How to Make a Ribbon Bunch
Ribbons come in many different sizes, and they're made of different types of fabric. They are used in many ways. You can tie a ribbon in your hair to hold it in place and add color to your outfit or trim pillows and decorate apparel with ribbons. You can make a ruffle out of ribbon and add it to the sleeve of a blouse or a dress or sew the ruffle to the edge of a pillow, pillowcase or bath towel. To make a ruffle with ribbon, you will first have to bunch the ribbon. With a few stitches and even less time, you can create an attractive ruffle with the ribbon of your choice.
Instructions
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1
Choose the ribbon you will be working with. Keep in mind that you will be using a stitch size appropriate for the type of ribbon you are using. (Thicker fabrics, such as velvet, require a wider stitch.)
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2
Thread your needle, making a knot at the end of the two pieces of thread. Work with a piece of thread that is at least 4 inches longer than the length of the piece of ribbon.
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3
Take the ribbon in one hand and insert the needle and thread into the end of the ribbon (right end if you're right-handed, left end if you're left-handed), close to the edge. Bring the needle up through the ribbon, then insert the needle into the ribbon again, approximately ½ cm from the point at which you first inserted the needle. Stitch along the edge of the ribbon in this manner, spacing your stitches 1/2 cm apart. Stitch until you reach the end of the ribbon, then push the stitched ribbon to the right so that it bunches up, making sure the ribbon bunches evenly.
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4
Push the needle through the ribbon horizontally to make a small stitch, then put your needle through the loop of thread and pull the thread tight. Cut the thread with scissors.
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5
Sew over the stitches just made using a regular straight stitch on your sewing machine. Make sure the ribbon remains evenly gathered while sewing.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a thin needle to sew with when working with thin fabrics. Make bunched ribbon rosettes by sewing the ends of your bunched ribbon together and adorn your shoes, sandals, hats, headbands or apparel with them.
