Alexei Volkov
Plastic ribbons are a versatile craft item that can be used to decorate gifts, party decorations, or craft projects. They can be curled using a simple process that involves pulling a scissor blade across the ribbon's length. This process stretches the outside of the ribbon, causing the inside to shrink and resulting in a curly structure. The ribbon's natural curl should be considered, and the process may need to be repeated to achieve the desired result. The curls can be arranged in various ways, and smaller curls can be created by cutting fringes into the ribbon. This technique is not suitable for fabric ribbons, which require a different process involving baking or a starch solution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ribbon | Plastic curling ribbon, typically 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) wide, or smaller bundles of 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) wide |
| Ribbon texture | Smooth or crimped |
| Ribbon colour | Shiny, metallic, or monochromatic |
| Ribbon length | 3 to 6 times longer than the final curled strand |
| Tools required | Scissors, tape, dowel stick (optional) |
| Scissors technique | Hold scissors with blades facing up and open, pull ribbon across the blade with thumb pressure, work slowly and evenly |
| Curl size | Dependent on pressure applied, speed of motion, and diameter of the dowel stick |
| Curl direction | Follow the natural curl of the ribbon, typically towards the shiny side |
| Arrangement | Loose or tight curls, blend colours, hide loose ends or trim at a 45-degree angle |
| Uses | Decorating gifts, craft projects, hair accessories, party decorations |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ribbon
Ribbon Material: The most common materials for curling ribbons are plastic and fabric. Plastic ribbons, often found on balloons, are ideal for creating bouncy and tight curls. They respond well to the heat and pressure applied by scissors, resulting in defined curls. Fabric ribbons, on the other hand, are more versatile and suitable for various projects, including gift wrapping, crafts, hair accessories, and decorations. However, fabric ribbons require additional steps, such as applying a starch solution or baking, to achieve lasting curls.
Ribbon Width: The width of the ribbon will impact the overall look of your curls. Narrow ribbons, typically made of poly material, curl beautifully and are perfect for gift wrapping, especially if you want a monochromatic or multicolour effect. Wider ribbons can also be curled, but they may require more length to achieve the desired curl tightness.
Ribbon Texture: Curling ribbons come in various textures, such as smooth or crimped. Crimped ribbons have a wavy texture that adds interest to your curls. Smooth ribbons can be flat or satin, both of which curl nicely and are ideal for elegant gift wrapping or craft projects.
Ribbon Colour: The colour of the ribbon you choose will depend on the aesthetic you want to create. For a cohesive look, match the ribbon colour to your project or gift wrap. For a festive touch, opt for shiny or metallic holiday colours. You can also create a multicolour effect by using several hues of curled ribbon.
Ribbon Length: When choosing the length of your ribbon, remember that curling will shorten it. Cut a length that is a few inches longer than your desired final length to accommodate for curling. If you want tighter curls, go for shorter lengths, and for looser, bouncier curls, select longer ribbons.
Experiment with different types of ribbons and techniques to find the perfect combination for your project. Remember that practice makes perfect, and you'll soon be curling ribbons like a pro!
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Preparing the ribbon
Plastic ribbons can be curled to decorate gifts or craft projects. The process of curling a plastic ribbon involves stretching out the outside of the ribbon and encouraging the inside to shrink, resulting in a curly structure.
Firstly, purchase a roll of curling ribbon from a craft store or the gift-wrapping aisle. Plastic curling ribbons typically come in large spools of 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide ribbon, but smaller rolled bundles of 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) wide ribbon are also available. The ribbon can have a smooth or crimped texture and is often available in shiny or metallic holiday colours.
Before curling the ribbon, cut it to the desired length. It's important to note that curling will shorten the ribbon, so it's recommended to cut a length that is 3 to 6 times longer than the final desired length. If you're unsure, start with a 12-inch (30-centimetre) length and adjust as needed.
To find the natural curl of the ribbon, identify which side is shiny and which is dull. The dull side will face downwards when curling the ribbon with scissors, as the curl typically follows the shinier side.
If you plan to tie the ribbon to a package before curling, it's easier to work with as you only need to grip one end. Hold the ribbon taut between your forefinger and thumb, pulling it as tight as possible. For right-handed individuals, hold the ribbon in your left hand and vice versa for left-handed people.
