Ribbon Embroidery Tutorials

In the early 18th century, a highly ornate style dominated the decorative arts in many parts of Europe. This style is popularly known as rococo and is characterized by very intricate embellishments. One of the most widespread kinds of this rococo style is ribbon embroidery.

In its early days, ribbon embroidery was considered to be a very elegant art exclusive to the higher classes in society. This is especially true in France where peasants and middle class citizens were not allowed to decorate their outfits with ribbon embroidery. This sort of embellishment was reserved for the use of the more elite members of society.

As time progressed though, the popularity of ribbon embroidery reached other countries in Europe and many areas in the western world. People from all walks of life could be seen wearing outfits decorated with all sorts of ribbon embroidery.

Soon, imaginative individuals began expanding the use of ribbon embroidery to items other than clothing. Practically anything that can be embroidered were decorated with ribbon embroidery - purses, bonnets, scarves and other fashion accessories.

Many people also applied ribbon embroidery to their common house decorations such as lampshades, picture frames, pillow covers and tablecloths. In fact, ribbon embroidery in this form is still very much alive today as it was when it was first introduced in the Middle Ages.

This technique is very appealing to many individuals particularly because of its dainty and delicate nature. Today, ribbons are available in any color, width and texture that you can think of. You can easily avail of ribbons in any textile or embroidery store anywhere.

Traditionally, most ribbon embroidery has been created on silk fabrics but in these modern times, you can actually do your ribbon embroidery on any kind of material you wish, as long as you are pleased with the final results of your project.

Ribbon embroidery can also be accomplished with or without needles. It all depends on what you want your finished product to look like. If you do not want to use needles, you can imitate the style just by tying the ribbon at the right places. If you want to sew the design on the fabric, make sure you choose the right kind of needle that can accommodate the thickness of your ribbon.

If you are interested in learning more about the art of ribbon embroidery, there are many website on the Internet that can teach you techniques in making your ribbon embroidery
You may also head to your local bookstore and select from the many published works on this topic. One of the most famous books among embroidery fanatics is Candace Kling's "The Artful Ribbon". It's a great instructional book that will certainly help you master the art of ribbon embroidery.