QNM Articles & Patterns

Redwork by Machine

 Instructions

Step 1

Trace the design onto muslin with a washout pen. Motifs requiring few stops and starts work best for this technique. Place the outside hoop on a flat surface, and center the muslin with the traced design facing up. Then push the inside hoop into the outer one. The fabric will be flat on the bottom. Pull the fabric taut, and tighten the hoop so it will hold firmly. Push the inside hoop a little farther, so that it will be against the bed of the machine while you stitch, instead of the outer hoop.

Step 2

Thread both the top of the machine and the bobbin with machine embroidery thread, which has a left twist making it look like embroidery floss. Remove the presser foot and drop the feed dogs. Remove the shank, if your machine has one, and select a straight stitch. A spring needle, shown in the photo, may help if you find the thread keeps breaking, especially if you have a computerized machine. You may want to loosen the upper tension slightly to improve the look of your stitching.

Step 3

Slip the hoop under the needle, with the fabric against the machine bed, and lower the presser foot lever. If you forget this step, the tension of your stitches won't be correct. Bring the bobbin thread to the top. Your thumbs and little fingers should rest lightly on the hoop. Place your other fingers to the sides of the needle to move the fabric. Hold on to both threads as you start to stitch. Don't worry about anchoring your beginning and ending stitches. Stitch fairly rapidly over the traced line, forward and back, retracing the design until the line is as heavy as you would like. Work on small areas at a time, about an inch square. Move the fabric to follow the design; don't turn the hoop. You can easily move to another stitching line if it is close-by; if not, raise the presser bar to release the thread.

Find the right combination of stitching speed and hand movements to give you small even stitches without the fabric puckering. If you do get puckers, tighten the fabric in the hoop. If that doesn't solve the problem, use a layer or two of paper stabilizer under the fabric.

Don't worry about following the lines too closely. The markings will wash out, and a charming, primitive look is what you're after.

If you are worried about stitching through your fingers, you can use a darning foot. You won't be able to see the design as well, but a clear acrylic foot might provide a combination of safety and visibility that is comfortable for you.

Step 4

Stitch as much of the design as you can without stopping, and then move the hoop to do another section. Go back and trim all the loose threads when you are finished.