Redwork - Hand Embroidery
#1
Redwork - Hand Embroidery
I just received my first redwork patterns in the mail this morning! I'm looking forward to having a quiet stitching project to do. My plan is to work small parts of the design that I can use as a component in a quilt block, like in the center of a friendship star or a churn dash. The pattern I have has a wreath of flowers, watering can, garden flowers...
I'm pretty sure I've seen some redwork on the board here in quilts. I just have a couple questions as I'm new to this...
1. My pattern recommends Perle Cotton #8 with a backstitch? Do you use a 'backstitch' in your redwork? How big do you typically make your stitches? Would an 1/8 of an inch work?
2. If ya'll have some inspiration of redwork in quilts... I would love to see!
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I'm pretty sure I've seen some redwork on the board here in quilts. I just have a couple questions as I'm new to this...
1. My pattern recommends Perle Cotton #8 with a backstitch? Do you use a 'backstitch' in your redwork? How big do you typically make your stitches? Would an 1/8 of an inch work?
2. If ya'll have some inspiration of redwork in quilts... I would love to see!
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#3
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S.E. Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,503
Ever since I began embroidery when small I grew up using stem stitch to outline work so I can't really offer any advice. But 1/8th inch sounds good to me, your work will be beautiful. Don't forget to post a picture when done.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 9,475
Cute patterns. I have been working on a Santa pattern from that same company for some time. Yes, I am doing the backstitch and don't really measure my length of stitch but I think just whatever you are comfortable with. I am using 2 strands of DMC thread instead of the pearl cotton. Good luck and I think you will do fine once you get a feel of it. Working on redwork is very soothing and relaxing and a great thing to work on during the evening when the TV is on for hubby. Love your idea of putting your work inside a churn dash. Please share when you finish your project.
#8
There are some excellent videos on Needle n Thread website. I like doing an outline stitch for redwork. Easier to regulate the tension and doesn't use as much thread. Also the finished stitch is a bit raised and gives a dimensional look to your design.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,548
Everyone has their own preferences doing Redwork. I use a small backstitch at about 1/8 and I do it in a non slip embroidery hoop. I like the little balls of Perle cotton because you don't have to worry about keeping strands of embroidery thread tight. I use the best quality background fabric I can find, trace my patterns onto it with a Frixion pen ( so I can iron it off after) and I knot my thread ends but weave the thread tails under my finished work so no tails show.
#10
I do have a funny story about "redwork" embroidery. This was back a few years ago at Walmart. I was in the fabric department looking for thread. A young woman walked up, staring at the threads, looking quite confused. She had a few spools of thread and she asked me if I knew anything about embroidery. She said "Which of these threads is the correct red for redwork?" I told whichever one she liked best. More confusion on the face. Then she said, "I want to do some embroidery on a project. I really wanted to use black but my designs say RED." I told her if she wanted to use black she could use black. (Please remember they walk among us) Her eyes flew open wide and said, "Isn't that against the law?"
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