With the brisk winds and chilling temperatures of winter fast approaching, many crafty folks are undoubtedly itching to cozy up indoors with some feel-good projects.
While quilting and sewing may warm your hands and heart, traditional quilted projects sometimes require significant time and materials. If you’re seeking an enjoyable and accessible DIY to get you in the quilting spirit this season but don’t have hours to spend at your sewing machine, then have the perfect solution for you – quilted Christmas ornaments!
That’s right, you heard me. I’m going to show you how to make quilted ornament with ribbon. These shiny satin ribbon-embellished ornaments are lovely to look at and make wonderful homemade gifts. So grab your scissors, glue, and favorite fabrics – it’s time to get quilting!
What Will You Need?
- A Styrofoam ball (size of your choice)
- Any color satin ribbon (3/8 inch-width is ideal)
- Fabric scraps in desired colors or patterns
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Quilted Ornament With Ribbon
Step 1. Gather Materials
To make a quilted ornament with ribbon, you will need some fabric scraps, a piece of batting or wadding, ribbons in various colors and sizes, scissors, pins, a needle, and thread. You can also use other decorative elements, such as beads or buttons, to add extra detail to your ornament.
Step 2. Cut Fabric
Once you have gathered all of your materials, begin by cutting the fabric into small squares that are about 2-3 inches in size. Then lay out the pieces on top of the batting to form an interesting pattern. Once you are happy with the pattern, pin each piece to secure it.
Step 3. Sew Together
Next, take your needle and thread and sew the pieces together using a running stitch or blanket stitch along the edges of each square. Once the pieces are sewn together, trim away any excess batting and turn your quilt right side out. Don’t pull too tightly on the thread as you turn it, or your stitches may come undone.
Step 4. Add Ribbon
Now it is time to add some ribbon! Take your ribbons and cut them into 1-2 inch strips. Then, fold each strip in half lengthwise and pin it to the backside of the quilt at regular intervals around the perimeter of your ornament. Finally, sew each ribbon securely using a running stitch or blanket stitch along both sides of each ribbon strip.
Step 5. Create a Loop for Hanging
After securing the ribbons, grab a longer piece of ribbon to create a hanging loop. Cut a length of ribbon about 10 inches long. Fold this piece in half to form a loop. Then, glue the ends of this loop at the top of the Styrofoam ball. Ensure it is secure, as this will be the main hanger for your ornament.
Step 6. Attach the Quilted Fabric
It’s time to attach the quilted fabric to the Styrofoam ball. Start by applying a small amount of hot glue to the top of the Styrofoam ball around the base of the loop. Carefully place the center of the quilted fabric over the glued area, pressing gently to secure. Repeat this process, applying glue and pressing the fabric until the entire Styrofoam ball is covered. Be sure to alternate the positioning of the fabric squares to create a pleasing, quilted effect.
Step 7. Trim Excess Fabric
Once your Styrofoam ball is completely covered with the quilted fabric, you may find some excess fabric at the bottom. Carefully trim away the surplus fabric using your scissors, leaving a small amount of fabric to cover the base of the ball. After trimming, use hot glue to secure the remaining fabric to the base of the Styrofoam ball. This gives your ornament a neat and finished look.
Step 8. Add Ribbon Decoration
Now comes the fun part – adding the satin ribbon decoration! Start from the top, near the hanging loop, and apply a small bead of hot glue. Place the end of your satin ribbon here, pressing lightly to secure. Now, wrap the ribbon around the ornament in a crisscross pattern, applying a small bead of hot glue at every crossing point to ensure the ribbon stays in place. Continue this process until the entire ornament is covered in a beautiful crisscross pattern of satin ribbon. Remember, the ribbon adds decorative appeal and helps secure the fabric to the Styrofoam ball, providing additional durability to your ornament.
Step 9. Finalize the Design
After you’ve covered the entire ornament in a crisscross pattern of satin ribbon, you’ll want to finalize your design. This can involve adding any final touches or embellishments that you desire. For example, you may add a bow made from the same satin ribbon at the top of the ornament, or perhaps you’d like to attach tiny decorative beads or charms at various points on the ornament for added sparkle. Whatever you choose, use your hot glue gun to fasten these final touches securely. Remember, this is your creation – don’t be afraid to get creative and make it uniquely yours!
