{Tutorial} Wrapping A Clip

I am so excited!! My very first tutorial!!  Please leave feedback on how this worked for you!

Twinkling Star Designs ~ Summer Clippies Set
To purchase click here

Supplies needed: 

• 3/8 inch grosgrain ribbon (satin usually looks lumpy)
• standard alligator clips (I get mine at Sally Beauty Supply, you can also find them online)
• hot glue gun and glue sticks (I use high temp)
• SHARP scissors
• something for heat sealing (or fray checking) the ribbon, I use a tealight

Wrapping a clip is the first step in the bow making process.  I will warn you ahead of time that I don't measure.  Not ever.  I feel that bow making is like cooking, once you understand the process you can create by instinct.  

First, assemble your supplies:

I have a very scientific method for measuring the ribbon length for the clips. 

Step One

Step Three

Step Two

I clip the end of the ribbon in the alligator clip and wrap it around the clip itself to gauge how much ribbon I need, then cut and heat seal my edge.  Then I use that piece to cut the rest of the ribbon I will need for clips for whatever project I am working on.  I actually have a guide ribbon that I cut a while back that I use over and over just for measuring clip wraps.  Today though, I just used the first ribbon I cut:

Once you have all of your wrap ribbon cut and heat sealed, it's time to glue! (My favorite part!!)




I start by clipping the ribbon in the alligator clip with the printed side down.  Close the clip and make sure the flat side (the bottom) is flush with the table or workspace.  There's not much you can do once you've glued your ribbon on the wrong side of the clip.

Run a line of glue down the top of the clip and between the prongs.  This will glue both sides at once.  (If you have trouble with the ribbon popping out from the inside of the clip or if you are using single prong clips, you may want to dab a dot of glue on the inside when you slide the ribbon in.)  Fold the ribbon over the top quickly, making sure it's centered on the prongs.  If you wait too long the glue will start to dry and it'll look lumpy.  Ditto for if you have to peel the ribbon back to readjust.  I always open it up and squeeze the ribbon/prong sandwich a little with my fingers at this point, just to be sure of a nice, tight hold.  




Flip your clip over so the bottom of the clip is now facing you.

  


Run another line of glue down the remainder of the ribbon.  I always glue my ribbon into the spring area of the clip.  I have seen other shops (including the premade ones at Hobby Lobby) that don't have it glued in there.  It's a personal preference.  I like it better tucked in there.  I think it looks more streamlined.  If you like it better out, put glue on the clip instead of the ribbon.

Tuck the ribbon into the spring area and fold the flap over the end of the clip.  It should come just to the area that splits into two prongs.  If the ribbon is too long it'll catch on hair and peel up.  Again, make sure you complete this step quickly, but carefully, keeping the ribbon centered at all times.

And there you have it!  A perfectly wrapped clip, ready to wear or to be the base for a bow.  Stay tuned for my next tutorial, flower bows!! 


Keep Calm and Glue On  ;0)


~Sara