# [Work with embroidery ribbon](https://threadcabin.com/explore/330/work-with-embroidery-ribbon)

> Let ribbon lie with its intended width and orientation. Over-tightening collapses the shape, while unwanted twists change which face catches the light.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/330/work-with-embroidery-ribbon
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:34.8840932+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:39.6590010+00:00
- Craft: Embroidery
- Primary image: [Illustration: A small ribbon-embroidered flower with soft folded petals, a few securely attached beads and flat sequins on linen.](https://threadcabin.com/images/explore/focused/ribbon-beads.jpg)

Let ribbon lie with its intended width and orientation. Over-tightening collapses the shape, while unwanted twists change which face catches the light.

## Before you start

Prepare a small offcut of the intended ground with the intended needle and thread. Mark the practice area lightly and support the fabric without stretching its grain.

## Try this example

Make three short ribbon petals, guiding each flat with a spare needle. Compare one lightly placed petal with an over-tightened trial before working the final motif.

## Check your result

- Release the frame and inspect front and reverse. The thread should lie as intended without distorting the ground; shorten a stitch or change the sample before pulling harder.
- Coverage and tension depend on the actual ground, thread and stitch length. A diagram shows the route, not a universal thread quantity or tension setting.

## Sources

- [rsnstitchbank.org: ribbonwork](https://rsnstitchbank.org/technique/ribbonwork)
- [rsnstitchbank.org: running stitch](https://rsnstitchbank.org/stitch/running-stitch)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=embroidery)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Running, back, and stem stitch: compare the thread path](https://threadcabin.com/explore/13/running-back-and-stem-stitch-compare-the-thread-path)
- [Embroidery needles: match the point and eye to the work](https://threadcabin.com/explore/5/embroidery-needles-match-the-point-and-eye-to-the-work)
- [Estimate specialty thread from its own sample](https://threadcabin.com/explore/314/estimate-specialty-thread-from-its-own-sample)