Anyone have a simple tutorial on how to make these from the raw ribbon? Is it very hard?
http://i.imm.io/bzng.jpeg
If you can sew a simple straight stitch by hand, you can make these. You will need to measure the length you want, then double it (because these ribbons are doubled-over, making them thicker). You will need some type of twisted or woven cording for the ends, and thread that is preferably the same color as your ribbons. You could use one color for the cord, if you want. A heavy thread (such as the kind used for crochet) or a fine yarn used for crewel would also work.
You will need to to fold the ribbon so the satin-side faces itself. You should decide on how you want the point, and make a pattern with some scrap light cardboard, and use a pen or marker to trace the shape on the raw end of your ribbon. Thread a needle and knot the end, sew small stitches along the lines you traced of the point, knot end and clip. Trim the excess close to the stitches, seal raw edge with white glue if you want. Turn the ribbon right-side out. You will need some kind of tool to push the point out, a nut picker, small scissors with a point, the pointed part of a compass (seamstresses and needle-workers have actual tools for this, you are improvising).
Using the same threaded needle, decide how far down you want to place the pinch at the folded end. You will need to knot the end of the thread; when you decide where you want to place the pinch, put a dot on the ribbon on the underside (the side that is the reverse of the satin). Pull your needle up through that dot, then wrap the thread several times (probable 2 or 3) like a lasso, and pull until the ribbon puckers. Pull needle through the center and knot securely on the underside. You can put a dot of white glue to reinforce the thread, if you wish.
Now you need to cut a piece of cord for each ribbon, accounting for additional to insert in the spine. You are going to need a craft needle that has a hole large enough to thread the cord through. Knot one end of the piece of cord, thread the other through the needle. You are going to push the needle through the point you sewed earlier in your ribbon, from the inside-out. Pull until the knot rests snugly inside. Do this with each ribbon.
When you are finished, cut a piece of ribbon that will fit in the spine, cut another the same size. You may want to add some kind of stiff fabric , or you could alternately saturate the ribbon with white glue and let it dry (but do this after sewing the ribbons together). Lay your ribbons in a row, and line the cords on one of the ribbon pieces, place the other on top. Sew across the lower edge, then the upper edge, to secure the cord. Drop inside the spine, and you’re good to go.
If this is too confusing for you, I’ll see if I can put together a rough illustration to demonstrate the process.
