Red work vs Blue work
 

I recently purchases a panel pre-printed with designs for what I thought was red work. It even says red work on the selvedge. But, it's printed in dark blue not the lighter blue like the transfers. I think this is supposed to be used with dark blue floss. I thought I would just use red anyway but now I'm afraid all the blue printing won't wash out. Any thoughts? Any one else seen panels pre-printed like this?

All pre-printed embroidery panels I've ever seen were blue and, no, it doesn't wash off. When I did my redwork wallhanging, I transferred the pattern by hand to muslin and used a red Pigma pen so it doesn't show.

I would surely use three strands of floss if I wanted to use the red color. If you keep your stitches tiny and close enough, you should be able to get away with any color you want to embroider the panel.

Do not iron the pre stamped embroidery. That will set in the blue marks. Also, when I wash these, first I soak them in very cold water. I dump my ice tray into the water and soak for about an hour or more. Then I use PUREX laundry soap with a tiny bit of OXYCLEAN. This method has gotten the blue marks out about 90% of the time.

I agree with Tartan, sounds like a great idea!

Try using size 12 wt cotton thread instead of floss It's so much easier to work with for hand embroidery. I have started using size 12 wt Aurifil and Sulky for all my crossstitch.

Wonderful suggestions, I will try to remember these, too!

From your initial post I would assume you have not tested the marks to see if they come out. You should be able to do this on the printing of the selvedge and not on the design. Identification of the company producing it or the printer would be helpful. A lot of the newer embroidery is being printed in wash out ink. Too much unknowns here to give a really informed suggestion. As to the color it is printed. The blue can vary depending on the printer and the color of the printing does not indicate the color thread to be used. Just beause it says "red work" doesn't mean it has to be embroidered in red. Red Work is the traditional name for this type product.

I agree with the above statement, you do not have to embroider to match the lines, but I was told that these lines would probably stay on. I did the blue redwork on a panel of children at christmas, I think by anna leah?, it could be done in blue (which I did) or another identical was red, which I bought anyways, not sure if I will ever get to it, but I have it anyways. Speaking of this panel, it was made up of nine squares and as luck would have it I had to cut it up into squares, as it was not square. I do enjoy redwork any color!

Thanks for all your answers. Just yesterday I was looking at it and thought, I should just cut off the printing on the selvedge and wash that to see if it washes out. I wasn't sure if I wanted to use embroidery floss or perle cotton but the 12 wt sounds like a good idea too. I initially wanted it to be red but have resigned myself to blue if it doesn't wash out. It's a panel I bought while on vacation a few years ago and don't remember where. It has 15 squares of a variety of repro designs plus a border on each end. Thought about sacrificing on of the borders too since I'm not sure I will use them. You've all been most helpful.

Okay, don't keep us in suspense. :DDid it wash out?

I made a quilt from embroidered cross stitch squares. I just washed it in laundry detergent and the blue marks came out perfectly. No one would even know they were there in the first place. Just washed it as I do all my other quilt.

I have done what the others have said and traced the pattern onto muslin with a fine point sharpie, then I have the pattern to use again. I also use #8 pearl cotton and I use a light non woven fusible interfacing on the back so if I have to travel a little, it doesn't show. Make sure and show us your redwork when done.

It's so nice to feel loved! Sorry Tartan, no it did not wash out. I cut off half the printing on the selvedge and threw it in with the jeans in cold water. Afterward I was afraid I would loose it.lol I had already forgotten about it by the time I put them in the dryer. After I found it in the dryer the printing was still there. Guess I'm doing it in blue. Now don't y'all be holding your breath for a pic of finished work. This is going to take a while.lol

I have one of the pictures finished. It's a cat in an old lace up boot. Trouble I'm having now is I can't see what I've stitched and what is a blue printed line. I usually work on this at night while watching TV and have a good light right beside/above me and I'm wearing my glasses but still having trouble. Guess I'll get used to it.

It will be pretty when you get it done, redwork is great incorporated in a quilt. It certainly is a good project to pick up and go with. I always have mine with me. Now I have often wondered if it could be took on board an airplane for a long flight, something tells me no. I did have it with me on a longer bus trip and enjoyed it.

I was told they changed the rules but you will have to check with the airlines.

Yes I would check if I were to fly somewhere and see what the rules are.