Redwork question
 

I am going to make a redwork Sun Bonnet Sue quilt. Should I use an iron on lightweight interfacing on the back of the blocks before embroidering or what would you recommend?

If you chose to do that I would recommend Pellon 101 SF - it irons on nicely and isn't too heavy or too sticky to sew through. Having that kind of backing ensures you won't see the tails or carry over of your thread.

I just finished a quilt with all blocks embroidered. I used a tearaway stabilizer.

One day I saw a vendor who sells embroidery patterns at a show. She had backed her embroidery project with a layer of muslim. She just hooped both layers of fabric when she was stitching. This way all the threads, knots, etc. didn't show. I have embroidered that way ever since. It makes great blocks for quilting.

I've done lots & lots of hand embroidered blocks/projects over the years- I've always just backed my embroideries with a light weight muslin- just like 'kathdavis' said- was taught to do it that way 45 years ago. some people choose to use some sort of stabilizer- but to me muslin is less $$ easy to stitch through, and works fine- so I do not spend the extra for some 'specialized' product. your choice- any lightweight stabilizer will work- I never heard of anyone using a 'tear away' behind hand embroidery before (snipforfun) said she did- I would be afraid of 2 things- the hand embroidered stitches being pulled out when I tried to tear that stuff away- and the show through- after removing it- since the extra layer hides the threads from showing through on the front of the finished block- seems like you defeat that purpose by removing it. (maybe she meant she did machine embroidered blocks & removed the stabilizer???)

I also do alot of hand embroidery, and I always use Quilters Dream batting on the back of mine, it hides the threads and gives the embroidery a nice look. And it needles beautifully. Its thin enough, that I still use another layer of batting when the stiching is done and its ready to be quilted.

This is probably a dumb question but.....do you wash (shrink) the muslin before using it as a backing?

At the last quilt show I went to, the one vendor had red work done for display. Some of hers had muslin on the back and some had flannel on the back. I asked her why she had both and she told me she does whatever the pattern suggests. I would prewash all the fabric before I start muslin, flannel and top fabric. I think I'm going to try flannel on my next project.l

For hand work I use a layer of muslin.........calla

I always use a stabilizer...even with Kona fabric...nothing shows thru...

Glad you asked this question. I haven't done much redwork or embroidery for a quilt. Never thought of backing it, but it is a great idea. Thanks, all!

I have been doing embroidery for 49 years. I do not use any backing for my embroidery. I also do not carry my thread. Is it a pain to tie off when necessary? Yes! But I learned not to carry threads and to secure the ends properly. I am always admired for the neatness on the back of my work. I think as a quilter first carrying thread is done in hand quilting. In my opinion it is not done in hand embroidery. It takes a few seconds but makes a big difference. The only time I add a fusible interfacing is to my small ornaments for the Christmas tree. It adds some much needed body. So if you feel the need to use muslin or batting or fusible interfacing, go as thin as you can. I am using sulky or aurifil 12 wt thread more than floss these days. I hope this helps. Here are 3 of my embroideries enjoy! Luann