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Welcome to my Blog. This a place to share and learn all things embroidery. Here I post inspirational stories and free lessons in the form of tutorials and guides. I also share tips, tricks and teach stitches and techniques.

You will also find free patterns and designs for you to unlock your creativity. It is a great place for any creative looking to learn or find inspiration in this art form.

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TUTORIALS Stitches & Techniques What's New Share and Learn Silk Ribbon Embroidery A gift for you Newsletter

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November 2024
October 2024

Blog > Di van Niekerk hints and tips

The A Monogram in Silk Ribbon - a Free Tutorial by Di van Niekerk
♥ George Eliot wrote: What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?  I thought you may like to make a monogram or two for Christmas gifts as it's not far away! Hopefully, one the A  letter will match a friend or family member’s name.
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About Stitching in a Hoop by Di van Niekerk

I always work on an embroidery frame or hoop.  Some embroiderers like to use small hoops but if you learn to stitch in a larger hoop, you can see the entire design whilst you stitch. This helps with choice of colour and texture — one needs to see the bigger picture when deciding on colour and texture, plus the larger hoop does not damage the stitches. .     Hint About Stitches All...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 11 by Di van Niekerk

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hints and Tips by Di van Niekerk

Where to start?

 

When starting a project, I am often asked, where do I start?

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 10 by Di van Niekerk-Embroidering Hair

  Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 10 by Di van Niekerk From a series of handy hints and tips for silk ribbon embroidery to save and keep for your collection. You are most welcome to share with your students or friends. I will be adding a new card every week until the series is complete. This is Hint 10… . . . Stranded silk threads complement the silk ribbon beautifully. ...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 9 by Di van Niekerk

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 9 by Di van Niekerk   From a series of handy hints and tips for silk ribbon embroidery to save and keep for your collection. You are most welcome to share with your students or friends. I will be adding a new card every week until the series is complete. This is Hint 9… . . Stranded cotton is the most used thread for creative...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 8 by Di van Niekerk
Hints and tips by Di van Niekerk. Just about any thread can be used in ribbon embroidery, if you can thread it through the needle and bring in through the fabric.  Otherwise, couch it in place. Just check that the threads are colourfast before starting. Experiment with different threads to see how different the stitches appear when working with various thicknesses.
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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 7 by Di van Niekerk

To twist the ribbon, twirl the needle once, twice, or more, depending on how many twists you would like in the stitch. Here are some examples of where the ribbon was twisted repeatedly until a cylindrical shape was formed for the stems. Secured onto the design with tiny stab stitches and matching thread worked between the twisted sections of the ribbon. 

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 6 by Di van Niekerk
• Use the eye of a large needle (size 3 tapestry is ideal and gently hold the ribbon in place until you have pulled it through. Work with a gentle tension. Ribbon needs to be handled gently. Keep stitches
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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 5 by Di van Niekerk
Remember to use short lengths of ribbon - no longer than 30 cm or 12 inches. Always use a large enough needle so the ribbon does not scrunch up when you form a stitch. Use your left (or right if you are left-handed) thumb to hold the ribbon flat as you pull it to the back. Only let go once the stitch is almost completed. This prevents the ribbon from twisting.
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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 4 by Di van Niekerk
To end off the ribbon: 
• Leave a 1 to 2cm (1/2 inch) tail at the back of your work. Secure with thread and tiny stab stitches. 
• Or catch the tail when you start your next stitch. 
• Or weave the ribbon in and out of adjacent stitches at the back of your work.
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