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Here are some tips and information to make all your projects smashing successes!
General
- Sealing ribbon ends: Acetate and polyester grosgrain heat sealed using an open flame (with caution
of course) or with a woodburning tool. You may also seal the ends with anti-fray glue (fabric glue or
fray-check). Keep in mind that glue may discolor your ribbon. Always test your technique on scraps
beforehand.
- Metric conversion: Please refer to our common conversion page for most measurements in inches and
centimeters.
Ribbon Belts
- Slider buckles: f you are using a slider buckle that does not have a clasp or prong (such as a
rhinestone buckle), use a slightly smaller buckle than the width of your ribbon. The reason for this is
that slider buckles do not have a "catch". In order to maintain a secure closure, you need to use a
smaller buckle to give it a bit of cinch.
Keyrings
- Applying keyring tips: To evenly (and easily) close the keyring tips, use a Hand Seamer tool (click here
for picture). This tool is usually used for crimping sheet metal and can be found in the HVAC section
of any home improvement/hardware store. We do not recommend standard pliers because they have
a tendency to dent. For best results use a tool that is as wide as or wider than the keyring tip.
Apply even pressure over the length of the tip and you should be fine!
- Webbing types: You may use webbing or ribbon from 1.25" to 1.5" wide with the keyring tips. We
recommend using cotton webbing but a polypropylene webbing can be used with good results if the
webbing is thick.
Watchbands
- Backing: hen making watchbands, use solid colored ribbon to back your jacquard ribbons for a softer
more comfortable feel.
- Tight closures: If your watchbands closures are not as tight as you would like, use thinner d-rings
(thinner as in bike tire vs. car tire, not width). Also consider making a keeper loop if you're not
already doing so.
Webbing Tips
- Applying belt tips: Our 1-¼" wide cotton webbing makes great belts with or without ribbon
embellishment. Our nickel belt tips make it quick and easy to make any webbing belt. They can easily
be applied using a pair of wide nosed pliers or a hand seamer (recommended). A hand seamer is a
tool (click here for a picture) that can be found in any hardware store in the HVAC section (it is
generally used for sealing sheet metal). We do not recommend standard pliers because they have a
tendency to dent. For best results use a tool that is as wide as or wider than the keyring tip. Apply
even pressure over the length of the tip and you should be fine!
- Sealing webbing: If you are using the belt tip over a piece of cut (unfinished) webbing, we recommend
that you treat the cut edge to prevent fraying. This can be done with anti-fray glue (fabric glue or
fray-check glue). You may also finish the cut end by using a sewing machine (use a zig-zag stitch) or
serger. If you are using polypropylene webbing, you can heat seal the end with an open flame or
woodburning tool.
- Finishing touches: The following tip is for ribbon/webbing belts (click here to see a finished belt). To
create a more finished look, we suggest wrapping the ribbon around the tip of the belt to the back
side of the belt. By wrapping the ribbon around the back side of the belt, the ribbon will also be
shown on the tail of the belt when it is worn.
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