Thursday, June 11, 2009

How To Make Korker Bows

So, I was asked several times how to make the Korker bows that I showed a couple of weeks ago in a post. It's taken me several times to actually get the pics together to do an instructional post so if you see lots of different colors of ribbon, that's why.

These are the supplies you need to start with. I use 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and for the white bow I finished, I used 1/8" grosgrain ribbon for the middle although it works better to use 1/4" for the whole thing. Just a thought. The dowel I use is also 1/4".
Cut the dowel into pieces that will fit inside your oven preferably on a cookie sheet. Secure one end of a piece of ribbon onto the end of the dowel as shown and wind it all the way down the dowel. Secure the other end, snip the ribbon.Bake the ribbon for about 25 minutes at 275 degrees. Remove and let cool.
Unwind the ribbon.Cut the ribbon into 3 1/2" to 4" pieces. I cut 4" pieces and then shape at the end although I've found that cutting pieces several different sizes makes for a fuller bow and you can singe the ends (discussed later) before putting them on the bow and that's easier than doing it later.
Using a lighter, take each piece and burn the ends to prevent fraying. This is the best method I've found for doing this. Don't try this with every type of ribbon though as some discolor. Grosgrain ribbon just burns well usually without discoloration unless you burn for too long.
Cut about a 7" piece of 1/4" or 1/8" ribbon and lay it down covered with all of the curled pieces of ribbon. I do 10 to 14 pieces although I've seen 18 pieces that made a very full cute bow. Just mess around with it.
Tie the ribbon into a double knot.
Turn over - this will be the top.
To prepare the barrette: For Bug's hair, I use these double pronged clips as they seem to stay in her hair better. For babies, I use the pointy clips that can easily stick into headbands, etc. Use what you feel is better. The preparation is the same.
Cut a 4" piece of the ribbon you've chosen to cover the clip with. Singe both ends.
Lay the clip down flat to determine it's top & bottom sides. Apply a small dab of glue to one end of the ribbon and glue it to the open the clip and apply the ribbon to the inside of the top part back near the hinge.
Wrap the ribbon up and around the top applying glue along the top all the way up over the hinge.
I put glue all the way inside the hinge and then put a tiny bit of glue on the end of the ribbon and wrap it around the back. You should have barely enough.
Once the clip is ready, take the korker and turn it upside down. You should have two dangling ribbons on the back. Put a small dab of glue on the inside of the clip on top of the ribbon already glued there. Then, wrap one of the dangling ribbons on the korker around the clip, making sure that the other side of the korker is aligned properly on the other side of the clip. Hold the dangling ribbon over the glue until it dries (you have to hold the clip open while you're doing this).
Clip the dangling ribbon you just glued and singe.

Put another dab of glue on the top of the ribbon you just cut and then wrap the remaining dangling ribbon from the korker up around pulling sort of tight to make sure the korker is secure on the clip. Hold until dry. Don't let go of the clip at this point because any excess glue that oozes out from the ribbon will adhere to the clip and you'll not get it open again. It's a pain.
Clip the remaining dangling ribbon and singe.

Depending on how the korker ended up getting glued on, you may have to turn it over to the top and align it properly on the clip adding a little extra glue on the clip to make sure it's straight. I have to do this abou 50% of the time.

This is what you should have now...If you like, you can now shape it by cutting off little pieces of ribbon from wherever you'd like. Just remember to singe the ends you cut.Ta-da! You're done!

8 backward glances:

Unknown said...

excellent tutorial, thanks for sharing. wish i had a little one to make one for.

Rachel said...

Love the bows! But I love the look on Nat's face even more :)
Thanks again for the bow for Charley. When her hair gets a little longer I'll use it I promise. Nat was a great babysitter at the shop today. She's a keeper!

siteseer said...

Can't wait to make a few of these for my granddaughters. Think I'll wait til they get more hair lol

Anonymous said...

This is great. Thanks so much. I am a Mighty Mite (6-7yr olds) coach and want to make these for the girls. They are going to LOVE them,

Anonymous said...

Very helpful thank you! After looking forever for a dowel stick I realized I had some skewer sticks I could have used...that's what I'll use in the future!! Thanks again they turned out great!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for making this simple and showing pictures. I'm so excited to try this. also its nice you didn't try to charge a fee for this, more people should be willing to share and help others.

Anonymous said...

You have done a great service for those of us that do not have the money to buy more than one bow at a time. It can get real expensive.

I love the pics. Maybe next time, use a different color than white.

Thanks so much for what u do.

Anonymous said...

thank you for this my daughter loves bows I used your instructions and changed the ribbon type and dowel size and it worked great.