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Book Giveaway--Ribbon Embroidery: Simple Stitches for Easy Embellishments

June 18th, 2009 in embellishments, embroidery

Megan Fahy, contributor

25 users recommend

Natalie Bellanger-Clement provides tips and techniques for all levels of embroiderers in this guide.

The couching stitch is one of the simple techniques explained in this book.

The Herringbone Stitch adds personality to any garment.

A sample of the detailed index provided in the back of the book.

Natalie Bellanger-Clement provides tips and techniques for all levels of embroiderers in this guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Potter Craft

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For the many fashionistas out there, the goal is to look stylish and add a unique touch to any garment. Ribbon Embroidery: Simple Stitches for Easy Embellishments will help you do just that.

In her new book, textile professor Natalie Bellanger-Clement provides a style guide for personalizing any wardrobe. Basic knowledge of fabric, stitching, and technique allows sewers to break from the confines of patterns to create a design all their own. All stitches are described in great detail with accompanying illustrations, and each stitch can be completed in less than six steps.

Ribbon Embroidery, from Potter Craft, a division of The Crown Publishing Group., focuses on various simple stitches such as points, lines, and filled shapes - like leaves and latticework - that can help you update your wardrobe in no time. Both experienced sewers seeking to add personality to their garments and sewers hoping to design something new will definitely enjoy this book.

For the chance to win a free copy of Ribbon Embroidery for yourself, leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm on 6/18/09. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on 6/19/09.

***Congratulations to LaceandSteam!***

posted in: embellishments, embroidery

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Comments (129)

SusieQ8109 writes: This looks like an awesome book for my craft book collection. We do not have much money coming in right now. So I have to get alot off of the internet now. This would be a great book for me to have. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment. Posted: 4:38 am on August 27th

sedw2009 writes: I'M WORKING ON A DENIM PATCHWORK SKIRTS FOR MY TWO GRAND-DAUGHTERS AND THE RIBBON EMBROIDERY WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THIS PROJECT. I CAN ALSO EMBELLISH SOME T-SHIRTS TO GO WITH DIFFERENT OUTFITS TOO. I CERTAINLY WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS BOOK. I ALSO LOVE THREADS MAGAZINE. I HAVE SUBSCRIBED TO THIS MAGAZINE FOR MANY YEARS. I AM ALWAYS AMAZED AT THE CREATIVE WAYS THAT GARMENTS ARE MADE AND EMBELLISHED. THANK YOU 'THREADS'. Posted: 8:39 pm on August 2nd

VickieCollins writes: I remember when I was younger I use to enjoy doing embrodery and cross stitch. An think this would be a very educational and crative way to update my old wardrobe. Posted: 3:48 am on June 19th

VickieCollins writes: I remember when I was younger loving to embroder and do cross stich. It would be educational and interesting to use this method for updating my old wardrobe! Posted: 3:46 am on June 19th

lupe2918 writes: I bet this book has plenty of ideas to use on a pillow I'm making for my little girl. I want to decorate it with little flowers, since her name is Dahlia. This book would be a great help! Posted: 1:34 am on June 19th

jblanton41 writes: very nice book- would love to win
thank you Posted: 11:13 pm on June 18th

sewsilly4ads writes: Beautiful book. Great way to add new look to existing pieces. Posted: 8:09 pm on June 18th

Kristin_L writes: This looks lovely! What a beautiful cover. I love ribbon embroidery! Posted: 6:52 pm on June 18th

Minx_53 writes: These ideas are going to be real helpful. My grand-daughters are growing so fast, and with styles changing all the time, it's hard for thier mother to keep up. They are on a limited income, so any thing that can help upgrade or change the style of a garment with little cost is right for us. Posted: 6:25 pm on June 18th

carvedinmarble writes: i can imagine using other ribbon-like materials in this way too. Posted: 5:21 pm on June 18th

carvedinmarble writes: oooh, would LOVE this book. excellent giveaway choice. Posted: 5:19 pm on June 18th

