Stumpwork Studio — Mastering 3-D Embroidery: Book Review & Giveaway
You might be wondering, “What else is there to learn?” ..or perhaps.. “Is this suitable for beginners?”
Well, your questions are about to be answered, because embroidery artist Megan Zaniewski is here to explore a variety of new techniques and often-unexpected materials, with a more creative approach to stumpwork than ever before.
Join me in discovering how to level-up your next project, and enter for a chance to win your own copy below!
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Stumpwork continues to captivate the embroidery world, filling our feeds with a plethora of dimensional stitches, wearable jewelry, and fully 3D sculptures, but it doesn’t just stop at needle and thread.. Oh no, it can be so much more.
Stumpwork Studio - Mastering 3-D Embroidery by Megan Zaniewski will take you on a nature-inspired adventure through a wide range of never-before-seen techniques and materials. With 15 new designs, not only does this book teach the basics of stumpwork, it broadens creativity by encouraging you to incorporate common household items into your wonderful world of thread. Whether you’re a stumpwork beginner or well-seasoned expert, you’re sure to discover something new and inspiring to help bring your embroidery sculptures to life!
A Bit of Backstory
To say I’ve been waiting for the release of this book is the understatement of a lifetime. If you’re a longtime follower you might remember the blog review I wrote a few years ago for Megan’s first book, Stumpwork Embroidery & Thread Painting. While I absolutely loved her first publication (which honestly I still highly recommend for any newbies that want to explore stumpwork), I cannot stress how excited I was to learn that her second book would focus on the more cultivated, unique aspects of 3D embroidery.
Admittedly, I fangirled pretty hard recently when she referred to me as a “master embroiderer” in an Instagram story. I’ve long considered Megan to be one of the best, most influential embroidery artists I’ve ever come across.. Spending hours studying her projects, trying to imagine how I could achieve similar three-dimensional looks for some of my own ideas. Now to think she’s created a second book with many of those same designs I once pondered over? ..it’s a dream come true.
On behalf of the embroidery community - Thank you, Megan. For continuing to be a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and for sharing your beautiful art with the world. I hope the release of this book is bigger and better than you ever imagined!
“My first attempts at embroidery were cautious at best. I tried a few small stitches on an old pillowcase, but I hesitated to attempt anything larger. I was hindered by a fear of making mistakes. This mindset stifled my joy and creativity until I learned an important lesson: while there are best practices in embroidery, there are no rules. When you allow yourself to freely explore stitches and techniques without the worry of always doing it the ‘right’ way, you will make creative discoveries and uncover your unique style.”
~Megan Zaniewski
Let’s Dive In!
We start things off with a quick introduction to stumpwork, thread painting, and discussion on some of the differences between this book and the first ..something I personally appreciated, as I wasn’t sure what to expect!
Megan talks about where she finds inspiration and how she got started with embroidery, revealing that she was actually a lot more cautious in the beginning. As someone who’s been embroidering and sharing my art for about four years now, I’m often told that I’m ‘brave’ for attempting difficult projects, and that many people are too afraid of failure to branch out with new techniques, but I think failure is one of the best ways you can improve.
Failure allows us second chances.. And, more often than not, your second attempt will be so much better than your first because it teaches you what doesn’t work. Highlighting lessons like this before you even see patterns or materials is what makes this book exceptional. It shows beginners and those hesitant to branch out that even the best embroidery artists had to push themselves past the fear of failure at one point- It encourages you to embrace your mistakes, and I truly love that!
“Embroidery can be more than just needle and thread, and your materials do not need to be embroidery-specific to be useful. Sometimes, even simple household materials or found objects will provide a solution for that texture or shape you are trying to recreate.”
~Megan Zaniewski
Materials
This chapter is split between general and stumpwork materials, and covers the basics for everything from transfer methods, fabric, and wire, to the more uncommon items such as fabric stiffeners and dyes. Each project goes into further detail about the materials you’ll need, but it’s wonderful to have a comprehensive list like this for reference, especially for beginners.
More importantly, not only does Megan list all the materials she personally uses, she actually recommends specific brands and goes into detail about why she uses them. This gives the reasoning behind each recommendation, and really allows you to make informed decisions about the supplies you’ll need before each project!
“Framing should never be an afterthought. Instead, think of frames as an extension of the artwork itself. In a stumpwork design, a well-suited frame can make the three-dimensional features stand out. Your subject will appear more life-like as it ‘breaks the frame.’ Selecting a frame before you begin embroidering also makes a big difference in creating a beautifully finished, cohesive design.”
~Megan Zaniewski
Displaying Embroidery
I am once again pleasantly surprised by how much care and thought Megan puts into the framing chapters of her books. As you may know, I’m a bit obsessed with finding the perfect frame for my own projects, and she does an amazing job of breaking down the selection and execution process! The directions are clear with step-by-step pictures for display in both frames and hoops, including tips for choosing size and color, but more importantly they explain how using paper models can help visualize how a finished piece will look in a frame. Paper models are something that I’ve been using to create stumpwork designs for years, and it can be crucial in determining the proper scale for a project before it begins.
