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Silk ribbon embroidery is a method of embroidery that quick and unique, giving you a great sense of accomplishment. It is soft, romantic and whimsical. It is also a method that allows for creativity; that is, it is very forgiving. Make a mistake, it is easy to fix, and the results will be beautiful and uniquely yours. The stitches are similar to those used in crewelwork, but the use of ribbon creates a textured and dimensional result. That is why it is popular for simulating floral effects. The patterns are endless. You can make your own, or buy your own. There are many types of stitches, but for the beginner here is a list of 6 stitches
Need To Know: Locking the Ribbon and using a Hoop:
To avoid the silk ribbon slipping out of the eye of the needle, it is best to "lock the ribbon" This is called a lock stitch. Thread the needle as you would normally, then insert the needle into the ribbon about 1/2" from the end that was threaded through. Pull the length of the ribbon through to lock it on to the needle. Secondly, use a hoop. This might be redundant, but embroidery hoops are designed to make your fabric tight as you work.
Stitch #1: Straight Stitch
Bring the needle from the underside of the fabric. Making a straight line, push the needle into the upside of the fabric to the underside. You can lay the ribbon flat, or add a twist to make it look rolled. The straight stitch can be used in ribbon embroidery to make a continuous line, or a series of short lines side by side.
Stitch#2: Back Stitch
Start by making a Straight Stitch, leaving your needle in the underside. To create the backstitch, enter midway from underneath next to the last stitch, pulling the ribbon up. It is impossible to avoid the ribbon rolling as you do this, but the effect is desirable for making stems.
Stitch #3: Leaf Stitch
When re-entering the fabric from the topside, insert the needle into the ribbon. This creates a curl that looks like a leaf. The ribbon must be lying flat to start, and it is important not to pull to tightly. The curl can be positioned at either end, or the center to simulate different looks like leaves, long petals, etc. It is easy to play around with and experiment to achieve the look you are after.
Stitch #4 :Split Stitch
The Split Stitch is very much like the Backstitch. The difference here is the entry point. Instead of coming up through the fabric along side the last stitch, come up through the stitch at the half way point. The effect achieved here is a look of a running line of leaves.
Stitch #5: Lazy Daisy Stitch
The Lazy Daisy Stitch is used in silk ribbon embroidery to make the look of flower buds, rounded leaves, or petals, large or small. Make a loose loop by entering the fabric with your needle from underneath, and exiting with your needle on the topside near, or on the same location you came up. Hold the loop down with another small stitch. The look can be varied by twisting the ribbon, or where you position the holding stitch. To create a line of fern leaves, leave the entrance and exit points for the loop wider apart, and lengthen the anchoring stitch of the loop.
Stitch #6: French Knot
This stitch is used to make small flowers or berries. Enter the fabric from the underside. Wrap the ribbon flat around the needle one to three times, and exit the fabric next to the entrance. Pull the needle through to the back.
Ribbon embroidery allows for a lot of flexibility. It is far more forgiving than other forms of embroidery. Effect can vary with the size of the needle, ribbon, and how they are used. That is the fun part of ySilk Ribbon Embroidery. The process allows for some creativity, and the result is truly unique. If you are a beginner, then of course it is best to follow directions, but as you learn and become more confident, then the project becomes truly your own work of art.
Do you love the look of Silk Ribbon Embroidery and just don't know were to start. Visit my website for a list a great resouces
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
