green and pink art

23 GORGEOUS RIB TATTOOS FOR WOMEN AND THEIR MEANINGS

It’s no wonder rib tattoos are becoming increasingly popular. For those seeking a more discreet tattoo, the rib area is ideal—it’s easily hidden unless you’re in a swimsuit. This makes the rib cage the perfect canvas to unleash your creativity and go bold.

Additionally, rib tattoos enhance the body’s natural silhouette. A design placed along the side can sit beautifully against the bones, while a tattoo that stretches from the back to the front can accentuate the waistline.

Ultimately, the perfect tattoo is a combination of three key elements: the design, the meaning, and the placement. When these come together, the result is a stunning and timeless piece of art.

In this post, you’ll discover a curated collection of rib tattoos for women that meet all these standards. If you’re in search of ink that will leave a lasting impression, keep reading!

Flower rib tattoos for women

Flowers are a popular choice in feminine tattoos, often symbolizing beauty, positivity, and life. However, the meaning can differ depending on the specific flower.

For a delicate and feminine tattoo on the rib cage, flowers are an excellent choice. You can customize the design to follow the contours of your bones, allowing for a natural flow. Whether large or small, floral tattoos are equally stunning, offering endless possibilities for creativity. Below, you’ll find a collection of beautiful flower rib tattoos for women. Keep scrolling to discover the perfect design for your next ink!

CHERRY BLOSSOM RIB TATTOO

Cherry blossoms are an excellent tattoo choice for women, thanks to both their symbolism and aesthetic appeal.

These delicate flowers bloom briefly, making them a symbol of life’s fleeting nature and a reminder to live each moment to its fullest. Visually, cherry blossoms are small and graceful, yet when they bloom in clusters, they create a stunning display of pink beauty, making them irresistibly charming.

RED FLOWER TATTOO

Despite their deeper meaning, red spider lily tattoos can serve as the perfect motif to express your personality. Their unique shape and striking appearance make them a standout design, offering a bold and memorable way to showcase individuality. Whether for their symbolism or aesthetic appeal, they make a powerful statement.

MINIMALIST FLOWER OUTLINE RIB TATTOO

Outline tattoos are perfect for those who appreciate simplicity over complexity. A small flower rib tattoo like this may not be bold or flashy, but it’s the understated elegance that makes it timeless. Its clean lines and minimalist design ensure it remains a classic, offering subtle beauty that lasts.

SMALL GIRLY FLOWER TATTOO

The skin on the rib cage is quite thin, so if you’re sensitive to pain, opting for a smaller tattoo might be a better choice.

However, small doesn’t have to mean simple. This tiny flower tattoo proves that—it’s packed with intricate details, a realistic portrayal of the flowers’ anatomy, vibrant colors, and thoughtful shading. When all these elements come together, even a small tattoo can be absolutely stunning.

ABSTRACT BLACK FLOWER RIB TATTOO

In nature, flowers are rarely black, which is why I never imagined they could look so striking in black and grey.

A radiologist once examined flowers under an x-ray, and though the images were black and white, every intricate detail was brought to the forefront.

This lily tattoo is inspired by that experiment, offering a perfect blend of simplicity and finely crafted details. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate minimalist art with just the right amount of depth.

RED SPIDER LILY RIB TATTOO

Unlike most flowers, the red spider lily carries a darker symbolism. It represents themes of death and reincarnation, making it a powerful choice for those who have a deep understanding of life and its cycles. A red spider lily tattoo is a meaningful and introspective design, perfect for someone who embraces these profound concepts.

SMALL BLACK ROSE RIB TATTOO

Roses are generally symbols of beauty and passion, but their meaning can change depending on their color. A black rose, for instance, is a clever choice. With its lack of color, it leaves more room for interpretation, sparking curiosity and allowing others to form their own meanings.

BLUE ROSE RIB TATTOO

While most roses are pink and red, blue roses are quite rare, making them a unique and striking choice. Beyond their meaning, this tattoo encompasses everything you’d want in body art: intricate details, flawless coloring, shading, and texture. If you’re a sweet girl with an edgy side, this blue rose tattoo is the perfect way to showcase both your gentleness and boldness.

