These little belts are easy to make and great for kids because of the velcro closure. Each belt costs about $2.00 in supplies.
I started with 1″ webbing:
How To Make Velcro Ribbon Belts
January 7, 2013 By 8 Comments
Ribbon Wrapped Headbands (A Tutorial)
December 16, 2011 By 12 Comments
To make a few last minute gifts, I made these pretty ribbon wrapped headbands:
I used plain plastic headbands purchased from Target and soft satin ribbon. You can also order the plastic headbands from The Soda Pop Shop here. The Aleene’s Tacky Spray (make sure to use an acid free spray) is used to hold the ribbon in place.
Printed Scrap Ribbon Tag Toys (A Tutorial)
July 26, 2011 By 11 Comments
An easy toy for a baby, toddler or even a puppy! You could even make a large version for a throw pillow or “mini” versions for a baby mobile. You can use a freezer paper stencil, a screenprint, or even just a fabric stamp to make these. Just make sure to use non-toxic, ACMI AP approved water-based ink products that are made in the USA if it might go into a mouth!
Step 1: One you have a fabric print finished and ironed, place the fabric wrong sides together onto a piece of fabric for the back of the toy. Cut out the image with a 1-inch border surrounding it so that you have a front and a back:
Step 2: Cut various 3″ mismatching pieces of scrap ribbon.
Step 3: On the front of the toy, fold each ribbon piece in half and pin in place as shown:
Step 4: Add as many ribbon pieces as you prefer:
Step 5: Using a 1/4″ seam, sew all the way around the front of the toy to attach the ribbon.
Step 6: Take out your pins and place the back of the toy face down onto the front. Sew all the way around using a 1/2″ seam and leaving a gap…..
….so that the toy can be turned right side out. (If you have curves in your design you will need to “notch” the seams before you turn it inside out so the edges look smooth)
Step 7: Top stitch all the way around the toy using an 1/8″ seam and making sure not to close the gap yet….you’ll need to add stuffing:
Step 8: Add your choice of stuffing:
Step 9: Carefully fold under the open section of the toy and top stitch it closed:
To make a crinkle tag toy:
Cut a piece of cellophane or plastic packaging (like from a microwave popcorn package):
Insert the cellophane or plastic flat up into the toy before closing:
So many different designs and prints you can use!
And they look so cute!
Here are some other scrap ribbon tutorials to check out!
Creativity Challenge & Giveaway – Scrap Ribbon (Winner Announced)
December 10, 2009 By 370 Comments
What would you do with THREE POUNDS of scrap ribbon (you don’t have to use all of it):
I’ve come up with a few ways:
I have tons of scrap ribbon, but when Strano Designs sent me a huge box stuff with new scraps I almost died and went to heaven. I want to share their generosity with you…..
If you don’t want to wait for the giveaway results Strano Designs sells scrap packs on their site!
Giveaway Closed (originally posted 12/9/09)
Three Pounder Scrap Ribbon Giveaway!!!
The winner of the giveaway is Julie! Congrats Julie! Can’t wait to see what you make with all that ribbon!
Scrap Ribbon Wallet/Clutch Tutorial
November 25, 2009 By 36 Comments
These are the little wallet/clutches I made for the SYTYC Contest for the theme “Green.” I was going to wait until after Thanksgiving to post the tutorial, but I had so many requests that I thought I’d do it early. Maybe you want to stay in on Black Friday and make some handmade presents for Christmas instead of shopping!
I made the wallets using leftover ribbon scraps that are too small to use for anything else (except maybe for a scrap ribbon camera strap or a scrap ribbon belt) and a basic applique technique.
The wallets have a clear vinyl ID/photo wallet and three pockets for cash and credit cards.
They are so interesting when folded out!
I made one of the wallets for Sienna’s teacher and one for Sienna (with the little princess button/ribbon flower on the front). She keeps her little pet shop puppies in it now….she doesn’t have any money….not even sure if she knows what money is yet.
Materials needed:
Scrap ribbon
Wonder Under or fusible web (I used the kind without backing)
Muslin fabric for the base of the outside
Fabric for the inside lining
Magnetic clasp
Optional: clear vinyl PVC (for the ID pocket)
Note: All the dimensions in this tutorial are for the wallet size. You will have to adjust them for the clutch size.
