solid mass while the petals are formed by larger loops 25 forming a softer looser texture and giving the flower relief the backing sheet and ribbons are next stabilized as shown in fig1 e retaining knots 30 comprising knots stitches and loose ribbon are formed by the termination of stitches 25 on the bottom surface 19 of the backing it is important that the retaining knots be stabilized in order to prevent alteration of the ribbon embroidery design that could be caused by abrasion or pulling on the retaining knots in addition a failed knot on the bottom surface of the backing could cause a ribbon stitch to come out resulting in an unsightly loose ribbon on the top surface of the backing stabilization of the knots has been found especially important where the ribbon embroidery applique is to be reused subjecting the bottom surface of the backing sheet to additional wear in addition the backing itself is subject to fraying at its edges after the ribbon embroidery applique is cut from the backing sheet in a preferred embodiment a layer of stabilizing glue 31 is applied to the bottom surface 19 of the backing 10 as well as to the retaining knots to stabilize the applique after drying the glue prevents the backing from fraying and secures the retaining knots the glue must have some flexibility and little or no color when dry further the glue.