How to Glue Ribbon to Canvas Bags

Spruce up a plain canvas bag with decorative ribbon accents.

Customize canvas bags with ribbon to reflect your personal style or to add a burst of color to a boring, plain bag. While sewing ribbons onto the bag may be more permanent and help your design last longer, it isn't your only option considering the availability of permanent fabric adhesives on the market today. Most fabric adhesives will bond well with canvas, but take the fabric of your ribbon into consideration as well when choosing the appropriate adhesive.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas bag
• Permanent fabric adhesive
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the canvas bag before you begin to decorate. Any dirt or oil on the surface of the bag could prevent the glue from bonding properly.

2. Place a piece of newspaper inside the canvas bag to separate the front from the back. This will prevent the glue from seeping though the side of the canvas bag and gluing the bag shut.

3. Apply a thin line or dot of permanent fabric adhesive to the canvas bag where you wish to attach the ribbon. Read the label of the adhesive to ensure that it can be used on fabric and that it is washable. If the adhesive is not washable, it could dissolve when you wash the canvas bag and ruin your design.

4. Press the ribbon onto the adhesive and push it down firmly. Smooth the ribbon with your fingers until you achieve the desired appearance.

5. Let the adhesive dry completely overnight before you begin using the bag.

6. Remove the newspaper from the inside of the bag. If it is stuck to the bag, peel it away with your fingers until you remove all the newspaper.