Craft With Ribbons: Your Practical First Steps & Inspiration to Get You Started on this Timeless Material

The craftiest people I know, the sorts who carry a crochet hook or a notepad wherever they go, they all got into their creative fix by first discovering a medium they loved. The knitters had their wool; the embroiderers initially tried their hand at cross stitch with different types of thread; the zinesters and origami-inclined fell in love with the craft out of an appreciation for upcycling paper. But what about ribbon?

I’m glad you asked. If you’re a fan of this timeless textile, you’re in for a treat. Because to craft with ribbon means getting to grips with one of the most versatile materials out there, and not just in appearance. With more applications than you can shake a stick at, there’s truly a ribbon project for everyone, regardless of age or experience level.

In this guide, I’ll give you a little insight into why I’m obsessed with ribbon, what makes it such a good crafting material, some top tips, plus a handful of beginner-friendly art projects to give you a taste of what you’re missing.  

It’s time to go down the creative rabbit hole.

 

Skip to:

·        Why Craft With Ribbons?

·        Types of Ribbons for Different Crafts

·        Tools You May Need

·        Ribbon Crafting Ideas for Beginners

·        Intermediate Ribbon Art Projects

·        Common Newbie Mistakes

·        Where to Buy Quality Ribbon in Bulk

·        Conclusion

·        FAQs

 

TL;DR

Ribbon crafting is an easy and versatile hobby that suits beginners and experienced makers alike. They can be used for everything from gift wrapping and handmade cards to home décor and seasonal decorations. Choosing the right material, using the correct tools and starting with simple projects helps create professional-looking results while building confidence for more advanced ribbon art projects.

 

Why Craft with Ribbons in the First Place?

It’s easy to underestimate the value of ribbon; after all, it’s not quite as flashy as some of the other crafts you could get into as an adult. I’m thinking pottery, jewellery making, crocheting a complete outfit, and the other sorts of things that have a tendency to go viral on the creative side of social media.

But ribbons are accessible. As a relatively affordable craft material, you don’t need to worry about draining your bank account, even if it becomes a nightly hobby for you. Besides this, there’s a huge variety of shades, textures, finishes and sizes to sift through, which means tailoring the precise aesthetic of your project isn’t merely possible but very, very doable.

This is why ribbons are so ubiquitous in British society, both past and present. Although it’s more hidden now, ribbon manufacturing has been a serious economic driver in the UK for centuries. Ask any textile historian and they’ll tell you that ribbon weaving was certain British towns’ main industry, Coventry especially. So, along with a sheer number of materials and seasonal variety, ribbons also have history and timeless character to their advantage. This is without even mentioning how easy they are to work with!

Types of Ribbons We Recommend for Different Crafts

By now, you should be convinced that ribbons are a top contender for potential DIY projects, to do alone in a moment of mindfulness or as a bonding activity amongst friends, family and your little ones.

Naturally, the next question on the agenda is which types of ribbons suit different kinds of crafts? With such a broad spectrum to pick from, there’s plenty to consider.

• Classic acetate ribbon: Your conventional, smooth ribbon, which you can machine wash, cut and stitch without hassle. It does fray over time, so it’s best to leave it for light to medium-wear projects. I’m thinking Christmas tree decorations, home décor handicrafts or ribbon embroidery mounted on a hoop or in a picture frame.
• Satin ribbon: A top-notch choice if you’re looking for something sleek and glossy yet wrinkle resistant. More robust than basic weaves, it performs pretty well as packaging or a final flourish to your homeware. That said, the material can snag, so again, avoid high-wear scenarios.
• Grosgrain ribbon: Prized for its strong weave and ribbed texture, grosgrain brings heritage appeal and strength. As such, natural use cases include hair accessories, apparel trims, hatbands, jewellery and decorations.
• Organza ribbon: The bride’s go-to, organza ribbon is feminine coded to the max: floaty, delicate, graceful and romantic. It’s stiff yet lightweight, making it wonderfully sculptable.
• Printed ribbon: After a very particular look for branding or an event? Printed ribbon has you covered; there’s a pattern for practically any situation.
• Jute ribbon: If you don’t mind something coarse, this eco-friendly material is perfect if you want to curb your environmental impact and enjoy the back-to-basics, rustic appeal.

