How to Make Ribbon Corsages

A ribbon corsage is a charming way to dress up an outfit or to recognize a guest of honor at a party or gathering. Consider presenting a ribbon corsage to a teacher as a show of appreciation for the extra effort she put into a project. A corsage made with pink and blue ribbon would be a cute accessory for the mother-to-be at a baby shower. Because traditional corsages are made with flowers, this ribbon corsage is based around a ribbon flower in the center.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wire-edge, wide satin ribbon
• Assorted narrow satin ribbon
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Thread
• Needle

1. Cut one 14-inch length of 1 ½-inch wire-edge ribbon. With a threaded needle, make running stitches along one edge of the ribbon. Running stitches are made by pushing the needle in and out through the ribbon in a straight line. Push the ribbon along the thread to gather the edge together. Make a few stitches to secure the ends. Do not clip the thread.

2. 
   Fig. 1

   Bunch together the edge of the ribbon that is not sewn. At a point 1/4 inch in from the gathered, sewn edge, wrap the thread securely four times around the base. Knot and clip the thread. This creates a flower bud. See Fig. 1.

3. 
   Fig. 2

   Cut three 36-inch lengths of 1/4-inch ribbon. Sew the end of the first ribbon to the base of the flower bud. Make 3- to 4-inch loops with the ribbon all around the flower bud base, securing each loop with a few stitches to the base. See Fig. 2. Leave an approximately 4-inch tail of ribbon hanging down. Repeat for each of the other ribbons.

4. Pull open the gathers of the flower bud slightly to create the center flower.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure the corsage to clothing with a long, large-head straight pin.