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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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Blog > Share and learn with Di van Niekerk

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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Beautiful Ribbon Embroidery by Fatima Paruk

  Honeysuckle Cottage Don't you just love this lovely ribbon embroidery piece by the talented Fatima Paruk from Kloof in Kwazulu-Natal? It's one of our  Cottages that we printed onto pure cotton fabric for embroidery.  Her teacher, Annamaria Kelly showed Fatima how to make the lovely thatch roof with Lana wool thread from Madeira (but you can also use any thin yarn). The picket fence Annamaria found at her local stationery...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 3 by Di van Niekerk

 Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 3 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 3… .   When starting with ribbon, there are choices: • Leave a...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 2 by Di van Niekerk

Last week I started a series of handy hints and tips for silk ribbon embroidery.I have made these cards for you to save and keep and you are welcome to share them with your students or friends. I will be adding a new card every week until the series is complete. This is Hint 2     To thread the ribbon: Thread the needle and pierce the end that has...

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Monday Hints and Tips by Di van Niekerk

Monday Hints and Tips by Di van Niekerk's Silk Ribbon Embroidery     About the Different Ribbons   . There is an amazing collection of ribbons in our range and these are available from our website www.dicraft.com.  Pure silk and sheer organza ribbon are, without a doubt, the best ribbons to use if you wish to create a true reflection of nature’s colours They are soft and pliable ribbons and...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hints and Tips by Di van Niekerk

Today I am starting a lovely series of handy hints and tips for silk ribbon embroidery.I have made these cards for you to save and keep and you are welcome to share them with your students or friends. I will be adding a new card every week until the series is complete.Enjoy and happy weekend ♥ Hint 1 Use only short lengths of ribbon, at the most 30 cm...

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