Abigail of Brown County | Redwork Embroidery

Redwork Embroidery

Redwork Embroidery, also called "Turkey work", was popular from about 1880-1920. Patterns were stitched in red and sometimes blue on muslin material. This was popularized by the Kensington School for Girls in England during the 1880's and was called Kensington stitch. Now it is called backstitching or outline stitching. Red was chosen because it was a sturdy cotton and it would not bleed. During this time, you could buy "penny squares". Muslin fabric was stamped with a pattern and sold for a penny.

From www.GrandmasAtticQuilting.com and www.Quiltbug.com