Things You'll Need:
- Book of your choice
- Tape measure
- Ruler or straight edge
- Newsprint or butcher paper
- Fabric remnants in 2 prints or solids (amount required depends on the book, but a fat quarter of each is likely adequate)
- Lightweight quilt batting
- Fabric marking pencil
- Silk embroidery ribbons
- Embroidery floss
- Embroidery needles
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine
- Coordinating thread
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Step 1
Measure your book. Measure the height of the book, then measure around the book from the edge of the front cover, over the spine and to the edge of the back cover. Take all measurements with the book closed.
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Step 2
Use a ruler or straight edge to draft a pattern. Add 1/2 inch to your measurements to allow for a 1/4-inch seam allowance. You should have a rectangle on your page. Lightly mark the center. Mark a dark line 1 inch to 3 inches from and parallel to your center mark, depending upon the size of your book. This will form the flap that wraps around the cover edges of your book.
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Step 3
Cut an outer cover for your ribbon embroidery book. This will be the surface for your embroidery, so choose a fabric well suited for your planned design. You will also need a second piece for the lining, cut to the same size as your outer cover, as well as a layer of thin quilt batting. Fold the fabric for your flap pieces in half and cut the flaps on the fold. Place your fold along the dark line on your pattern and cut to the edge of the pattern piece on each side. These flaps will overlap the inside lining of your book cover, covering much of the inside of the front and back covers of the book.
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Step 4
Set aside all but the outer cover. Use a fabric marker or pencil to draw out your design. Alternatively, you could use a purchased embroidery pattern or trace a printed pattern for ribbon embroidery. Keep most of your design on the front of the ribbon embroidered book; however, consider adding a small design element to the back of the ribbon embroidery book cover.
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Step 5
Embroider all stems, lines or structural elements in your design first. Use ribbon in an outline stitch or embroidery floss to create stems. Add flowers or other design elements to your design. Add lazy daisy stitches for leaves and flower petals. Ribbon roses can be made by creating a french knot and wrapping longer overlapping straight stitches around it. Add sprays of french knots to create baby's breath or similar flowers (see Resources below for more silk embroidery stitch ideas). This will help to create a three-dimensional appearance for your ribbon embroidered book. Be sure all ribbon and embroidery floss ends are well secured.
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Step 6
Press each piece of your ribbon embroidered book cover. Fold each flap piece along the fold line and press the crease into place.
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Step 7
Begin stacking the layers of your ribbon embroidered book cover. First, lay your ribbon embroidery on a flat surface, embroidered side facing up. Place each folded flap into position, lining up the edges, and lay the book cover inner, right side down, on top of the flaps. Finally, put the batting into place. Stitch around this sandwiched stack with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, leaving a 2- to 3-inch opening to turn the book cover.
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Step 8
Turn the ribbon embroidered book cover right side out. Tuck the raw edges into the book cover, and stitch closed by hand. Press once more and slide one side of your book cover under each flap.