JoyN writes: What a great book! Thanks for giving it away... Posted: 4:27 pm on June 18th

sewsassy writes: This book looks like a great addition to anyone's sewing library. Posted: 3:19 pm on June 18th

heidilyn writes: I am always looking to add new books to my sewing collection. If I don't win it I'll probably buy it anyway. I have been looking for new inspiration for embellishments and trims. Looks like another great read! Posted: 1:29 pm on June 18th

craftygirl writes: It doesn't matter how many books there are out there... You can always find interesting and new ideas. This book looks like one of those well put together books with lots updated color choices and uses for the ribbon work. I would love to have it. Posted: 11:49 pm on June 17th

Minderkin writes: This looks lovely. I would be over the moon if I won it. :) Posted: 9:30 pm on June 17th

charolette33 writes: This looks like it would be a lovely craft to pick up. Love the cover! Posted: 7:58 pm on June 17th

celticangel writes: I would love to win this book!!! I love to sew and I am learning new things everyday about sewing!!! Posted: 7:25 pm on June 17th

missdee writes: I love making fabrics....I love learning new techniques...I love reading craft books and knitting patterns and I've never won anything...oh that's a lie I made a small coin purse from some fabric I had made and that was the first thing I ever won and that was a couple of months ago...Oh and my comment is the three millionth so it won't be read!! And I'm in England...Oh but I do have a subscription to threads which I adore....I have began to make some ribbons with organza...I wonder what's in the book????
Anyway thanks for passing on your inspiration, skills and imagination. Posted: 5:40 pm on June 17th

momster399 writes: I would enjoy and get great use out of this book! I am teaching my girls to embellish and don't have many ideas as of yet. Looks like a great book. Posted: 3:52 pm on June 17th

conflady1 writes: I used to do ribbon embroidery a lot and if I win the maybe I could join ribbon embroidery and machine embroidery together. Posted: 1:15 pm on June 17th

pcp168 writes: I've been looking for something like this! I've just starting sewing a year ago and it's so much fun! Just wish there was more time in the day!

Posted: 11:08 am on June 17th

Nannysc writes: Since it's been several years since I've done ribbon embroidery, I work absolutely LOVE to receive this book! After Hurricane Katrina took everything, I have yet to replace most of my "extras" - which includes sewing books. With granddaughters, I would enjoy creating elegant gift items for them. Thanks for the opportunity!!! Posted: 10:40 pm on June 16th

mommaviv writes: I could really use this. I've just gotten into sewing and re-styling and want to work on adding those details that will make my clothes my own. Posted: 10:29 pm on June 16th

Tracy230 writes: This book sounds like a real inspiration. Posted: 10:28 pm on June 16th

khrysalis writes: I'd love to see this book up close and in person, and try some of its ideas. I'd love to start by adding some detail to my army of unadorned t-shirts! Posted: 10:11 pm on June 16th

ShiningStar writes: This looks like something fun to try. Posted: 8:20 pm on June 16th

Pinkushion writes: I would love to have this book to show the illustrations and design to others. I'm going to be starting a childrens sewing "hand and machine" class. I would love to be able to introduce the girls,along with the mothers into other avenues of crafting. What better way than to have books showing ideas and examples to them. With the economy being as such, we need to re-introduce crafts and get the creative jucies flowing once again. This program will be free of charge, to the girls. AS it is a love of mine to see how excited they get when they have made something with their own hands and minds. Posted: 7:59 pm on June 16th

Loomchick writes: Each stitch can be accomplished in fewer than six steps???!!! Sounds like a book I should have! Posted: 7:27 pm on June 16th

linjj writes: I am just learning to do this and think it is wonderful! This is one of the hobbies I have taken up since my last child left last year. thank goodness "empty nest" also has some good points! Posted: 5:01 pm on June 16th

ghanabest writes: Yes, this is the best article I have read about ribbon embellishments. I could really use this book right away. Thank you for entering me into this drawing. Betty! Posted: 4:33 pm on June 16th

threadymiss writes:
I have always wanted to learn the correct way to use all those different knots and things. I have so much ribbon already and I would love to use them. There's nothing prettier than ribbon embroidery on swearters and other things. I hope you will have more on this kind of embellishments on this site. Posted: 4:11 pm on June 16th

