How to make those adorable Korker Bows

Korker ribbon is actually very simple to make. It just takes a little patience and practice to get it perfect.

The first thing you need to make korker ribbons, of course, is the ribbon. You can make korker ribbon from almost any type of ribbon (satin, jacquard, etc.) with the exception of wired edge or outdoor ribbon.

For starters, I would recommend using 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch grosgrain ribbon. Next, you will need wooden dowels. You can purchase these at home improvement stores, hardware stores, or craft supply stores. I recommend using a 1/4 inch or 3/16 inch dowel. (As you get more practiced with making korker ribbon, you can use different sizes to get get the curl you want.)

In addition, you’ll need wooden clothespins. While many people use the tiny craft size clothespins, I recommend using the regular sized clothespins found in the laundry section of your local department store.

Chances are the dowels purchased are one yard in length. If so, you will need to cut these in half to fit into your oven.

Now that you have all the items needed to get started, let’s begin!

First, you will need to cut your ribbon.
For beginners, I recommend cutting your ribbon into one yard lengths (36 inches). Cut as many pieces as you would like to practice with.

Preheat your oven (making sure that it is clean to avoid getting any “leakage” on your ribbon) to 200 degrees. (If the heating of your oven is off, you can adjust this up or down as needed.)

During preheating, begin twirling your ribbon around the dowel. Begin by take one end of your ribbon and clothes-pinning it to the dowel. Then proceed downward in a spiral pattern around the dowel until you’ve reached the end of your ribbon; then clothespin this end to the dowel.

Once you’ve completed the “twirling” step with all of your ribbon, you’re ready to bake!
This is where I will differ in opinion from other korker ribbon makers because I recommend thoroughly soaking your ribbon with water.

I recommend placing your korked ribbon on a large cookie sheet. If you don’t have a cookie sheet available, then line your oven shelves with aluminum foil. Place the ribbon in the oven. Allow to bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, carefully remove one dowel from the oven (it will be hot!) and allow to cool for about one minute. Then, using your hands to feel the length of the dowel, check for any remaining wetness. If there is none, remove the clothespins and, in a downward motion, slide the ribbon off the dowel. (Newer dowels will not allow ribbon to slide easily and make take a little more effort to remove, but this will change the more times the dowels are used in the oven.).

Cut the coiled ribbon in lengths of 3" and layout the pattern you desire. Taking a needle and thread (knot with 3"s of thread at the end) pierce the ribbon in the middle. Stack the ribbon on the needle till there is no more room or your satisfied with the amount, then slide the ribbon down the thread to the knot.

Go back thru the stack of ribbons with the needle, careful not to go thru the same hole (yes, I've done it so I have to say it!). Remove the needle and tie the thread in a double knot.

You know have a korker bow! You can now attach it to pony tail holders or barretts. From start to finish this project to me 30 minutes - so I know you can do it, just try it out!!!