How to make better korkers???

[ronnie]

Originally Posted by Maxine

Ok, I did one this morning. This is what it looks like before the needle is pulled up through the ribbon and sewn.

Now, I want to say this... the ribbon I used belonged to my neighbor. It is dreadful. The quality is poor and, as you can see, the lengths are not even. After the bow was made, I went back and evened it up.

Also, this is a mini-korker. It doesn't use much ribbon (maybe 13 to 15 pieces).

Maxine...that is how I lay them out when I am putting them on the needle. The only thing is once they are all on there it is a guessing game to figure out the center and tying it securely.

[micmac68]

I LOVE making korkers!! They were the first bow I really fell in love with making. I did fall out of love with them for awhile because I kept breaking needles!!! I have finally found some needles that I like (and seem to hold up pretty well!!), so the love affair is back on!

I tried starching them on the dowel, but then when I used my woodburner, the ends scorched. So now I twirl, bake, cut, sew, and then spray with starch and hang upside down to dry (I scorched too many korkers by baking them after starching them).

I LOVE seeing all of the pictures!

[micmac68]

Originally Posted by ronnie

Maxine...that is how I lay them out when I am putting them on the needle. The only thing is once they are all on there it is a guessing game to figure out the center and tying it securely.

I find I spend a lot of time separating and fluffing!

[Maxine]

Originally Posted by ronnie

Maxine...that is how I lay them out when I am putting them on the needle. The only thing is once they are all on there it is a guessing game to figure out the center and tying it securely.

So you don't bring the needle up and sew them?

[ronnie]

Originally Posted by Maxine

So you don't bring the needle up and sew them?

Yes I do. I hold the long threaded needle upside down and then attach each korker individually in that pattern that you posted. Once I am done stacking them like that I twist and shift a little to find a center to wrap the thread and secure it.

[Maxine]

Originally Posted by ronnie

Yes I do. I hold the long threaded needle upside down and then attach each korker individually in that pattern that you posted. Once I am done stacking them like that I twist and shift a little to find a center to wrap the thread and secure it.

For some reason (might be lack of coffee! lol) I just can't picture this. It sounds like you're stacking them on a needle, but wrapping the thread around the center (not essentially sewing them together).

I've probably got it wrong

[ronnie]

Originally Posted by Maxine

For some reason (might be lack of coffee! lol) I just can't picture this. It sounds like you're stacking them on a needle, but wrapping the thread around the center (not essentially sewing them together).

I've probably got it wrong

LOL.. the needle goes through the center of each korker and then it is wrapped. Does that makes sense? If I have time I will take pics of the step.

[Maxine]

Originally Posted by ronnie

LOL.. the needle goes through the center of each korker and then it is wrapped. Does that makes sense? If I have time I will take pics of the step.

LoL @ me drawing a blank on this! Yes, please take a pic of the step

[jaunamaria]

Ronnie thats how I used to do mine too.. I'd wrap the thread around after sweing them BUT I stopped doing it. not sure if i like it better or not now but it is easier. I sew threw the center like 4-6 times to make sure its good and secure. and then when i assemble the korker on the clip i use a few pieces to pull under and then glue the ribbon for lining the clip over it.. make sense? i bet not. lol

and I'm going to have to try that way again, but when i do its a jumbled mess really.

and I forgot who asked but I cut mine between 2 and 2.5 inches for that sized one I showed, I couldnt give an exact measurement as I go by loops.

[DelaMay09]

Originally Posted by LivieLuBoutique

I would definitely try to add more pieces. I use 30 and they come out nice. Never even starched them, but I might now!

here's a pic of mine...

what size ribbon is this kork made of? Where do you gals find your printed 1/8 & 1/4 ribbon from?! I can't find any at any of the stores I went to today. Also the startch you use is just normal laundry spray startch? Never used the stuff before and I've never made korkers but I am this weekend. I just need to get a wood burning tool. I found some 3.8 ribbon to make korkers from is this to big? When I did a search on google most tuts said 1/8, 1/4 & 3/8 ribbon. TIA