How to Attach Beads to Ribbon
Attaching beads to a ribbon is delicate work. You do not want to lose the beads or get runs in the ribbon. A thicker satin ribbon is best for attaching beads because it holds up better under the weight of the beads. You can use a ribbon with wire or a thin grosgrain ribbon. You can use beads in any size; but keep in mind how much weight each bead will add to the ribbon. Plan accordingly for the weight when picking your ribbon and beads; if you like larger heavier beads, plan to use only a few.
Instructions
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Gluing Beads
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1
Lay your ribbon flat on a table or work surface.
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2
Arrange your beads on the ribbon in the design you wish. Be sure to distribute the heavier beads evenly along the ribbon.
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3
Place a dab of glue on a bead and immediately place the bead back on the ribbon.
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4
Repeat with the remaining beads.
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5
Allow the glue to dry completely before moving or picking up the ribbon.
Sewing Beads
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6
Thread your needle with a thread color that matches your ribbon. Place a small knot in one end of the thread.
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7
Lay your first bead on the ribbon. You can not lay them all out, as you would if you were gluing, as you need to hold the ribbon in your hand while you sew.
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8
Push your needle up from the back of the ribbon in the place where the first bead will go. Pull the needle through the hole in the bead and push it back through the ribbon. Go through the bead and ribbon in this manner two or three times to hold it securely.
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9
Repeat Step 3 process with the remaining beads. When you finish with the beads, knot the thread and trim the remaining thread.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Hot glue dries faster than craft glue, but is a little heavier.
If you are adding pearl strands to ribbon, sew little stitches between the pearls. In this case, match your thread to the pearls as opposed to the ribbon.
Always be careful when using a hot glue gun, as you can give yourself serious burns.
- Photo Credit Nick White/Digital Vision/Getty Images
