The very nature of quilt-making began out of necessity: how to create warm bedding in the most efficient, and economical way possible.

 Scraps of cloth were patched together to form top and bottom layers that sandwiched a filler layer of carded wool or cotton then stitched through to keep the filler, or batting, in place.

 Today, ingenuity is still at work in the creation of new ways to enhance the quilt top’s design.  Using ribbons is a logical and lovely added means to this end.  They have two finished edges, come in a variety of widths and an endless array of designs and colors.

 The following examples illustrate results achieved by using ribbons as SASHING, BORDERS and DECORATIVE EDGING.  Ribbons can be top-stitched onto the existing design, or treated as another fabric and stitched into seams.

PARTRIDGES AND PEARS  (size: 35” X 25”)

• May Arts #333-38 is used as:

           a. sashing between the pear blocks and

           b. a thin outer border

• May Arts # FJ25 is used as the quilt’s 1.5” border.

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VARIETY VALENTINES (size: 35” X 26”)

• May Arts # ER14 - 1.5” ric rac in red provides a cheerful wavy edge around the quilt’s perimeter.  It is first basted in place, then the second ribbon.

• May Arts #XA36 – 1.5” is stitched on, overlapping the ric rac.

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PEACE WREATH (size: 17” X 16”)

•  May Arts #BK36 – 1.5” striped grosgrain is top-stitched ¼” from the bound edge of the quilt.

These are just a few examples of what ribbons can do for quilters and their quilts. 

Blog Posted By: Ellen Highsmith Silver

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