I've been thinking about using my embroidery machine to do some redwork... for those of you who have already been there, done that -

What type of thread do you use...

What is the heaviest weight thread that can be used?

What size needle would you use for the heavy weight threads?

Thank you :)

For something that has to be washed kind of often use a polyester. For delicate embroidery use a rayon thread. Use a embroidery needle for whatever size thread you are using. The package should show the size versus the thread. Or use a 130/705 for metalics.

The stabilizer for cotton and many of these type embroideries is a tear away. But, there is exceptions if you are going to work on stretchier fabric.

For redwork, I like to use cotton thread, just because it's heavier and will be more "dramatic". But if I don't have the right color in the cotton thread that I want to use ("redwork" doesn't have to be "red"), then I'll use my regular polyester machine embroidery thread . Needle size would depend on the thread used. :D

I did a small sunbonnet sue in machine redwork with nylon embroidery thread, it looks skimpy, I never thought of trying cotton, maybe I'll do it again.

The cotton throws a lot of lint into the bobbin area -- more than I ever thought it would :lol: :lol:

I would try a 30wt cotton which is a bit thicker than regular embroidery thread (40wt.)

I use poly embroidery thread from Threadart (on line store).They also carry others but the poly thread has a nice sheen and never bleeds color onto the background fabric. The poly thread also doesn't shrink and on my machine (babylock) it sews up nice designs that are crisp and clear. I've only made 7 embroidered quilts and haven't tried all the different threads available.

I used my rayon embroidery thread :D:D:D