SIMPLE ROSES OUTLINE RIB TATTOO

While most fine line tattoos are typically done in black, they can also feature vibrant colors. For instance, this rib tattoo incorporates pink, red, purple, and green, which could symbolize the various possibilities in life or different facets of the wearer’s personality. The placement along the rib cage also beautifully complements the body’s natural shape, enhancing the overall design.

DELPHINNIUM RIB TATTOO FOR WOMEN

In the language of flowers, delphinium symbolizes joy and encouragement. It is often used to honor the memory of someone who has passed away. Additionally, as the birth flower of July, it holds special significance for those born in that month, making it a meaningful and personal tattoo choice.

Small and simple rib tattoos for women

The rib cage can be a tricky area to tattoo. The bony structure and the angles of the bones make it challenging to place long, straight lines effectively.

That’s why opting for a smaller tattoo is often more ideal. It’s easier to execute, and once you find a meaningful design, the size becomes less important. Below, you’ll find a collection of stunning small rib tattoos for women. Keep scrolling to discover more!

DEVINE ONE-WORD TATTOO

Want to keep it simple? Choose a word that represents your values and who you are. For example, the one-word tattoo “divine” speaks volumes about the wearer’s personality and how she sees herself. It’s not just personal but also empowering, serving as a constant reminder of self-worth and strength.

MOON AND RABBIT RIB TATTOO

In Chinese folklore, the jade rabbit lives on the moon, serving as the companion to the moon goddess. When combined with these two elements in a tattoo, it evokes the tale beautifully.

However, even if you’re not familiar with the story, this small rabbit tattoo remains undeniably cute and girly, making it a charming and whimsical design on its own.

HELPING HAND

A helping hand can make all the difference during tough times, as symbolized in this small rib tattoo. The red thread signifies the strong bond between two people, adding depth and emphasis to the design. Together, the tattoo advocates for mental health, kindness, and the power of friendship, offering a meaningful message of support and connection.

BLOSSOMING RIB TATTOO FORR WOMEN

Every flower begins as a small bud, and this rib tattoo beautifully captures the growth of a flower in four stages. It serves as a reminder that life is a journey, and it’s perfectly okay to start as a beginner. Each stage of growth reflects progress, patience, and the beauty of personal development.

BLACK FISH RIB TATTOO

Fish symbolize wealth, wisdom, and freedom, and a fish tattoo embodies these same qualities. The fluid movement of a fish adds a sense of flow to the design, making it a perfect choice for those who aim to break free from rules and limitations. It’s a tattoo that represents both inner strength and the desire for boundless freedom.

BIRDS RIB TATTOO

There are no strict rules when choosing a motif for rib tattoos, but if you want your tattoo to feel realistic and lively, consider opting for moving animals like birds or fish. Their fluid motion and natural elegance can bring energy and life to the design, making it truly stand out on your ribcage.

SCORPION RIB TATTOO FOR WOMEN

Scorpion tattoos aren’t just for Scorpios; they hold a unique charm that appeals to many. Known for their sting, powerful claws, and poisonous tail, scorpions send a clear message: don’t mess with them. If you want to embody your badass vibes and make a bold statement, a scorpion tattoo is the perfect choice.

Plant tattoos on the rib cage

Plant tattoos often feature leaves, vines, and branches, typically done in black and fine lines. If you lean towards minimalist designs, plant tattoos are an excellent choice.

You can also adjust the composition to fit the natural flow of your bones, making them a perfect decoration for the rib cage. Below is a curated collection of plant rib tattoos for women. Keep scrolling to find the design that suits you best.

PORCELAIN LEAVES RIB TATTOO

In nature, bamboo leaves are green, but by switching the color to blue, this rib tattoo stands out in a unique and striking way. The unconventional color choice adds a bold twist to the traditional design, making it a standout piece of body art.

DAINTY NAME TATTOO

Name tattoos are not only simple but also deeply personal, often representing yourself or a loved one. However, if a full name tattoo feels too specific, consider opting for initials instead. They offer the same simplicity but with a more subtle, less literal touch.

