Today’s post is actually an “Ask Jenny” question I got from a readers’ comment. Someone asked how to make a ribbon flower, so I thought that “Technique Week” would be a great time to show you a great shabby chic rose you can put on cards, gifts, or even make into jewelry. (More on that coming soon!) In the meanwhile, let’s get started!
You’ll need some wire-edged ribbon, (mine is 2 inches wide), and a needle and thread. That’s it!

Cut an 18 inch length of ribbon.

Pull the wire out from what will be the bottom edge using your fingernail.

Curl the wire into a little knot to secure.

Starting on the other end, pull the wire out along the same edge. Gather the ribbon along the wire, pulling gently as you go. The ribbon will start to curl.

Now we’re ready to form the flower. Starting with the end with the knot, roll the top edge down to the gathered edge. Take a stitch with needle and thread to secure.

Turn the ribbon over and loosely coil along the gathered edge, securing with few stitches.

When you get close to the end, tuck the top edge of the ribbon down to the bottom edge, then finish stitching!

Flip your ribbon over, and clip your threads and wires. Your finished flower will be a bit pouffy, so you may want to smash it a little.
And that’s it! These are particularly stunning in groupings on fabric covered books, headbands, along the necklines of clothing…really it’s up to you and your imagination to get your garden of fabric roses blooming!
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Jenny is the editor-in-chief and craft concierge for Craft Test Dummies. She can be contacted at crafttherapy at gmail dot com.
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Marfa– you are not really removing the bottom wire as much a you are using it as a gathering thread. Have fun! -Jenny
I love this technique. It is very simple so I’m sure that I can make it. Removing the bottom wire is genius!
Thank you for posting it.