Crafters, I am looking for a way to curl thin satin ribbon for a center piece? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

If you want to curl your own ribbon, this is what I suggest:

*1/4" or 5/16" wooden dowels, cut to the length you want your korkers (18" is standard but add an inch to what you want the finished product length to be (18" korker=19" dowel).
*The dowels will start out smooth and then roughen up as you bake with them. You may want to use some fine grit sandpaper to keep the roughies away. They'll eventually get to the point where they stay smooth without any need for touch-ups.

*Wooden Clothespins for each end of the dowels~the mini ones are perfect for this BUT don't get the colored ones as the colors will run onto your ribbon

*Wrap any kind of 100% Polyester FABRIC ribbon (grosgrain, satin, woven, jacquard, organza, petersham, etc.--JUST NOT CRAFT, FLORAL, OR OUTDOOR/WATERPROOF RIBBON) along the dowel without overlapping and secure each end with a clothespin or other oven-friendly clip

*The tighter you roll the ribbon on the dowel, the tigher your curl will be (See photos below for spacing on dowels).

*DO NOT wet the ribbon. It is HEAT, not WATER that curls the ribbon so wetting it will only create problems:

1. It's messy
2. The water baking off creates a HORRIBLE smell
3. It doubles the baking time (or more)
4. It wastes electricity, i.e. MONEY

*Use a super clean oven, especially the roof--this will prevent "drips". Place the oven rack in the center position, completely covered in aluminum foil. Remove all other upper racks so you'll have enough space for your dowels:



Click image to view larger version
*Heat oven to 275 degrees, bake for 15-25 minutes--this is the trickiest part. You'll have to play around with the temp and time to find what works best for you. Gently slide one ribbon off the dowel. If the curls are tight and even, you're done. If they're too loose, pop them back in until you get to 20-25 minutes.

*Be very careful when baking these that the dowels and clothespins don't get near the element or you'll smell smoke! Been there, done that, burned a few :0(

*If your ribbons turn brown (mostly on white and light colored ribbon) or get dirt drips, just pop them in the washer (use a lingerie bag). Don't use the dryer. Rewrap, rebake, and you're back in business.

Answer 2

How To Curl Satin Ribbon

Answer 3

You can try c maccleod's technique, which works, or these-
• if you have a while before you need thecurled ribbons, just curl them around the dowels and leave them curled up like that for several days or a week or more- time works like the heat.
• Use a narrow curling iron, tightly roll ribbon around barrel, and on low heat. Leave 30 seconds, remove.

Answer 4

You can use white glue diluted with water and shape the ribbon, it will hold in place. Just shape the ribbon as you want it and brush it on, or saturate it and shape afterward - like paper mache.

Answer 5

Pepper is right. Go 3 parts glue to one part water.

Answer 6

I've always had success with the method that Macleod gave.

Answer 7

Hope this helps!