SIMPLE VINE TATTOO ON THE RIB CAGE

Vine tattoos are a popular choice for the rib cage, and for good reason. Their simplicity beautifully complements the shape of the ribs, with the natural curves enhancing the wearer’s charm.

If a small vine tattoo feels too simple for you, consider adding flowers to it. This adds an extra touch of detail and flair, creating a more dynamic and eye-catching design.

LEAVES RIB CAGE TATTOO

Plant tattoos are incredibly popular, and this stunning design under the boob perfectly showcases why. By layering the leaves to follow the natural curves of the body, the tattoo becomes a beautiful decoration that enhances the silhouette. It’s a design that’s not only alluring and unique but also exudes a touch of sexiness, making it a bold and captivating choice.

STEP BY STEP

Take your time. Every small step matters.

FULL SIDE FLORAL TATTOO

Feeling adventurous? Go for a full side tattoo. With ample space, the tattoo artist has the freedom to get creative and design something truly unique.

However, full side tattoos can sometimes feel too intricate or overwhelming. By keeping the entire design in black, this rib tattoo retains its elegance and femininity, offering a bold yet refined look.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, rib tattoos offer a unique canvas for expressing personal meaning and creativity. Whether you opt for simple, minimalist designs or bold, detailed artwork, the rib cage’s shape and contours can enhance the tattoo’s impact. From flowers and animals to meaningful symbols, the possibilities are endless. Ultimately, the best tattoo is one that resonates with you, combines beauty with significance, and complements your body in a way that feels uniquely yours.

HAND SEWING BASICS: 6 ESSENTIAL STITCHES FOR YOUR DIY PROJECTS

If you don’t own a sewing machine, you might feel limited in tackling sewing-related DIY home decor projects. But here’s the great news: many stitches can be done by hand! Learning a few essential hand-stitching techniques can unlock countless creative possibilities for projects requiring minimal sewing.

What can hand stitching do for you? For starters, it’s perfect for mending—think fixing small holes in pillows or clothing. But it also paves the way for creating custom fabric DIYs, like hemming too-long curtains or crafting your own pillows.

Below, you’ll find six versatile stitches perfect for various home decor projects, along with step-by-step instructions for each.

Materials You’ll Need for Hand Stitching

  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Scissors

How to Sew a Slip Stitch or Ladder Stitch

The invisible stitch, also known as the ladder stitch, is ideal for closing up handmade pillows or finishing hems. Its discreet nature allows you to create a seamless look. Simply use a thread that matches your fabric, and the result will be nearly undetectable, with only the slightest hint of stitching visible.

ANCHOR THE THREAD

Start by threading your needle and tying a knot at the end of the thread. To keep the knot hidden, insert the needle from the inside of the fabric fold, pulling it through to the front. This ensures your starting point remains invisible within the hem.

START THE FIRST STITCH

Align the needle directly across from where the thread exited the first fold, inserting it into the opposite fold. Push the needle through to the inside, ensuring it pierces the fabric at the same point on both sides. This technique pulls the two fabric edges together seamlessly, making the stitch nearly invisible.

MAKE THE NEXT STITCH 1/8 INCH UP

To continue, move the needle about 1/8 of an inch forward along the same fold and bring it back up through the fabric. This small, precise movement ensures the stitch stays even and discreet while maintaining a strong hold between the two fabric sides.

MOVE THE NEXT STITCH TO THE OTHER SIDE

Pull the thread gently through the stitch you just made, then move the needle across to the opposite fold. Insert it at the exact same point as the previous entry on that side. This consistent alignment ensures the fabric edges come together smoothly and the stitch remains hidden.

Repeat that step.

Pull the thread through to secure the stitch, then repeat the process by moving to the opposite side of the fabric. Insert the needle about 1/8 of an inch forward from the last stitch on that side, maintaining even spacing and alignment to keep the seam neat and invisible. Continue alternating sides in this manner.

