Rissa Peace Root © 2002, 2007 All Rights Reserved
I consider the manipulation of ribbon into flowers and shapes and designs as something separate from silk ribbon embroidery, although they are wholly complementary and often used together in designs and embellishments. The essential difference is that Ribbonwork is about placing things on fabric, not working through fabric. Sometimes people call it Ribbon Craft and Camela Nietzsche coined the term "Ribbonry" for her store and her books.
Unlike ribbon embroidery, the majority of Ribbonwork does not require silk or even high grade/fine synthetic ribbon, although it is often used. Most of my work is done in French wired ribbon, but you can use satin, velvet, moiré, and novelty ribbons. There is more to ribbon manipulation than most people realize and often the complex stitching and cutting can be time consuming. Ribbonwork produces some of the most realistic flower forms, but it can be very labor intensive and complicated. This work reached it peak at the turn of century when it was applied to millenary, clothing and household items of all sorts. There are many wonderful diagrams and examples from the 1920's (many of which were reprinted in the 80's) and if you stumble upon some of those pamphlets, don't let them slip though your fingers.
There are a lot of fetching designs using ribbon and beads too. These make wonderful adornments for hats and other clothing items that do not need to be laundered, if laundering is required, assemble your design on crinoline or buckram, then trim off the excess material and stitch it to your garment with only enough stitches that it will stay put. Then you can remove the decoration prior to cleaning the item. It is also an excellent way to create intricate or simple brooch and pin designs. Folded and stitched ribbon flowers are also very commonly used to decorate boxes, photo frames and wedding items of all sorts. It has the advantage of not requiring you to work through the fabric, so a design can be attached to a pre-made piece, like a bridal crown or wedding dress. I often use flowers and leaves and pearls and create small boutonnieres that can be worked into wedding garments and decorations. The possibilities are as limitless as your ribbon and bead choices!
Long before I discovered its true versatility, I instinctively adored and collected ribbons. Most women wore ribbons in their hair, on their clothing, on their hats, or on their shoes at some point in life. In many ways, we see them as feminine and as luxury items. Every child's favorite part of his security blanket is the satin trim! Let's face it, everybody loves nice ribbon, but few realize how many interesting things can be done with it! ;-)
Bow Making is the most common form of ribbon craft. Bows have always been popular for gift wrapping and accents on feminine clothing, such as lingerie. In recent years bows have become staples for holiday decoration. Even though the proliferation of wired ribbon has made bow making easier than ever, there is still a big marker for finished items and custom bow making. Part of the resurgence of romanticism and the love of Victoriana was manifested in the desire to make the wrapping elaborate and decorative to signify it was as important as the gift inside.
Ribbon weaving is fascinating. Using a board and pins, you weave ribbon back and forth, then bind with an interfacing to create fabric for pillows, clothing and accents.
I have read dozens of books regarding ribbon craft and crafts in generals, see this as a bibliography of sorts. Feel free to ask me questions about any of these volumes, including where I got them and how much I paid, but they are not for sale. Click here to view books.
