Presidential Redwork

Demonstrated by Bonnie Browning.

Materials:

pattern
silk embroidery thread
fabric
mechanical pencil or .005mm permanent waterproof marking pencil
thimble
needles
scissors
four- to six-inch embroidery hoop
transfer paper

Steps:

Note: Any stitch can be used in redwork including; outline, stem stitch, chain stitch and cable stitch.

1. Place pattern under light-colored fabric (figures A) then trace the pattern onto fabric using a pencil or marker (figure B). Use a light source if unable to see clearly. If using a darker fabric, place transfer paper under pattern, pin in place and using a pencil trace pattern onto fabric. Tip: Fold pattern and fabric in fourths to find the center.

2. Place fabric in the embroidery hoop to begin embroidery stitches (figure C).

3. To prevent thread from knotting, use thread that is not longer than hand-to -elbow length. Tip: To knot embroidery thread, place the end of the thread on eye of needle, wrap three times and push the needle through.

4. Stem stitch (figure D) or outline stitch the pattern onto the fabric. Tip: Keep thread to the right or outside of stitching.