Ribbon Work

Web Rose

This petite flower has so many applications.
Simple and quick to complete.

Best worked in 4 mm. ribbon, although it can be done in 2 mm or 7 mm.
If you are using 7 mm. increase the number of spokes to 7 or more also enlarge
the circle to allow for the width of the ribbon. You will end up with a much larger flower,
but personally I feel, this one looks best in a smaller ribbon.
The appearance can be changed by how much of a twist you put in the ribbon.
Also a two tone rose, by changing the ribbon on the outside of the spokes.
Or even placing a bead / pearl in the centre can give a different look.

( For example imagine a cream silk fabric, deeper cream silk ribbon with a pearl centre )
How rich would this look for a Christening Gown.

As it has an uneven number of spokes, the weaving of the ribbon will alternate
and covers the thread as you go.
In these photos I have used blue and red as an example to make it easier to
distinquish the ribbon and threads.

When working this the thread is colour matched as close to the ribbon as possible.

As a beginner, you may be more cofident by marking the circle and placing the positions of the spokes with an erasable pen. With the matching sewing thread, make the 5 spokes coming
from the centre and stitch down at the back of the fabric / pellon backed.

Thread your needle with silk ribbon, bring it through at the centre of one of the spokes. Stitch down the tail at the back with the thread. This needle can then be left at the back, till the rose
is completed, or if you are concerned, knot and cut it off.

Hold the ribbon needle between your fingers and give the ribbon a twist, curling the ribbon.
The idea is that the ribbon is taken over and under the spokes, and because it is an odd
number of spokes, as you weave the ribbon, the cotton spokes are hidden.


Manipulate the ribbon into position with your fingers and the needle so that it spreads evenly
around the spokes.


As you begin move the ribbon into position, covering the centre of the spoke.
At this point you have the option of changing to another
colour ribbon. If you wish to do this, make sure that you continue on in the same
sequence that you ended off the first ribbon.
Continue in this manner until the spokes are completely covered, then take the needle
through to the back and stitch the ribbon tail down.

Take extra care that you do not catch the fabric as you are doing this. You only want to
slide the needle between the fabric and spokes.




The ideal way to replicate a rose, is that the centre will be tighter than the outside petals.

These photos are just a small example of the way the Spider Web Rose can be used.
They have be made with a lot more twisting of the ribbon, than the one above.

 

The leaves are ribbon stitch, buds detached chain stitch.

All it takes is a little inspiration and practice.

Have a great day.
Carol Daisy