Double Ribbon Altered Paperclip Tutorial

A couple of FB friends have asked how I made the double-layered ribbon paperclips I’ve been using in my planner, so I took a few cellphone shots last night while I was making one. Here’s the scoop.

Step 1: Pick out two ribbons that coordinate, with one ribbon at least a slight amount narrower than the other. The “skinny” ribbon will be the one in front on the final paperclip. Cut a length of each ribbon about 2.5 times longer than your jumbo paperclip.

ribbons for altered paperclips — Ribbon and paperclip

Step 2. Layer the skinny ribbon on top of the fatter ribbon and fold in half.

layer the ribbons — Layered ribbon folded in half

Step 3: Slide the folded end of the ribbon through the paperclip. Make sure the two halves that clip onto the paper are pointing downward — you’ll be attaching the ribbon to the part that goes on the top.

folded end inserted into clip — Slide folded end through the clip

Step 4: Grasping the ends of the ribbons in one hand (left for right-handed people), poke open the folded area.

opening the ribbon loop — Open folded area into a loop (while still keeping a hold on the ends)

Step 5: Reach through (with your right hand for right-handed people) the open fold and grasp the ends of the ribbons between your finger and thumb so you can pull them through.

reaching through the loop — Reach through and grab the ends

Step 6: Pull gently. You may need to assist the ribbon that wraps around the clip to lay flat with your other hand.

pull the ends through — Pull the ends through the loop

Step 7: Once the ribbon is tight around the clip you may need to adjust the two ribbon ends so they look nice and flare out. Pull the ribbons tight once you have it how you want it.

pull ribbon tight — Pull tight and arrange ribbon how you want it

Step 8: Trim the ends of the ribbon to the length you want — shorter ribbons will stand straight up, while longer lengths may arch or flare (depending on the stiffness of the ribbon). I usually trim at an angle. You can optionally use a sewing tool called “no fray” liquid on the ends of the ribbons at this point.

trim the ribbon — Trim ribbon to desired length

Step 9: If your ribbon is very slipery and seems like it’s starting to untie itself, pull it tight and flip over the clip. You can put a tiny bit of some kind of tacky glue right where the ribbons meet in the center of the clip arch to keep the ribbons from slipping.

back of clip — Back side of ribbon clip showing area where you could add glue

Let the glue and no-fray dry (if used) and your clip is ready to use! You can decorate it further by gluing a button on the front area where the ribbon is wrapped flat across the clip, or use it as it is.

If you have any questions about my how-to please let me know! Thanks for reading.

–Tamra

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