How to Hook a Ribbon to an Alligator Clip
Alligator clips are metal clips with a hinged jaw that open and close like the mouth of an alligator. The clips are smooth and non-marking, making them perfect for putting into children's hair without causing pain or damage. If you want to dress up your alligator clips with a hair bow, you can make the clips more professional-looking by attaching a ribbon to the clip as well. This ribbon is hooked all around the clip to provide a lining and make the bow appear finished and tidy.
Instructions
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1
Unroll a length of ribbon the same length as your alligator clip. Don't cut the ribbon from the roll yet, just lay it flat on the table in front of you with the right side facing down.
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2
Apply a thin bead of hot glue from the glue gun along the length of the ribbon. Hold the alligator clip in one hand with the right side facing up.
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3
Squeeze the clip open and slide the glued ribbon all the way inside the clip. Close the clip slowly so that the top tines of the clip presses into the hot glue on the ribbon. Wipe away any excess glue with your finger before it dries.
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4
Apply a line of glue to the top of the alligator clip and fold the ribbon over the top of the clip. Press the ribbon down into the glue so the entire top of the clip is completely covered. The ribbon should be hanging down over the hinged end of the clip.
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5
Turn the clip upside down so the ribbon-covered side is facing down and the bar side is facing up. Apply a small amount of glue on the exposed side of the hinge jaw. The glue should only be on the part of the clip that you squeeze to open it.
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6
Fold the ribbon around the hinge and press it firmly against the glue. Cut the ribbon with scissors right after the glued spot and hold the ribbon in place until the glue dries.
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Tips & Warnings
Use velvet ribbon for extra grip if your child has very fine or thin hair. The velvet will grab her hair and prevent the clip from falling out.
Heat the raw edges of your ribbon with a lighter to prevent the ends from fraying.
Do not use sharp or rough clips on children because they could hurt themselves on the points.