CLOSE THE GAP

As you continue stitching, alternating sides evenly, the thread connecting the two fabric edges will resemble the rungs of a ladder. This “ladder” effect ensures the fabric is securely joined while the stitches remain hidden when pulled snugly.

HIDE THE THREAD

To make the stitch completely invisible, pull the tail of your thread taut while gently smoothing out the seam. This tightens the stitches, ensuring they stay hidden within the fabric. For the best results, use a thread that matches the color of your fabric perfectly, making the stitch virtually undetectable.

How to Sew a Running Stitch

Straight stitches, like the ones shown in green thread, are typically used to sew basic seams. When sewn over longer lengths, this stitch can serve as a basting stitch, temporarily holding two pieces of fabric together. For a stronger, more durable seam, use shorter stitches to ensure a tight and secure hold.

ANCHOR THE THREAD

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Insert the needle from the backside of the fabric, pulling it through to the front so that the knot remains hidden on the inside. This ensures a clean and neat start to your stitch.

MAKE THE FIRST STITCH

Move about 1/2 inch ahead and push the needle back down through the fabric, bringing it to the backside. This creates the next stitch in the sequence, continuing the straight stitch pattern.

CREATE THE NEXT STITCH 1/2 INCH AWAY

Continuing in a straight line, move the needle forward about 1/2 inch and bring it back up through the fabric to the top. This will create the next stitch, maintaining an even and consistent pattern.

REPEAT UNTIL FINISHED

Continue repeating steps 1 through 3, making sure to keep the stitches evenly spaced as you work along the seam. Once you’re done, your stitches will form a long line of dashes, securing the two pieces of fabric together. This creates a neat and even seam.

How to Sew a Catchstitch

Small, short stitches, like the ones shown in blue, are semi-invisible on the front-facing fabric and work wonderfully for hems. This stitch allows the hem to have a bit of flexibility, making it ideal for circular items like tablecloths. The catstitch technique is also perfect for securing thick facings to hems, such as on a sofa cover, or for attaching a lining to curtains.

ANCHOR THE THREAD

If possible, press your fabric before starting to make it easier to work with. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Starting from the left side of the fabric, insert your needle from the underside of the hem to the top, hiding the end knot as it comes through.

MAKE THE FIRST STITCH

Pull the thread through and then bring the needle up over your hem, positioning it about 1/8 of an inch to the right in the top section of the fabric. This ensures that your stitches are small and evenly spaced.

SEND THE THREAD BACK UNDER THE FABRIC

Place the needle in the fabric, pointing back towards the left. Insert it about 1/8 of an inch under the fabric, then bring it back up through the top layer. This creates a small, neat stitch that helps secure the hem in place.

CROSS OVER THE PREVIOUS STITCH

Direct the needle back down towards the bottom section, crossing over the previous stitch in a downward diagonal. This ensures the stitches are secure and aligned, helping to keep the hem in place while maintaining a smooth appearance.

CREATE YOUR FIRST X STITCH

Point the needle towards the right side of the fabric and insert it through about 1/8 of an inch of fabric on the lower section. Pull the thread taut to secure the stitch, revealing your first small, neat stitch.

REPEAT THESE STEPS

Repeat these steps by continuing to direct the needle back up through the top layer, moving 1/8 of an inch forward, then crossing it down diagonally through the bottom layer. Keep pulling the thread taut after each stitch to ensure they are evenly spaced and secure.

How to Sew a Blanket Stitch

The blanket stitch (shown in pink above) is a decorative way to join fabrics together. It’s commonly used for sewing appliqué and finishing the edges of blankets or felted toys. Since this stitch is meant to be visible, feel free to choose any thread color that complements your project for a stylish, eye-catching finish.

ANCHOR THE THREAD

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. To hide the knot, start by inserting the needle through a middle layer of fabric, bringing it up to the top layer. This will ensure that the knot remains hidden inside the fabric.

MAKE THE FIRST THREAD LOOP

Pull the thread taut and then circle back around to create the first loop by sending the needle under the bottom layer of fabric and bringing it out on top in the exact same spot where you started. Make sure not to pull the loop tight yet, as you want to keep it open.