CrystalGrandma writes: My son is getting married in September and I'm making the dresses (starting with the Brides, her five attendants her two daughters and the flower girls) This book looks like it has detailed instructions even for the Beginner. I can think of several uses that I could do some ribbon embroidery on to make them very special and one of a kind. I would love to win this amazing looking book! Posted: 3:00 pm on June 16th

Michianna writes: This book will lead the beginning ribbon embroiderer with its illustrations and an assortment of basic stitches; it is just the thing to equip a person to add an extra level of creative accent to the already one-of-a-kind garments and decorative accessories we home sewists are making. Thank you, Threads, for bringing this book to my attention! This is why I keep on subscribing year after year! Other magazines may come and go but Threads is the one I don't even consider cancelling. Posted: 2:47 pm on June 16th

divastarr writes: I have so many refashions that could be improved with this Embroidery. Posted: 1:56 pm on June 16th

Istich writes: I am of Hungarian heritage and my grandmother taught me how to embroider by hand. We used to embroider together and she would always do the ribbon embroidery herself and told me that one day when I was old enough that it would be my turn. Still waiting...lol. I have since learned how a little but would love to re-gain the knowledge through this book. Thank you for the chance :) Posted: 1:11 pm on June 16th

lynne_from_NC writes: It looks like a great book. Please enter me in the contest.
Thanks! Posted: 1:08 pm on June 16th

mako82 writes: Where can I buy this if I don't win it? I have so many things of my own and my daughters I would love to up-date! Posted: 1:02 pm on June 16th

teristich writes: What a wonderful book to add to my collection. thank you for the opportunity. Posted: 11:28 am on June 16th

circesmom writes: I have been taking heirloom embroidery classes(done by machine) at our local sewing machine retail store. I am fascinated with the process and the results! The next class is on silk ribbon embroidery by machine. I think this book may be an interesting text to puruse in conjunction with this class. Posted: 11:06 am on June 16th

librasgem writes: thank you for the chance to win this beautiful book i just started doing ribbon embroidery and i love it i deal with depression everyday. actually embroidery helps me,it keeps my mine focused. Posted: 10:57 am on June 16th

Trevap writes: I would love, love, love this book! I've been wanting to learn ribbon embroidery and would love to have this book. Thanks for offering this contest and a GREAT magazine! Posted: 10:49 am on June 16th

angelwingz writes: Beautiful... count me in :) Posted: 10:45 am on June 16th

SewistStLouis writes: This book would be wonderful. I only learned silk ribbon embroidery by picking up a small kit on clearance. The book offers so much more and many beautiful designs. Posted: 10:02 am on June 16th

QuiltinDeb writes: I recently attended an embroidery class in which they demonstrated using ribbon for roses. This is a fantastic embellishment concept. I look forward to reading more. Posted: 10:01 am on June 16th

EndlessC writes: This book looks like it has detailed instructions for even the novice. I can think of several projects that I'm working on that could use some ribbon embroidery. This book looks amazing ... would love to win it! Posted: 9:40 am on June 16th

LindiLou writes: I love to embellish my creations so that they do not look 'store bought'. I also quilt and make my own handbags and I feel this book would inspire me to create even more!
Ms. Bellanger-Clement, thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. Posted: 9:00 am on June 16th

BonniePT writes: The inspiration to make my creations uniquely mine are what drives my sewing creations. I can't wait to find this book.
Bonnie Posted: 8:37 am on June 16th

Alpheda writes: I would be thrilled to try these interesting embellishment techniques and use part of the stack of ribbons and buttons I accumulated over the years! Posted: 7:51 am on June 16th

SCSews writes: What a great way to use all those bits of ribbon and trim that I've just inherited from my mother & grandmother's fabric stashes to incorporate them into my own sewing. Thanks to them, the sewing genes live on! Posted: 7:32 am on June 16th

Bellbird writes: I love embroidery and this book would open up a whole new world of embellishing for me. Posted: 2:50 am on June 16th

jazzykitty writes: I have been interested in ribbon embroidery for some time now but just don't know where to begin. I think this book would make a great starting point. Thank you for the chance to win! Posted: 1:07 am on June 16th

rsgrandinetti writes: I would love to win this. I'd love to try ribbon embroidery. Posted: 12:44 am on June 16th

JWHuey writes: I love ribbon embroidery! I often bid and buy tablecloths, napkins, towels, and pillows embroidered with ribbon on Ebay. I would love to read this book and try this art.

