Hugely popular around the late 1800's, Redwork refers to a simple, linear form of embroidery done using red floss. At the time, colorfast thread was hard to come by, with the exception of a red thread made in Turkey. This floss came to be known as "turkey red". Although Indigo blue was also colorfast and sometimes used in these patterns, the prevalence of "turkey red" resulted in the term "Redwork".

Redwork typically involved a basic line drawing of homey images; animals, flowers, fruit or children. Basic stitches were used to embroider the outline, usually a running or stem stitch. Other simple stitches were used to add detail or as filler. A satin stitch could be used in small, confined areas, and a backstitch was ideal for tight curves. It was not uncommon to find French Knots used as accents, too.

The basic nature of Redwork designs and simple stitches contributed to their popularity. That Redwork could be done on inexpensive muslins allowed the general population to enjoy hand-worked linens. Redwork, understandably, was even a common method for teaching embroidery to children. In fact, the small muslin squares printed with Redwork designs sold for a penny, "Penny Squares" became a staple for children of that period.

Redwork Quilts

Redwork was not added to quilts initially. Instead it was limited to household items such as dish towels, table runners, pillows and seat cushions. At the turn of the century, however, including this handiwork on bed coverings became popular.

Redwork quilts differed from other quilt designs in that they most often had no batting. For this reason, they were considered "summer weight" linens and were not used primarily to provide warmth.

Redwork quilts featured blocks from six to ten inches wide that were first embroidered and then assembled without sashing. These quilt projects could feature Penny Squares, an economical and convenient choice for a youngster's first quilt, or hand-cut blocks. Once the quilt face was pieced, feather or cross-stitching was used to camouflage seams or quilt to the backing. Some designs were simply tied with string or yarn, and not quilted at all.

Not all Redwork quilt designs followed this method, however. Before the trend wound down, a solid red or red print sashing was used between blocks. Even if sashing was included, most Redwork quilts still did not involve quilted motifs. Using a feather stitch to quilt to the backing remained a commonly used alternative since the quilts often lacked batting.

Redwork Today

The appearance of colorfast synthetic dyes and resulting selection of colors led to a decline in the popularity of Redwork. Embroidery featuring a rainbow of shades became the trend instead.

While color embroidering remains popular even today, Redwork enjoys renewed interest. Replications of original designs are readily available, as are Redwork-inspired designs.

Today's DMC #304 or #498 red flosses are thought to be the most authentic "turkey red" shades, but blue floss can be used on white or ecru fabric. Unsurprisingly, this form is known as "Blue Redwork".

Redwork Embroidery Tips

- Work with two strands of DMC #304 or #498 floss at a time.
- Use a hoop to secure your project while working.
- Remove the hoop when finished or taking a break to avoid marking your fabric.
- Place the design under your muslin and trace using a lead pencil or water soluble pen.

Today's Redwork Quilts

While traditional designs may have featured blocks of Redwork joined by feather stitches or red sashing between blocks, this requirement is not written in stone for modern day Redwork quilts. Whether used as a center motif in a medallion setting or surrounded by blocks of red and white fabric, Redwork can add an exciting new dimension from the past to modern quilt designs.

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