How to Make Flowers Out of Ribbon

Learning how to make flowers out of ribbon is a creative and affordable way to add decorative touches to gifts, clothing, hair accessories, and home décor. Ribbon flowers are popular for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and baby showers. They are often used to decorate bouquets, headbands, and event venues in countries like South Africa and United Kingdom.
The best part about making ribbon flowers is that you only need a few basic supplies. With simple folding, stitching, or gluing techniques, you can create beautiful flowers in different sizes and styles. Once you understand the basic method, you can experiment with colors and shapes to suit your design needs.
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Materials You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies.
- Satin or grosgrain ribbon
• Scissors
• Needle and thread or fabric glue
• Hot glue gun, optional
• Small beads or buttons for the center
• Lighter or candle to seal edges
Choose ribbon that holds its shape well. Wider ribbons create fuller flowers, while narrow ribbons are ideal for smaller designs.
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Making a Simple Gathered Ribbon Flower
One of the easiest ways to make flowers out of ribbon is the gathered method. Cut a strip of ribbon about 30 to 40 centimeters long, depending on how full you want the flower to be.
Thread a needle and sew a loose running stitch along one long edge of the ribbon. Once you reach the end, gently pull the thread to gather the ribbon. The ribbon will begin to form ruffles.
Shape the gathered ribbon into a circle by bringing the two ends together. Secure the ends with a few stitches or glue. Adjust the gathers evenly so the flower looks balanced.
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Creating a Folded Petal Ribbon Flower
For a more defined petal look, cut several equal pieces of ribbon. Fold each piece in half to form a loop. Secure the bottom of each loop with a small stitch or glue.
Arrange the loops in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly to form petals. Glue or sew them together at the base. Continue layering until the flower looks full.
This method works well for making decorative flowers for hair clips or gift wrapping.
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Finishing and Decorating the Flower
Once the flower base is complete, add a bead, button, or decorative gem in the center. This helps cover stitches and enhances the overall look.
If the ribbon edges fray easily, carefully seal them using a lighter or candle flame. Move the ribbon quickly through the flame without burning it. This step prevents unraveling.
You can attach your ribbon flower to:
- Hairbands or clips
• Brooch pins
• Gift boxes
• Clothing or bags
Also Read: How to Make Egg Custard