All the best,
Judith Huey Posted: 6:48 pm on June 15th

Jeansembroidery writes: With ribbons, buttons and beads there is not end to how to embellish a new garment.(or old one) I have been using Ric Rac on my little girls dress' and adding beads and french knots to accent the colors. I look forward to reading your book and adding new embellishments to my stash! Posted: 4:22 pm on June 15th

2much2make writes: Would love to update a denim jacket for my 8 yr old niece and make it really feminine! Posted: 4:04 pm on June 15th

sandyandcosmo writes: I would love to try ribbon embroidery again, I'm sure this book would help me get back into it! Posted: 3:38 pm on June 15th

monmedel writes: I'm Making a wedding gown and would love to stich some ribon to the corset section. Posted: 2:34 pm on June 15th

MolMal writes: I have used different types of ribbon embroidery to make pillows for friends and family. I would love to have access to new stitches through this book. Posted: 2:09 pm on June 15th

crochet_art_n_motion writes: This would be a great book to add to my collection. I think ribbon embroidery gives a garment a very delicate feel. Reminds me of days of lore. Posted: 1:58 pm on June 15th

joslyn386 writes: Any type of emblishment I love to create and this book would help me change to look of my clothes. Posted: 12:46 pm on June 15th

janel10 writes: I just love Ribbon Embroidery. I used to do Needle Point quite a bit and would just love to start Ribbon Embroidery. Posted: 12:18 pm on June 15th

SUZAG writes: What a beautiful femine touch this technique would add to ANYTHING! Posted: 11:42 am on June 15th

fashionista93 writes: I am always looking for new ways to transform the clothes i already own into new and fabulous pieces. Embroidery would be the perfect way and this book looks like it would be extremly helpful. Posted: 11:19 am on June 15th

janer711 writes: The book looks great. I learned to embroider when I was a kid. I haven't done it in a while but I used to love crewel work. Posted: 11:19 am on June 15th

lxlaube writes: OMG! I have embellished my pocketbooks with ribbon embroidery and beading and would love to perfect my skills. Every project is a new learning opportunity and this adds so much. Pick me! Posted: 10:36 am on June 15th

aleedham writes: Granddaughter and I have been recycling clothes from thrift stores for our wardrobes. Embellishing is just one way to revamp a blouse or skirt. And its a great way for us to spend time together. She's becoming quite accomplished at handwork and design. Posted: 6:07 am on June 15th

annvan writes: I am just new to ribbon embroidery and I need a book for reference.

annvan Posted: 5:51 am on June 15th

AimeeG writes: I would love to win a copy of this book. Silk ribbon embroidery is beautiful on garments. Posted: 11:24 pm on June 14th

thestitchinchicken writes: It looks like a great book! I'd love to try some of the projects! Posted: 10:43 pm on June 14th

Crazygal writes: I use to teach designs on clothing and would like to start again with a new twist. Ribbon Embroidery would be a perfect
plus! Posted: 9:54 pm on June 14th

princesspetal writes: This book looks so great! My girls' and their 4H friends would love to learn how to spice up their wardrobes with some funky ribbon embroidery! Posted: 8:45 pm on June 14th

cardboard_queen writes: I have been collecting up everything I can find about ribbon embroidery. I really want to learn how to do it. This book would be a big help! Posted: 8:12 pm on June 14th

Judyta writes: While I'm just a novice in ribbon embroidery and really love the myriad of textures it offers. I'd truly love to have this book. Posted: 5:06 pm on June 14th

