How to seal ribbon ends

[hipgirl]

1. Use fray check. When I was a hairbow rookie, I used to cut ribbon first and then apply fray check. Now I apply fray check (generously) first and then cut (not suitable for V-cut)--much faster. Just wet the ribbon at where you are going to cut first. I heard that somebody pure fray check to a bowl, cut the ribbon, and dip the ribbon end into fray check. If you need to seal huge amount of ribbon ends, it's a good idea.

2. Use the heat seal tool sold at RABOM--perfect thread burner. The tool was designed for sealing polyester thread. If you are a professional bowmaker, you don't want it since it's not good at handling large amount. If you only make bows for your kids, you don't want it since it's expensive.

3. Use the wood burning tool+metal ruler+metal pan (all can be purchased at Walmart). Put the ribbon on the pan, use ruler as guide, cut and seal in a single step. V-cut? Use the angle ruler as in the link below.

http://www.ruler-manufacturer.com/al...e-ruler/01.htm

The smell is terrible though. And not portable. I read somewhere that there is a battery operated wood burning tool. Anybody know where to purchase?

4. Use lighter. Hold the lighter steady, take the ribbon end near flame and move. Need practice.

5. When you cook, use the stove flame. Hold the ribbon and swipe it in (not near) the flame, just like you swipe your credit card through machine. The edge seals like magic. V-cut? No problem, 1 swipe does it all.

[swetltl1]

I got a cordless sodering iron at Home Depot. It is a Weller BP645MP. It works great for sealing the ends of ribbon. not sure if it would work for cutting. the only problem I have with it is cleanning it off. So far I have been using a finger nail file to clean it off. It would probably run out of batteies fast for someone who makes lots of bows. I just use it for making bows for my daughter right now.

[princessgigi'smom]

Hi Michelle,
I also heard you could also use clear nail polish? Is that true?
Thanks,
Gen

[katmiller79]

Originally Posted by princessgigi'smom

Hi Michelle,
I also heard you could also use clear nail polish? Is that true?
Thanks,
Gen

yes you can, but it stays shiny :/

I use fray check im a big fan of it and it has yet to fray. kat

[OakleyDaisys]

I use a wood burner and it is by far my favorite device. I can use it to melt the loops off the back of my buttons too

[acraftymom]

Thanks so much for all your WONDERFUL posts! I am learning a lot from each one of them! Also, Do you have a photo of when you use the woodburning tool? I would love to see how well it works.. first hand. TY

[hipgirl]

And how to seal korkers? Somebody asked the question. I don't make korker bows so I don't know. For those little korker pieces on butterfly clips, I just swipe the korker end with my glue gun.

Michelle

[maddyjeanscloset]

i use the wood burner too! i LOVE it! i have a piece of glass from a picture frame and a metal ruler and i just slice away. especially when i have a large order for cheer bows. and i do my korkers with it too. i use it to cut/seal my pieces all in one step!

love it!!!
wende
www.maddyjeanscloset.com

[OakleyDaisys]

Originally Posted by tiff705

Where and for how much did you purchase a wood burner, if you do not mind me asking? This is what I think I was talking about wanting! LOL! Do you love it? Does it heat seal and cut at the same time? Sorry to bombard with questions!!

Sarah

I actually got mine at Michael's for $7, I used the 40% off coupon they have every week. It came with a bunch of different tips so I could figure out which one I liked best. I love it, it works great, and hey if I ever want to do some wood burning I already have it.
It does seal and cut at the same time. I do usually use a scissor to cut my ribbon first though. If you use a metal ruler though you can cut and seal at the same time and you will have perfect line.

[CraftyShannon]

As said, you can get the wood burner at a craft store where they sell the wood products. I also got mine at Michael's with a coupon. I'm still learning how to use mine. Larger ribbons work fine. I usually char thinner ribbon.

Wal-mart also has them near the craft paint/wood stuff. Same one that I got at Michaels with a coupon, but it was over $9.