There are many ways to curl ribbon, be it plastic ribbon for a gift wrap or fabric ribbon for a hair clip. All you need is a pair of scissors to curl some parcel tape. For the cloth ribbon, you will need to use an oven or a starch solution. Either way, it's not that hard!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Packaging Tape
Step 1. Cut the ribbon to the desired size
If in doubt, cut about 30 centimeters. If it's not long enough, cut a longer piece of it. Remember that when you curl some ribbon, it will get shorter, so consider this.
Step 2. Find the natural curvature of the ribbon
The wrapping ribbon has a natural curve even before it is curled. Follow this curvature when using scissors.
Step 3. Note the shiny side and the dull side
The dull side should be facing down when you curl the ribbon with the scissors. Typically the curvature follows the shinier side of the ribbon.
Step 4. Grab one end of the tape between your index finger and thumb
Stretch it as much as possible. You will be able to do this better if you have already tied the package with the ribbon.
- It is easier to tie the ribbon to the package and then curl it, because you will only have to hold it in place at one end. If not, you should use scotch tape to stop one.
- If you are right handed, hold the ribbon with your left hand, vice versa if you are left handed.
Step 5. Hold the scissors up, with the blades open and up
With your fingers, take the point halfway between the blades and the handle (in the X created by opening the scissors). You should hold the tape against the scissor blade with your thumb.
Step 6. Press the dull side of the tape firmly against the scissor blade with your thumb
Make sure the dull side of the ribbon is facing down.
Step 7. Pull the tape along the scissor blade while continuing to apply pressure with your thumb
You will need to perform this movement quickly. The pressure will cause the ribbon to curl.
It is important to do this quickly, because if you are too slow, the ribbon will not curl. In some cases it may even flatten out
Step 8. Leave the tape
The ribbon should spiral into a spiral. If not, or if the ribbon is not curled as you would like, you can repeat the operation. If the second time isn't successful, you'll need to grab another piece of tape and try again.
Method 2 of 3: Gather Cloth Ribbon with Starch Solution
Step 1. Get the materials
While you'll need more materials than wrapping ribbon curling, this doesn't take much time. Gathered fabric ribbons can add an extra flair to a beautiful package.
- Find a wooden stick (a pencil will work too) that you will use to curl the ribbon. A larger diameter stick will produce a larger curl and vice versa.
- Get some cloth ribbon. The width is not particularly important and you can choose the one you prefer. Cut it a few centimeters longer than the final desired one, because curling the ribbon will shorten it.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a spray bottle.
- Get a couple of pins, or use duct tape.
Step 2. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch powder with a pint of water
You will need to shake the bottle until the water has completely dissolved.
Step 3. Attach the fabric ribbon to one end of the stick
You can do it with the pin or simply with adhesive tape. Make sure the tape is fixed, because if it comes off during drying, it won't curl well.
Step 4. Wrap the spiral tape around the stick
During this operation, you can adjust the size of the curls according to your preference, wrapping the ribbon more or less tightly. The diameter of the stick will also affect the size of the curls. Do not overlap the tape when you wrap it, or the covered parts will not be wet with starch.
Use tape or a pin to secure the other end of the tape so that it is secured on both sides
Step 5. Spray the tape with the cornstarch solution
Do not soak the tape, but make sure it is fully coated. Any parts that are not fully coated will not be stiff enough to hold the shape.
Step 6. Let the ribbon dry
It will need to be completely dry before you can remove it from the stick, otherwise it will lose its shape. This can take a while, so it's a good idea to curl the ribbon when you have a lot of time before you need to use it.
Step 7. Remove the pins and slide the ribbon off the stick
It should be stiff and curled. You will be able to partially modify its shape to use it for a package, but do not wet it, because it would lose the curls.
Method 3 of 3: Curl a Cloth Ribbon by Baking it
Step 1. Get what you need
Unlike the starch method, you will need more time and materials, as cooking takes longer than drying. This method, however, allows you to obtain stiffer tapes than the previous one.
- Get some cloth ribbon. Remember that curling will shorten, so measure accordingly.
- Get wooden sticks or skewers to curl the ribbon around.
- Get some pins to hold the ribbons in place.
- Use a spray bottle to spray everything with water before cooking it.
- Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil on which you will bake the ribbons.
Step 2. Wrap the ribbons around the skewers and secure them
You will need to make sure they are tight enough not to slip off and not to lose shape. Avoid overlapping them, so as to wet every part of the tape.
Secure both ends of the ribbons with pins
Step 3. Spray the tapes with water
You won't have to soak them, but spray them well and make sure you get all parts wet. This will avoid burning them in the oven.
Also spray the pins to keep them from burning
Step 4. Cook the ribbons for about 10 minutes at 90 ° C
Place the ribbons on the foil-lined baking sheet. The time required depends on the individual oven, so if the belts are not ready after 10 minutes, this is normal.
Step 5. Remove the ribbons from the oven when they are completely dry
Keep checking the doneness to make sure you don't burn the ribbons. When they are completely dry, you can take them out of the oven.
Turn the skewers to check all sides of the ribbon
Step 6. When the ribbons have cooled, remove them from the skewers
It should be well curled and will hold its shape until you wet it. You can use it to decorate a hair clip or add it to a nice package for a nice touch!
Advice
- If you hold the ribbon tighter while pulling it with the scissors blade, it will curl more.
- If the first time you do this the ribbon does not curl as it should, repeat it a second time, being careful to slide the scissors blade in the same direction to reinforce the curl.
- It can be useful to pay particular attention when having your gifts professionally wrapped at the appropriate shop counters: observe the method adopted to curl the ribbon by specialized personnel. You can also ask to be taught how they do it.
- Gather multiple pieces of ribbon and tie them together with a string; pin this composition on all gift boxes.
