How to Digitize Redwork Embroidery Design for Machine Embroidery

Redwork Embroidery is type that uses only one color of embroidery thread and it is often referred to as backstitching or outline stitching. The thread used is typically dyed red, and it was the first colored cotton thread used in embroidery.

In this article, we will show you can create quick and easy designs with the help of this redwork embroidery digitizing guide.

Redwork embroidery uses very few stitches and focuses on outlining designs rather than filling them in. The main stitch used for redwork embroidery is the stem stitch, also known as the back or outline stitch.

However, some other stitches, like the satin stitch, split stitching, and French knots, are used for small spaces and details.

Here we are using Hatch Embroidery software’s “Redwork” feature.

To access this feature, navigate to “Digitize / Edit Objects > Redwork” and select the embroidery objects you want to group.

The Redwork tool uses outline stitches, with Single Run, Triple Run, Sculpture Run, Backstitch, and Stemstitch being the most commonly used stitch types.

To digitize a redwork embroidery follow these essential steps:

1. In the first step, you need to digitized the outlines of your redwork embroidery design, the order of embroidery objects doesn’t make any difference here, but make sure that the outlines touched or cross over together.
2. Now after digitizing the outlines, select that outlines and click on the redwork tool and follow the instructions from the status bar.
3. The redwork embroidery digitizing, the exit and entry point always coincides, so always digitize a single point.
4. Now click on that point where you want to start embroidering and it has to end at the same point after two embroidery stitches passes through each outline.
5. If your redwork embroidery design contains multiple colors, then apply the redwork in each of that color.
6. From the sequence Docker, select the outlines of your sequence embroidery and combine them into a single redwork embroidery object. Also, the appearance of your selected embroidery objects doesn’t change in this step.
7. Now, to reshape your redwork embroidery design

Use Select > Reshape to reshape an object shape, edit stitch angles, adjust entry and exit points, or customize envelopes.

8. Use Edit Objects, Appliqué or Lettering / Monogramming > Break Apart to split composite objects – monograms, appliqués, lettering, etc. – into components. Allows each to be edited individually.

You can easily switch up the colors if you want to change your redwork embroidery designs. Whether you prefer red, blue, green, or black, it’s up to you!

To check the stitching sequence, use Stitch Player.

Remember that each outline of the redwork object is stitched twice, and outlines that aren’t selected are stitched separately.

When you edit a redwork object in Reshape mode, the entry and exit markers are grouped and can't be ungrouped. However, you can still select and move them as a pair.

If you break apart a redwork object, it'll become a branched object.

As a result, the entry and exit markers will become ungrouped and can be moved separately in Reshape mode. You can even further break apart the branched object to access the component objects.

When it comes to embroidery, choosing the correct backing depends on what you are working on. Some home embroiderers prefer to use a stabilizer on the wrong side of their fabric to provide more stability and make the embroidery process easier.

However, if you plan on using your embroidery project as a decorative piece or wall hanging, this backing can make the fabric too heavy and the machine embroidery less visible.

For a redwork embroidery project, avoid using a stabilizer instead of an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric tight that helps you to create well-formed stitches without puckering.

When working on Redwork, cotton embroidery floss is commonly used by machine embroiderers.

However, other threads such as pearl cotton, linen, bamboo, and silk can also be used.

If you need a more stable fabric for redwork embroidery, start with a heavier-weight cotton or linen fabric rather than fusing a stabilized one.

However, light-colored cotton and linen, which come in various colors and fabric counts, are perfect for redwork embroidery.

With a little practice and the resources mentioned above, you'll be well on your way to turning your favorite redwork designs into digital masterpieces for your embroidery machine.

Digitizing redwork opens a world of creative possibilities that allows you to customize your projects and preserve cherished embroidery patterns. So, unleash your inner digitizer and get stitching!