History of Redwork

Redwork is believed to have originated in Europe in the early 1800’s and traveled to America around 1850 with the availability of color fast red floss. The availability of color fast red thread and inexpensive cotton fabric led to an abundance of interest in this type of embroidery. From the 1860’s through the 1920’s it became popular for young girls to be taught to embroider using red thread floss on cotton squares using simple patterns. These "penny squares"—the simple cotton and floss could be purchased for a penny in dry goods stores across the country—were quickly stitched and often put together block by block into lightweight bed covers.

The outline or running stitch is used primarily for the design with the occasional more fancy stitches of Crazy Quilting being added for embellishment.

Redwork designs were used for home decorating during this time period. Vintage Redwork pieces can be found across America today at antique stores and flea markets. The designs were usually used in dresser scarves, coverlets, towels, and other items for home decoration. This type of embroidery was applied to very functional pieces of linen or cotton that were meant to withstand daily use. It was not unusual for moral sayings expressing the virtues of hard work to be stitched in script with flowers added for a charming effect.

A resurgence in this simple embroidery began in the late 1990’s and continues today. Redwork groups have sprung up at quilt stores as women fall in love with the simplicity of the vintage designs and the easy use of the patterns.