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Using scissors to curl
To curl a plastic ribbon using scissors, start by purchasing a roll of curling ribbon from a craft store or the gift-wrapping aisle. Cut the ribbon from the spool using craft scissors. You can cut a narrow ribbon straight across, but for wider ribbons, cut the ends at a 45-degree angle for an attractive finish.
Next, identify the natural curl of the ribbon by determining which way it curls when coming off the spool. You can also note which side is shiny and which is dull; the curl typically follows the shinier side. When curling the ribbon with scissors, the dull side should face downwards.
Now, pull the ribbon taut with your non-dominant hand, and hold the scissors with the blades facing up and open in your dominant hand. Wrap your fingers around the middle of the blades and handles. Position the ribbon so that the lower scissor blade is in contact with the ribbon, and pull the scissors up and out along the dull side of the ribbon. Keep the blade in contact with the ribbon and maintain a firm grip on the base of the ribbon. Work slowly and with even pressure, holding the ribbon against the scissor blade with your thumb as you go.
For tighter curls, angle the blade against the ribbon to create a series of bends with a tighter radius. You can also experiment with different ribbon lengths to see how short they become once curled. As a rule of thumb, an uncurled strand of ribbon should be 3 to 6 times longer than the final curled strand.
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Creating curls with a dowel
To create curls in a plastic ribbon using a dowel, start by cutting the ribbon to the desired length, keeping in mind that curling will shorten the ribbon. Then, find the natural curl of the ribbon and note which side is shiny and which is dull.
Next, prepare your dowel by choosing the appropriate diameter to achieve your desired curl size. A smaller diameter will result in tighter curls, while a larger diameter will create looser, larger curls. You can also use a wooden pencil or rod instead of a dowel, but avoid using plastic-coated materials as they may melt onto the ribbon.
Now, it's time to start curling! Begin by securing one end of the ribbon to the dowel using a clothespin, clip, or tape. Ensure that the ribbon is securely attached, as any movement during the drying process can affect the curl. Then, carefully wind the ribbon around the dowel, adjusting the tightness or looseness according to your desired curl size. Avoid overlapping the ribbon as you wind it, as this will affect the final result. Once the ribbon is completely wrapped around the dowel, secure the other end in place with another clothespin, clip, or tape.
At this point, you can enhance the curling process by applying a starch solution. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch powder with one pint of water in a spray bottle and swirl to dissolve the cornstarch completely. Lightly spray the ribbon with this solution, ensuring that it is evenly coated. The starch solution will help the ribbon hold its shape better.
Finally, allow the ribbon to dry completely before removing it from the dowel. This step is crucial, as removing the ribbon too early can cause it to lose its shape. Once the ribbon is dry, carefully slide the ribbon off the dowel, and you'll be left with beautifully curled plastic ribbon ready for your crafting or decorating needs!
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Arranging the curls
To re-orient curls that may have twisted, wind individual strands around your index finger and gently elongate them. You can also try different arrangements by tucking different strands of ribbon over and under each other. Blend different colours together and make sure the glossy side of the ribbon faces out. If you want to create a monochromatic look, use only one colour ribbon. For a multicolour effect, stack curled ribbon bundles in several hues.
If you want to make finer or smaller curls, cut two to three slits on one end of the ribbon to create fringes. Then, split the fringes apart, stopping one to two inches before reaching the other end. Repeat the curling process on each fringe.
The size of the curls can be controlled by the diameter of the object used to curl the ribbon. A bigger diameter will create bigger curls, while a smaller diameter will result in tighter curls.
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Frequently asked questions
The best ribbon for curling is the narrow, crimped, poly type. Flat poly and satin ribbons also curl nicely.
The ribbon will get shorter when curled, so cut a length that is 3 to 6 times longer than the final curled strand. If you're unsure, 12 inches (30 cm) is a good starting point.
Hold one end of the ribbon with one hand. Place a scissor blade under the ribbon, about 1-2 inches from the end. Support the blade with your index finger under the blade and your thumb on top of the ribbon. Slowly move the blade across the ribbon's length.
You can fluff or tuck different strands of ribbon to achieve a loose or tight arrangement. Blend different colours and ensure the glossy side faces out. Hide the loose ends or trim them at a 45-degree angle.
