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1. Use a light box to trace the patterns. If you don't have a light box, you can use a glass table or a sunny window. Even on a light colored table, you can see the pattern through the fabric. Tape your pattern to the surface and center and tape your fabric over it. If you are using a light box, they sometimes have clamps, which makes it so much easier.
2. Use a Sakura Pigma pen, size .01, in the color of your floss, to trace your pattern. Go slow and be careful as this pen is permanent and will not wash out. The floss will cover the lines.
3. I have often been asked what color of floss I use. I use DMC 498 because I feel it is the closest to the Turkey Red that the embroiderers used when Redwork was so popular in the nineteenth century. However, you might prefer a different red, even a different color. I have used many colors, blue, rust, green, pink, even variegated floss and sometimes many colors in one design. Pick the color you like and you will be happy with it. If you are worried that the color you have chosen might run,wet it well under cold water and lay it between paper towels overnight. If it runs,rinse it until it no longer bleeds. If it never stops, discard it and try another shade.
4. Always use new floss, Save the leftover thread in your basket for another project. New floss will last longer and your stitches will have a smoother appearance.
5. Muslin is the traditional fabric for Redwork, and many of my models were made with muslin. But there are other fabrics that will look great, too. Kona Cotton "Snow", is a really nice fabric that gives a finer appearance than muslin and is easier to work on. You might also try pale, monotone prints ( not the ones that have a painted design. These will be almost impossible to stitch and you will be very frustrated.) Wash and iron the fabric before using.
6. Use a fine embroidery needle. I use size 9, but you might buy an assorted package the first time and find the best size for you. Then buy the best needles you can find. ( English needles are sized differently from American needles. Ask your Quilt Shop for advice. ) You might also buy a package of needle threaders.
7. Use two strands of embroidery floss. Cut the floss about 18" long. Holding the six strands together between your thumb and forefinger, pull out one strand, then one more, while still holding the group together. Pulling this way will help prevent the floss from tangling when you stitch. Put the two strands together and thread the needle.
8. Use a plastic embroidery hoop. If you have Grandmother's metal or wooden one, save it to remember her by. They will leave a mark on your fabric. The screw type hoop will stay tighter that the spring type. A 5" hoop is convenient for most stitchers. Larger sizes tend to droop and will make your hand ache. If you have larger hands, you might try a 6" hoop.
9. Use a stem stitch. Make your stitches small and uniform. If you are a quilter you can probably gauge 1/4" with your eye. Half that, and try to make your stitches 1/8". Small, uniform stitches will not only look better, but they will turn a curve smoother.
10. To begin, bring your needle up from the back along the line you wish to stitch. (Starting at a corner is a good idea if you can). Insert your needle down along the line, 1/8" from the first stitch. Come up, in the middle of your first stitch. Not through the thread, but to the top side. You will always come up on this side. Go down again 1/8" from the end of that stitch. Come back up at the end of the last stitch. Continue in this manner.
11. Making sharp corners. Go down at the exact corner. Come up again 1/8" along the next line. Come up at the corner, and continue like tip # 10.
12. When stitching a curve, make your stitches a little smaller. If you can, go counter-clockwise.
13. To make a lazy daisy, which is used for leaves and flowers, come up at bottom of petal, go down a thread away from the first stitch. Do not pull stitch through, leave a loop. Come up at the opposite end of the petal, put your thread through the loop, and put the needle down on the opposite side of the floss. Pull slightly so the petal just lays on the top of the fabric.
14. To make a very small circle, about 1/8" across, make an open lazy daisy. Come up at the Ω mark of the circle. Go down on the opposite side. Come up at the top half way between. Catch the loop, go down and gently pull. Come up again where you started. Go down opposite, as you did before. This time come up at the bottom, catch the loop, go down and gently pull again. If you pull too hard, this will make a diamond. So just gently lay the loop on the fabric.
15. Some of the flowers have small dots. These are French knots. Come up from below. Wrap the floss around the needle two times. Hold the wraps tightly against the needle, and put the needle point down a thread away from where you came up. Still holding the wraps, as the needle goes through, put your thumb or finger on wraps and pull the needle all the way through to the back.
16. To finish, if you are working on a line, weave the floss through 5-6 stitches on the back. If you are working on a Lazy Daisy or a French Knot, Make a loop of thread on the back and put the needle through to make a small knot. Do this twice. After securing, cut ends of floss 1/4".
17. If you find these instructions confusing, I have a DVD on Redwork instruction and a booklet on Tips and Helpful Hints.
18. Notes:
- The above technique is the one I use. It is the traditional method. However, I understand that it is not the only way. Some stitchers put a Layer of thin batting and muslin on the back before stitching to give a Quilted look. I find that I cannot get small stitches this way, and, besides, I like to hand quilt the traditional way. Please use the method you prefer.
- Some stitchers prefer to used the backstitch. This makes a nice line but sometimes leaves a white dot between the stitches if you do not go down in the exact hole. But, please use this stitch if you are comfortable with it. Many stitchers prefer it.
- You can also use pearl cotton or several other threads that are available.
- These patterns are only for the embroidery. They do not include any finishing suggestions. They can be finished like a quilt, with borders and binding for wall hangings. They can be framed like a picture. They can be made into a baby quilt. The large blocks can be put together in a larger quilt or wallhanging. They can be colored with crayons. They can be adapted for appliqué. They can be used on clothing, etc. Use your imagination.
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