Step 1: Cut a 5″ x 11″ piece of muslin and a 5″ x 11″ piece of Wonder Under.
Step 2: Place the Wonder Under on top of the muslin and begin layering your scrap ribbon pieces on top until the Wonder Under is completely covered. Try to overlap all ends of the ribbon with other pieces of ribbon. As you get sections completed, place a piece of parchment paper over the ribbons (use parchment paper if there is printed design on the ribbons) and apply heat with an iron to fuse the Wonder Under. You may need to cut several small pieces of the Wonder Under and place it under pieces of ribbon that do not come into contact with the fusible web.
Step 3: Once all of your ribbon has been fused to the muslin, trim off the excess around edges….
……so you end up with a nice 5″ x 11″ piece.
Step 4: Carefully sew all your exposed ribbon edges to the muslin….this doesn’t have to be exact. There were areas where I just sewed directly across the piece instead of following a ribbon edge….it just depends on the look you want.
Step 5: Cut your 5″ x 11″ piece into 3 smaller pieces: one measuring 3″ x 5″ and two measuring 4″ x 5″…..
….and sew around the edges of each piece to keep all the ribbon secured.
Step 6: Cut fabric pieces for your inside lining: one measuring 3″ x 5″ and two measuring 4″ x 5″. You will also need to cut a 3″ x 5″ piece of fabric or clear PVC vinyl for the inside pocket.
Step 7 Creating your ID pocket piece: Take a piece of ribbon and fold it in half over the 3″ x 5″ PVC piece. Sew along the ribbon edge.
Take one of your 3″ x 5″ ribbon quilt pieces and add one side of your magnetic clasp.
Sandwich your ribbon quilt piece with the magnetic clasp and a 3″ x 5″ piece of lining wrong sides together. Add your PVC piece on top of the two and sew the bottom edge.
Step 8 Creating your middle pocket piece: Cut three pieces of fabric 4″ x 2″ and then cut a slight slant to each as shown below.
Take a piece of ribbon and fold it in half over the slanted edge of each piece (the same as you did with the PVC pocket. Sew along the ribbon edges. Place your top pocket in position first and sew along the bottom.
Then sew your middle on and then the bottom pocket on as well.
Step 9 Creating the top piece: Take your 3″ x 5″ piece of ribbon quilt and a 3″ x 5″ piece of lining and place them wrong sides together. Make sure to add your magnetic clasp first to the lining side. Sew around the edges to secure the two pieces together.
Step 10: Lay out your three pieces as shown….
…..and find a piece of ribbon wide enough to cover where the pieces will connect but leaving a 1/4″ gap in between.
Step 11: Fold your ribbon over the gap….
…..I used seam tape to secure (or you can use small pieces of Wonder Under)…..
…..and sew both up both sides of the ribbon…..connecting the two pieces of the wallet.
Step 12: Repeat to connec the last two piece of the wallet. Use bias tape or ribbon to cover the outside edges of the wallet…..
…..and now all seams should be covered!
Now you can add embellishments to the front of the wallet if you like. For the brown/green wallet I added little flowers made from scrap ribbons, a plain button decorated with thread, a small ribbon “fan” covered with a gold/pearl button, and a ribbon badge with a matching fabric covered button.
Optional: Add a personalized label
I added the little ribbon label inside that reads “Handmade especially for Mrs. Patty. Much love, Sienna” to make the wallet a little more special.
I printed the label on iron on transfer paper, adhere it to a scrap ribbon, and sewed it onto the lining before sewing the piece together in step 9.
Scrap Ribbon Camera Strap Cover (A Tutorial)
October 26, 2009 By 26 Comments
Here is my new camera strap cover. I made it from ribbon scraps the same way I made my daughter’s scrap ribbon belt.
I had some great new ribbon to use thanks to Jennifer at Strano Designs. If you need ribbon scraps, Strano Designs sells it by the quarter pound!
Step 1: I traced my camera strap onto some plain muslin with a disappearing ink pen……
…..and added 1/8″ to the outside of the traced line. Then I cut around the entire shape leaving 1/2″ for the seam allowance.
Step 2: I lined up ribbon the same way I did in my scrap ribbon belt tutorial except I made sure to sew along the outside line I drew with my disappearing ink pen.
