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Stumpwork Wire

A good quality cake decorator’s wire, either covered or uncovered, is used to form the detached, wired and embroidered shapes characteristic of stumpwork. I find the following gauges most useful:

30 gauge paper-covered wire

This sturdy wire has a tightly-wrapped paper covering which is available in white and green. The white wire may be coloured with COPIC markers, available at art supply stores. It is a strong wire which maintains a shape well when bent. Use it for larger detached shapes, such as the peacock’s tail and larger petals and leaves.

33 gauge paper-covered wire

A fine wire with a tightly-wrapped paper covering which is available in white and green. The white wire may be coloured with COPIC markers, available at art supply stores. This wire is used for small detached shapes, such as flower petals, smaller leaves and tendrils.

33 gauge thread-covered wire

A very fine wire covered in tightly wrapped silk thread. It may be coloured with COPIC markers. It is used for very small shapes, such as ladybird wings and very small petals.

28 gauge uncovered wire

Uncovered wire (silver in colour) is used when a very fine edge is required, such as for bee and dragonfly wings and tendrils. Use a 28 gauge wire as the 30 gauge is a little too thin to retain its shape when stitched.

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