DIY Korker Ribbon Tutorial for Hair Bows and Gift Wrap

How to Make Korker Ribbon

Korker ribbon is awesome – it’s perfect for adding a little flair to everything; from gift wrap to funky flip flops to custom hair bows. You can buy it pre-made, but it’s much more expensive that way. You’ll save a lot of money if you make korker ribbon yourself. It’s a lot easier than you’d think, and when you make your own korker ribbon, you’ll always have the colors and lengths that you need for your project! 

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Supplies needed to make korker ribbon: 

Grosgrain ribbon.  You can really use any size, but I find that the smaller it is, the better it works.  I prefer 3/8.  Any color or pattern is fine. I have had problems with some of the prints bleeding, so be sure that if you get an entailed design that you do a test with a small piece first.

Wooden dowels.  Choose your dowel size according to your ribbon size. The wider your ribbon, the wider your dowel needs to be.  You may have to experiment with different sizes to find the one you like the best.  Smaller dowels make tighter korkers.  You’ll want them about a foot long, but you can always get long ones and cut them (or break them) to the size you need.

Wooden Clothespins

Scissors

A lighter

Your oven

Instructions:

Clip the end of the ribbon to the end of the dowel with a clothespin.

Wrap it tightly around the dowel all the way down, leaving no space in between.  At the other end, use a second clothespin to hold it tight, and then cut it off at an angle to prevent fraying.

Place the dowels on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven for 30 minutes at 275 degrees.

Take the ribbons out and let them fully cool. This is important.  It’s hard to resist, but you have to walk away or they won’t stay curly.  Usually about a half hour is good, depending on the temperature of your house.

Gently unravel the ribbon from the dowel.

Check the ends where the clothespins were. If they have hard spots or have become flat from the clothespins, cut them off at an angle.

Run a lighter over the edges of the ribbon to seal them and prevent fraying. Don’t do it too long, though, or it will melt the ribbon.  A quick swipe is all you’ll need.You’ll be able to feel a crusty sort of texture when the ribbons have been sealed.

That’s it!

Wasn’t that easy?  Think of all the things you can create when you make korker ribbon!  

Here’s one example: I made a DIY Korker Ribbon Halloween Hair Bow.

I love to make hair bows for my daughter. I’ve made specific ones for her to match different outfits. My favorite was when I did two in her school colors for Kindergarten graduation. She wore one in her hair and another pinned to a white dress. It was so pretty!

Many people like to use them for gift wrap, and what a great idea that is! You could also make a hair bow and clip it to a gift so that it does double duty. Gift wrap and hair bow all in one!

I have also seen people use them to adorn sneakers and flip flops. I never asked, but I’m assuming they tie them into the laces. Imagine a pop warner cheerleading team with little bows on their shoes? So cute!

Once you learn how to make korker ribbon you’ll want to put it on everything just like I do. It’s perfect for Crazy Hair Day Ideas at school!

Do you use korker ribbon for anything? What would you make korker ribbon for?

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