Please take a few minutes to read these few hints, before starting your first project.
Hopefully it will make your first effort trouble free.
In order for you to prep for your first Embroidery, this is MY way of threading the needle, and a few hints.
You will need a Chenille Needle for Ribbon Embroidery which has a sharp point and a long eye. They come in sizes 18 - 22 and can be purchased in a mixed pack.
The lower number 18 being the largest needle. I prefer size 20 for working with 7 mm and size 22 for 4 mm and under.
A mixed pack will cover all your needs while embroidering, no matter what size ribbon you are using.
Keep in mind that the wider the ribbon the larger the needle point is needed to create an opening in the fabric.
It is best to have your ribbon no longer than 30 cms. it will fray from constantly going through the fabric and you will notice that the latter stitches will not be of the same quality as the first.
ALWAYS CUT YOUR RIBBON ON AN ANGLE to stop fraying, also aids in threading the ribbon through the eye of the needle.
Keep a nail emery board in your sewing kit. A jagged nail can easily catch on a thread in your silk ribbon and cause damage. Not a happy ending if you have already stitched the flower.
Here is a good habit to get into when you begin. I stitch the ends into the back of the fabric at start and end. I know there are other ways to do this, but personally I find this gives the best finished product. By attaching a piece of pelon to the back of your work area, you have a base to stitch your ribbon ends and a softer surface to work with. This way you will not see the back stitches pulling on your ribbon and fabric.
Threading the Needle
Option 1 - My preferred way. Less pull on the ribbon and if you get in a sticky situation,
this can be unthreaded or loosened off.
Thread the ribbon through the eye of the needle.
Pinch between fingers to stop it coming out of the eye.
Pierce the eye through the ribbon at needle length.
Pull cut end through and tighten ribbon length until it is firm.
Option 2 - Not Illustrated as yet
Has shorter tail, but you may need to cut the ribbon if the needle gets caught up.
Thread the ribbon through the eye of the needle, leaving a tail.
Take it through until you can put the eye of the needle through the ribbon
Then take it up to the needle and tighten the other end.
Prewash the Ribbons before beginning your Embroidery. Most Ribbons are
Colourfast, but at times there can be just 1 length that is not.
It is much safer to do this, than to risk ruining your finished embroidery the
first time it is washed.
Wash in a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse well and gently
squeeze out remaining water. Lay flat to dry or hang up to dry, try
not to have knots or creases.
Pressing Silk Ribbons, always have the iron on the Silk Setting. Lay the iron
flat on the Ironing Board and slowly pull the ribbon between the iron and
ironing board. ( Lately I have been using a hair straightener on the appropriate heat).
Silk Ribbons should be stored away from direct light with no sharp creases.
When doing stitches in your embroidery, should you feel that the ribbon is not going to lay flat, use the eye end of a needle to smooth and straighten it out.
I hope this is of some help to beginners and maybe a refresher for those who have been away from Ribbon Embroidery for awhile. Remember these are my hints, coming from my experience spent with this craft. I can only give you a guide,
but with practice you will develop your own methods.
Hint undoing a Knot in the Ribbon
You will notice a curved pocket on the lower edge of the ribbon. Take your Chenille Needle, eye end in backwards through this pocket.
Re thread the ribbon through the eye of the needle and pull it back through. You will have a small hole, but with some manipulating this will close over.
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