Stitch Instruction
Pleated or Gathered Flowers
designed by Linda Hopkins, Sonoran Silks, instructor/designer
Pleated ribbon can be used for embellishing, adding texture, making flowers and rosettes, and even a caterpillar!
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1) To make a basic pleated ribbon, use a ten inch strip of 13mm ribbon, and either silk thread, fine beading thread, or 90-100 weight bobbin thread on a beading needle. Do not double the thread. Use a running stitch in three rows along the length of the ribbon, being careful to line up the stitches exactly to keep the pleats even and equal. After the three rows are stitched, gather the ribbon tightly and tie in place. Soak the ribbon in water and allow to dry thoroughly. Then, remove the running stitches and you have a pleated ribbon!
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2) To make a pleated flower, follow the above directions, making sure one of the running stitches is close to the edge of the ribbon by the selvage. After the ribbon is dry, leave the one running stitch near the edge in place, while removing the other two running stitches. Bend the pleated ribbon into a circle and tie off to make a flower. Try layering circles of pleated ribbon in different sizes to make a beautiful fluffy flower!
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3) To make a two-color pleated flower, use ten inch strips of 13mm ribbon in two colors and fuse with a fusible interfacing. Misty Fuse is an excellent choice for fusing ribbon. As above, use a running stitch in three rows along the length of the ribbon, being careful to line up the stitches exactly to keep the pleats even and equal. After the three rows are stitched, gather the ribbon tightly and tie in place. Soak the ribbon in water and allow to dry thoroughly. Then, remove the running stitches and you have a pleated double ribbon. This technique is great for Asters, Bachelor Buttons or or any multi-color flower.
4) To make a small flower, use 7mm ribbon, placing only two rows of running stitches. As above, be careful to line up the stitches exactly to keep the pleats even and equal. After the two rows are stitched, gather the ribbon tightly and tie in place. Soak the ribbon in water and allow to dry thoroughly. Then, remove the running stitches and you have a pleated ribbon.
Must-Try Variations
Ruffled Edging can be made by placing two of the running stitches close to one edge. Follow the same instructions. Remove all but the two running stitches near the edge and pull to pleat, leaving the outer edge ruffled.
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To make a Caterpillar, designed by Lynn K Bayer, you'll need a strip of 4mm ribbon, a strip of 7mm ribbon, beads (Swarovski used in photo), two peacock herl feathers, and glue. Start by pleating the 4mm ribbon on top of the 7mm ribbon, following the two-color pleated flower instructions above, except do not use fusing. After removing all running stitches, string the beads in between the pleats with a new thread. To make the face, thread one smaller bead on each of the peacock herl feathers. Glue the beaded herl feathers in between the end fold of the pleated ribbon.
Have you made a project with pleated ribbon? Send us a photo with credits, and we'll add you to the gallery!