How to Create a Stunning Ribbon Embroidery Floral Wall Hanging in 5 Simple Steps

I was sipping tea in my studio last week when a bright idea fluttered onto my sketchbook: a ribbon‑embroidered flower that could live on a wall as a piece of art. The result? A burst of color that feels like a garden caught in a moment of sunrise. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a spool of ribbon into a statement piece, grab a cup of coffee and let’s walk through the process together.

1. Gather Your Materials

Choose the right ribbon

At Ribbon Blooms we love using satin‑finish ribbons because they catch the light beautifully. Pick colors that speak to you—maybe a soft blush for a romantic vibe or a bold magenta for a pop‑art feel. A width of 3‑5 mm works well for most floral shapes; anything wider can become a bit heavy and harder to stitch.

Pick a fabric base

A plain linen or cotton canvas (12‑14 inches square is a comfortable size for beginners) gives the embroidery a sturdy foundation. If you want a darker background, a deep navy or charcoal works like a night sky for the flowers to shine against.

Essential tools

Embroidery hoop (6‑8 inches)
Sharp fabric scissors
Needle with a large eye (size 12‑14)
Water‑soluble fabric marker or chalk pencil
Small pins or stitch‑holding clips

Having everything laid out on your table will keep the workflow smooth—no hunting for a missing spool mid‑stitch.

2. Prep Your Canvas

Stretch and hoop

Place your fabric over the inner ring of the hoop, pull it taut, and tighten the outer ring until the surface is smooth and wrinkle‑free. This tension is what makes the ribbon sit nicely and prevents puckering later on.

Mark your boundaries

Using the water‑soluble marker, lightly draw a rectangle about an inch inside the hoop’s edge. This invisible border will guide you when you step back to assess the overall balance of your design.

3. Sketch Your Design

Keep it simple

Think of a basic flower shape: a central circle for the bud, surrounded by five or six petals. You can always add leaves later. Sketch lightly with the marker—don’t worry about perfection, the stitching will soften any rough edges.

Transfer tips

If you’re more comfortable working from a printed template, tape the paper to the back of the fabric, then trace the outline with a needle tip. The tiny holes will appear on the front, giving you a faint guide that disappears after washing.

4. Stitch the Ribbons

Anchor the first ribbon

Thread your needle, knot the end, and start at the back of the fabric. Bring the needle up at the base of a petal line, then slide a short length of ribbon under the needle and pull it through. This creates a tiny anchor point that keeps the ribbon from slipping.

The “ribbon stitch” (our favorite)

Insert the needle a few millimeters ahead along the drawn line.
Loop the ribbon over the needle tip, forming a small “U.”
Pull the needle through, letting the ribbon settle flat on the fabric.
Repeat, keeping the ribbon taut but not stretched—think of laying a thin strip of fabric along the path.

For curved petals, gently guide the ribbon with your fingers as you stitch, letting the natural flexibility create a soft, flowing edge.

Fill the center

Use a narrow ribbon (2 mm) and a simple back‑stitch to fill the bud. Tiny, overlapping stitches give a textured look that catches the eye.

Add leaves (optional)

Cut leaf shapes from a contrasting ribbon, then use a few tiny running stitches to attach them to the stem. A single satin stitch along the leaf’s edge adds a polished finish without much extra work.

5. Finish & Hang

Secure the back

Once you’re happy with the design, give the back a quick double‑sided stitch along the outer edge of the hoop. This prevents the ribbons from pulling away over time.

Remove the hoop (if you like)

If you prefer a frameless look, carefully cut the fabric around the hoop’s inner ring, leaving a ½‑inch border. Iron the edges on low heat (use a pressing cloth) to set the stitches.

Choose a hanging method

Simple rod: Slip a thin wooden dowel through a small slit at the top of the fabric and attach a knot for hanging.
Wall hook: Attach a small D‑ring or loop of sturdy ribbon to the back, then hang on a nail or picture hook.

Step back and enjoy

Hold your new wall hanging up to a window and watch the light dance across the ribbons. The subtle sheen is what makes Ribbon Blooms creations feel alive in a room.

Creating a ribbon‑embroidered floral wall hanging is less about mastering complex stitches and more about enjoying the process of turning simple materials into something personal. At Ribbon Blooms we believe every stitch is a small celebration of color and texture, and you don’t need years of experience to make it happen. Play with the palette, experiment with petal shapes, and let your intuition guide the needle.

If you try this project, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a note in the comments on the Ribbon Blooms site or share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #ribbonblooms. Until next time, happy stitching!