HOW TO: Korker Bows

What you will need:
-Curled Ribbon (3/8" for this tutorial, but you may use smaller/larger. See Curled Ribbon tutorial if needed)
-Measuring Tape
-Needle and High Quality Thread (some people use embroidery floss, whatever works for you)
-Clip & Hot Glue
-Lighter (or other means to seal edges)

1} Choose your color(s) ribbon that you will be using and cut to size. {At this point you can heat seal your ends or you  can wait until your bow is finished. I like to heat seal now. Heat sealing prevents fraying. To do this, lightly run the cut edge of your ribbon close to a flame {Not too close                      
or your ribbon may burn.} If you want a small puffy korker you can cut your ribbon pieces to about 2" each, for a larger bow your pieces can be longer. The more pieces of ribbon you use the more full your bow will be.



2} Put your ribbon together. I arrange my ribbon in the order I want then thread them through the center, one on top of the other, until all ribbon is used. Once I have used all of my ribbon, I pull my thread all the way through. I then like to push the needle back through my ribbon and tie a knot at the same spot I started. For me, this gives the bow extra strength and hold, I know that it is not going to coming apart. I then like to dab a little hot glue onto my knot, this helps me to feel like the thread is "sealed". By no means is this the tride and true way, or the only way to make a korker. I have seen people make them several different ways using different materials. This is what is most comfortable for me and gets me the results that I want. I encourage you to find what works best with you, gets you good results, and go with that.

3} Choose you clip type. If you are going to use a french barrette you can simply glue it to the underside of the bow. If you are going to use an alligator clip you will need to line the clip first, then glue to bow. You can also attach these to ponytails holders and snap clips. There are many different things you can do with korkers, you can even add embellishments to the center.

4} Fluff and arrange your bow to achieve your desired look. Once finished you may want to starch your bow using spray starch (the same as you would use when ironing- who does that?!? not me; anyway, just spray the starch on and allow to air dry) to guarantee that your bow keeps the curl and shape that you want.


* Below I have included some other ideas/versions of korkers that I have made.

I hope this has been helpful! Happy Making!

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HOW TO: Curl Ribbon

What you will need:

-Small wooden dowels (I use 1/4" dowels, but you can use a smaller or larger size depending on  the look you are going for)

-Clothes Pins (any size will do)

-Spray bottle with water

-Ribbon (Solid/Non printed, Grosgrain 100% Polyester, 3/8" ribbon works best; other ribbons may melt, burn and/or ignite in the oven) 

1} Preheat your oven to 225 degrees.



 2} Wrap your ribbon in a single layer around your wooden dowel and secure ends with clothes pin.



3} Using the spray bottle, generously spray the water over ribbon and clothespins. If you don't have a spray bottle handy, you can use the spray nozzle on your faucet.



4} Put ribbon on clean cookie sheet or line your oven rack with foil and place directly on the rack.

5} Leave ribbon in oven for 10-15 minutes or until completely dry. This time may be more/less depending on how wet you got your ribbon, especially when using your faucet nozzle, so be sure to keep an eye on it. (*When the ribbon is dry I usually turn the oven off and leave the ribbon in the oven until cool, but this is not a necessary step)

6} When ribbon is cool to touch, gently unwrap from dowel. And there   you have it, curled ribbon! 

(*Note: You can use spray starch (like what you would use on a shirt you are ironing) on your ribbon pieces to ensure they keep their shape, this is especially useful when making korker hair bows. You can also starch the whole bow when it is fully made. Simply lay bow or bow pieces onto foil or paper towels, spray with starch, and leave to air dry. When fully dry ribbon pieces, or bow, will be more stiff and will hold shape very well and after many uses.)