Redwork Embroidery: How to Start, and a Free Beginner Pattern

What is Redwork Embroidery?

Redwork embroidery uses simple line stitches and one colour of thread. In as little as thirty minutes you can turn a piece of cotton into a charming quilt block, a squishy cushion, or a tiny keepsake.

Ready to give it a go? Grab a spool of red thread, a small hoop, and a scrap of cotton fabric. Let’s make your first stitch together and watch a simple line become a little keepsake.

Free Redwork Pattern

Download the free beginner redwork pattern

Download the free beginner pattern (PDF) and stitch it in under two hours.

Turkey Red Thread

Let’s step back to the late 1800s, when embroiders were introduced to a bright red thread to stitch with.

The rich colour came from madder root; dried, ground, and simmered until the dye yielded that durable "Turkey red."

For stitchers of the era, finally having a colourfast thread was a small miracle: suddenly, everyday linens could carry cheerful motifs that survived both the laundry and sunlight.

Today we can buy colourfast embroidery floss in every colour imaginable at craft stores, a convenience that would have seemed like magic a century ago.

Redwork in The Victorian Era

After the ornate craze of crazy quilting, redwork felt like a breath of fresh air: clean lines, cheerful motifs, and comforting handiwork.

From coverlets and cushions to playful toys and dresser scarves, redwork brought warmth and a quiet, handmade elegance to every room.

Penny Squares: A Traditional Trend

In the early 1900s, embroidery enjoyed a golden moment and stitcher could buy tiny printed 'Penny Squares' to embroider.

When a stitcher finished a stack of squares, they’d sew them together into lively quilts. The result was a patchwork of stories: figures, floral sprays, and playful scenes joined into a single warm covering.

Two characters stood out above the rest: Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Sam (also called Bill).

Their sweet, almost silhouette-like shapes were easy to stitch and endlessly charming, so they became quilt standards that appeared in homes across the country.

One major influence on the trend was illustrator Kate Greenaway.

Her drawings of children in pinafores, bonnets, and high-collared dresses were sprinkled through magazines and pattern sheets, and stitchers used her imagery as inspiration for generations.

Her gentle, nostalgic scenes still inform redwork and applique designs today.

Lettering in Redwork

Old redwork pieces often included tiny phrases—“Good Morning,” “Sweet Dreams,” or “With Love.”

Adding words made each square feel personal, as though the piece had been stitched for a particular person and moment.

Redwork Embroidery for Beginners

Pattern Selection for Newcomers

Have you ever looked at a child’s colouring book? Those simple line drawings are great for redwork!

Just make sure you respect the artist’s copyright if you want to sell anything you make.

With a little creativity, you can turn these pictures into lovely, one-of-a-kind designs for your own use.

You might find sets of designs that all follow the same idea, like the 12 months of the year.

Don’t worry if a set feels like a lot! Start with one design and take your time to get comfortable with it before trying another.

This way, you’ll grow your skills and feel more confident, so you’ll be ready for trickier projects later on.

To get the pattern onto your cloth check out my page on transfer methods. 

Fabric Choices for Redwork

Now, let's look at the best fabrics to use for Redwork.

You'll find lots of lovely patterns online that you can trace or iron onto your fabric. The two best choices are muslin and calico.

These are the names used in the UK. If you live somewhere else, you might know these fabrics by different names.

Muslin

Muslin is a simple cotton fabric that’s great for embroidery.

It’s light, soft, and easy to handle, which makes it a good choice if you want something gentle and delicate for your project.

Calico

Calico is a bit thicker than regular cotton, so it’s good for making things that need to last.

Once you’ve picked your design and material, you’re ready to start sewing. I’ll be here to help you with each step as you go.

Essential Stitches for Your Palette

This craft is simple and quick, which makes it great for beginners or people with busy schedules.

To start, you just need to learn a few basic stitches.

The Fab Four Stitches

• Stem Stitch: Ideal for outlining your designs. 
• Split Stitch: Perfect for filling smaller areas with stitches.
• Satin Stitch: Use this to cover larger sections with a smooth, shiny finish.
• French Knots: Add texture and depth to your design with these tiny knots.

The Stem Stitch vs. Outline Stitch Debate

When you’re stitching the outline of your design, you’ll usually use one of these two stitches. Here’s how it works:

• For outline stitch, keep the thread above the line you’re stitching.
• For stem stitch, keep the thread below the line you’re stitching (if you’re working from left to right).

This makes the stitches look like twisted ropes that twist in opposite directions!

It's all in the detail

What about those little details that make your design special?

You can use French knots or lazy daisy stitches for small dots or extra touches. These stitches add a nice finishing touch to your embroidery.

So, don't be afraid to experiment and play with different stitches to create contrast and add those delightful details.

FAQs