 

Supplementary Tools You’ll Typically Need for Ribbon Crafting

Now, if you’re really to get into ribbon crafting, you’ll need to have ready access to a handful of tools. You might already be stocked up with these at home, but if not, you’ll probably want to add the following to your shopping list or visit your local tool library.

The majority of ribbon projects require…       

• Fabric scissors for cutting
• A glue gun for obvious reasons (sticking the ribbon to various surfaces)
• Wire to sculpt different silhouettes and ensure your work holds its shape
• Needles and thread for ribbon embroidery
• Double-sided tape if you’re starting simple with a no-sewing craft
• A cutting mat to keep your surfaces spick and span 

 

Beginner Ribbon Craft Ideas for All Ages

Let’s be honest, this is the part we’ve all been waiting for: what ribbon crafts can an eager yet zero-experience creative dip their toes into?

Luckily, I have an abundance of options for you to mull over. All you have to do is read through and see which ones take your fancy.       

• Gift wrapping, from ribbon bows to gift tags
• Hair bows, clips, hair ties and headbands
• Greetings cards
• Simple home décor, like curtain tie backs and shelf decorations
• Ribbon wands
• Bookmarks
• Shoelaces
• Easter bonnets
• Ribbon wreaths
• Party or seasonal decorations, including…
  • Bunting
  • Garlands
  • Napkin bows
  • Ceiling streamers
  • Table centrepieces
• Scrapbooking, collages or zine-making 

 

 

Ribbon Art Projects for Experienced Crafters

After something with a little more challenge? That’s the spirit! If you’re up for learning more complicated techniques, you want to impress your other half or a bestie, or you simply have lots of time on your hands, instead of idling away the weekend, you might enjoy one of these intermediate art projects. Sink in your teeth.       

• Homemade rosettes. (I wrote an entire tutorial on this, so do go check it out once you finish reading here).
• Floral arrangements, such as displaying dried flowers collected from your garden or elevating a bouquet in a vase.
• Plant hangers: A colourful take on the more common rope plant hangers, this ribbon craft requires a bit of sewing knowledge, yet the results are so worth it: a dynamic house plant setup, without the overdone boho look.
• Wedding decorations
  • Chair sashes
  • Getaway car styling
  • Reception table dressing
  • Wedding cake embellishment
  • Aisle markers
  • Wedding stationery flourishes
  • Memory station and photobooth décor
  • Wrist corsage
  • Bouquet accessories
• Christmas decorations
  • DIY baubles
  • Christmas wreaths and garlands
  • Tablescape décor
  • Xmas tree bows and decorations
  • Present toppers
  • Alternatives to tinsel
  • Tealight accessories
• Ribbon keychains to add a layered, tasseled charm to your keyset, bags and other bits and bobs.
• Picture frame upcycling as in wrapping a worn or boring wooden frame with a patterned ribbon of your choice. You’ll need a steady hand to secure the material down without creasing.
• Ribbon jewellery: bracelets, brooches, earrings and necklaces can all be made with the basic jewellery hardware, wiring, some basic sewing skills and a keen eye.
• DIY lanyards to impress your colleagues with your handiwork.
• Zipper pulls: Sometimes clothing could do with a bit of bedazzling; adorning the plain zips with a tiny bow and some charms goes a long way to personalising otherwise generic pieces.
• Ribbon embroidery is its own discipline that takes some dedication to master
• Mixed media art is a rules-free approach to creation that helps nurture your inventive side. Think large mixed-medium canvasses, curious assemblages, sculpture and 3D collages. 

Common Newbie Mistakes that Crop Up

No new skill is without its hurdles. It takes time to translate the polished creative vision in your mind’s eye into a real-world ‘thing’, and non-linear learning curves are all part of the process.

To make that journey a liiittle less bumpy, take stock of some of the common trip-ups fellow crafters have made, so you don’t have to follow suite.       

