Leis are traditional garlands made in Hawai’i to celebrate, show affection or as a sign of honor. They often represent love, friendship, and aloha (the Hawaiian word for love). Creating leis with ribbon is an easy and accessible way to bring a little bit of Hawai’i to any special occasion or just to break up a mundane day. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make beautiful ribbon leis that you can use as decoration or give as gifts.

Before we start, let’s first go over the materials you’ll need. To make a ribbon lei you’ll need scissors, a roll of ribbon (we’ll recommend a width between 5/8 and 1 inch), and optionally, a sewing machine or needle and thread. Once you gather these materials, we’re ready to create a colorful, unique ribbon lei that you’ll be proud to wear or share with others.

Gather Supplies

To make leis with ribbon, you will need a few supplies to get started. The good news is that you can find most of these items at your local craft store or online. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ribbon: Choose a ribbon that is at least 1.5 inches wide. The length of the ribbon will depend on the size of the lei you want to make.
Scissors: You’ll need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the ribbon.
Clear tape: Clear tape will come in handy to secure the ends of the ribbon.
Optional: You may also want to add some flowers or beads to your lei to give it some extra flair.

Choose Your Ribbon Color and Style

One of the best parts about making leis with ribbon is that you can choose from a wide variety of colors and styles. You can choose a ribbon color that matches the occasion or the recipient’s favorite color.

Measure and Cut Your Ribbon

Once you have your ribbon, it’s time to measure and cut it to the appropriate length. The length of the ribbon will depend on the size of the lei you want to make.

Create the Center Loop

To start making your lei, you will need to create a loop in the center of your ribbon. This will serve as the base for the rest of the lei.

Create the First Ribbon Strand

Now it’s time to create your first ribbon strand. Take one end of the ribbon and fold it over the center loop, creating a small loop on one side and a longer tail on the other.

Create the Second Ribbon Strand

Next, take the other end of the ribbon and fold it over the center loop, creating an identical loop on the other side.

Cross the Strands

Take the two ribbon strands and cross them over each other in the center of the lei. This will create four loops on each side.

Create Additional Ribbon Strands

Continue to create additional ribbon strands and cross them over each other until the lei is the desired length. You can add flowers or beads in between the ribbon strands if you would like.

Secure the Ends of the Ribbon

Once your lei is the desired length, use clear tape to secure the ends of the ribbon together.

Proudly Wear Your DIY Ribbon Lei

Congratulations, you have successfully created a beautiful ribbon lei! Now it’s time to proudly wear it or give it as a gift.

Section Two: Materials Needed for Making Ribbon Leis

After deciding on the type of ribbon lei you would like to create, it is important to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of some of the items that might be required to make a beautiful ribbon lei.

1. Ribbons

The first and most important material for making a ribbon lei is, you guessed it, the ribbon itself. Your ribbon should be of good quality and shouldn’t fray easily. You can choose a variety of ribbons to mix and match, such as grosgrain, organza, satin, or velvet. You can also mix ribbons of different sizes and colors to create a more diverse and stunning lei.

2. Scissors

A pair of sharp scissors is also a must-have material in making ribbon lei. These will be used to cut the ribbon into specific lengths and widths for the lei. Make sure your scissors are sharp enough to cut through the ribbon without fraying the edges.

3. Tape Measure

To achieve a perfectly shaped and sized lei, you will need to use a tape measure. This will help you measure and cut your ribbons lengths accurately and consistently.

4. Needle and Thread

To attach the ribbons together, you will need a needle and thread. Choose a thread that matches the color of the ribbons you are using.

5. Beads

Adding beads to your ribbon lei not only makes it more stylish but also adds weight, making it easier to wear around the neck. Choose beads that are colorful and complement the color scheme of your ribbon. The size of the beads should also match the width of the ribbon you are using.

6. Clasps

For a more professional finish, you might also want to add a clasp to your ribbon lei. Choose a clasp that is easy to use and matches the color of your beads.

7. Pins

If you’re looking for a quick-fix for displaying your ribbon lei, you might want to consider using a pin. You will need a pin that is strong enough to hold the weight of your ribbon lei.

8. Glue Gun

A glue gun can come in handy when attaching beads or ribbons together. Use low-temperature glue guns, so as not to ruin the ribbon.

9. Organizing Tray

To save yourself the hassle of having to reach for various materials, having an organizing tray can keep all materials at your fingertips. This makes it easier to work as you won’t have to search for everything as you work.

10. Patience

Above all, the ultimate tool you need to make a ribbon lei is patience. Ribbon lei making is a delicate process that requires time and concentration. Do not rush the process; take time to enjoy and appreciate every step, and the result will be a beautiful and well-crafted ribbon lei.

Materials Needed to Make Ribbon Leis

Making a ribbon lei is an excellent way to get creative and bring a personal touch to your outfit. The lei is a traditional Hawaiian garland made up of fresh flowers, leaves, or shells that are worn around the neck or presented as a gift. But for a change, the ribbon lei can be made with a variety of colorful ribbons and can be worn almost anywhere as a fashion statement.

As with any craft project, it’s crucial to have all the necessary materials before beginning. Here are the essential tools and materials needed for making ribbon leis:

ITEM DESCRIPTION
Ribbon Choose 2-3 different colors and textures of ribbon. Each ribbon should be about 36-42 inches long.
Scissors Choose a sharp pair of scissors that can easily cut through ribbons of different thicknesses.
Thread Choose a matching or coordinating thread color to your ribbon choice. You can also use a clear or invisible thread.
Sewing Needle Choose a needle with an eye large enough to fit the selected thread. A long needle with a blunt tip can be helpful in threading the ribbons.
Tape Measure Use a tape measure to measure the length of the ribbon and to ensure that each ribbon strip is the same length.
Button or bead Choose a button or bead that matches the ribbon colors for added texture and style. This item will be used to hold the lei’s ends together.

Preparing the Ribbon for the Lei

Before starting, determine the desired length of the lei and cut the ribbon accordingly. Each ribbon should be about 36-42 inches long. Double-check that the ribbons are of equal length to ensure that the finished ribbon lei is symmetrical.

To prepare the ribbon for the lei, fold each ribbon strip in half, creating a loop at the top. The ribbon loops should be relatively small, about one inch long. To hold the ribbon in place, use a small piece of tape or a rubber band to keep the loop intact.

Once each ribbon strip has a loop, insert a button or bead through the loops to hold the ribbons together. The bead should be large enough to prevent the ribbon from slipping through the hole.

The Basic Technique for Making a Ribbon Lei

The basic technique for creating a ribbon lei is straightforward. Make sure to stack the ribbons in the same order for each strand to ensure a similar look and shape. Here are the steps to follow to make a classic ribbon lei:

1. Choose a ribbon and fold it in half at the loop. Thread the needle and pull through the two layers of the ribbon until it is close to the button or bead.

2. Add the next ribbon in the same way, working a few inches at a time. Remember to keep the ribbons in the same order.

3. As the ribbon strands start to get longer, slide them down to make space for more ribbon.

4. To end the lei, thread the needle through the loops of the final ribbons, then tie a knot so that the lei is securely tied together.

Congratulations! You have now made your ribbon lei, and it’s ready to wear or gift!

That’s a wrap!

Well, we’ve come to the end of our little lei-making tutorial. Personally, I had a blast showing you how to make these beautiful ribbony creations! I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now that you know how to make leis with ribbon, you can use your newfound skills to make thoughtful gifts for all your loved ones. Thanks for reading, and I hope you come back soon for more fun projects!