Scrappy Handmade Ribbon

I am having a blast making these handmade ribbons. The scrappy look is great and can be used to embellish your sewing or paper crafts.

My basket of snippets

I start by collecting interesting snippets and keeping them in a box by my sewing machine. This is a picture of my current box. Look carefully and you will see, background prints, colored batiks, bits of lace and trim and fibers. I also stamp words of encouragement on plain muslin scraps. I love adding words and phrases to my ribbons.

Sorting-making piles

Before I start sewing my ribbon, I sort the little bits by color and interesting textures. At this time, I am making earth tone, blues and greens, and pink and orange ribbons. All the bits are sewn onto a 1″ by 42″ piece of muslin. I rip the muslin to give the edge a torn look.

free-motion stitching the snippets

It’s off to my sewing machine with my pile of goodies. It’s so much fun making something from nothing! I have my machine set for free-motion sewing – my feed dogs are dropped and my free-motion quilting foot is on. Notice the variegated thread in shades of blue, it adds interests to the ribbon. I work my way down the muslin base, adding the pieces. I try not to over think this, I want my time at the sewing machine to be relaxing.

Adding an interesting background with stamps.

After sewing, I’m back at my table to add some stamping. I use a background stamp with permanent ink. This adds another layer and unifies the ribbon.

Creating the tag for packaging.

Lastly, I am adding the same stamp to a tag.  The finished ribbon is wrapped around the tag and packaged in a clear bag.  A coordinating ribbon dresses up the top.  What a wonderful way to add a homespun look to any project!  Hope you give this project a try!

I uploaded a YouTube video on my scrappy ribbon.  Watch it here:  Thanks everyone!  Happy stitching!