It’s simple to make your own fabric ribbon. If you have fabric available, then you have ribbon! Learn how to easily make it yourself.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
I have a lot of craft supplies. A lot. It’s one of the areas I have a hard time with when I’m trying to declutter. I’m always certain that I need it all.
Books are the other thing I can’t declutter, in case you wondered.
Anyway, you’d think I’d have everything I could possibly need for a craft. Ribbon should be easy to find among all of the bits and bobs, right?
Wrong.
I realized today, as I was searching through my supplies, that I don’t have any ribbon! How did this happen??
Luckily, I have a lot of fabric, so it’s a problem that was easily solved without even leaving the house. Which was awesome because I didn’t want to go anywhere, and I was in the middle of a project that needed ribbon quick. It was a crafting emergency!
Fabric ribbon is great because it’s completely customizable. What width do you need? Would you like a solid color or a print? A lightweight or a heavyweight fabric? Literally, whatever you want is possible.
So, I was able to quickly whip up exactly what I needed!
What material should you use for a fabric ribbon?
I have a lot of quilting cotton on hand, so I like to use that. It’s the most convenient for me when I’m looking for a quick ribbon, but there are so many other options!
Chiffon is one of my favorites because it’s lightweight and flowy. It makes the most beautiful, frayed edge.
Linen, rayon, and muslin are also really good choices.
Before you make your decision, you’ll want to think of what your purpose is. Do you need a flowy material? Something a little stiffer?
Also, you’ll want to choose something that is easy to tear.
How to use Fabric Ribbon
You can use your fabric ribbon in any way you might use a regular ribbon!
I like to tie it around gifts. Use holiday prints for festive Christmas gifts!
They’re also adorable tied around a ponytail or woven into a braid. You can choose a color that coordinates with an outfit or shows your team spirit!
And just think of how cute one would look as a bow on a wreath! I would probably choose a wide width for a wreath. It would be a great place to showcase a printed fabric.
How to make a Fabric Ribbon
- Use scissors to make small cuts at the edge of the fabric. Make one cut, then measure from the first cut to your desired width and make one more cut at that measurement.
- Tear the length of the fabric at each of the cuts. Grasp each edge side of the cut tightly and don’t be afraid to pull hard and fast. Tearing the fabric is what gives the ribbon its lovely, frayed edges.
- Repeat the steps above at each end. Make cuts and tear to give the end of the ribbon a frayed edge.
- Use a seam ripper to pick apart the threads on the edges if you want more fraying.
Ta da! It’s done and really does go that quickly!
Fabric ribbons are so simple to make and will give the perfect handmade touch to your next project.
Have you tried fabric ribbons before? I’d love to hear about the ways you use them!
Pin it for later!
Leave a Reply