Aimee Steinberger

I recently made this ribbon embroidery brooch for my mom for her birthday. It’s probably about 2 by 3″. The base fabric is some left over chirimen crepe fabric I was given when I bought a kimono. It has a layer of padding and a stiff back with a pin back attached.

I used what I learned in the Costume College class “Silk Ribbon Embroidery” by Maryann Jones as well as the book, The Art of Silk Ribbon Embroidery.

I also enjoy  The Artful Ribbon: Ribbon Flowers (which is a different technique), and I don’t have it, but The Threads and Crafts book of Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork is well recommended, too.

Ribbon embroidery is actually pretty easy and fun! You can either draw out your design before you start, or just work organically adding a flower here and there as you go. It’s very pleasing.  And it’s the type of crafting that you could easily take with you to do while waiting for appointments or while reclining, since all you need is the ribbon, your base fabric, possibly a small hoop, needles and maybe a bit of thread and beads.

You also might enjoy seeing the Heirloom Ribbon Embroidery baby dresses I made for my twin girls.

And then the final brooch.