How to Make a Breast Cancer Lapel Ribbon

The pink ribbon has been the ubiquitous sign of breast cancer awareness since the first pink ribbon campaign launched in 1991. It's now on everything from cookies to vacuum cleaners, but it started out as a simple lapel pin. To keep that traditional alive, you can make your own breast cancer lapel ribbon. You can also make several dozen to spread the word to friends and family or even host your own fund-raiser to help find the cure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Roll of 1/4-inch-wide pink ribbon
• Scissors
• Safety pin or straight pin

1. Trim off a section of ribbon that is 3 1/2 inches long. Cut both edges at 90 degrees. Do not use pinking shears.

2. Place the ribbon on the table in front of you horizontally. Starting at the top of the ribbon, trim 1/4 inch off each end at a 45 degree outward angle. Now the top of the ribbon should be slightly shorter than the bottom and the ribbon will look like a long, thin trapezoid.

3. Find the middle of your ribbon and push down on it with your right hand. Pull the left end of the ribbon toward you, without it leaving the table. Stop when it is spatially in front of the middle of the ribbon and pull it 1/4 inch to the right. Make sure it stays flat.

4. Repeat Step 3 with the right end of the ribbon, except pull it slightly to the left. Cross it over the left side of the ribbon at the meeting point.

5. Stop putting pressure on the midpoint of the ribbon. It is now the top of your loop. Take the end of your safety pin or straight pin and poke it through both layers of ribbon at the meeting point. Let it pass through the back ribbon as little as possible before tucking it back through the front one again. (Make it go through just enough to hold the loop together yet not show.)

6. Flip the ribbon over. The side facing you now is the front. Now you can pin the ribbon to your lapel.

Tips & Warnings

• These ribbons are not just for lapels. You can pin them on backpacks, hats, purses and even pants. If you want your lapel pin to be more noticeable, you can use a wider or longer ribbon.
• Be careful with the pins. If you find you are poking yourself, wear a thimble on your finger. Be careful when attaching or removing the pin that you don't lose the loop. If needed, you can use an overhand stitch and some pink thread to secure it. A dab of white glue will also work.

Resources

• More about pink ribbons