Saturday, January 24, 2009

How to make a ribbon bracelet

There may be several ways to make these but this is how I do it.


Supplies Needed:
Ribbon (your choice of width and length, see size chart for length).
Suggested sizes: 3/8", 5/8" or 7/8"
Mix and match sizes for reversible or use alone for single ribbon bracelets.
3/8" size is great for infants and toddler single ribbon bracelets.
5/8" with 3/8" make great reversible bracelets for toddlers or young children
7/8" with 5/8" make great reversible bracelets.for young children,teens and adults
If making reversible 2 lengths of ribbon for each bracelet..



Heat and Bond on roll (or cut strip from yardage)
Iron (for Heat and Bond)choose size for your ribbon















Ribbon crimps (ends)
5 x 5mm or 6 x 5mm (good for necklaces using 1/8 or 1/4 inch ribbon)
10 x 6mm (use for 3/8" ribbon)
13 x 6mm (1/2" ribbon or lightweight webbing)
16 x 6mm (5/8" ribbon)
19 x 6mm (7/8" ribbon)
Clasp:
Lobster clasp 10mm x 6mm








or
Spring ring clasp 6mm


Split Rings 5mm or 6mm




Jump Rings (optional) 5-6mm






Curb chain 3mm for extension chain (makes it adjustable)



Lighter or heat tool to melt ribbon ends so they won't ravel.(* see note below)



Jewelry pliers to open chain, attach clasp and close ribbon crimps,






Split ring pliers to open Split rings.





Wire cutter (if your chain is not open links)




Charm (optional) something cute to hang on the end of extension chain, Maybe a silver charm on a jump ring or beaded link like you would make for an earring.



Sizing Chart:

It's best to measure the wrist to determine size as everyone is different, :
To determine your size measure wrist with a soft flexible measuring tape and add approximately 3/4" or 1" to the amount. If you do not have a measuring tape you can use a ribbon or piece of string. Mark the length then measure with a ruler.

If this is not possible use the following as a guide (remember, these are approximate sizing and not a guarantee of a perfect fit) You may attach a 1 - 1 1/2" extension chain which will allow some extra room.

Remember:  Cut ribbon 1" smaller than finished size desired

Infant
Newborn: 4.25"
3-6 months: 4.5"
6-12 months: 4.75"
12-24 months: 5"

Toddler
2 years: 5.5"
3 years: 5.75"
Young Child
4-5 years: 6"
6-7 years: 6.5"
8-12 years: 6.75"

Teen thru Adult
Very small = 6.5"(petite wrist)
Small = 7"
Medium = 7.5"
Large = 8"
Extra Large = 8.5"

The ends and clasp take up about 1 inch so you need to subtract that amount from the size you want your finished bracelet. It's a good idea to add extender chain 1 - 1/2 inches, This makes it adjustable and able to worn for a longer time. I call them a "Grow with me chain".


How to put it together:

Single Ribbon Bracelet

Cut ribbon to size (see chart),
Use lighter or heat tool to melt edge so it won't fray or apply Fray Check or clear Nail Polish and allow to dry.(* see note below)
Using split ring pliers:
First attach split ring to clasp, Then attach split ring with clasp to 1st ribbon crimp,
Cut chain 1 - 1/2" or open link in chain with jewelry pliers and attach to another split ring, now attach split ring with chain to 2nd ribbon crimp.
Using Jewelry pliers, attach ribbon crimp with clasp to edge of ribbon by applying pressure to close tightly, Repeat with 2nd ribbon crimp (chain attached) to remaining edge of ribbon.
Done!!



Reversible Ribbon Bracelet:

Cut 2 pieces of ribbon to size (see chart) I use 2 different size ribbons.
Cut 1 piece of Heat and Bond same length as ribbon.
Apply Heat and Bond (see directions on pkg) to back side of narrower ribbon.(entire length)
Let cool and then remove paper from back of Heat and Bond,
Center 1st ribbon on top of 2nd ribbon (wrong sides together) and iron them together per directions on Heat and Bond pkg. (I use a pressing cloth between iron and ribbon)
Use lighter or heat tool to melt edge so it won't fray (*see note below)

Using split ring pliers:
First attach split ring to clasp, Then attach split ring with clasp to 1st ribbon crimp,
Cut chain 1 - 1/2" or open link in chain with jewelry pliers and attach to another split ring, now attach split ring with chain to 2nd ribbon crimp.
Using Jewelry pliers, attach ribbon crimp with clasp to edge of ribbon by applying pressure to close tightly, Repeat with 2nd ribbon crimp (chain attached) to remaining edge of ribbon.
Done!!

Other ideas:

Add machine embroidery designs, monogram initials or names to personalize.
Embroidery Garden  has a great free tutorial for adding monograms to ribbon.
Add flatback rhinestones for pizzazz, use your imagination to create something unique.
Sew buttons or crochet flowers (you can buy these ready made) to the ribbon center. There are lots of options for thse in your favorite craft store. Don't forget to check in the scrapbook department for buttons and other embellishments you can add.

You can also make choker or narrow ribbon necklaces,
I use the 5x5mm ribbon crimp for narrow ribbon (1/4 inch), use whatever size fits your ribbon, great for pendants, bottlecaps, button necklaces. If using sheer ribbon you may need to fold end of ribbon over to make it thicker for the crimp to hold it. I put a small bit of glue on end of ribbon, fold over and then apply crimp.

Suggested Necklace Lengths:
Collar (12-13 inches)
Choker (14-16 inches)
Princess (17-19 inches)

Wrist straps, Camera Straps, Key Chains and Cell Phone Straps:

The 13 x 6 mm ribbon crimp can be used to make these.
I use 1/2 inch webbing with 3/8" ribbon, attach ribbon with narrow heat and bond, Stitch to webbing, Add 9mm split ring and large lobster clasp, swivel hook, keyring or 2" cell phone cord (these come with split ring) to ribbon crimp. Secure ribbon crimp with pliers. If using plain ribbon, use those decorative stitches on your sewing machine either before or after you add the ribbon to webbing but before you attach ribbon crimp.

Important:
Do not let young children use lighter, heat tool or iron!!

* Using Lighter or Heat tool:
If using lighter, don't put ribbon in flame, just get it close and it will singe edge,
Takes only a few seconds. Many people use a heat tool to cut and singe edge at same time. I don't have one but have heard they are available at Walmart, Look for wood burning tool.

Child Safety::
If you are making bracelets for small children please make them safe and durable. Accidents CAN happen. Babies and small children MUST be supervised while wearing jewelry. If you put a bracelet or necklace on a small child, sooner or later something is going to break. You want it to be the jewelry, not the child.

Use the split ring on the clasp assembly, that way if they break the split ring will pull open before the child gets hurt and you can easily repair the bracelet with a new split ring,

Most of these supplies are available at your local craft stores. 
The ribbon ends can also be found here as well as most of the other items to make the bracelets.

Copyright Info:
You may print out a copy and use these directions to make bracelets for personal use or to sell completed bracelets. You may not distribute or sell these directions.
Please do not share these directions with other groups. The copyright for these directions remains with me (Donna Stanley).

I hope you enjoy these directions.
If you have any questions email me at fabricandstuff@gmail.com

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been searching for an informative tutorial on these adorable bracelets for some time. Now I have found it! thank you very much!!

Valerie said...

Love these!! I hope I'll be able to make these.