Step 10. Let it Dry and Hang
Allow your newly made quilted ornament to dry completely. This ensures that all the glued parts, including the ribbon, fabric, and any added embellishments, have adhered securely. Once dry, your ornament is ready to be displayed. Use the loop you created earlier to hang your decoration on the Christmas tree, a wreath, or any other area you choose. Now, admire your beautiful, handmade, quilted ornament with ribbon. Congratulations, you’ve just created an excellent piece of holiday decor that can be enjoyed for years!
Following these ten easy steps, you can make your quilted ornament with ribbon. These ornaments add a personal touch to your holiday decor and make great gifts for friends and family. So gather your materials, get crafting, and enjoy the festive season with your handmade creations!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Choose High-Quality Ribbon: Always opt for high-quality ribbons to ensure a beautiful and durable quilted ornament. This not only improves the appearance of the ornament but also increases its longevity.
- Play With Colors and Patterns: Don’t limit yourself to traditional holiday colors or patterns. Experiment with different combinations to create unique quilted ornaments.
- Practice Ribbon Folding: The elegance of a quilted ribbon ornament lies in its neat folds. Practice your folding techniques to achieve a precise and polished look.
- Secure Your Ornament Well: Secure your ribbon tightly as you work your way around the ornament. Loose ribbons can make the ornament fall apart.
- Add Finishing Touches: The final touch could be a bow, a small bell, or handcrafted charm. These embellishments can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your quilted ornament.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can take your quilted ribbon ornaments to the next level. Remember to have fun and be creative as you make beautiful decorations for yourself or your loved ones.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Poor-Quality Ribbon: Inexpensive ribbon might seem like a good way to save money, but it can fray easily, leading to a less polished final product. Always choose high-quality ribbons for your quilted ornament.
- Avoid Clashing Colors and Patterns: While it’s encouraged to experiment with different color combinations, be cautious of using colors or patterns that clash. This could make your ornament appear chaotic rather than appealing.
- Avoid Rushing the Folding Process: Patience is vital when folding ribbons for your quilted ornament. Rushing this process may result in uneven folds, detracting from the overall aesthetic.
- Avoid Leaving Ribbons Too Loose: Failing to secure your ribbons tightly can make your ornament fall apart. Always ensure your ribbons are tightly tied.
- Avoid Overwhelming the Ornament with Embellishments: While finishing touches can enhance the ornament, only a few can overwhelm it. Aim for a balance between simplicity and elegance.
Avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly improve the quality of your quilted ornament. Remember, the goal is to create an ornament with a beautiful, long-lasting ribbon.
What Kind of Ribbon Do You Use for Ornaments?
When making a quilted ornament with ribbon, it’s important to choose the right type of ribbon. Satin or grosgrain ribbons are commonly used for this purpose, as they are sturdy and have a glossy finish that adds to the visual appeal of the ornament.
However, you can also use other types of ribbons, such as velvet or organza if desired. The key is to choose a high-quality ribbon that will hold its shape and withstand the heat from the hot glue when attaching it to the Styrofoam ball. Experiment with different types of ribbons to see which one works best for your quilted ornament design.
Conclusion
Crafting these one-of-a-kind quilted ornaments is an enjoyable way to bring a personal touch of beauty to the holiday season. Not only does creating this sentimental decoration involve some of those favorite seasonal activities, like stringing up ribbons and ornaments, but it also allows you to create something special and unique for each person on your list.
Hopefully, this guide on how to make quilted ornament with ribbon has provided you with all the necessary information and tips to create stunning quilted ornaments with ribbon.
With just a little bit of thoughtful creativity and effort, your carefully crafted quilted ornament can become a timeless symbol of love that can be passed down through generations as a reminder of Christmas’s joys each year. So, get in the spirit and make some memories with your personalized quilted decorations!
