How to Embroider a Silk Ribbon Iris

Silk ribbon embroidery is a special skill that can produce exquisite results.  Flowers especially, take on a whole new look and dimension with silk ribbon. This detailed tutorial from Carol Daisy demonstrates how to embroider a Bearded Iris. Just take a look at the photos and you will see that the end result is a flower that looks exactly like the real thing.

This technique is probably not suited for makers just starting out with silk ribbon embroidery.  At first glance, it looks like it would be difficult to do, but the tutorial is so detailed, that for those of you with experience, it really isn’t.  Along with step-by-step instructions, you will find thorough photos of every single step described.

The finished bearded iris is stunning and incredibly detailed.  To make her flower, the designer uses hand dyed 7mm silk ribbon.

I am always wowed by how delicate silk embroidery is, and how realistic it can look.  This bearded iris is no exception.

Click here to get the free tutorial: Bearded Iris Silk Embroidery Tutorial

[photo from Carol Daisy]

Looking for a supplier of Silk Ribbon? We love Etsy for finding hand-dyed ribbons as well as imported European silk Embroidery Ribbons. You can see the listings here on Etsy.  Why use silk ribbons? While you can use other kinds of ribbon, it’s best to work with silk because It’s lightweight and very fluid and can easily be manipulated into stitches.