JoanieG writes: i HAVE TRIED SOME RIBBON EMBROIDERY ON LINENS FREE HAND BUT I BET I COULD DO A BETTER JOB IN I KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING. THIS TECHNIQUE IS GREAT FOR WEDDING AND SHOWER GIFTS, YOU CAN GET REALLY WILD FITTING THE EMBELLISHMENT TO THE PERSONALITIES OR LIFESTYLE OF THE COUPLE Posted: 4:35 pm on June 14th

tequello writes: I'm looking to start a lot of projects and would love to take ideas from this book! Posted: 4:32 pm on June 14th

Beadreams writes: When the Wright's outlet closed I purchased needles of every kind...I love to embroider but didn't know what to do with all the ribbon embroidery needles. Winning this book would be helpful! Posted: 12:52 pm on June 14th

nashz writes: This book looks adorable. I'd love to win it! Posted: 10:46 am on June 14th

dlipsky writes: This looks like a great book, I always try to find new things to learn.
Posted: 10:37 am on June 14th

lynnewill writes: I appreciate the very clear step by step instructions, with such clear photos of the process. The overall concept would be great to share with my students for updating their wardrobe instead of starting from scratch. Posted: 7:51 am on June 14th

l3designs writes: I've never done any ribbon embroidery... I'm sure my girls would love it on their things.... Posted: 11:33 pm on June 13th

bbarrett writes: Lookslike this could be a good book for a beginner. Posted: 8:02 pm on June 13th

JaPerry writes: This looks like a great book. I am new to ribbon embriodery and this books looks just like somehting to get the creative juices flowing. Posted: 6:23 pm on June 13th

AyalaLevinger writes: I would love to win this book. I tried already some stitches but would like to learn more and to use this technique in my crazy quilting. Posted: 6:20 pm on June 13th

DAE writes: Love ribbon embroidery, looks beautiful and traditional. It can be done on ANYthing. Hats to purses to jeans. What a great look. This book looks lovely.
Posted: 6:05 pm on June 13th

craftyaggie writes: I love stitching with ribbon. I have a kit that used ribbon embroidery and I loved how beautifully it turned out. Posted: 4:45 pm on June 13th

TakoInk writes: That book looks like it would be a TON of fun to experiment with. Would be really cute on all the bags I'm making out of cheap thrift store fabric finds! Posted: 2:53 pm on June 13th

Pinknina writes: That book looks so awesome! I would love getting it & try the techniques there! >v< Posted: 2:39 pm on June 13th

PanyaV writes: Sounds great! Posted: 2:17 pm on June 13th

alovelything writes: Love that it's not just florals. Please, please enter me! Posted: 1:15 pm on June 13th

asimplestitch writes: I would love to try some of these things out! Posted: 11:31 am on June 13th

one_who_crops writes: This is a book that I would truly love to have. Please enter me in your giveaway. Posted: 11:22 am on June 13th

laceandsteam writes: I'm really looking forward to this book. I'm envisioning ribbon embroidery to jazz up a plain, but servicable little twinset, for a start. Posted: 9:47 am on June 13th

Arizonadream writes: Definitely it's what I was looking for :) Posted: 6:38 am on June 13th

dilysch writes: How lovely! Posted: 2:58 am on June 13th

rachelnm writes: Oh the inspiration has already started...but where to start :) I've love to try my hands at some of those stitches. Posted: 12:33 am on June 13th

kakori writes: I've always wanted to try ribbon embroidery, maybe on a neckline. Posted: 12:31 am on June 13th

jmrober writes: This is a book I will add to my (long) wish list. I have the ribbon now I just need some instructions. Very cool! Posted: 11:23 pm on June 12th

ibonlion2 writes: Looks like a wonderful book! Posted: 10:57 pm on June 12th

purple_flower writes: Ribbon Embroidery for romantic feminine me. Posted: 9:13 pm on June 12th

JennieC writes: I'm in! Posted: 9:08 pm on June 12th

DMcnamara writes: Wow! This looks really cool and would be a great way to use some of the ribbons I have in my drawers! Posted: 9:07 pm on June 12th

ggsgrandboys writes: I've never tried ribbon embroidery even though I think its beautiful. This book would help me make a very special gift for my niece who is about to graduate from high school. She is a dancer and loves embellished clothing and accessories! Posted: 8:36 pm on June 12th

