How to Sew Ribbon Onto Kid's Clothes

Give your girl's favorite dress a festive look with colorful ribbons.

Children's clothing often features decorative, festive touches to reflect the joy and energy of childhood. If you want to brighten up a piece of your child's wardrobe, you can breathe new life into clothing simply by sewing a ribbon onto the item. Since ribbons are available in such a wide range of colors, patterns, widths and textures, you can find one to suit almost any style of clothing.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Straight pins
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Place the ribbon on the piece of clothing according to your desired design. If you want to create a straight line down the front of a shirt, start the ribbon at the inside edge of the collar and extend it to the bottom of the shirt. If you want to encircle the hem of a skirt, pin one end of the ribbon to the hem and then run the ribbon all the way around the bottom edge of the skirt. Cut the ribbon to length, and pin it into place with straight pins.

   You can also use the ribbon to create a bow to decorate the outfit. To start, mark where you want the center of the bow to go with a straight pin.

2. Make the bow by sewing the very center of the ribbon into the piece of clothing on the marked spot. Sew by hand, using a needle and thread. Place a pen over the center of the ribbon so that it is perpendicular to the ribbon. Tie a knot over the pen and create a loop on each side of the ribbon. Tie another knot, as if you are tying your shoe. Pull the edges of the bow apart so that the two sides are even. Remove the pen.

3. To attach straight ribbon around the hem or down the front of the shirt, slide the clothing--with the pinned-on ribbon--under the needle of your sewing machine so that the needle is as close to the edge of the ribbon as possible.

4. Push the clothing through the sewing machine, working down the edge until you reach the end of the ribbon. Repeat on the other side of the ribbon.

5. Remove the pins, and repeat this process for any other ribbons you wish to add to the clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• Ribbons can also be added to headbands using a hot glue gun.

References

• Alternative Windows: Fabric Bows Instruction
• Susan Kramer: How to Make a Ribbon Waistband
• Singerco: Sturdy Seams and Fancy Ribbons