Ribbon Embroidery Designs and Stitches

It should come as no surprise that crafting and art work have always been a big part of my life.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I decided to try ribbon embroidery on a rocking chair seat back cover for her room.  I had no ribbon embroidery design to work from.

Something simple was definitely my plan. I had pink, blue and pale green ribbon to use and, with experimentation, made a few ribbon embroidery stitches that became a rose petal design with green petals and blue ribbon vines twisting from it.

My ribbon embroidery design was very experimental, having had no lessons or tutorials to help me. I’ll add that it was very rudimentary, yet I loved that seat back cover and was so proud of my work.

If I were to try it again, I would be sure to view some ribbon embroidery tutorials before I got started. The free ribbon embroidery projects would be a great place for ideas!

What is ribbon embroidery?

Ribbon embroidery is mainly swapping out embroidery thread for silk ribbon!  The usual embroidery stitches are used, along with the ribbon stitch specific to ribbon embroidery itself.

When using silk ribbon to embroider, the finished piece is 3D and has a lovely texture.  It’s just simply exquisite to see.  Most motifs are botanical since ribbon embroidery lends itself well to making flower petals, vines and leaves.

What are the origins of ribbon embroidery?

Although many historians estimate that the art of ribbon embroidery is only about 300 years old, most agree that it probably was long before that when threads and ribbons were used for embroidery.

It must be noted that ribbons themselves are also fairly new, being produced about a few hundred years ago beginning in Italy. Silk was the fiber that was usually spun into the soft, silky narrow strips that we call ribbons.

Soon after, in the 1600s, the technique of making ribbons was passed along to the French textile producers.  This new fashion statement of wearing silk ribbons was only afforded by those who were wealthy.

In the early 1700s, ribbon embroidery became popular with the wealthy in France.  Rosettes were the most common motif, embellishing shoes, dresses, capes, corsets and parasols.

Ribbon embroidery designs made their way to England during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901).  Ribbon embroidery stitches could be seen on quilts, women’s hats and bags, and many other places where the 3D embroidery would make a fine embellishment.

What is the best fabric to use for ribbon embroidery?

The use of ribbons for embroidery needs a relatively strong background fabric, and natural textiles like cotton and linen are usually the best options. Cotton in white or cream is best for beginners.

Along with the ribbon and background fabric, an ordinary embroidery hoop and a needle with an eye big enough for the ribbon, yet sharp enough to get the ribbon through the fabric, are also necessary.

Scroll down this page to find several beginner’s guides to ribbon embroidery techniques, embroidery stitches, and ribbon embroidery designs and tutorials.

The beautiful patterns and ribbon embroidery designs of lovely florals will take your breath away!