Get Creative; Crochet With Ribbons, Tape
Using ribbon or tape to knit or crochet with is not a new idea. In one form or another, these creative variations have been around for many years. The type of ribbons available changes from season to season, but the look never seems to go out of style.
This year it is fashionable to make small knit or crochet bags, such as the one featured today. Soutashe or cordings both have a nice, firm character that makes them ideal for a purse or bag. We’ve used cord for our bag.
Working with ribbon, tape or cording is actually quite easy. Before you undertake a project it helps to understand the suitability of each variety. Basically, remember that you want to keep garments soft and supple, and bags firm and durable. To accomplish this, carefully choose your ribbon fiber and needle or hook size.
Some ribbons are actually made from bias-cut silk or cotton fabric, which is often hand-dyed to create a variegated fabric. The bias-cut fabric ribbon is sometimes mixed with another strand of yarn, such as a glittery metallic, to create more impact. The joining knots on this type of fabric are meant to show for a rag-rug look.
Ribbons can be flat in a single layer that could be as wide as sewing seam binding (usually no more than a half-inch) or as narrow as a thin cord. Others are made in a tubular form and can be soft and drapey or firmer, to be suitable for bags and purses.
For working with ribbons, some knitters and crocheters will find that certain needle or hooks are better than others. Our bag designer says she prefers to work with metal ones rather than plastic or wood. If you have several types, experiment before you begin.
Certain types of ribbons and tapes have a tendency to twist around as you work. While it doesn’t happen with all types, if it happens to you, allow the spool or ball to untwist occasionally to untangle it.
For the tubular cording, you may find it helpful to dab a product called “Fray-Check,” made by the Dritz Corp., onto the ends to prevent the cording from unraveling. This product is sold at craft and sewing shops. It can also be used to keep ends in place once they are woven in.
The next time you encounter some of these more unusual products for crafting, you’ll be a wiser consumer.
MEMO: To obtain directions for making the Drawstring Bag, send your request for Leaflet No. 112695 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 112695 by sending a check or money order for $24.95 to the NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and a spool of rayon cord in your choice of black or beige. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays to (800) 873-9537 to order by phone.