silk-ribbon-embroidery-crazy-quilting

Last month we shared how to use silk ribbon embroidery as a technique for Crazy Quilting. This  month I’d like to expand on this topic to demonstrate the versatility of techniques with silk.

The small section photographed above is from my fall themed crazy quilt. This is one of the first crazy quilts I created using various background fabrics. I was fortunate to attend a class taught by the very talented Karen Fraser at Piecemaker’s in Costa Mesa years ago. The project featured 12 different silk ribbon rose motifs.

At that time, I was very new to crazy quilting but instead of stitching on a plain background, I chose to make four 12×12 blocks prior to class in fall colours so these would be ready for creating my roses.

How to Use Silk Ribbon Embroidery In This Crazy Quilt

The silk ribbon rose and leaves are stitched on a background of damask. I picked up a large damask tablecloth at a thrift store years ago and tore it into strips which I then dyed for future projects. I would encourage you to pick up some damask if you come across it – dyes beautifully and a smooth base for stitching. I’ve used both 4mm and 7mm silk ribbon in this rose. The class also taught us various ways to create leaves, two of which are displayed above.

A second area of silk ribbon work is featured showing a vine stitched with a green boucle followed by the addition of silk ribbon leaves.

Finally, I added an applique butterfly which again I had dyed in yellows to complete the section. The beads were added once the applique was stitched in place.

What is Silk Ribbon Embroidery

Silk ribbon embroidery is an embellishing technique using silk ribbon and woven ribbons. Basic embroidery stitches are used to create flowers and decorative stitches. While it is not a difficult technique, it does require practice. There are a variety of excellent books on the topic so you might like to check them out.

I hope we have been able to demonstrate an introduction to the versatility of silk ribbon work. It is a technique well worth learning to add to your needlework.

This crazy quilt is currently for sale. Email me for information @ [email protected]

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