Gathering ribbon - what's the trick?

[Lassie Pappas]

At the SU Fall Reginal Seminar in Baltimore, they showed us how to gather ribbon. I have tried with all of the types of ribbon I have, and I cannot make it work! Is there a secret? All I remember is to cut one end of a ribbon flat and fray it a bit. Pull one string in the very middle. Once I pull it a very short length, it breaks. It's such a pretty technique, and I would like to share it in a class - I just can't figure it out!! I know one of you crafting queens is going to have a special secret for me, and I will be forever indebted! Thanks, in advance.

[cat_woman]

You could just take a needle with some matching thread and do a running stitch. The thread would be stronger than the ribbon threads and wouldn't break as easily when you pulled on it.

[sewsplendidstamper]

That's how I thought it was done all along LOL :oops:

[makedoandgem]

I've only just started doing this, but I believe taffeta ribbon is the easiest. The new Seam Binding also is AMAZING for this technique.

[mycreativeside]

I have done it with all types of ribbon from Stampin up! and it works for me. like you said, fray one edge, and then find a thread in the middle and starting pulling and then pushing the ribbon down to the end each time you pull to gather the ribbon more. hope that makes sense. difficult to explain. I have used it on this card:
My Creative Side: Birthday card -

[Savagetwin]

The name of the technique that I am sure you are describing is called ruching. I first became acquainted with it abt 20 yrs ago when I was heavy into miniatures. We would use narrow silk ribbon to ruch and embellish beautiful dresses for our miniature dolls. Ruching is french for pleating, I believe.
The trick is to find a thread at one end of your ribbon perhaps in the middle by either sniping and/or fraying the edge. Grab the thread with nimble fingers or tweezers. Gently start pulling. If you do this too quickly, you will pull out the thread. So, anchor the other end. I used 1/4" scor-tape to fold end on the other side of card stock I am adhering ruched ribbon to. You can also just make a fold and tape down without attaching. I also remember in miniature time, pinning the opposite edge to a surface and anchoring it to that.
Now you have a secure foundation that will prevent the dreaded "pull thru".
Don't rush the ruching! Gently pull and gather as you go until you reach your desired length. Needle and thread is also used in ruching. Zig-zag stitching side to side, and then gathered up is soooo cooool. You can also take ordinary, cheap lace and find the thread at the top edge of the lace and gather the lace in the same fashion. Makes nice floral things for crafting.
I haven't checked for video tutorials yet. But, must be some out there.
I believe you can use all sorts of ribbon. In my last class led by Madeline Soler, we used ruching with SU 1-1/4" stripped grosgrain. I recognized the technique right off the bat. Since that time, I been a ruching fool. You all know how that goes. ;)