Question from Reader re: Thread
The question – “Can you tell me where to buy turkey red embroidery thread?”
At first, I was floored by this question because I wondered where the reader found the term and why she was asking me. Mystified, and short on time, when I read the one-line message, I wrote back, “Why do you want to know?”
The subsequent reply was that she had seen a (19th century) pillow, worked in turkey red thread, in an article I wrote for the current issue of The Quilter magazine.
If someone were to go into a general store that carries hobby supplies, like JoAnn Fabrics or Michael’s, and were to ask for “turkey red” thread, the look on the face of the customer service representative would be priceless. Most likely, the person would not have a clue as to what the customer meant.
“Turkey Red” is a process, not a specific color, that was effected by the use of root madder dye and many processing steps, in other centuries. Today, companies such as DMC and Anchor make red embroidery thread, some colors of which can sometimes approximate the color of 19th century dyes.
The main quality that accounted for the popularity of so-called “Turkey Red” thread, in the 19th century, is that it is colorfast and lightfast. Yet, not all thread that was used for embroidery, at that time, had those endearing properties.
“Turkey Red,” madder-based fabrics were printed, as well. To see and/or purchase simulated fabrics of that kind, visit Margo Kramer’s Reproduction Fabrics website.
As far as thread goes, none of it is now commercially called “Turkey Red,” a relatively archaic term. At least, not at this writing. I may give someone an idea. However, embroidery threads are sold by number, not color name.
In the recent past (early 1990s), some thread manufacturers had “issues” due to changes in environmental laws. Some reds were unstable. However, the problem seems to be resolved.
My best advice for choosing threads for outline stitch embroidery (Redwork, Bluework, etc.) is to choose a cotton embroidery floss that you like, in whatever color you choose, even perhaps a variegated color for a more avant garde look. For more information, you may want to consider purchasing my CD e-book: Redwork Renaissance Revisited that does provide more specific information. It is listed on my Products Available Page on our website.
Best wishes,
Patricia Cummings