Please see my ribbon scrap belt tutorial for sewing and weaving the ribbon…..
…..and repeat the steps for the entire length of the muslin piece.
Step 3: With all the ribbon attached, iron the sides of your muslin inward on the opposite side.
Step 4: Carefully trim any excess ribbon that hangs past the muslin. I zigzagged all my edges at this point to keep the ribbon from fraying.
Step 5: Retrace your camera strap and trim the ends to the same shape leaving 1/4″ excess.
Step 6: I used pre-made bias tape, and folded around the edges of the strap so it overlapped 1/4″…..
….and sewed it on using an 1/8″ seam. You can use regular fabric for this as well, just cut enough to go all the way around. The raw edges are left in the back.
Step 7: Trace your entire camera strap cover onto a coordinating fabric and cut all the way around leaving 1/2″ excess.
Step 8: Somewhere on one of the sides, mark a 4″ gap to leave open so that you can insert your strap when the cover is done.
Step 9: Fold the contrasting fabric all way around at the 1/2″ mark.
Step 10: Topstitch 1/8″ between the two marks you made for the gap…..
….and topstitch both ends 1/8″.
Step 11: Placing both pieces wrong sides together, topstitch 1/8″ from the edge all the way around to connect the two…..
….making sure NOT to stitch your “gap” or ends closed where you “pre” topstitched.
Step 12: You’re done! Insert your camera strap ends through the gap and to each side….pull the entire strap into the cover. I got the idea on how to insert the camera strap from Petchy. Petchy made hers with the ends narrower too so that the cover doesn’t slip to either side.
No one will ever mistake my camera for their camera….and now my husband will probably be embarrassed to use mine!
If you aren’t interested in going through the tedious process of making a scrap ribbon camera strap…..check out Shealynn’s designs in her Etsy shop! They are great and she’ll add custom features for you!
Scrap Ribbon Belt (A Tutorial)
August 18, 2009 By 38 Comments
I have so many ribbon scraps that are under 2″ and I’ve contemplated throwing them out many times. This is what I came up with to use them all up….a ribbon belt. But you could use this technique for tons of other things….a headband, a purse strap, a drink coaster…..I had to narrow it down eventually!
Update: Project time is about 2 hours. Sewing the belt in small increments actually makes it go faster than you think…..
The belt pictured is reversible to the pink and green jacquard backing.
I used every ribbon combination imaginable. The more colors, the more interesting. Making the belt I worked in small 6 inch sections and tried to limit the repeat of ribbon throughout.
Grab your scraps and let’s get started!
Before starting you’ll need the following materials:
:: Ribbon Scraps
:: 1.5″ cotton webbing
:: Dritz Fray Check or thread glue
:: 1.5″ D Rings
:: Coordinating thread
Tools needed: sewing machine and scissors
:: 1.5″ cotton webbing
:: Dritz Fray Check or thread glue
:: 1.5″ D Rings
:: Coordinating thread
Tools needed: sewing machine and scissors
Before starting you’ll also have to measure your waist or hip area….(where you like for your belt to sit) and add 8″ to that measurement.
Step 1: Cut your cotton webbing for your belt length based on the measurement above.
Step 2: Take scrap pieces of ribbon and line up next to each other on your cotton webbing. You can pin the ribbon……
…..but it is easiest just to put each ribbon on one at a time as you sew down the side of the cotton webbing (about 1/8″ from the edge of the belt). Just make sure to leave your needle down when you lift the foot up to place the next ribbon. Stop once you get 6 or 7 inches of ribbons added (I refer to these as your “short” ribbons). This 6 to 7 inch length is about all that is manageable to weave at one time.
Step 3: Place 2 to 3 ribbons perpendicular to the ribbons you just sewed on (I refer to these as your “long” ribbons). Sew these ribbons onto the cotton webbing.
Step 4: Weave the long ribbons over and under the short ribbons.
Step 4: Making sure all the ribbons fit tightly together, sew the other end of the long ribbon pieces to secure them to the belt.
Step 5: Carefully sew the short ribbons securely to the belt (about 1/8″ from the edge of the belt).
Step 6: Trim your shorter ribbons on each side so that they are flush with the cotton webbing….
…..and trim your longer ribbons leaving about 1/4″.
