I don’t know about you, but I’m always a little bit frustrated with the results whenever I stitch a canvas that has wrapped presents on it. I’ve tried tons of different kinds of bows, but I didn’t like most of the results.
If I try just tying a bow with thread, it’s floppy. Most silk ribbons look a bit thin and the knots are too small. I have a hard time holding the loops to make flat bows. It’s hard to find wired ribbon that’s narrow.
I have occasionally found something lovely, but mostly I’m just frustrated. How about you?
Thanks to a post on Facebook from Vicky DeAngelis earlier this week, I want to share with you this delightful tutorial.
You can make tiny bows, such as the one pictured here, using a fork and some ribbon. It’s from Handmania. While the author isn’t thinking of them for needlepoint, I think they can be a perfect 3-D touch for a stitched package. Just use a matching thread to attach them through the knot.
I’m ready to get started on those small needlepoint canvases I’ve been avoiding — how about you?
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Mary Cline-Buso says
Absolute GENIUS! Thank you for the post. I’ve needlepointed since I was about 16 and have taken all sorts of classes and seminars, and hang around with a well respected teacher, but YOU have taught me so much about needlepoint and made me review my techniques. Your classes and posts are informative and at times eye opening. I can never express my gratitude enough for what you have do e for my needlepoint techniques. You are a creative Needlewoman who speaks in plain talk so that what you say is understood by all levels of Needlepointers (I’m an advanced intermediate per the ANG descriptions and I see by your blogs and classes that there is so much more to learn and relearn)