2026 Free Redwork Embroidery Block of the Month
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I’m taking a break from catch-up blocks to FINALLY introduce our 2026 Block of the Month!!!! This year we will be making another Redwork Christmas Quilt….
Like last year’s BOM, this is a quilt that I have been meaning to make for a while now… I started designing the blocks a few years ago, and then they went on the back burner.
Towards the end of last year, I decided to finish the embroidery designs and make them our BOM for this year.
As in past years, this is an introductory post about the BOM and how it will work this year.
Floral Baubles
Quite a while ago, I made a couple of sets of Christmas Baubles (HERE and HERE)… and really enjoyed making them.
I then started doodling more and thought it would be nice to just have different flowers in them… which is when this BOM was born!
I quite liked doing the BOM last year in redwork, and I thought this design would be suited to it as well. You can, of course, use any colors you like!
The Actual Quilt Block
When I thought about how to put these blocks into a quilt, I was thinking scrappy… At first, I thought maybe a log cabin layout would be nice, but then I changed my mind and decided to do stars… because I like stars for Christmas quilts….
What is Redwork?
The History of Redwork
I did a bit of a Google search on the history of redwork.
It is, of course, quite a popular form of embroidery, although I was never a huge fan of redwork embroidery. I prefered to use different colors because I am easily bored. But recently I have been enjoying it more….
Redwork, in simple terms, is embroidery done with red thread, which has the benefit that it eliminates decision fatigue in trying to choose colors!!
Back to the history… I couldn’t find much beyond it being traced back to the nineteenth century, and being found in many antique quilts. The red thread used to be called “turkey red” because it came from dye made from the roots of the madder plant found in Asia and Europe.
What was Redwork Used For?
Red work was often used in household items like wall hangings, tablecloths, towel trims, little quilts, and anything really, that needed a touch of embroidery.
Stitches Used in Redwork
Redwork is a type of easy hand embroidery, using simple embroidery stitches, which is right up my alley because, as I have said before, I don’t do complicated embroidery! Even stem stitch embroidery makes my head spin, although it can, of course, be found in many redwork patterns. Redwork embroidery often uses folk art and whimsical designs, and of course, vintage ones.
I think using redwork once again this year in our BOM will result in a beautiful quilt!
How Will the 2026 Block of the Month Work?
How Many Blocks Will There Be?
As in past blocks of the month quilts, there will be 9 quilt blocks.
When Will the Blocks Be Posted?
I am planning to post the blocks on the SECOND Wednesday of the month.
How many Months will this BOM Take?
All of my BOMs so far have been 9-month programs, and this one will be too. This time, we are starting very late, in June, so the last block will be posted in February 2027. Finishing instructions will be in March next year.
What Size and Shape Will the Quilt Be?
Our BOM will be square, and each block will be 12 1/2″. The quilt without borders will be 44 1/2″ square. At this stage I am not planning on adding borders, but I may change my mind, and you can of course decide for yourself how to finish it.
Is this a Free or Paid-for BOM?
Each block for our Floral Baubles Quilt is going to be FREE for one month, after which the block will be available for sale in our Payhip shop.
How Do We Get the Patterns Each Month?
On the second Wednesday of each month, I will do a blog post with the new block and include a link to the digital pattern to download.
It is not a paper pattern, but an instant download pdf pattern.
The best way to keep up with each block is to subscribe to our blog on the sidebar so you get notified when a new post is up. You will still have plenty of time to download it during the month, but I suggest you download it as soon as you can!
What Skill Level is Needed for this BOM?
The BOM is suitable for all skill levels, but since I am trying to keep it simple, it will be a great way for beginners to start their embroidery and quilting journey!
The stitches I usually use are the easy ones – running stitch, back stitch, lazy daisy, French, or Colonial knots… but if they are too easy for you, please feel free to use any embroidery stitch you like. I love to see variations of my designs by people who are better at embroidery than I am!!
Which fabric will I use for the quilt?
I will be using my Cozy Christmas scraps from Lori Holt.
It’s going to be a gorgeous quilt made with lots of scraps!
Materials Needed to make this quilt
- 2 yards of background fabric
- Assorted Scraps for the quilt blocks and cornerstones
- 1 yard of matching fabric for the sashing
- Batting and Backing
- General Sewing and Quilting Supplies
Embroidery Requirements
- Your choice of red floss ( I am using DMC 349), and I use 2 strands of floss
- embroidery needle
- hoop (optional)
- iron-on stabiliser (optional)
Well, I think that is all I need to tell you about our new BOM… once again, if I have forgotten anything (highly likely), please let me know in the comments.. any questions? Just ask!
Thank you!
I’d like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all of you who have participated in past BOMs and who have left sweet, encouraging comments! It really makes my day when I see you enjoying our designs, and also seeing the different ways you stitch up the quilts! So thank you, thank you!
In closing…..
A discount code
In case you missed last year’s Redwork BOM and would like to purchase it, I have a special discount code for you for 25% in our Payhip store!
Use this code: redbom25
When do we start?
The first block will be posted this Wednesday!
Hope to see you then!
PS Please share!!
I would love it if you could share this post and details of the BOM on your blogs and socials! Thank you!
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Love the patterns/blocks