How to Make Ribbon Roses

Do you have extra ribbons at home? You might not realize what you can do with them. While ribbons are often used for gift wrapping and decorations, they can also be transformed into charming, artful creations.

Instead of letting your leftover ribbons go to waste, use them to make elegant ribbon roses for your projects. If you’re preparing for a special event, decorating your space, or just enjoying a new craft, making ribbon roses is a great way to put those ribbons to good use. 

What Type of Ribbon is Best for a Ribbon Rose?

When making ribbon roses, satin and grosgrain ribbons are your best choices. Satin ribbon creates a soft, smooth rose with a glossy finish, which can give your flowers a more delicate and elegant appearance. Grosgrain ribbon, on the other hand, produces a stiffer rose with a matte, textured look, adding a bit more structure and visual interest.

Avoid using wired ribbon for your roses. While it may be easy to manipulate, it tends to make the petals look stiff and unnatural. The wires can also create visible lines and unwanted creases in your finished rose.

9 Steps to Make Ribbon Roses

Making lovely ribbon roses is a fun way to repurpose leftover ribbons and add a special touch to your projects. If you’re getting ready for an event or just trying out a new craft, ribbon roses can add charm and elegance to your work.

Step 1: Choose Your Ribbon

Select a ribbon, silk, or satin that is 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) wide and free of wires. You can pick pink or red for a classic look or choose white, blue, or green for a more festive appearance. Satin and silk ribbons look more luxurious and are often found at party supply stores. For a more realistic rose, choose a ribbon color that complements your overall project or decor.

Step 2: Cut the Ribbon

Cut the ribbon or silk to about 8 inches (20 cm). Use sharp scissors for a clean cut and trim at an angle to prevent fraying. The longer the piece, the larger the rose will be. If you want a bigger rose, use a longer piece of material. If you’re worried about fraying, you can apply a liquid fray stopper to the cut edges and let it dry before using the material.

Step 3: Create a Corner Fold

Fold the ribbon halfway to create a 90-degree angle, forming a loose "L" shape. Press the fold down with your fingers to secure it. This initial fold will help shape the rose. Try to make the fold as even as possible to ensure a balanced rose shape.

Step 4: Fold Over the Center

Place the ribbon on a flat surface with the fold in the middle. Fold one loose end over the center fold, holding the center fold in place with one hand. This helps form the base of the rose. Keep the folds neat and aligned to make the rose look more polished.

Step 5: Make a Square Shape

Fold the other loose end over the center and then backward to create another right angle, forming a square shape. Continue alternating folds to use up the ribbon. Press each fold to keep it in place. Ensure the folds are tight and aligned for a uniform shape. 

You can use a ruler to help make straight folds. Adjust the size of your folds based on the width of the ribbon to maintain proportionality.

Step 6: Pinch the Folds

Pinch the stack of folds together with your thumb and index finger. If the folds begin to unravel, refold them into a square. This step holds the folds together as you shape the rose. If the folds are slipping, you can use small clips or pins to temporarily hold them in place while you work.

Step 7: Thread the Loose End

Pull one loose end of the ribbon through the small hole in the center. Take one of the loose pieces of ribbon sticking out from your square and thread it through the small hole in the center. 

If it's hard to push through, use small tweezers to help pull it. If the square falls apart, pull the loose end of the ribbon to tighten it.

Step 8: Shape the Rose

Twist the layers together to create the rose shape. At the back of the rose, twist the extra material in the center until it tightens and forms a petal. Keep twisting until you get the shape you like.

Step 9: Secure and Trim

Tie a knot with the loose ends at the back of the rose to keep everything in place. Trim any excess ribbon with sharp scissors. For a finishing touch, you can use a small ribbon to tie the loose ends together. 

For a tidy finish, you can use a small ribbon to tie the loose ends. Optionally, glue the knot and trimmed ends to the base of the rose to keep it neat.

Creative Ways to Use Ribbon Roses

• Gift Wrapping: Add a personal touch to your gift by attaching ribbon roses on top of wrapped presents for an elegant and unique decoration.
• Hair Accessories: Use ribbon roses to create stylish hair clips, headbands, or pins, perfect for adding a delicate floral touch to any outfit.
• Home Decor: Enhance your home with ribbon roses by using them to decorate cushions, curtains, or as part of a DIY floral arrangement.
• Clothing Embellishments: Sew ribbon roses onto jackets, dresses, or handbags for a chic, handcrafted look that adds a pop of color and charm.
• Wedding Decor: Incorporate ribbon roses into your wedding by using them in bouquets, boutonnieres, or as table centerpieces to create a romantic, handmade vibe.

Planting Seeds for Your Creativity

Creating ribbon roses is like planting seeds for your creativity. With the right materials and guidance, your basic ribbon can transform into elegant, eye-catching roses. Just as a gardener uses the best tools and methods to nurture a thriving garden, using high-quality ribbons and expert advice will enhance your crafting and help you produce beautiful, handcrafted roses.

At BBCrafts, we provide expert tips and high-quality ribbon and wreath supplies to help you create stunning ribbon roses, bows, and other crafts. Don’t let doubt stop you from making your best creations. Shop now to find the perfect ribbons, wreaths, and guides to bring your floral crafts to life!

Key Takeaways

Transform Leftover Ribbons

Instead of tossing out extra ribbons, turn them into beautiful ribbon roses. Moreover, they are perfect for decorations, special events, or new craft projects.

Choose the Right Ribbon

For making ribbon roses, use satin or grosgrain ribbons. Furthermore, satin gives a soft, shiny rose, while grosgrain adds a firm, textured look. Avoid wired ribbons as they can make petals look stiff and unnatural.

Follow Simple Steps

Start by cutting and folding your ribbon into a square shape. Pinch, thread, and twist to form the rose. Additionally, secure with a knot and trim excess ribbon for a neat finish.