How to Do Ribbon Applique

Ribbon can add texture to a sewing craft project.

Applique is a sewing and quilting method used to adhere one or more pieces of fabric or other material to a base layer. This method is commonly used to add dimension and texture to quilts and clothing. Ribbon applique can be completed in two different ways. The first method involves the use of two shades of similar fabric pieces together to form a ribbon appearance which is adhered to the base layer. The second method involves the adhering of actual ribbon to a base layer with the use of fusing material and heat.

Things You'll Need

• 3 pieces of fabric
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Fabric pencil
• Fusing material
• Sewing pins
• Iron
• Thread
• Sewing needle
• Ribbon

Instructions

Method 1

1. Measure, mark and cut one square piece of fabric for the base layer which is 15 3/4 inches. Measure, mark and cut two pieces of the light colored material which measure 1 1/2 inch by 2 1/2 inches long. Cut the ends at opposing 45-degree angles to form trapezoid shapes. Measure, mark and cut two pieces of the dark colored material which measure 1 1/2 inch by 2 1/2 inches long. These are the corners for your ribbon. Measure, mark and cut 16 squares which measure 1 1/2 inch out of the darker material. Measure, mark and cut 16 pieces of lighter material which measure 1 1/2 inch wide and 2 1/2 inches long. Cut the ends at parallel 45-degree angles. Measure, mark and cut corresponding pieces of fusing material.

2. Turn each piece of fabric face down on a flat surface. Place a corresponding piece of fusing material on each piece. Fold 1/4 inch over on all four edges of each piece.

3. Position two dark corners and two light corners on opposing corners. Place two dark squares under each light corner so one edge is aligned with the long bottom of the corner and the outside edge. Place two light shapes under each dark corner so the long edge is aligned with the short edge of the corner. Position three more pieces of each fabric between the corners in an alternating pattern to form a ribbon appearance.

4. Pin the pieces in place with sewing pins. Iron the pieces to the base layer. Remove the sewing pins.

5. Thread a sewing needle and sew each piece of material to the base layer with a whip stitch. Place the stitches as close to the fabric as possible.

Method 2

1. Measure, mark and cut the appropriate length of ribbon for your project. Measure, mark and cut a corresponding piece of fusing fabric.

2. Lay the ribbon face down on a flat surface. Place the fusing fabric on top of the ribbon. Fold each edge of the ribbon over 1/4 inch. Iron the folds to hold the creases.

3. Flip the ribbon and fusing material over and place it on the base layer. Pin the ribbon in place with sewing pins.

4. Iron the ribbon and fusing material to the base layer. Remove the sewing pins.

5. Thread the sewing needle and sew the ribbon to the base layer using a whip stitch. Place the stitches as close to the edge of the fabric as possible to avoid being seen.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using a piece of ribbon with a finished edge, it is not necessary to fold and crease the edges before the fusing process. If you are using a finished-edge ribbon, use a piece of fusing material that is 1/8 inch smaller than the ribbon in both length and width.

References

• Newfound Applique; Instructions for Ribbon Toys
• Girly Things; Applique Shirt
• Mary Appliques; Single Block Applique