Ribbon Embroidery

Ribbon embroidery begins with four things: Fabric to stitch on, a needle with a wide eye, ribbon, and your own sense of adventure.

Whether you use a pattern or go with your own ideas, everyone creates something unique. You and a friend can start out on the same project and end up with two completely different-looking pieces, even if you use the same stitches and supplies.

Creating individual results every time is one of the great advantages of ribbon embroidery. Another is that you don't make mistakes -- you only make variations. Pulling too tightly or having lopsided stitches only improves your work and makes it more realistic. It also shows your individuality as an embroiderer.

Because ribbon is wider than floss, it works up quickly, spreading over a larger area in a short amount of time (consider how many cross-stitches it would take to cover that same area). Ribbon, especially silk ribbon, comes in many different widths and colours, including variegated, as well as blends. A silk organza ribbon adds sparkle to your work, and an extra dimension of colour as well.

Silk ribbon embroidery is often used for stitching gorgeous birds, bugs, and blooms. But you can also tack down the sides of the ribbon to the fabric to represent a bride's gown, a woven basket, or a cat's tail.