How to Curl Fabric Ribbon

Curled fabric ribbons are a great way to change up your crafting or gift packaging style. Curled grosgrain ribbons are most often used as hair adornments, decorations and for crafting. There are several methods on how to curl fabric ribbons such as satin, grosgrain or organza, and today we will be exploring some of the easiest ways. You can curl ribbon in the oven or by using hair straighteners and curling irons. By creating your own curled fabric ribbons, you can control how tight or loose the curls will be to suit your project.

Oven Bake 

To curl ribbon in the oven, wrap your ribbon around a rod or dowel and secure the ends with a wooden peg on each end. Make sure to use wooden and not plastic or highly flammable material as they will be put into the oven. Simply bake the rods of ribbon at approximately 120°C for 25 minutes. Once they have been cooled completely, slide the ribbons off the rod or dowel and they can now be used for your project.

Hair Straightener

Similarly, wrap your ribbon around a wooden pencil, rod, or dowel (do not use plastic coated pencils as they will melt onto the ribbon). Secure the ribbon with a peg on each end. For fast results, clamp the hair straightening iron along the ribbon at 160°C. Make sure to move the straightening iron along so that the whole strand of ribbon is sufficiently heated. Once the ribbon is cooled, you can remove it and use it for your craft!

Curling Iron

The curling iron method is best suited for creating looser, larger curls. Using the curling iron, clamp your fabric ribbon on one end then wrap the ribbon around the curling iron as shown in the picture below. Turn on your curling iron and allow the ribbon to heat. The amount of time needed for the fabric ribbon to heat sufficiently will depend on the temperature of your curling iron and the thickness of the ribbon. When the ribbon has been heated, turn off the heat and allow the ribbon to cool. Remove the ribbon from the curling iron, and it can now be used.

When using these methods to curl your fabric ribbons, make sure to be attentive throughout the process and not overheat or burn any materials.