Multi-petal flower -Dog rose

Multi - petal ribbon flower can be done done by using one continuous length of ribbon. Ribbon is divided into equal portions depending upon the number of petals. Length of the ribbon used for a petal depends upon the width of the ribbon. Here ribbon width is used as a scale. It is called RW
5 petal flower needs 2 to 2 ½ RW
4 petal flowers needs 3 RW
3 petal flower needs 4.RW

Step 1

Take a length of ribbon 5x2 ½ RW + 2x¼ inch for seams .If the ribbon width is 1 inch 13 inches of ribbon is required. Make sure the cut edges are straight. Apply fabric glue on both cut edges. Mark lines ¼ inch away from both the edges .Divide the remaining portion of the ribbon into five divisions of 2½ inches wide

Step 2

Thread two strands of matching thread to a needle and using running stitch, stitch as shown in the figure. I have used different colour thread so that it is easily visible. Corners should be rounded. After stitching one division pull the thread a little. Needle comes out from the back of the ribbon or from the front of the ribbon. At this stage if the needle comes out from back start stitching the other division from the front. If needle comes out from the front start stitching from the back. By doing so the thread will wrap over the selvedge. This helps the thread to gather up easily .Remove the needle from the thread.

Step 3

Keeping right sides together sew the short edges together on the seam line.

Step 4

Take the ends of running stitch thread and pull gently gathering ribbon in to five petals. Stitch the flower on to a small piece of buckram cloth. Take desired amount of stamens bundle them in the centre with a thread. Stitch this in the middle of the flower. French knots or pistil stitches can also be used instead of stamens.

Gatehred flowers

There are many types of ribbon flowers. Simple one is gathered flower.
Step 1 Cut 12 inches of 1 inch wide satin ribbon. Seal the edges with fabric glue Join the edges with back stitch using matching thread.
Step 2 Make running stitch all along one edge using double strands of thread.
Step 3 Pull the thread to form gathers and put tight knots and using two ends of the thread. Arrange the gathers.
Step 4 Embellish the flower with pollens or beads.

Ribbon embroidery with ribbon flowers

At last I finished this project!Ribbon flowers are done separately and fixed to the cloth.Ribbon embroidery is not like crewel embroidery.While stitching some times ribbons take unexpected turn and give a different shape.We cannot unravel the stitch and do it again.Quality of the ribbon and the base cloth also play great role.I like this embroidery because it does not strain my eyes!