Ribbon Embroidery

A Blend of Historical and Modern Techniques

This class covers the basic techniques of Ribbon Embroidery. Ribbon Embroidery uses fine silk ribbons in place of traditional embroidery thread, and may be combined with small amounts of thread embroidery and/or ribbonwork. With these techniques you can create a range of simple designs, leaves, and flowers.


We'll begin the class with an overview of historical uses on clothing and household goods from the 18th - 20th centuries. Most of these examples use simple stitches and narrow ribbons to create charming Rococo designs. From there, we venture into the stitches and techniques seen in the later 20th century, which help you create more realism in your designs. Together, these techniques are suitable for creating historical accessories, home goods, and framed artwork.

Please Note: This class concentrates on Ribbon Embroidery - that is to say, ribbon being pulled through the fabric in the same manner as embroidery thread. While there is some overlap, it does not cover Ribbon Work techniques, where the ribbons are folded, pleated, gathered, or otherwise manipulated to create flowers. It also stops short of the modern ribbon embroidery techniques that are used to create highly realistic, decorative floral artwork.

This class covers:

  • Ribbon embroidery tools and materials
  • Transferring designs to fabric
  • Historic examples from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries
  • Historic design templates and instructions for each era
  • How to work with ribbons vs. threads
  • Stitches to create borders, leaves, flowers, and more
    • Backstitch
    • Ribbon Stitch
    • Stem Stitch
    • Looped Stitches and Flowers
    • Chain Stitch and Lazy Daisies
    • French Knots
    • Fly Stitch
    • Fern Stitch
    • Roses
    • Gathered Flowers and Leaves
    • Couched Ribbons
  • How to tint and dye your own silk ribbons

Class Kits are available for purchase separately on my website: https://romanticrecollections.com/product/ribbon-embroidery-kits/




Your Instructor


Denise Hendrick
Denise Hendrick

Denise has been involved in reenactment and costuming for over 20 years. In 2014, she launched a line of historically inspired machine embroidery designs in order to help other costumers bring the beauty of period embroidery to their own projects.


Course Curriculum


  Historic Examples
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  Backstitch
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  Ribbon Stitch
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  Stem Stitch and Outline Stitch
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  Fern Stitch
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  Gathered Ribbons
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  Couched Ribbons
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  Dying Ribbons
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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