Ribbon embroidery design is a type of stitching technique that uses pieces of ribbons to create unique designs and motifs on fabrics. There are many different kinds of stitching methods like Kasuti, Patchwork, Hand Quilting and others. All these hand embroidery design techniques cannot be used to create three dimensional pieces, but ribbon embroidery can do that.
This is how ribbon embroidery design came into existence. It started during 1700s and was used to create various home décor items, embellished outfits, quilts and other items. The popularity of ribbon embroidery designs has always been increasing since its inception which makes it one of the favourites for most embroiderers today.
The unique thing about ribbon embroidery designing is the texture this stitching technique can create. Other embroidery techniques have simple stitches which can be seen on fabrics. On the other hand, ribbon embroidery designs can be seen jumping off of the fabric giving the garment a unique look. Such bulky designs look stylish and fashionable on the women who wear it.
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Using this hand embroidery design technique, you can create various kinds of flowers. The flower motifs created in ribbon embroidery are the most common motif creations among all others. Flower motifs are preferred and are also famous in ribbon embroidery designing as the flowers look alive. A single stitch using ribbon embroidery can give you the look of a flower bud. If you add a couple of more stitches to it, you can create a bud with some greenery around it giving you a real-looking flower pattern.
There are many embroidery courses which can help you learn how to create these floral motifs and other ribbon embroidery techniques. You can also learn these techniques from home with online embroidery courses. However, it is advised to always start with simple techniques so you can learn while also having fun.
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Materials Required for Ribbon Embroidery Designs
The main materials you need to start designing ribbon embroidery patterns are silk ribbons. You can also use synthetic ribbons, but these are difficult to work with. Some types of silk ribbons are produced specifically for ribbon embroidery. It is easier to pass a silk ribbon through a fabric when compared to synthetic ribbon. This is because silk ribbons are soft and very thin.
Also, silk ribbons are washable, which is important since you won’t be wearing your outfit only once. However, if you decide to use synthetic ribbons, then first test them to make sure they are passing properly through the fabric and do not harm the fabric. You can find both types of ribbons for embroidery in your locality easily. There are various sizes of ribbons that you can choose from. The size depends on what you are planning to design. The impact of your ribbon embroidery also increases with an increase in the size of the ribbons.
Following are the basic materials required to create ribbon embroidery designs:
1.Types of Needles
While choosing a needle for ribbon embroidery, it is important to choose a needle with a sharp point and a large eye. The best needle to use for ribbon embroidery is Chenille needles between the sizes of 18 and 22.
2.Types of Fabrics
You can use any kind of fabric which can sustain the weight of the embroidery. However, most of the embroiderers recommend to use natural fabrics for ribbon embroidery. If you decide to use synthetic ribbons, then it is advised to use a fabric that is more openly weaved than usual. While using silk ribbons, you don’t have to think about an open weave fabric since any kind of fabric is okay.
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Hand Embroidery Design Technique Using Ribbon
Before you begin designing your favourite motif using a ribbon and a needle on the fabric, it is important to know how to start. This process is applicable for all kinds of embroidery techniques. The back of a ribbon embroidery design on the fabric can get messy which is why it is better start this process with a knot.
You can avoid the knot by leaving a temporary strand on the back of the fabric during the first few stitches. Later, you can track that strand using another ribbon which is of the same colour and tie them. While doing these stitches, make sure that the loose ends are not shown on the front of your design. You can also finish your design with a knot at the end of your stitching process or tuck the ribbons under each other.
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Basic Ribbon Embroidery Designs
It is helpful to know surface embroidery techniques to be able to do ribbon embroidery easily. This is because both these embroidery methods use silk ribbons. You will notice the difference in motifs and floral patterns as you change the size of the ribbon. The best way to learn is to practice.
So, take a needle, a ribbon and a fabric that suits your technique and start creating a pattern. It does not matter if your design is good or bad, you are a beginner and with time you will get better at it.
The various kinds of stitches performed in ribbon embroidery are; straight stitch, straight stitch with a twist, loop stitch, French knot, French knot with a tail, single stitch, single detached chain stitch and others. There are many advanced techniques which you can create once you have gained a good grip over the above-mentioned basic stitches. You can also use various kinds of embellishments to make your designs look more stylish and unique.
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So, what are you waiting for? Join our online embroidery course from home and learn all about ribbon embroidery from expert faculty. You will be mentored by 4-time national award-winning fashion designer, Neeta Lulla. After completing your embroidery course, you will be certified by the Govt. of India and Hunar Online.
