to find it in there somewhere...main part of the forum rather than a separate thread.

And Margaret's answer is correct, btw. The calico/muslin is there to provide support for the weight of your work. You don't have to go to the expense of "Quilter's Calico". I've always used the 'standard' light or medium weight calico. It's like cotton sheeting yes. Don't get caught out that 'muslin' is an see-thought fabric in some countries - obviously that doesn't support the weight of your work!

[Elaine Wilding]

There is a tutorial  on stump work right here on stitchin fingers I looked at it  because I am interested in trying stump work myself it was very helpful there are pictures. I enjoyed it very much. 

[Grace Lister]

Margo.  I have worked numerous Stumpwork pieces and almost always use calico (muslin in the USA).  Here in the UK we have various weights of calico so I use a medium weight but I have also used a fairly solid cotton.  The point to remember is that the background fabric is going to bear a certain amount of weight by the time you have stitched and padded the various pieces.  However, if you are only working a small flower for instance you can get away with a lighter background.  I swear by Barbara and Roy Hirst's two Stumpwork books but of course there are others dealing with all sorts of projects.  Most books should give you some idea of the type of fabric needed.  The main thing is to enjoy what you are working so I wish you all the best with your first attempt.   

[Elmsley Rose]

Margo - Grace is a Very Great Embroiderer. :-)

[Margo Brooks]

Thank you!! I just got Kate Stinton's book from the RSN & that is helpful too I appreciate you taking the time to answer!
 
Grace Lister said:

Margo.  I have worked numerous Stumpwork pieces and almost always use calico (muslin in the USA).  Here in the UK we have various weights of calico so I use a medium weight but I have also used a fairly solid cotton.  The point to remember is that the background fabric is going to bear a certain amount of weight by the time you have stitched and padded the various pieces.  However, if you are only working a small flower for instance you can get away with a lighter background.  I swear by Barbara and Roy Hirst's two Stumpwork books but of course there are others dealing with all sorts of projects.  Most books should give you some idea of the type of fabric needed.  The main thing is to enjoy what you are working so I wish you all the best with your first attempt.   

[Margo Brooks]

I can't wait to view it! Cool!

Elaine Wilding said:

There is a tutorial  on stump work right here on stitchin fingers I looked at it  because I am interested in trying stump work myself it was very helpful there are pictures. I enjoyed it very much.