back to Project Corner

Directions for Embroidered Giftwrap Ribbon Project / August 2001

This project utilizes letters from our Victorian Monogram Set 5.

Step 1. Print the illustrations and instructions.

These are .pdf files, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader software in order to view and print.
To insure printing in exact size, be sure that FIT TO PAGE (see Properties under the Print Menu) is not selected.

Step 2. . Review instructions and materials required (materials list at the end of these instructions).

Step 3. Merge Designs

Combine the letters of your choice. For our example we chose J, O, Y, along with the left endcap embellishment before the J, and the right endcap embellishment after the Y. This project would be equally appropriate using a one, two, or three letter monogram arrangement, or a longer word.

Step 4. Prepare the ribbon

Our ribbon is 2 1/4" (57mm wide) which allows the letters from the large size of the Victorian Monogram Set 5 to fit comfortably on the ribbon.

Mark the center of the length of ribbon. You can vary the length of the ribbon depending on the size of the package you are wrapping. Our package was 9 1/2" (24cm) x 12" (30.5cm) x 2 1/2" (6.35cm) deep, and we used a length of ribbon that was 2 yds (1.83m) long.

We recommend marking the center with a small piece of low-tack tape that has a dot on it, but you can also use an air-soluble marker (try a test spot beforehand to insure that the marker will fade as designed.)

Step 5. Hoop the ribbon.

We used a sheet of medium weight tearaway backing, and stretched the length of ribbon in the hoop along with the backing.

It is important that the ribbon be straight in the hoop. It will be easier do keep it straight and centered top to bottom if you make marks on the sides of your hoop to determine the center of the hoop, making sure that your marks are square to the hoop attachment bracket, which will insure that the embroidery is straight.

We used a length of low-tack tape to tape a small edge of the ribbon, top and bottom, onto the backing, which insures that the ribbon will remain straight as the embroidery sews.

Step 6. Embroider the ribbon.

This project is much easier to accomplish if the designs are merged together in your software , but it can be done simply by sewing letters next to each other, one at a time. Care must be taken to find the correct left-to-right placement. The vine pattern behind the letters is designed to appear continuous behind the combined letters, and also aids in alignment.

Step 7. . Remove the backing

After the embroidery is complete, turn the ribbon over and carefully tear away the backing. Place your thumb on the embroidery, and tear outward as you go. Tweezers may help with the removal.

Congratulations! Your project is complete.

Sources for Materials
Satin Ribbon 2 1/4" (57mm) wide - available from sewing and craft stores.