When doing redwork on a quilt, is one better off doing the design twice? Will it give the design more impact?

Lots of good answers. I've used redwork designs as a quiltpattern. That worked well stitching it out just once. Did the same with outlines of embroidery patterns (just skipped all colours till I got to the outline) while I embroidered some squares with the complete design before stitching the top together.

good question...Great answers. It helps us all.
Welcome migs *4U Hugs

You have received excellent suggestions - it is a matter of choice, but I have started using 12 WT thread - both on top and bobbin. It really sets off the design, but also looks like the old hand embroidered towels our grandmothers did. Of course, it depends on the fabric you are using too. Good luck, and make sure you post your project.

Use water soluble stabilizer like solvy to put under the design on top of the fabric like you would do with blankets and towels. That stops the stitches from sinking into the fabric fibres and they will stay on top.There is then no need to go over it twice. there could be a chance that the fabric has moved if you go over it again. Ricky.

Depending on the fabric you could eigther stitch the design twice. You could also used tick thread and worked out just fine.

when I did it on my polar fleece jacket I did it twice as the stitches went into the fabric so I would say depends on fabric

3 comments

by mpo14011 31 May 2008

Use water soluble stabilizer like solvy to put under the design on top of the fabric like you would do with blankets and towels. That stops the stitches from sinking into the fabric fibres and they will stay on top.there is then no need to go over it twice. there could be a chance that the fabric has moved if you go over it again. Ricky.

by raels011 31 May 2008

I did use the WSS but it still went into pile. I always use it on towels or anything with a pile

by mpo14011 31 May 2008

Try using 2 layers.You had no problems with the fabric shifting when you went over it again?

Welcome migs.You just need to do it once.Have a look on page 4 under "another rug".I just did it once and the bunnies stand out quite nice.You will find that redwork is usually stitched with a double or triple stitch.Ricky

30 weight thread works great for RW. Of course, you can use any color. :)

hello and welcome to Cute. Looks like you have really good answers to your question. This is a great group, enjoy the group and keep coming back. *4U.

migs, welcome to the 'CUTE' family - I know you will enjoy the site and Q&A is where we all learn - the project inspire us and we love downloading the designs - getting hints of where others surf on the web in the bookmark section and we love giving and receiving flowers and love to each other. As for your question - LQQK at other redwork quilts to get an idea of what LQQKs best - then copy it with the designs that you have - good luck and I can't wait until you post a picture or scan of your quilt. *4U

Another suggestion would be just to use a slightly heavier weight thread. That way you don't need to worry about a shift of the material.

migs, Welcome. I am happy that you are here. You already have some good answers, I would just add that it would depend on the contrast that you are looking for and the color of the fabric you are stitching on. Best way to decide...do one each way and see which you like the best.;)

Welcome to the 'Cute' family, migs. I think your question has been answered. I have made a machine-embroidered redwork quilt before and I only stitched the designs once.

See you've gotten your answer so will send you a flower.

Welcome and GREAT question ;)

Welcome migs! As I am new to machine embroidery, I'm learning from questions like yours and the answers these wonderful ladies post. A flower for you.

Migs, You have found a wonderful group of helpful friends here. I always thought there was some form of heavier thread that one could use, however, I have not done redwork, so I am not sure of this. I will be watching as I want to do some dish towels in redwork. Hugs and flowers.

2 comments

by wendymay60 30 May 2008

You will find that it depends on your design.the colour of your material and cotton.

by mpo14011 30 May 2008

Hi dlmds, Just a comment on your picture. Is that you before your first cup of coffee in the morning?That's funny, because I look just like it before my first cuppa.HAHAHA!!!! Ricky.

Thank you for the questions and for the answers *4all

You have your answer so I give you a warm welcome.

Migs Welcome to the cute site. Your answ is It is really a matter of choice & what looks best to U. A good redwk design should not have to b stitched 2xs. *4U

1 comment

by mad14kt 30 May 2008

Thanks 4 that ;) *4U

I have stitched some redwok twice. you have to stabilise well so the stitches sew exatctly on top of the last stitch, some designs don't look good, some do. *4u