• Making the wrong choice of ribbon for your project. Not all ribbon is made equal, and neither is every fabric suited to every application. The fix? Do your research without fail, every time.
• Allowing ribbon to fray and look, well, a bit naff. To avoid this outcome, you’ll need sharp scissors to snip it cleanly and at a 45-degree angle. For a dash of extra polish, you can pass the edge through a lighter’s flame to force those stray fibres to fuse together.
• Picking the wrong adhesive. I’ve done this in the past, and it always brings unnecessary frustration. When you’re gluing down ribbon, be sure to use something with enough strength. PVA might work for a scrapbook, but on a dynamic decoration or wearable item, it’s probably going to fall off in the breeze.
• Clashing colours. Need I say more? Before you order your craft ribbon, double check whether the shades complement one another and actually think through how they’ll sit together in situ.
• Poor storage. Organza, satin, lurex and even acetate can be delicate. Some may fade under direct sunlight or lose their shape if handled harshly. This calls for proper storage, in a safe, cool, dry place, where they won’t be tugged or mistreated. 

Where to Buy Quality Craft Ribbon (*Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge*)

Gift wrapping, floral arrangements, seasonal decorations or upcycling a tired outfit previously stuffed at the bottom of your wardrobe, you name it, each project needs quality ribbons for a finished look. By extension of that logic, you also need a reliable supplier to get you the goods.

*Ahem* Which is where Colour Ribbons comes in. With 40 years of expertise in the textiles industry, we’re ribbon nerds – yes, it comes with the territory – uniquely skilled in finding the right product for your specific needs.

And whether you’re after just a roll or two, or reams and reams of the stuff, we guarantee affordable wholesale prices – no compromise on quality. In fact, we’ve been working with partners in the gift packaging industry, florists, bakers, artists and event planners for decades, so trust us, we really know our stuff.

Conclusion: Start Small to Build Skill, Before You Work Up to

Before I round off this guide, allow me to share a few words of parting wisdom.

If you’re 100% new to ribbon crafting, my advice to you is to start small, tiny even, before working your way up to more ambitious crafts.

It’s the best way to learn on the go, building confidence healthily, so by the time you do get to the impressive projects you’ll already have the skill to do them justice. Less wasted material; less stress on your end; a final product you can be proud of.

Now, it’s time to get your hands on those supplies.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Best Ribbons for Beginners to Craft With?

Satin and grosgrain ribbons are excellent choices for beginners because they're easy to handle and suitable for a wide range of projects, from gift wrapping and bows to home décor and greeting cards.

What Can I Craft with Ribbons?

Ribbons can be used to create gift decorations, hair bows, wreaths, handmade cards, party decorations, floral displays, seasonal crafts and many other ribbon art projects. They're a versatile material for both simple and more advanced designs.

What Tools Do I Need for Ribbon Crafting?

Most ribbon crafts only require a few basic tools, such as sharp scissors, a glue gun or craft adhesive, a ruler, pins and needle and thread. More advanced projects may also benefit from wire, cutting mats or specialist craft tools.

Which Type of Ribbon is Best for Different Craft Projects?

The best ribbon depends on your project. Satin ribbon offers a smooth, elegant finish, grosgrain ribbon is durable and ideal for bows, organza adds a lightweight decorative touch, while velvet ribbon is perfect for luxury and seasonal crafts.

How Do I Stop Ribbon from Fraying?

Cutting ribbon with sharp scissors, sealing synthetic ribbon edges carefully with heat where appropriate, or using anti-fray products can help create neat, professional-looking results and extend the life of your craft projects.

Where Can I Buy Quality Ribbon for Crafting?

Choosing a specialist ribbon supplier gives you access to a wider choice of colours, widths and materials. This makes it easier to find the right ribbon whether you're creating a single craft project or buying in larger quantities for regular use.

Is Ribbon Crafting Suitable for Children?

Yes, many ribbon crafts are suitable for children with adult supervision. Simple projects such as decorating cards, making bookmarks or creating gift bows are great ways to introduce younger crafters to ribbon crafting while developing creativity and fine motor skills.