Just what is Redwork Embroidery? Redwork Embroidery is simple line drawings worked in simple stitches with Red floss. Easy, huh? Well, did you know the history of Redwork? If not…read on……..

Imagine, if you will, what it must have been like for the average embroiderer in the late-1800's. The silk threads available for embroidery were both hard to find and expensive (bummer). But one day, you hear tell of a wonderful cotton dyed thread that is easy to find, color fast, and inexpensive (cool). The dye process, centuries old, began in Turkey. It is complicated but effective, utilizes the Madder plant, oil, and secret ingredients (I'll never tell). Because of its origins, the process and the thread become known as Turkey Red. (so it really doesn't have anything to do with the bird)

Like a wildfire, Turkey Redwork spreads throughout Europe. The Kensington Girls School uses it so extensively, that the outline stitch they primarily work in becomes known as the Kensington stitch and everyone begins to copy it. Newspapers and Ladies Magazines (no, not Rosie) begin giving exclusive Turkey Redwork patterns with subscriptions, as well as including them within their pages.

Linens are the primary choice for Turkey Redwork in Europe. When the technique spreads across the ocean into America (thanks to those Redwork loving German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania and Ohio) other household items begin to be used. Summer coverlets, protective chair back covers (antimacassars), splashers for behind the sink, napkins, tea towels, dresser scarves, chair cushions, sofa cushions, basically anything that would sit still long enough began to be embroidered.

As the technique becomes a bit of a phenomenon (bigger than the Pet Rock), those wacky newspapers (No, not the Wall Street Journal) and Ladies Magazines encourage women to get friends to subscribe, with an offer of a stamping outfit (what shoes do you wear with a stamping outfit?). This included perforated patterns, marking powder, and instructions (gee, that's helpful). Ads for "Start A Home Business" so ladies could make money at home (Tupperware, anyone?) by stamping fabrics for "friends and neighbors" were run by manufacturers selling kits with materials, varieties of designs, and marking tools.

In the 1870's everyone saw the introduction of iron on transfers, which delighted them to no end. This made it easier to embellish even more! Eventually, dry goods stores and catalogs began selling muslin squares with a pattern on them for one cent. These "penny squares" became very popular and were soon being used to make quilts and coverlets. Around the 1920's other colors of thread became just as plentiful and Turkey Redwork became passé.

Redwork is back and the silk ribbon list is going to make it better than ever by combining it with silk ribbon embroidery!

Some things to remember when doing Redwork is that it is traditionally worked on muslin or even weave fabric (Osnaburg looks particularly fetching). One note, whether using muslin or Osnaburg, make sure you prewash because of shrinkage. Stitches used (click on any of the stitches for a link to Sharon Boggon's Needlework Stitch Dictionary for great instructions) include basic outline stitch, the stem stitch also known as the South Kensington Stitch, split stitch also known as the Kensington Stitch, French knots, and the feather stitch. Cut your floss in 18 inch lengths and separate it so that you work in two strands. Stretch your material taut in an embroidery hoop for best results. An easy way to transfer your pattern to the fabric is to tape the material over the pattern on a window and trace it lightly with a pencil. DMC Floss number 304 or 498 is usually considered the closest to the original Turkey Red in color.

When working the sample piece I used YLI 7mm (though 4mm would work just as well)ribbon color number 049 . Since I was working in the spirit of traditional Redwork, I tried to use simple ribbon stitches such as the(links to CDA's Ribbon Embroidery Page) lazy daisy stitch, straight stitch, and the Japanese ribbon stitch. Even though I was working in only one color, I became fascinated with the texture that the ribbon added to the piece. I also had fun playing with how each stitch added it's own texture.

Coloring books, many of the Dover books, and stained glass patterns are also great resources for Redwork patterns. Just about anything that can provide you with a line drawing can be used for the technique. If you are comfortable with drawing your own pattern your ideas are only limited by your own imagination.

I hope that this little history lesson and challenge inspires you to go out and try your own Redwork piece. Remember to check back on the Challenge Series Swap Page often to see the exciting work that the swap participants share with the list and the world.