Redwork Embroidery History: From Tea Towels to Quilts

Although the popularity of redwork embroidery peaked around the turn of the century it wasn't new. Beginning in the 1880s women had been willing to pay extra for Turkey Red thread because unlike most colors it was colorfast. A colorfast blue thread was popular from about 1910 to 1930. Outlined pictures were stitched with a simple stem stitch; a linear stitch that children can easily learn.

Initially redwork was not done on quilts but on a variety of useful household items. Embroidered tidies were used to protect chair backs while embroidered splashers were hung behind the sink. Napkins, tea towels, dresser scarves, chair cushions, sofa pillows were all opportunities for stitching with red floss.

In her book, "Red and White: American Redwork Quilts" redwork enthusiast Deborah Harding writes, "Given this mandate to decorate everything in sight with embroidery, women took to their task seriously."

Some patterns were quite simple, others intricate. The array of designs was endless and varied fabric was used. Animals, flowers, toys and children were all popular themes. Pictures of famous buildings and people were stitched as well as playful storybook and nursery rhyme characters.

Magazine publishers gave away patterns to promote new subscriptions. Women were encouraged to get new subscribers in order to earn stamping outfits that included perforated patterns, a pouch of marking powder, and instructions. Some publishers included pull out patterns in their magazines. Companies got into the act with extensive catalogues including, patterns, thread and other needed items. A sawtooth edged wheel was sold to women who wanted to mark their own designs on the stiff parchment used for perforated patterns.¹

Women also used carbon paper to mark designs. Pictures in children's books, magazines and even advertisements were pattern sources. Some fabric was thin enough to simply place over the desired picture and trace.

Manufacturers encouraged women to start a home business of stamping fabrics for friends and neighbors. Kits including all the necessary materials including a large variety of designs were sold for this purpose.

In the 1870s iron on transfers were developed. This was a welcome new product compared to the old stamping methods. How much easier it was to apply the design to the fabric with a warm iron.

It wasn't until the turn of the century that women began to use redwork embroidery for bedcoverings. Preprinted squares ready to embroider were sold. Because they originally cost only about a penny apiece they were commonly called penny squares.

The quilt blocks used for redwork quilts ranged from six to ten inches across. They were usually embroidered then sewn together without any sashing between the blocks. Often a feather or cross-stitch was used to cover the seam line. Later a red or red print sashing was sometimes used. Some of these bedcoverings were quilted while others were simply lined without batting and then tied at the corners of each block.

In the 1920's more and more embroidered pieces were done with a delightful variety of colors as methods were found to make all colors colorfast. Barbara Brackman wrote, "Floral baskets and bouquets, nursery rhymes and new themes of state birds and state flowers are typical subject matter for these quilts." Today DMC and other companies offers several types of thread in a multitude of colors including new variegated threads.

Reference:

"0847822443" by Deborah Harding

"Barbara Brackman, The Quilt Detective: Clues in the Needlework, 2005, digital newsletter."

Webpages:

I bought the delightful redwork pattern for the girl on the swing, Merry Margaret shown near the top of the page, at Anna Lenna's quilt shop in Long Beach, Washington. You can order patterns, fabric and more through their website. "Merry Margaret" is designed by Karen Snyder, Anna Lena Designs.

Grandma Rachel’s Redwork Fun! (scroll down for Redwork History)

The Deborah Harding Redwork Collection.

A Short History of Redwork Splashers The redwork teapot pictured above is from "Quilts in Redwork " at Suite 101.