Ribbon Embroidery

This class covers the basic techniques of Ribbon Embroidery. Ribbon Embroidery uses fine silk ribbons in place of traditional embroidery thread, and may be combined with small amounts of thread embroidery and/or ribbonwork. With these techniques you can create a range of simple designs, leaves, and flowers.

We'll begin the class with an overview of historical uses on clothing and household goods from the 18th - 20th centuries. Most of these examples use simple stitches and narrow ribbons to create charming Rococo designs. From there, we venture into the stitches and techniques seen in the later 20th century, which help you create more realism in your designs. Together, these techniques are suitable for creating historical accessories, home goods, and framed artwork.

Please Note: This class concentrates on Ribbon Embroidery - that is to say, ribbon being pulled through the fabric in the same manner as embroidery thread. While there is some overlap, it does not cover Ribbon Work techniques, where the ribbons are folded, pleated, gathered, or otherwise manipulated to create flowers. It also stops short of the modern ribbon embroidery techniques that are used to create highly realistic, decorative floral artwork.

This class covers:

• Ribbon embroidery tools and materials
• Transferring designs to fabric
• Historic examples from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries
• Historic design templates and instructions for each era
• How to work with ribbons vs. threads
• Stitches to create borders, leaves, flowers, and more
  • Backstitch
  • Ribbon Stitch
  • Stem Stitch
  • Looped Stitches and Flowers
  • Chain Stitch and Lazy Daisies
  • French Knots
  • Fly Stitch
  • Fern Stitch
  • Roses
  • Gathered Flowers and Leaves
  • Couched Ribbons
• How to tint and dye your own silk ribbons

Class Kits are available for purchase separately on my website: https://romanticrecollections.com/product/ribbon-embroidery-kits/