DebbieLynn1 writes: Many years ago I did a little of this - I need to try this again! It is so beautiful. Posted: 8:34 pm on June 12th

ccarissa writes: I read about this book on Knitty last night. It looks amazing! Posted: 8:32 pm on June 12th

CupcakeCatie19 writes: i love ribbon and i love mebellishments, this book will be awsome!! Posted: 7:27 pm on June 12th

anatneve writes: Sounds super interesting!
Really hope to win! Posted: 4:38 pm on June 12th

LaurieJ writes: oooh, the cover is sooo pretty! pick me!!
Thanks for the chance to win! Posted: 4:19 pm on June 12th

letterwoman writes: Thanks for the contest. I hope I win! Posted: 4:00 pm on June 12th

KCGal writes: I am just starting ribbon embroidery. I would love this book. Posted: 3:42 pm on June 12th

elizart writes: I would LOVE to win this book. How fun it would be to try out. Thanks for the chance.
Cheers, EL. Posted: 3:30 pm on June 12th

sarathelaundress writes: I've been looking at trying ribbon embroidery for ages. This books looks like it would be just the inspriation I need! Posted: 2:00 pm on June 12th

AthenaWeaves writes: Threads magazine came out when I was in high school sewing class just learning how to keep my seams strait without sewing my thumbs. My mom came home with the first issue and I was hooked. Threads became the bridge to attempting designer looks seen in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and WWD. The magazine is a regular part of my sewing routine as much as my sewing machine is. I’d write some more but I’ve gotta get going to get the stories in this next issue…… Posted: 12:35 pm on June 12th

Luceida writes: I would love to have this book!!!.. I can think a Million and one uses!!
Hope I win it! Posted: 12:28 pm on June 12th

Luceida writes: I would LOVE to have this book,... I can think of a million uses for it...
Hope I win it! Posted: 12:27 pm on June 12th

ToriD writes: I have ALWAYS wanted to learn this craft. I think it is so unique and a great way to make your projects personal. This book is a must have! Posted: 11:24 am on June 12th

Sewmary writes: The ribbon embroidery makes the garment so distinctive, so unique, so non-mass-produced! I just love it. And it has so many applications -- on clothing, purses, pillows, baby things, etc. The book looks like such an inspiration. Posted: 11:01 am on June 12th

mirela writes: Waw! I always wanted to learn how to do this, I think it looks gorgeous on linen, wool or silk even jersey. Posted: 10:36 am on June 12th

burgerbc writes: I just checked out How to Make A T-Shirt Tote. Great idea!! I have grandchildren who have out grown a favorite t-shirt. Now they can keep their t-sirt forever. Thanks for the great ideas. Posted: 9:18 am on June 12th

Hyacinth19 writes: I just LOVE the ribbon embroidery! So pretty! It would also look great on a linen purse for summer, too (to match that dress!).

I did lots of embroidery as a teenager (no computers to distract the mind back then) and this inspires me to do it again.

Beautiful work!

Nancy Posted: 8:39 am on June 12th

Caityquilter writes: oooh - pretty! This could be the impetus I need to actually get out those ribbons... Posted: 1:51 am on June 12th

CHL writes: This seams like a great skill to learn, and a perfect addition to a linen dress for a summer wedding! See? I've already got a project in mind. Hurry! Posted: 11:07 pm on June 11th

Mandreyo writes: This book sounds so cool! I would love to win. Posted: 8:52 pm on June 11th

LindaFaye writes: Please enter me in your contest. Thanks Posted: 7:53 pm on June 11th

eeamende writes: This book looks really cool! I'm in love with ribbon embroidery and love learning about it! Posted: 7:45 pm on June 11th

bean42069 writes: This looks great, I'd love to win it! Posted: 7:24 pm on June 11th

AshasStudio writes: This is the type of book that I've been waiting for! Can't wait to purchase it and then start working with some of the stitches. Posted: 7:23 pm on June 11th

Jeager writes: I would love to try some of these stiches on a vintage-style dress or jacket ... or even just a throw cushion - house couture! Posted: 6:12 pm on June 11th

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