Evie

Does anyone incorporate redwork into their quilts? If so, do you use regular embroidery floss or pearl cotton? I have a lovely panel but am not sure which thread to use. Thanks for your help!

bluteddi

I have plans to ..... I was goign to just use regular emb floss, never thought about pearl cotton.... I'll follow this thread, see what more experienced ppl say

zennia

I do and I just use regular embroidery-DMC- thread.

Jan in VA

I use 2-3 threads of a regular embroidery floss strand, about 18" long.

Jan in VA

Jeanniejo

I use 3 strands of DMC floss. I'm not really into red work so my last one was all blue. I have some Father Christmas blocks coming, not sure whether they will be one color or several, just know it won't be done for THIS Christmas.

quiltlonger

I did a sunbonnet all in different shades of blue using pearl cotton-- 25 blocks (couldn't face doing that many in ONE color) Loved using the pearl cotton!!

Evie

I was all set to use DMC floss when I came across a site selling redwork and they noted that all their samples were made using DMC Perle Cotton (balls), which made me question my original plan. I'm not even sure what Perle Cotton is! :D

johns2ndwife

I've just done a couple & I only used 2 strands of floss(DMC)
(all my floss is left over from my cross-stitching days)
Here is one of the Redworks I recently did.

Tartan

If you are just starting out, I would recommend the pearl cotton. With pearl cotton you don't have to worry about the strands separating like in DMC floss. DMC floss does do a finer more detailed job in my opinion. Whatever you use, make sure it is colourfast. Both pearl cotton and DMC should be. If in doubt, wet a length of the thread/floss and place the ball on white cotton fabric to dry. If it bleeds, don't use it. There are many wonderful quilts that incorporate Redwork and patchwork.