Ribbon Basics: All The Stitches & Techniques Of Silk Ribbon Work & Embroidery

by Mary Jo Hiney, Joy Anckner

“Create 26 completely different projects, one for each letter of the alphabet...a do-it-yourself introduction to a simple craft.”— Booklist. “Colorful and full of creative ideas...an ingenious presentation of silk ribbon stitches and projects...a vitual encyclopedia of ribbon work....With this invaluable resource, even the beginner will be able to master these beautiful techniques.” — McCall’s Needlework.

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 1996

Reviews

[Espera]

When the title said "Ribbon Basics" with the subtitle "All the stitches and techniques", I expected an introduction to ribbon embroidery. A _beginners_ level introduction. With the basic stitches and such. Unfortunately the organization of this book is stupid (at least without any explanation of the organization).

The book contains a sampler for each letter of the alphabet using flowers from that letter of the alphabet. There is both a finished picture, and a diagram (to be traced to the fabric). Instructions are given for how to complete each sampler, with instructions for each flower type.

The book progresses from letter A to letter Z.

I started at letter A (because I was reading the book from front to back). The letter A sampler uses anemone, apple blossoms, asters, azalea, alyssums, and astrautia flowers. The problems is that the instructions use the following stitches: ribbon, pistil, looped ribbon, stem, french knots, one-twist ribbon, and lazy daisy. (and the term couch.) So I flipped madly through the book looking for the set of instructions on how to do the stitches (since the title said ribbon basics), and the basic stitch names are in all caps. Since I couldn't find a list of stitches used, I gave up, and moved on to the letter B sampler.

The letter B sampler begins by saying stitch a few rosettes. Without explanation of how to do the rosettes.

I have now figured out that the basic stitch instructions are in the book, in the same alphabetical order, but after the instructions for the sampler for that letter. So finding the instructions for the basic stitches is a pain, since, for example, you have to flip past 9 different rose flower instructions before finding the instructions for the basic ribbon stitch.

This book is more of a encyclopedia reference, or a workbook, so I'm putting it aside until I get myself some ribbons to practice with.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what the title says; the basics of ribbon embroidery.

[Mimielle LaFauve · Rating 5 out of 5]

My silk ribbon primer and bible, it has all the classic basic stitches to be done in 4 and 7 mm silk ribbons, PLUS many more techniques of working with wired ribbon as well