How to Curl Ribbon
Ribbon curls look great on gift packages, and they can add a decorative touch to a variety of craft projects. You can even use curled ribbon as hair for a paper doll. To make ribbon curls, you’ll need to use ribbon especially designed for curling. You can find this type of ribbon in the wrapping paper section of many stores, or you can order it online. Curling ribbon is thin and slick and it comes in a wide array of colors. You can even find curling ribbon with prints, such as hearts or Christmas trees, for special occasions.
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Instructions
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Choose a length of ribbon at least 12 inches long for curling. You can tie curling ribbon around a gift package and leave extra ribbon on the ends for curling, or you can make the ribbon curls separately and tape them to the package.
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Hold the bottom end of the ribbon with one hand.
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Open the scissors fully and hold the middle of the scissors with your other hand.
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Place the flat part of the scissors blade against the underside of the ribbon, close to the base. Some curling ribbon is the same on both sides, and some has an underside that is less shiny.
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Press the scissors blade against the curling ribbon and carefully rest the thumb of the hand holding the scissors against the ribbon on the other side of the blade.
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Run the scissors blade up the length of the ribbon in a quick, smooth motion. Try to run the blade all the way up the ribbon in a single jerk of the scissors. The ribbon will curl into ringlets.
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Repeat the curling process for each strand of ribbon. You may want to make a cluster of ribbon curls for a very decorative package or project.
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Tips & Warnings
Although ribbon curling is a simple process, it can take some practice to get smooth, even curls. If the ribbon didn’t curl as nicely as you would like, you can put the scissors blade at the base of the ribbon and try again.
If you plan to do a lot of ribbon curling, you can buy bulk sized spools of ribbon in a single color. For smaller ribbon projects, you may want to buy a variety pack that includes smaller spools of a variety of ribbon colors.
Be very careful not to cut yourself when using scissors to curl ribbon. Keep the scissors low and away from your body and face.