SEND THE NEEDLE THROUGH THE LOOP YOU’VE CREATED

Bring the needle through the loop you’ve created, then pull the thread taut to secure the stitch. This will form the first decorative stitch, anchoring the fabric together with a neat loop.

PUSH THE NEEDLE BACK THROUGH FROM BOTTOM TO TOP

Move down the seam about 1/4 of an inch and send the needle through the bottom layer of fabric, bringing it up to the top. This will set the next stitch in line, maintaining an even spacing along the seam.

LEAVE A SMALL LOOP BEHIND

Pull the thread taut, but leave a small loop at the top of the fabric. This loop will be used to create the next stitch in the blanket stitch pattern.

PUSH THE NEEDLE THROUGH THE THREAD LOOP

Bring the needle through the loop and pull the thread taut to secure the stitch. This will tighten the loop and create the distinctive look of the blanket stitch.

REPEAT THESE STITCHES

Repeat the process of creating the loop, bringing the needle through, and pulling taut until your project is complete. Continue spacing the stitches evenly along the seam or edge for a consistent and decorative finish.

How to Sew a Whipstitch

This simple technique, made up of short, diagonal stitches, is perfect for hemming window treatments. When used on a hem, whipstitches (shown in yellow above) are typically invisible, quick to execute, and easy to do, making them an ideal choice for fast and neat hemming.

ANCHOR YOUR THREAD

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Start by inserting the needle on the inside of the hem, so the knot remains hidden. Then, bring the needle up through to the top layer of fabric.

LOOP THE THREAD AROUND THE FABRIC EDGES

Move your needle forward about half an inch (adjust the length based on your project), loop it around the edge, and then bring the needle up through the bottom side of the fabric. This will create a neat, diagonal stitch along the hem.

REPEAT STITCHES

Repeat the process of moving the needle forward, looping it around the edge, and bringing it up through the bottom side of the fabric until you’ve completed all the stitches along your hem. Keep the stitches evenly spaced for a consistent and neat finish.

How to Sew a Backstitch

This stitch (shown in pink in the photo above) is a small but very strong stitch, making it perfect for sewing seams that require durability. It’s also great for basic embroidery, especially when working on typography or other illustrations for home decor. Its strength and precision make it a versatile choice for both construction and decorative stitching.

ANCHOR THE THREAD

Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Start by sending the needle up through the top layer of fabric from the backside to hide the end knot inside the fabric.

START WITH A BASIC STITCH

Send the needle back down into the fabric, following a straight line, about half an inch away from the first stitch. At this point, you’re creating a running stitch, with evenly spaced stitches along the fabric.

PULL THE THREAD TAUT

Pull the thread taut from the underside of the fabric to tighten the stitch and keep the fabric securely in place. This will create a neat, strong seam as you continue stitching.

PUSH NEEDLE FROM BOTTOM TO TOP

Bring the needle back up through to the top of the fabric, making sure it is equidistant from the first stitch. This will create even spacing between each stitch as you continue along the seam.

BRING YOUR NEEDLE BACKWARDS

Instead of moving forward another half inch as you would in a running stitch, bring your needle back to the left and align it with the end of the previous stitch. This creates a small stitch that connects with the previous one, adding strength and neatness to your seam.

PUSH NEEDLE BẠC INTO FABRIC

Push the needle back down towards the underside of the fabric, and pull the thread taut to secure the stitch. This will help create a strong, clean seam as you continue working.

REPEAT

Repeat the process of bringing the needle up, aligning it with the previous stitch, and pushing it back down until you’ve completed your desired number of stitches. Keep the stitches evenly spaced for a neat and consistent finish.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, mastering a few essential hand stitches can open up a wide variety of DIY projects, from simple mending to creating beautiful home decor items. Whether you’re hemming curtains, adding decorative accents to pillows, or strengthening seams, these stitches provide both function and style. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to tackle many sewing projects by hand, achieving professional-looking results without needing a sewing machine. Keep experimenting with these techniques to enhance your sewing skills and bring your creative ideas to life.