what color fabric are you using? when i do any color redwork i use one of two colors cream color or white when using dark color fabric use white thread i hope that helps mary

I would do it twice... I hope this helps U... R4U
Sam :)

You could also use the thicker thread, a #30 weight or even a #12 - Madeira has a nice collection of the latter, I have a box at home, but as I'm staying with my daughter I can check the correct name. It's a special thread for embellishing materials like denim and gives glorious results.

I have done single color designs as many as three times over in order to make them show up better. I have a Pfaff 2170 and move the design just a hair each time so it is not stitching right on top of itself. Works pretty well. I have even stitched each repeat in a different color to get a multicolored design.Really great effect. Of course try it on a scrap first.

As long as you're using cut away stabilizer Monica, should be fine. When you're using tear away, you could change a tear unless you tape some additional stabilizer underneath to support the intense puncturing from the needle.

I did the embroidery twice, but you've got already other solutions here too.

Great question and great answers. I am learning and learning.

i emb it twice with bold colors. turned out nice//mm

Thanks to you all for the advice because I don't want to do redwork, it looks so thin and does not show off so good. Thanks again. Love Marie

I've been following this quesstion because it's so interesting, the methods people use!! Monica, you know you're going to have to post in Projects when you're done with this "whatever" on denim you're doing, don't you? Hee hee hee, looking forward to seeing it!! Hugs, Marji

I used a lovely green colour for one redwork design and I used a gorgeous dark wine colour on another.
On dark material I would probably use a true cream colour (like that rich American vanilla ice-cream) gosh now i want a choc-coated ice-cream!!!

Anyway, nothing says you have to stick to using red thread. Also you may find that some (line-work) designs are far more dense than others, ie: DD redwork designs at Sick are very dense.

Don't forget if the material has any kind of pile you will probably need to use WSS stabiliser on top to help stop the stitching from sinking into the pile.
Hope this helps, look forward to seeing your completted project.
hugs n roses, M

very interessant question, thank you for all those answer which are so useful