How to Swirl Ribbons

Swirled ribbon.

Swirly ribbons can add a truly crafty touch to gifts, decorations and scrapbooks. Although it is possible to purchase pre-spiraled ribbons at the store, if you swirl them yourself, you can control the tightness of the spiral. You can also customize whatever project you are using the ribbons for by creating assorted lengths of swirled ribbons or even alternating between straight and spiraled pieces. No matter what you are planning on using the swirled ribbons for, the technique is simple and can be done quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut away a section of ribbon that is about 4 inches longer than the length you'd like the swirled ribbon to be.

2. Place the ribbon flat against one of your thumbs, with one blade from a pair of open scissors pressed against the other side.

3. Pull the ribbon through the tight space between your thumb and the blade very slowly and firmly, giving the ribbon time to adjust to its new spiraled state. For a looser swirl, pull the ribbon through much quicker.

References

• Fabulous Living: How to Make Curling Ribbon Bows
• Scientific American: Secret of Ribbon Curling Revealed