JUNE 2005
REDWORK

This month’s technique is Redwork. This type of embroidery has been around more than a hundred years. "Penny squares" with all types of flowers and animals were very popular in the late 1800’s. People made quilts or unlined summer spreads out of them. Also many fundraiser quilts were done in just red embroidery.

This eagle is from the 1976 quilting revival era. It will look wonderful done in red, or any other color that coordinates with the rest of your blocks. Eagles have been used as a patriotic symbol on quilts since the nineteenth century as appliqué and later in redwork.
Cut a 9" square of white fabric or muslin. Mark the center of the fabric with a light crease and trace the eagle onto your fabric using a lightbox or window. When using red embroidery thread trace lightly with a fine red pen (Micron Pigma 01.)  The marking will not show and you do not have to worry about removing them. If you are using another color, use a pen that matches your thread.
Embroider all the lines with a simple stem stitch using 2 strands of embroidery floss. Good reds are DMC 815 and 304. Or use whatever color you like. A small hoop will hold your fabric taut while you work. But don’t leave your fabric in the hoop while not sewing. Trim the fabric down to 8 ½" to match with the rest of your blocks.
Below are examples of RED, BLUE AND GREEN WORK made by SMQG members: