Ribbon Embroidery

Silk ribbon embroidery is a classic needlework technique where you hand stitch with narrow silk ribbon (rather than thread or floss) to create dimensional, textured designs with beautiful drape and sheen.

Our silk ribbon is made from pure Japanese filament silk and is available in two widths: 4mm and 7mm. The continuous filament construction creates an incredibly smooth, soft ribbon that glides through fabric without snagging or fraying.

Unlike rayon or polyester ribbons, pure silk has a natural luster and gentle drape, creating lifelike flowers, leaves, and decorative elements. The ribbon's soft texture allows it to shape and fold beautifully, creating three-dimensional effects that flat embroidery can't achieve.

Silk ribbon embroidery is perfect for embellishing quilts, wearables, home décor, and heirloom projects that call for elegant, dimensional detail.

The difference is ribbon width, which affects the scale and visual impact of your embroidery. The 4mm silk ribbon creates delicate, refined stitches perfect for small flowers, fine details, and projects where you want subtle dimensional accents. It's ideal for miniature work, sachets, and embellishing quilt blocks where you don't want the ribbon to overpower the fabric. The 7mm silk ribbon creates bolder, more dramatic stitches with greater coverage and visual presence. It's wonderful for larger flowers, leaves, and decorative elements where you want the embroidery to be a focal point. Many silk ribbon embroiderers keep both widths on hand and combine them in the same project: 7mm for featured flowers and larger elements, 4mm for buds, stems, and fine details. Both widths are pure Japanese filament silk with the same quality and beautiful sheen."

For silk ribbon embroidery, use a Chenille needle in a size that matches your ribbon width. For 4mm silk ribbon, a Chenille #22 or #24 needle works beautifully. For 7mm silk ribbon, a larger Chenille #18 or #20 needle accommodates the wider ribbon more comfortably. Chenille needles have a sharp point for piercing fabric cleanly and a large, long eye that makes threading the ribbon easy and prevents crushing or fraying. The sharp point is vital because silk ribbon embroidery often involves piercing the ribbon itself in certain stitches, and you want clean penetration without snagging. Some stitchers also keep Tapestry needles on hand for working ribbon through previously stitched areas where a blunt point is gentler on the fabric and existing embroidery.

RibbonFloss excels in dimensional hand embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint, and any project where you want stitches with texture and body. The braided rayon construction creates raised, lustrous stitches that catch light beautifully. Popular applications include: floral embroidery where you want petals to have dimension, decorative borders on quilts and garments, crazy quilt embellishments, and surface stitching on accessories like purses and sachets. RibbonFloss is especially striking in satin stitch, chain stitch, and French knots where the ribbon structure shows to advantage.

Start by leaving a 2-inch tail on the back of your fabric and weaving it under your first few stitches as you work. For ending, weave the tail under several stitches on the back before cutting. Because RibbonFloss is flat and has more body than regular floss, it stays in place well once woven through existing stitches. Avoid knots if possible, as they can create bulk that shows through to the front on lightweight fabrics. For very smooth fabric backs, a tiny dot of fabric glue on the woven tail can provide extra security.

RibbonFloss is made from rayon, which is best for projects that won't be washed frequently or vigorously. For wall hangings, decorative items, and display pieces, it's perfect. For items that will be washed, hand wash gently in cool water and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing or machine washing, which can distort the braided structure. For frequently laundered items like children's clothing or everyday accessories, consider using polyester embroidery thread like Elite instead. RibbonFloss's beauty shines in special projects meant to be admired rather than heavily used.