Redwork: Do you need to use a hoop?
01-12-2012, 04:32 PM
#12
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Originally Posted by 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. 
01-12-2012, 04:38 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
01-12-2012, 04:47 PM
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Jackie Spencer: Thanks for the encouragement of trying this without a hoop. Hope it turns out OK as it sounds like yours does. Guess I will have to be gentle when pulling the thread through.
Kathdaves: Yep, I did baste a piece of muslin to the back of my fabric. I wasn't going to do so but I had several people mention to do that so thought I had better. Glad I did. I think I will "enjoy the journey" if I go "hoopless" but if that turns out to be a mistake, I won't hesitate to go back to the hoop. (By the way, I love the saying at the bottom of your post. I should do that in redwork and mount it on my wall!)
Liz92B: Thanks, I am taking your advice for sure.
Kathdaves: Yep, I did baste a piece of muslin to the back of my fabric. I wasn't going to do so but I had several people mention to do that so thought I had better. Glad I did. I think I will "enjoy the journey" if I go "hoopless" but if that turns out to be a mistake, I won't hesitate to go back to the hoop. (By the way, I love the saying at the bottom of your post. I should do that in redwork and mount it on my wall!)
Liz92B: Thanks, I am taking your advice for sure.
01-12-2012, 04:54 PM
#15
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I just finished that quilt in blue. I don't ever use a hoop in redwork. It is just easier for me without one. I never have my fabric to tight. I think it is to tight in a hoop. Don't get puckers or wrinkles either. If i knew how I would post a picture of my finished top.
01-12-2012, 04:54 PM
#16
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Originally Posted by 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'.
Never did 'stab stitch'.
Boy, Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. Who knew redwork could be so involved!!! OK, I realize that it's not rocket science or brain surgery but I would like it to turn out decent.
01-12-2012, 04:58 PM
#17
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Originally Posted by Gramakitten
I just finished that quilt in blue. I don't ever use a hoop in redwork. It is just easier for me without one. I never have my fabric to tight. I think it is to tight in a hoop. Don't get puckers or wrinkles either. If i knew how I would post a picture of my finished top.
01-12-2012, 05:21 PM
#18
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I have the same pattern sitting by my chair. Like a couple of you I plan on doing it in blue-the perfect color for winter I think. I am trying to decide what white fabric to use for the backround. What did you decide to use for the backround fabric/s?
Kat
Kat
01-12-2012, 05:21 PM
#19
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The Red Work club of America(I think that's what it's called) say it is perfectly acceptable to do a backstitch for Red Work. You can do a tiny stem stitch if you perfer but it isn't necssary if you like backstitch better. I like to use the backstitch and I work in the non-slip hoops but do what feels comfortable to you. There are no Red Work police here!
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