KLO

I am working on one of Crabapple Hill's redwork designs, Winter Wonderland to be specific, only I am doing it in blue. I started out using a hoop to do the thread work using the stabbing method. This seems to be slow and tedious. So, I tried doing some without the hoop and was able to do a ... er, ummm, ... don't know what to call it .... maybe a running stitch where I keep the needle on the top of the piece all the time. This was quicker for me and seemed easier too. So I am wondering if this method will come back to haunt me in the end? Will my fabric end up being pulled in places and not lie flat? Any redworkers out there who can give me a bit of insight as to whether this will work out for me or do I need to go back to the hoop? Thanks for any info. KLO (not JLO!!!)

LivelyLady

I love redwork and bluework! I have to use a hoop and I do the stem stitch. I would be afraid the fabric would pucker without a hoop. Can't wait to see it done!

KimS

I also use a hoop when doing any type of embroidery work. Like LivelyLady I use a stem stitch so you almost have to use the hoop. I'd say whatever works for you and you feel comfortable with then go for it. Stitch some and check to make sure it's not puckering the fabric.

cabbagepatchkid

Here is a good Youtube tutorial on embroidery:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TebgW...3&feature=plcp

She shows both methods....stab method and sewing method. At about 1:40 minutes into the video she shows how to do it with the sewing method and she has her work in a hoop. All of her embroidery tutorials are really well made.

Jackie Spencer

I do red work and I love Crazy Quilting, which involves alot of embroidery, and all kinds of stitches, I never use a hoop.
When I do red work I use that dream batting on the back, it helps to stabilize it and hides any threads and knots.

kathdavis

I always use a hoop. I like the results better. It might be a slow process, but remember to enjoy the journey. Also, remember to back the fabric with a layer of muslin, so when you stitch, skip, or knot, you won't see if from the other side. I learned that tip recently.

ckcowl

it does not sound as if you are doing embroidery- you are simply doing a running stitch- and you do not necessarily need a hoop for that- if it is working for you that's fine. most embroidery stitches are much easier to accomplish using a hoop- but a simple running stitch is easier without a hoop. as long as your piece is not puckering now- it won't later-unless you pull your stitches tight and 'gather' them-
most redwork patterns are worked in a stem stitch or backstitch- both of which are easier to do with your background hooped. you may want to visit a library- or do an (embroidery stitches) search - you will find many many tutorials, books on the techniques- and there are literally hundreds of embroidery stitches. a running stitch is not an embroidery stitch- it is a piecing/quilting stitch. but you can certainly use it if you like the look and it is giving you the result you want.

Liz92B

as long as you don't pull the thread too tight (it should lie smoothly on the fabric surface), you'll be fine without a hoop -- check it every few minutes to be sure!

IAmCatOwned

You will get better results using a hoop, but you certainly can do redwork without one. I was a professional embroiderer for 10 years - to me, it is very noticeable if someone is not using a hoop or had their hoop too tight. All the spaces between embroideries are puckered. If you are using an evenweave fabric, however, it is possible to easily do stem stitch without an embroidery hoop. You just have to be gentle when tightening your stitch.

Never did 'stab stitch'.

KLO

Thanks for this tutorial. It lead me to this tute http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMMIHSZifXg which is exactly what I was looking for. She does not use a hoop so I think, as others mentioned, as long as I am careful not to pull too hard and check for wrinkles now and then, I might be OK. Doing it this way was just so much easier for me.