In New York’s Garment District, there are two stores that take the prize for the most comprehensive selection of embroidery ribbons: Mokuba Co., Ltd and Tinsel Trading Company. At Alabama Chanin, we happen to purchase the cotton tape that we use for embroidery from Mokuba, who supplies us with gorgeous ribbons and other notions made in Japan. I have visited Mokuba many times in search of the perfect ribbons and always found a more than exquisite selection.

This week for DIY Thursday, we would like to share instructions on the ribbon embroidery used as an embellishment in our newest book. In Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, we introduce ribbon embroidery with 100% Cotton Tape as a beautiful way to add delicate dimension to your projects and garments. (Color card available here.) We have been using this technique since 2002, when I began using ribbon embroidery for our collections. This ribbon creates a sophisticated, old-world effect and gives the garment a unique sculptural quality. Below, we share the steps to create this detail, using the Climbing Daisy stencil.

In Chapter 8 of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, we feature seven Fabrics + Fabric Maps. These detailed “maps” show you exactly how to create the fabrics, including the placement of every stitch, appliqué, and bead.

“Climbing Daisy is our homage to ribbon embroidery, which uses ribbon rather than thread or embroidery floss to stitch a design. You can actually use ribbon embroidery for any stitches in this book.”

To create Climbing Daisy with 100% Cotton Tape embroidery-

Stencil fabric using Climbing Daisy from page 132 of Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, enlarged by 200 percent, or download the stencil full-size from our Studio Books Resources to print.

Stitch larger petal shapes using 100% Cotton Tape and large-eyed embroidery needle.

Create French Knots (see page 75) with the cotton tape at the center of petal shapes and along stems.

Stem-stitch (see page 85) long, curving stems using embroidery floss.

Repeat process until you have stitched each of your stenciled shapes.

You can visit our Fabric + Sewing store to purchase the 100% Cotton Tape in 10 yard lengths. It is available in nine colors. The white is my current favorite color – but this is most likely as we are working on a new bridal collection at the moment.  I have always said that it is strange how the “current collection” is always my favorite.

Try our Ribbon Embroidered Short Fitted Skirt.

P.S.: And here is a view from the back: