Can you believe the holiday season is upon us? Scrambling for a last minute holiday gift? It seems as if it was just January when I vowed to start my Christmas projects early. Yikes, how time flies! Given the time parameters between now and the holidays, I decided to create some red work patterns for all of us to enjoy stitching. These little patterns can be used for greeting card inserts, tree ornaments or given as a group of coaster sets. It seems as if red work has taken the quilting community by storm and I know why. It is the perfect take-along project for people on the go. Did you know that a stoplight can provide three minutes of stitching time? Whether this season finds you contentedly finished with all your holiday projects, or in the panic mode as I find my self, take the time to enjoy the simplicity of red work!

The following supplies and instructions are for one square only.

Supplies:
One 6 "square of white 100% cotton.
1/8th yard of red and white 30's styled fabric for back and binding
5" square of batting
Red DMC embroidery floss - number 817
Embroidery needle
4" Embroidery hoop
Pencil
Small scissors

Lightly trace the pattern on to the white 100% cotton with a sharp lead pencil. Stretch the cotton in the hoop. Using two strands of floss stitch the design. The patterns use both the outline stitch and French knot. Remember to trim any loose red thread off, as it will show through the white fabric. When finished, center the motif and trim the block to 5".


click on any of the above images for 4.5" x 4.5" printable patterns

For the nine patch backing cut five red squares at 2" and four white squares at 2". Piece and press as shown.

Layer the backing, batting and red work and bind. If you are using this as an ornament, just attach at ribbon loop at the top.

!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!

Click HERE for Shadow Redwork™ ...
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