How to Make Ruched Ribbon

Ruched ribbon is ribbon that has been gathered into a strand of loops using bullion wire. This technique can be used for a variety of crafts including wreath making, fabric flowers, gift wrapping and trim for all types of sewing projects.

Ruching ribbon makes a long textured garland that can be used as a base for wreath or other craft project.

Photo by: Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

Ruching ribbon makes a long textured garland that can be used as a base for wreath or other craft project.

This tutorial is courtesy of Laura Dowling’s book Wreaths With How-to Tutorials.

Ruched ribbon serves as the base on this pretty puple wreath that is made from turnips, black cherries and cabbage.

Photo by: Laura Dowling/Stichting Kunstboek

Laura Dowling/Stichting Kunstboek

Ruched ribbon serves as the base on this pretty puple wreath that is made from turnips, black cherries and cabbage.

Ruched ribbon can be made from almost any size and type of ribbon (satin, burlap, etc.) and it can be reused multiple times.

Tools and Materials

  • 1-1/2" to 3" ribbon
  • bullion wire
  • scissors
  • wire cutters

Photo by: Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

1. Holding the bullion wire in one hand, create a 1” loop with the other hand. Wrap the bullion wire tightly around the base of the loop as close to the base as possible.

Photo by: Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

2. Wrap the wire around the loop, going around two or three times.

Photo by: Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

3. Holding the loop with the ribbon extending behind it, make another loop as close to the original loop as possible. Wrap the bullion wire around the ribbon tightly to secure it. Continue making a garland of loops in this manner until you reach your desired length. Work evenly and precisely for best effect. If done correctly, the underside of the garland will resemble a textured pattern.

Photo by: Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

Laura Dowling and Stichting Kunstboek

Here we wrapped the ruched ribbon around a wreath form, securing it with bullion wire until it was completely covered.

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