Ribbon embroidery tips
Tips and advice on ribbon embroidery from choosing the right materials for your ribbon embroidery project to threading the needle and handling some of the more complicated stitches.
Choosing ribbons
100% silk is recommended.
You should buy at least 3 metres to 5 metres of each colour you want to use in your project and 3 to 6 shades of green (where required).
Silk ribbon is available in a wide variety of widths, but the most common are: 2mm (great for French knots, small leaves and buds, and daisies); 4mm (most often used for flowers and leaves); and 7mm (ideal for gathered flowers and large leaves).
‹‹ back to stitchers tips page
Choosing needles
When you are stitching through a tightly woven fabric, use a chenille needle. It has a sharp point and a large eye. These two features help get the ribbon through the fabric with the least stress.
If you are stitching on a sweater or a loose woven fabric, a tapestry needle should be used.
In either case, the size of the ribbon determines the size of the needle, thus: 2mm - needle size 22 or 24; 4mm - needle size 20 or 22; 7mm - needle size 18.
‹‹ back to stitchers tips page
Threading the needle
Use a 12 to 14 inch length of ribbon.
Firstly, slip the ribbon through the needle, next pierce the ribbon 1/2 inch from the end, and finally, pull the length of the ribbon to lock it on the needle.
‹‹ back to stitchers tips page