There are several ways to curl a ribbon, whether it's for a package or for a bobby pin. You can curl the ribbon using scissors. In addition, the cloth tape will need to be heated or sprayed with a starch solution. Either way, it's all easy to do!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Scissors
Step 1. Cut your rolled tape to the desired length
If you're not sure what length you need, cut out about 30 cm. If it's not long enough, you can take a longer one. Keep in mind that when you curl the ribbon, it will shorten, so calculate the initial length you take well.
Step 2. Find the natural curly shape of the ribbon
While they usually appear straight, rolled ribbons actually have a naturally curly shape. You may need to follow the natural curls when using scissors to curl them.
Step 3. Mark which sides are shiny and which are faded
The faded side needs to be facing down, facing the floor, when you curl the ribbon with the scissors. Usually the curls follow the shiny side of the ribbon.
Step 4. Grasp one end of the tape between your index finger and thumb
Pull it as tight as possible depending on whether you've tied it to the package, or whether you've just tied it after curling the ribbon.
- It's easier to tie the ribbon to the package first and then curl it, as you only need to grip one end. If not, you will need to attach the other end to hold it in place.
- If you are right-handed, place the ribbon on your left hand, and vice versa if you are left-handed.
Step 5. Hold the scissors up, with the blades facing up and open
Wrap your finger around the center of the scissor blade and the handle of the scissor (in the X that is made when the scissor is open). Your thumb holds the tape facing the sharp end of the scissors.
Step 6. Press the fade into the bottom of the tape firmly against the scissor blade with your thumb
Make sure the faded part of the tape is still facing down.
Step 7. Pull the tape with the scissor blade while continuing to press it with your thumb
Make sure you do it quickly. The pressure will cause the tape to curl.
It's important to do this part quickly, because if you do it too slowly, the ribbon won't curl. In some cases, the band will even be straighter
Step 8. Remove the tape from the scissor blade
The curly ribbon will curl. If it isn't, or it's not as kinky as you want, then you can repeat the same steps. If the second time still doesn't work, then you need to take a new long tape and try again.
Method 2 of 3: Curling Fabric Tape with Starch Solution
Step 1. Gather your materials
While you'll need more material than using a simple roll of ribbon, this procedure doesn't take long to complete. Curlted cloth bands can make your pack even prettier.
- Find a stick the size of a nail (a pencil or thin stick will work as well) that you will use to curl the ribbon. A larger diameter will result in larger curls, while a smaller diameter will result in smaller curls.
- Take a long cloth ribbon. The width doesn't really matter, the width depends on what you want. Make sure the ribbon is slightly longer than you want, as curling will make it smaller.
- Mix the starch and water in a spray bottle.
- Take some clothespins or clips, or tape.
Step 2. Mix one tablespoon of starch with one cup of water
Stir the mixture in a spray bottle until the starch is completely dissolved.
Step 3. Clamp the fabric tape to one end of the stick
You can do this with clothespins or clips, or tape. Make sure the tape doesn't move or come off the wand, because if it comes off during the drying period, it won't curl very well.
Step 4. Wrap the ribbon around the stick
Make sure you wrap it as tightly or as curly as you want. Again, depending on the diameter of the stick (or whatever item you're using), the curl will be either larger or smaller. Do not touch the tapes against each other while wrapping them or the areas where they are compressed will not be sprayed with the starch solution.
Tape or clip the ends of the tape, so the sides don't move or fall off
Step 5. Spray the tape with the starch solution
Don't soak the ribbon in the solution, but make sure that the entire ribbon is completely coated. Any uncoated parts will not be rigid enough to maintain their shape.
Step 6. Let the tape dry
The tape must be completely dry before you remove it from the stick, otherwise it will lose its shape. It will take a long time to dry, so it's a good idea to have enough time to curl and dry the ribbon before you want to wear it.
Step 7. Remove the clothespin and let the tape slip off the stick
Your ribbon should already be stiff and curly. You can change the shape if you need to attach it to a package, but don't let the tape get wet, as that will make the tape lose its curly shape.
Method 3 of 3: Curling Fabric Ribbons by Baking
Step 1. Gather the materials
Unlike curling fabric ribbons with starch solution, you'll need more ingredients and more time, as it will take you longer to bake the ribbons into curls than to just let them dry. However, this method will produce a ribbon that is not as stiff as using a starch solution.
- Take your cloth tape. When curled, the ribbon will be smaller than it originally was so always cut it a little longer than you need.
- Take some wooden sticks or skewers to wrap around the ribbon.
- Take clothespins to hold the tape in place.
- Use a spray bottle with water to spray everything before baking.
- Line a cake pan with foil for baking the ribbon.
Step 2. Wrap the ribbon around the skewer and secure it
Make sure the ribbon is tight enough that it won't come loose or lose its shape when baking. Avoid bumping the ribbons against each other so that the water can get all over the ribbons.
Secure the ribbon on both ends of the skewer with clothespins
Step 3. Spray the tape with water
You don't need to soak the ribbon, but give it a good spray and make sure that the entire ribbon is exposed to water so you don't burn the ribbon in the oven.
Spray the clothespins too so they don't burn in the oven
Step 4. Bake the pita for about 10 minutes at 93 degrees Celsius
Place the ribbon on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Baking time will depend on your oven, so it's fine if you need a bit longer.
Step 5. Remove from oven when the tape is completely dry
Keep checking the pita during baking so you don't bake the pita too long or too soon. When the tape is completely dry, that's when you take it out of the oven.
Check the underside to make sure all sides are dry
Step 6. Remove the tape from the wand when it cools down
Your ribbon should be curled and hold its shape unless it gets wet. You can use them to decorate hairpins, or add them to a pretty package as an added touch!
Tips
- Pressing more firmly on one side of the ribbon as you pull it with the scissors will make it curl more.
- If the ribbon doesn't curl properly the first time you try it, repeat the procedure, making sure to use the shears on the same side to strengthen the curl.
- Paying attention when leaving your gift professionally wrapped at the gift-wrapping counter can help; Pay attention to the method gift-wrapping workers use to curl the ribbon because they are good at it. Maybe you can ask them to show you how they do it to you.
- Curl a few pieces of rolled ribbon and attach them to a piece of wire in the center, then attach them to each gift package.
