To make a ribbon for a cheerleader or anyone who wants ribbons hanging from their pony tail is very easy. You will need the following supplies: ribbon, thread and needle, a ponytail loop, scissors, lighter and glue gun. Don’t fear, you are not really going to need to be able to sew.
Before starting, you must know how many streamers you want and how wide you want them to be. Do you want them to be different sizes or all the same? Do you want all one pattern or several different patterns? If you are using school colors or team colors, you can use different patterns of ribbon in the school colors. For our example, they will be three different sizes and all different ribbons.
We will cut all of the pieces 20″. Again, you can cut the widest ribbon 20″, the next widest ribbon 19″ and the narrowest ribbon 18″ if you want some variety. You may cut the ends of the ribbons straight across, at a diagonal or you may want to fold them in half and cut out a “V”, You will also need a piece of ribbon 1-1/2″ long. After you have cut all ribbons, you are going to quickly run the cut edge of each side of each ribbon through the flame of the lighter. This will seal the edges so the ribbon will not unravel.
Lay the ribbons out the way you want them. If you are using different size ribbons, lay the widest one down, face up. Take the next size ribbon and lay it on the top of the first one. Be sure to center it and have it face up also. Then take the narrowest ribbon and lay it on top of that one. Again, center it and make sure it is face up. You can make as many layers as you want. This sample is three ribbons and will make six streamers.
Carefully pick the ribbons up and fold them in half. Keep the wrong sides together. This is where you need your needle and thread. Tie a knot in the end of the thread. You are going to bring the needle through the fold line from the wrong side up the right side and pull it through until the knot stops it. Holding the ribbons with one hand, wrap the thread across all the layers, under the ribbons and back around the top. Pull tightly so that you have a gather around the center or fold line of the ribbons. Wrap the thread around several more times.
Now, turn the ribbons over, right side up and stand the Pony-O or pony tail tie on the center of the ribbon where the stitches are. The Pony-O should run the same direction as the streamers. You will have some streamers to the left and some streamers to the right of the Pony-O. Wrap the thread around the ribbon and the Pony-O numerous times. When it feels secure, push the needle through the Pony-O, around the ribbons and through the Pony-O again. Then knot it.
Put a drop of glue on the Pony-O where it is attached to the ribbons. Take the small piece of ribbon you cut and stick the end in the glue. It will be going in the opposite direction from the streamers. Wrap it around the ribbons so the thread and stitches no longer show. Add another drop of glue to secure it. If it is too long, cut it and carefully seal the edge.
You are ready to make a ribbon for any outfit, game or occasion.
