Sunday 5 June 2011

Please help ...

... I really have an urge to try my hand at some redwork, but please could someone tell me what to use as my fabric?  Is it anything special?  Should it be a plain fabric?  Is it supposed to be done on white or cream?

Well OK I don't have a question do I?  I have four questions.  Cany anyone help me, please?

19 comments:

  1. You can do redwork on white or cream (whatever you want) Typically most use plain muslin but you can use any fabric i.e. Moda Bella, Kona Cotton, etc. It's really all a personal preference. Google 'redwork' and you'll get a small history lesson about it.

    Hope I've helped. Have fun!

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  2. I think fabric choice depends on the pattern and the look you want. Tea dyed muslin is good for primitive designs, natural for more traditional and a soft tone on tone is nice if the stitch design isn't too busy.
    Did I just make things harder? Pretty much, anything goes!
    Good luck!
    juliez

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  3. O.K. blogger won´t let me comment AGAIN!!!
    I like the contrast of red and white and would therefore always prefer a plain white. I used vry old fine linen for mine, but i think any plain white muslin, cotton or linen would do.
    Have fun but be aware of the addiction that comes with it!
    Kirsten

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  4. I have seen redwork done on both cream and white, I would use Kona Cotton but that is my preference - Bella solids are great also - if you are like me you will see which is on sale!
    Karen
    http://karensquilting.com/blog/

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  5. have nver done rework before so good lucky and maybe post the answers?

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  6. I'm glad you asked the question - I have nothing to offer, but I'm soaking in the responses. Thanks everyone!

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  7. You can do redwork on any color/type of fabric you wish. I like to use a white fabric that has a bit of texture to it. There is some great fabrics that have circles and swirls on it. There are a few redwork groups on flickr that might give you an idea. I am part of http://www.flickr.com/groups/birdiestitches/ and there a many examples of different fabrics to use for embroidery work. A few of the members are doing theirs in redwork.

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  8. Good luck, Sue. I've done redwork on muslin, tone on tones white and creams. Enjoying your responses and looking forward to seeing your project.

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  9. There is even 'blackwork' done in light threads on black, so the sky is the limit with your options! I've done it on muslin, Kona and light printed background cottons~ it all depends on the look you are after. Some people back it with a light fusible interfacing, some don't. I guess that depends on the fabrics weight. Have fun experimenting!!

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  10. Make it yours and do what you want. I saw there are many posts so I wont go on about it. You have some floss and stabilizers to consider though. Look at the embroidery tips tab on my blog for some help in that area. You will enjoy stitching. It is so relaxing!!

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  11. I've done redwork on bleached muslin...a good quality one.

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  12. I've only done one rework project,so I'm no expert. I used Kona cotton in the Snow color. It looked nice when it was done.

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  13. I've used calico (US muslin) for redwork. It can be tea dyed for an aged look (works well with Yorkshire Tea!).

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  14. Darlene is right on target with her advice for redwork. I also will use a have a backing on the fabric that is to be stitched on such as another layer of the Bella Solid, Kona Cotton or even flannel; a layer of thin batting; or an interfacing fabric. This hides any knots from showing through the to the front of the stitching fabric. This is also an option, you do not have to do this. Redwork is great fun, enjoy.

    Have a super great sewing and stitching day.

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  15. Take a very outstanding colour for the stitchery, and a pale-ish background. Why stop at off-white and plain threads? Pale roses under a bright green leafy pattern! Clouds behind angels! Sandy beaches as background for dark brown houses! Only the contrast counts in my opinion =^}
    Ok, I h.a.v.e to grab that needle....
    Love from a cloudy Amsterdam

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  16. I actually prefer anything but solid white or cream. I have done my Redwork over a light background, white or cream, that had a design in it, like snowflakes or butterflies. Contrast and personal taste is the best guide. I only use Sulky 12 wt cotton in color 713-1169 for my Redwork as I prefer that over floss. My background fabric is always stabilized with a fusible woven interfacing or fusible fleece. Sure hope this all helps. Judy C www.shadetreequilting.com

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  17. Sue, I recently did a 30s quilt with embroidered baskets and used Moda's Bella Solid in white. But I love JCnNC's idea of using a light print! So clever!

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  18. hi sue
    I did read through all the comments, but I do recommend you use a double layer of muslin or whatever your background is. This way you won't see the traveling red floss.

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