How to Make a Ribbon Windsock

You can make a simple windsock from strips of colorful ribbons. Many fabric stores sell 2-inch wide satin or grosgrain ribbon in a variety of colors, either by the spool or by the yard. Make sure to choose ribbon that isn’t sheer or wired. You can make the ribbon windsock from 6 yards of one color of ribbon, or use 2 yards each of three colors, or 1 yard each of six colors for a rainbow ribbon windsock. You’ll also need fusible interfacing. Make sure to buy medium weight interfacing, rather than lightweight or sheer, to give the ribbon windsock enough support.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 6 yards of 2 inch wide ribbon
• 1 yard of 1/4 inch wide ribbon
• 1/2 yard of medium weight fusible interfacing
• Scissors
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Straight pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

Make a Ribbon Windsock

1. Cut six pieces of 2 inch wide ribbon, each 18 inches long. If you’re using three colors, cut two pieces from each color. If you’re using six colors, cut one piece from each color.

2. Cut a piece of interfacing 17-1/2 inches wide by 12 inches tall. Lay the interfacing on the ironing board, with the bumpy side facing up.

3. Preheat the iron to the polyester setting, or the appropriate temperature for the type of ribbon and interfacing you’re using.

4. Lay the strips of ribbon on top of the interfacing, so that the long edges of the ribbons just touch. If you are using more than one color of ribbon, you may to alternate the colors or put them in rainbow order. Leave 1/4 inch of ribbon hanging over the sides of the interfacing.

5. Iron the interfacing to the ribbons. Press firmly for about 10 seconds, without moving the iron back and forth. Then move to the iron to the next section of ribbon. Continue pressing until all the interfacing is fused to the ribbons.

Add the Ribbon Streamers

1. Cut six pieces of 2 inch wide ribbon, each 18 inches long. If you’re using three colors, cut two pieces from each color. If you’re using six colors, cut one piece from each color.

2. Lay the ribbon windsock on a flat work surface with the interfacing side up.

3. Pin the short ends of the ribbon streamers to the lower edge of the interfacing on the windsock. Sew the streamers to the ribbon windsock.

4. Pin the short ends of the ribbon windsock together, so the interfacing is on the outside. Stitch the ends of the windsock together using 1/4-inch seam allowance.

5. Cut the 1/4-inch-wide ribbon in half. Place the two pieces of ribbon parallel on top of each other, so that they form an X. Stitch the ribbons together where they overlap.

6. Sew the ends of the ribbon to inside edge of the top of the windsock to make a hanger.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang the ribbon windsock up where it can catch the breeze. Be sure to take it inside during rain or heavy winds.

• Use caution when using scissors, pins, irons and sewing machines.