How to Learn Ribbon Embroidery
Ribbon embroidery uses many of the same embroidery stitches that are used with thread stitchery. Ribbon comes in 2mm, 4mm and 7mm sizes; the size you use depends on your design and preferences. Silk ribbon is easy to sew with and produces lovely effects of shimmer and sheen. Gather some simple supplies and see the results you achieve while dabbling in and learning this 18th century art of European dressmakers.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Position your fabric on the embroidery hoop so that your working area is taut.
-
2
Cut one yard of ribbon with scissors.
-
-
3
Thread ribbon into the eye of the needle and knot the end. Draw the ribbon through the fabric and practice making flowers with a variety of stitches.
-
4
To make a french knot, draw the needle up through the fabric. Wrap the ribbon around your needle three times and then push the needle back down through the fabric in the same location where it had emerged. Snug the three strands of ribbon into a knot as you push them off the needle.
-
5
Sew a lazy daisy-detached chain by pulling your needle up through the fabric and forming a petal shape on top of the surface with the ribbon length. Push the needle back down at the base of this petal and bring it up once again at the top of this shape, loop it over the petal and right back down to anchor the petal in place.
-
6
Embroider some ribbon stitches. These stitches pierce the ribbon as you take your stitch back down through the ribbon and fabric.
-
7
Form a spider web rose by making 5 spokes of the same size that radiate out from a center point. Bring your needle up at the center of this structure and gently weave the ribbon in and out of the spokes, forming a flower shape.
-
8
Finish all flower shapes with a knot tied on the back off the fabric.
-
9
Snip ribbon with scissors whenever your design is finished in one area.
-
10
Study embroidery books and instructions for new stitch ideas and incorporate these into practice pieces.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use your thumb and forefinger to keep ribbon in the desired position as you sew.
Ribbon embroidery may be combined with other stitchery for interesting results.
Muslin is an excellent fabric for beginners to use for practice.
References
- Photo Credit green ribbon image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
