Redwork: Do you need to use a hoop?
#1
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Redwork: Do you need to use a hoop?
I am working on one of Crabapple Hill's redwork designs, Winter Wonderland to be specific, only I am doing it in blue. I started out using a hoop to do the thread work using the stabbing method. This seems to be slow and tedious. So, I tried doing some without the hoop and was able to do a ... er, ummm, ... don't know what to call it .... maybe a running stitch where I keep the needle on the top of the piece all the time. This was quicker for me and seemed easier too. So I am wondering if this method will come back to haunt me in the end? Will my fabric end up being pulled in places and not lie flat? Any redworkers out there who can give me a bit of insight as to whether this will work out for me or do I need to go back to the hoop? Thanks for any info. KLO (not JLO!!!)
#3
I also use a hoop when doing any type of embroidery work. Like LivelyLady I use a stem stitch so you almost have to use the hoop. I'd say whatever works for you and you feel comfortable with then go for it. Stitch some and check to make sure it's not puckering the fabric.
#4
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Location: Massachusetts, USA
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Here is a good Youtube tutorial on embroidery:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TebgW...3&feature=plcp
She shows both methods....stab method and sewing method. At about 1:40 minutes into the video she shows how to do it with the sewing method and she has her work in a hoop. All of her embroidery tutorials are really well made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TebgW...3&feature=plcp
She shows both methods....stab method and sewing method. At about 1:40 minutes into the video she shows how to do it with the sewing method and she has her work in a hoop. All of her embroidery tutorials are really well made.
#5
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 5,052
I do red work and I love Crazy Quilting, which involves alot of embroidery, and all kinds of stitches, I never use a hoop.
When I do red work I use that dream batting on the back, it helps to stabilize it and hides any threads and knots.
When I do red work I use that dream batting on the back, it helps to stabilize it and hides any threads and knots.
#6
I always use a hoop. I like the results better. It might be a slow process, but remember to enjoy the journey. Also, remember to back the fabric with a layer of muslin, so when you stitch, skip, or knot, you won't see if from the other side. I learned that tip recently.
#7
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Location: Northern Michigan
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it does not sound as if you are doing embroidery- you are simply doing a running stitch- and you do not necessarily need a hoop for that- if it is working for you that's fine. most embroidery stitches are much easier to accomplish using a hoop- but a simple running stitch is easier without a hoop. as long as your piece is not puckering now- it won't later-unless you pull your stitches tight and 'gather' them-
most redwork patterns are worked in a stem stitch or backstitch- both of which are easier to do with your background hooped. you may want to visit a library- or do an (embroidery stitches) search - you will find many many tutorials, books on the techniques- and there are literally hundreds of embroidery stitches. a running stitch is not an embroidery stitch- it is a piecing/quilting stitch. but you can certainly use it if you like the look and it is giving you the result you want.
most redwork patterns are worked in a stem stitch or backstitch- both of which are easier to do with your background hooped. you may want to visit a library- or do an (embroidery stitches) search - you will find many many tutorials, books on the techniques- and there are literally hundreds of embroidery stitches. a running stitch is not an embroidery stitch- it is a piecing/quilting stitch. but you can certainly use it if you like the look and it is giving you the result you want.
#9
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 862
You will get better results using a hoop, but you certainly can do redwork without one. I was a professional embroiderer for 10 years - to me, it is very noticeable if someone is not using a hoop or had their hoop too tight. All the spaces between embroideries are puckered. If you are using an evenweave fabric, however, it is possible to easily do stem stitch without an embroidery hoop. You just have to be gentle when tightening your stitch.
Never did 'stab stitch'.
Never did 'stab stitch'.
Last edited by IAmCatOwned; 01-12-2012 at 04:25 PM.
#10
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: North Central, NC
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Here is a good Youtube tutorial on embroidery:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TebgW...3&feature=plcp
She shows both methods....stab method and sewing method. At about 1:40 minutes into the video she shows how to do it with the sewing method and she has her work in a hoop. All of her embroidery tutorials are really well made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TebgW...3&feature=plcp
She shows both methods....stab method and sewing method. At about 1:40 minutes into the video she shows how to do it with the sewing method and she has her work in a hoop. All of her embroidery tutorials are really well made.
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