header

RIBBON WEAVING THROUGH DRAWN THREADS

Ribbon

The age-old needlework technique of DRAWNWORK is a fresh
vehicle for showcasing ribbon. And the only challenge may be finding a loosely
woven linen, cotton, hopsacking, canvas or even burlap to work with.  I say this because these fabrics are NOT the
same thing as the even-weave fabrics available for counted cross-stitch or
needlepoint.  However, it’s worth the
search because this simple technique can produce fine results.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Ribbon - pillow

 .

  • Pull out several side-by-side threads from the loosely
    woven fabric to create a path that equals the width of the ribbon you have
    chosen. The threads in this linen fabric are rather large and easy to single
    out. They were simply pulled using a toothpick.  A small metal skewer, or crochet hook or darning needle would also work
    well.
  • Weave
    the ribbon over and under the remaining exposed threads in a uniform
    pattern.  Masking tape on the
    leading end of the ribbon can firm up the end, facilitating the threading.

.

Ribbon - pillow

.

Illustration #1 above, shows a 9” X 9” orange pillow
(or sachet, or pin cushion) that is made of linen with roughly 18 threads per
inch. 

The 3/8” wide blue satin ribbon, May Arts #BM-04, is woven over 6 threads then under the next 6 until
the course around the square is completed. 
Consult the photo for corner treatments. 
Complete the project by adding a pillow back and stuffing with batting
or sachet.  To create a subtle flange,
before stuffing the pillow, I stitched along both edges of the ribbon.  This made the central area of the pillow puff
up more than the edges, giving the drawnwork a framing effect.

.

 Ribbon - pillow

Here’s a bonus idea. 
Since I chose to work with a ribbon that has different colors – front and
back, I could use this technique along the edges of a placemat or napkin and
have a second color combination on the reverse side.  See the chocolate brown side of this ribbon
in Illustration # 3. 
Remember to stay-stitch all 4 edges to prevent unintended raveling.

.

Blog Posted By:  Ellen Highsmith
Silver

.

Don’t Forget To Check Out This Week’s Contest:  Ribbons Of Christmas Past!

Categories... Sewing / Notions |

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

May Arts

Contact Info

1154 E. Putnam Ave.
Riverside, CT 06878
P: 203.637.8366
F: 203.637.5285
E: sales@mayarts.com