Step 7: Repeat all of the previous steps starting with laying a piece of short ribbon over the 1/4″ ends that were just trimmed. Continue until you have another 6 to 7 inch length of short ribbons sewn on to the belt.
Step 8: Add your 2 to 3 longer ribbons by sewing directly over the stitch that secured the previous long ribbons. Then trim these ends to about 1/8″.
Note: In between steps you might want to add Fray Check to your ribbon edges if they start to unravel.
My assistant was a huge help in picking out each sequence of ribbons.
Step 9: Use a zigzag stitch to sew all the edges of the belt.
Optional: I cut a long piece of ribbon jacquard (1″ shorter than my belt length to leave room for the D rings) to sew onto the back of the belt for decoration and attached it with the zigzag stitch.
Step 10: Place your D rings on one end of the belt…..
……and fold your belt end back, and sew the fold closed. You may have to use a zipper foot here if your D rings get in the way (I had enough room and was able to use the regular foot).
Step 11: Trim any frayed edges or threads and add thread glue or Fray check where needed.
Hand-Sewn Ribbon-Top Curtain Tutorial (and using ribbon to pull a room together))
August 4, 2009 By 13 Comments
These are as easy as curtains get. I used ribbon to hang simple square curtains and then used the same ribbon throughout my daughter’s room to tie everything together (no, Sienna does not have a mural yet). I’ve also used this ribbon technique for shower curtains. Sienna doesn’t have an overhead light in her room, so I made her curtains so light would show through. In this tutorial I also include an option for adding a liner or blackout fabric.
Here are some curtains in Sienna’s room, the lighting makes it hard to get a good photo.
Materials needed:
Fabric
Fabric lining or blackout layer (optional)
Coordinating thread and sewing needle
Ribbon
If you’ve never made curtains or drapes before, here is any easy tutorial I put together for the main curtain piece, I made it a download so you can print it off easily. You will need to create this piece/pieces first.
I like to hand stitch the sides of the curtains with a slipstitch like I show in the download. For me, the slip stitch looks nice and I think it is relaxing to do in front of the TV while I am catching up on my taped reality shows! Make sure to have some quilters beeswax (I use Dritz) on hand to run your thread through or you will be cursing the thread as it tangles!
Once you have your main curtain pieces finished, sew 1/2 inch plastic drapery rings (you can find them in the drapery section of your fabric store) onto the main curtain piece about 1 inch down from the top edge. Space the rings out about 6 to 8 inches apart making sure that you have one ring at each corner.
Next for each plastic ring, you will need 30″ of ribbon. I like to use the kind with wire in it so I can shape the finished bow. Thread your ribbon through each loop like shown below:
For each ribbon, drape both ends over the curtain rod pointing away from you….
Bring both ends of the ribbon around and tie in the front…..
And then complete your bow!
Cut the end of each bow into a “V” and add some Fray Check to the ends to keep them from unraveling.
I used the rest of my ribbon around my daughter’s room to tie everything together. I added some ribbon to this bird cage on top of the hutch……
….and made bows to decorate these Beatrix Potter-themed frames I put together (the bows are only decorative, the frames actually hang by themselves).
Let me know if you have any questions about making the curtains! Anyone can do this tutorial….
Big Sister/Little Sister Pillowcase Dresses
June 23, 2009 By 16 Comments
These pillowcase dresses were made for a friend’s daughters. I used Naptime Crafts’ tutorial here. I had to guess on their sizes and Naptime Crafts’ had all the measurements I needed!
Both fabrics I got from Joann’s. The ribbon I think I picked up at Michael’s a while ago.
I made bias tape to match the bottom fabric band.
I rarely make bias tape because I think it is such a pain…..BUT I came across this easy tutorial at Creative Little Daisy. I feel like it is a big secret everyone has been keeping from me! It is by far the best sewing trick I’ve come across YET. If you think you have one to beat it let me know 
Here is Sienna modeling the larger size of the dress. She’s getting a little better at posing….she’ll actually look at the camera now!
Ribbon Organizing
May 26, 2009 By 7 Comments
I’ve been looking everywhere for a wooden paper towel holder that I could use to hold up the dowel that all my ribbon is organized on but I haven’t been able to find one! I got fed up today and just hung the dowel below one of my shelves using string…and I’m really happy with the way it turned out! I feel much more organized tonight…..
