The alm Project – Diary of a Crafty Insomniac

Fold the raw edge of the ribbon down and roll the ribbon three to four times to form the center.

Stitch through the base of the ribbon with a matching thread.

Fold the ribbon at an angle, stitching down as you roll the center into the fold.

Continue to fold, roll and stitch.

Note:- When using a wider ribbon, the folds need to be caught (or stitched) in several places, moving up from the base.

As you roll the rose into the next fold, stitch down to the base ready for the next fold.

This is the center rose to be stitched in the middle of the outside petals. Do not make it too large – although I tend to get carried away sometimes.

Finish off by stitching a running stitch up to the top of the ribbon and pulling down to the base.

Next, you will need to stitch some petals – this will make your rose look more lush – more realistic. This is achieved by using the Ribbon stitch.

To make a ribbon stitch (also called a stab stitch or Japanese ribbon stitch), you will need to  pierce the ribbon with the needle, at the length you require the leaf. Pull the needle through to the back and pull the ribbon until the ends roll into a point.

Bring the thread up just underneath the leaf and run the back of the needle underneath the ribbon. (This is to prevent piercing of the ribbon with the point of the needle .)

Pull the thread through and bring up through the loop before pulling the thread into a tight knot.

With matching thread, stitch the base of the folded rose in the center of the petals, making sure to place the rose in the correct position. The rose should be stitched facing towards the top petals.

Note: Before stitching the folded rose on, turn it around different ways to see at which angle it looks best. Generally the widest part of the rose looks best placed on the petals.

To make your silk ribbon rose more interesting, use a No 13 Chenille needle, bring length of  ribbon up under the rolled rose center, taking it down again a centimeter (1 /3″ ) away from where you brought it up (essentially forming a loop). Let the ribbon
roll and twist as you pull it through. This will create a soft petal.

Continue adding petals, only around the base and sides of the folded rose, to fill the gaps. Follow these steps and you will have the perfect rose.

Here is one of my silk ribbon embroidery creations – lavender rose, stitched on lilac satin.

Here is another – simple yellow rose, stitched on burgundy crushed velvet.

xoxo

Al