Stitches and Basic Techniques
With a wide range of essential stitches and techniques, this is most definitely the meat and potatoes of the book for anyone that’s new to embroidery. Step-by-step pictures are once again provided alongside detailed instructions for mastering each stitch type, but my favorite part has got to be the deep dive on various transfer methods! There are so many different ways to transfer a design, and the best transfer method can often change depending on your choice of fabric. As a more seasoned embroidery artist, I usually gloss over this chapter in publications, but here I found myself learning a couple new techniques and products that I’ll certainly be using in the future!
“I selected some of the most versatile and accessible techniques that can elevate designs with both subtle and dramatic effects. The techniques covered in this section should inspire you to consider how thread and materials can be manipulated in creative ways to bring a subject to life in realistic detail.”
~Megan Zaniewski
Stumpwork Techniques
To no one’s surprise, this was easily my favorite chapter… there’s just so much to learn! It begins with a few different padding methods such as felt and string padding, but one of the more anticipated parts for me was Megan’s well-known needle-felted padding technique. It’s a great way to build up a three-dimensional base to embroider on top of, and her step-by-step instructions here lived up to every expectation I had, and then some! From various stumpwork techniques with wire wraps, slips, wrapped beads, bead slips, and branched wire, she really does cover it all..
However, the most unique and unexpected part is certainly the fabric techniques. Megan provides clear instructions on how to use padded applique and silk botanicals to incorporate striking three-dimensional textures and elements to a design. The level of creativity here is unsurpassed and truly something I’ve never seen covered in an embroidery book before - You don’t want to miss this chapter!
“When we lived along the Gulf coast, my family had a frequent visitor to our window each night: a small (and very loud) tree frog. This fascinating little creature brought us such immense joy with its vibrant coloring and exuberant croaking. I was inspired to stitch a two-sided replica where both sides of the design could be viewed.”
~Megan Zaniewski
Patterns and Projects
Now for perhaps one of the most widely anticipated parts of this book.. the projects!
With a full collection of 15 realistic nature-inspired designs, each project has something fun and unique about it. We start things off with the more simple Forest Mother of Pearl and Old World Swallowtail Butterflies. As usual, the instructions are exceptional and include everything from transferring the patterns and preparing wire slips, to embroidering and the assembly, making these butterflies classic pieces that are clearly designed with the beginner in mind.
From there, we move onto the more complex three-dimensional pieces, such as the Praying Mantis, Hedgehog in a Blueberry Wreath, and two-sided Tree Frog. The hyper-realistic beaded slip technique in the Blackberry Bramble honestly had me floored, but the most fascinating and mind-boggling of all was definitely the Skeletal Leaf in last project.. the Amanita Mushroom! I still remember the day it was posted, briefly taking the internet by storm with claims that the leaf couldn’t possibly be embroidered. ..well, let me be the first to say- it definitely is, and you’re going to need to some hot tools for this one.
With that said, whether you’re a stumpwork beginner or a cultivated enthusiast, this fauna and flora collection is sure to inspire and immerse you in a creative world unlike any you’ve embroidered before!
“I hope that with these ideas and techniques in hand, you will gain the confidence to stitch freely and approach the creative process with playful curiosity. I invite you to try something new, embrace your mistakes, and create something that is true to yourself. Happy stitching!”
~Megan Zaniewski
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read my second book review.. Once again, it’s truly been such an honor to be a part of this official launch and blog tour! You can find more of Megan’s work or order a copy of her book through the links below:
Support the Artist: https://www.instagram.com/megembroiders/
Purchase the Book: https://ctpub.com/products/stumpwork-studio-mastering-3-d-embroidery
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The Giveaway
Now is the time you’ve all been waiting for… the giveaway! To celebrate this amazing launch I’m going to be giving away not one, but TWO copies of Megan’s book for two lucky individuals to enjoy! One winner will receive a digital eBook and the other will receive a physical copy that’s available to ship anywhere in the world (..if you’re outside the USA, no problem- just add “international” to your comment below). ♡
To Enter:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeebamdotcom/
Leave a comment on this post below with your Instagram handle (I’d also love to hear what you’re most excited about in the book!)
That’s it! The giveaway starts on 4/6/2026 and will close at midnight (ET) on 4/8/2026. After submitting your comment you’ll be prompted to enter your name and email address - Please be sure to include your Instagram handle so I can confirm your entry (emails will be kept anonymous). Both winners will be contacted by email and DM on Instagram the next day on 4/9/2026. The winner of the physical copy will be asked to provide a shipping address at that time, while the winner of the eBook will be asked to confirm their name and email address to receive their digital eBook download from C&T Publishing. If a response isn’t received within 24 hours a new winner will be selected.
Please note: I will not ask for any form of payment or confidential information. Both winners will only be contacted from my direct email ( bc@zeebam.com ) and Instagram ( @zeebamdotcom )
☆ ⋆ ☆ Good Luck! ☆ ⋆ ☆
