How to Make a Wool Ribbon

Instead of a basic store-bought satin ribbon, make your own decorative wool ribbon.

Ribbons are both symbolic and ornamental. The winner of an award receives a ribbon that he proudly wears pinned on his chest. Other ribbons symbolize social awareness, such as wearing a folded loop of colored ribbon representing your support for a specific cause. Usually made of satin and imprinted with metallic lettering, ribbons are predictable. Create a special award that is unpredictable. Show a friend that you are aware of his special attributes, appreciative of her effort or thankful for his support by presenting a wool ribbon, made specially by hand.

Things You'll Need

• Wool cloth
• Pinking shears
• Decorative pin or brooch
• Safety pin
• Glue gun
• Blank note card
• Black felt tip pen

Instructions

1. 

   Check a fabric store for small wool remnants.

   Cut a piece of wool felt 2 inches by 8 inches, the size of a standard award ribbon. This will be the base for your wool ribbon.

2. 

   Use pinking shears for an interesting decorative edge.

   Trim the 2-inch ends with pinking shears for a decorative touch.

3. Cut another piece of wool felt in a coordinating color to layer on top of the award ribbon. This piece of felt must be smaller than 2-by-8-inches but bigger than your pin. Choose a rectangle, oval, heart or other shape. Trim the entire shape with pinking shears.

4. 

   Hot glue dries quickly and will not soak through.

   Place the base piece of wool in a vertical position in front of you. Layer the decorative piece of wool on top of the base leaving a 1/4-inch border at the top. The decorative layer should be centered vertically and 1/4 inch from the top horizontally. The size of the space below the decorative piece will vary based on the size of your decorative layer. Attach the decorative layer with hot glue.

5. 

   Personalize the ribbon with a pin of special significance.

   Pin the layers together with your decorative pin or brooch. Center the pin vertically about 1/4 inch from the top of the decorative layer.

6. Turn your wool ribbon over. Using hot glue, attach the safety pin centered vertically near the top of the back of the ribbon so that it will hang nicely when worn by the recipient.

7. Cut the note card to a rectangle 1 3/4 inches by 3 inches.

8. 

   Practice special handwriting for the note card on the ribbon.

   Write a note on the note card while it is in the vertical position. Include the recipient's name, the date, the reason for the award, or another special message. Use neat handwriting or print the information on the computer.

9. Attach the note card to the back of the wool ribbon with a drop of hot glue just below the safety pin.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase wool felt from fabric or craft stores or use recycled felt from old hats or wool coats.

• Use a vintage pin or medal from an antique store for your ribbon instead of buying a new one.

• Do not attempt to use woven wool sweaters as your ribbon base because the wool will fray when cut.

References

• Enchanting Stamping: Homemade Award Ribbons: Debra Almanza