Curling ribbon can have a smooth or crimped texture. Narrow curling ribbon intended for gift wrapping sometimes comes in shiny or metallic holiday colors. Fabric ribbons can’t be curled with scissors. [1] X Research source
Start with longer strands if you plan on making tight curls. For loose curls, you can use shorter strands.
You can always go back and trim the curled strands of ribbon. This way you can make them shorter, or you can give them a different edge finish.
For instance, if the ribbon was rolled around a spool in a clockwise manner, it will form a loose clockwise curl even when you cut it off. But if you flip it over, it will have a counter-clockwise curl. [4] X Research source
If you’re right-handed, hold the ribbon in your left hand and the scissors in your right hand.
You can use any type of straight-bladed craft scissors, but note that sharper metal blades will create tighter curls. [7] X Research source
If your curling ribbon is the same on both sides, that’s ok. Just curl the ribbon in the direction of its natural curl. If you’re following the natural curl of the ribbon, the loose end of the ribbon should be wrapping over and around the scissors (rather than up and away from the scissors) in this position. The glossy side will end up on the outside of the curl and the dull side will remain on the inside.
During this process, you are slightly stretching out the outside of the ribbon and encouraging the inside to shrink in. As a result, the plastic will adopt a curly structure. [12] X Research source Pull the scissors out and away from your body as a safety precaution. While you should keep an eye on the blades, refrain from bringing your face too close to the scissors.
If you go too slow, you might accidentally flatten out the ribbon. Practice with different speeds to find the ideal pace that produces the best curl.
For very long strands of ribbon, you can work on curling short segments at a time. Each time, start where you left off.
By going over part or all of the ribbon multiple times, you may end up with an irregular curl formation. [16] X Research source This may not matter if you’re creating a dense bundle of curled ribbons, though!
When creating a knot, you might be worried about ruining the curls. Luckily, curling ribbon is pretty resilient. Once it’s been curled you’ll have a hard time flattening it out!
Curled ribbons also look pretty dangling from balloons and party chairs. Tie them on using a small length of ribbon in a similar manner. [20] X Research source
Make sure both of the ends of the staple have gone completely through the ribbon so it doesn’t come loose.
Wind individual strands around your index finger and gently elongate them to re-orient curls that may have gotten twisted up.
