Author: Alisha Copfer

From awards to weddings and event decorations to awareness, all ribbons have one thing in common: they create a social atmosphere. Whether it is part of a craft project or using them for decorations at your next party, ribbons inevitably accomplish the same thing. They drive your need to socialize.

Awareness ribbons are meant to show support or raise consciousness for a cause. They are also a perfect way to participate in that social atmosphere. And, ribbon rolls make wonderful awareness ribbons as they are easy to shape and perfect to attach to anything.

Different colors and patterns of awareness ribbons are associated with various issues. Many advocacy groups have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness. Awareness ribbons date back to 1917, when the yellow ribbon showed up to support the US military. Since then, ribbons have been used for various causes and different colors symbolize various concerns.

Making awareness ribbons

Tying an awareness ribbon is a simple process, and it is a meaningful way to show support for various causes. While awareness ribbons are used year round, some of the most prominent reasons for wearing them happen around the start of the school season and in October. Many schools acknowledge Red Ribbon Week while others include breast cancer awareness, literacy awareness and cultural diversity awareness.

For a complete list of awareness ribbon colors and months, a simple reference website is Understanding Ribbon Colors.

Showing support and creating awareness with ribbons

Follow this easy step by step guide to show support with your own awareness ribbons.

Step One

Select the ribbon color that represents your awareness needs. Then customize your ribbons with the name of your cause, a person’s name or the date of an event. Remember, when ordering personalized ribbons, make sure to properly space the text and graphics. See our blog on How To: Creating Custom Ribbon Ends.

Once you have your ribbons, consider the finish of the ribbon and choose a length based on the desired size. Cut a section of ribbon that includes your entire message. For a standard sized awareness ribbon, around nine inches is a good starting point. If you need a slanted end, cut the section at an angle.

Step Two

Start by folding the ribbon in half and holding it at the fold. Then take one end and bring it across the other end, forming an “X” shape. After creating a loop at the fold, you should now have two hanging pieces forming the “tails” of the ribbon.

This center crossover should not cover any text, allowing your message to remain clearly displayed. Adjust the loop so it is even and symmetrical. You can pull on both ends to tighten or loosen the loop as needed. Shape the ribbon by adjusting the loop and tails to ensure the ribbon has a neat, uniform appearance.

Step Three

Once satisfied with the shape, now you need to secure your awareness ribbon. There are several ways to secure it. Each method offers a different combination of durability and aesthetic appeal, depending on your needs.

Use hot glue for a quick, durable option, applying it where the tails meet the loop, though it may be hard to adjust once set. Fabric or tacky glue is a good alternative as it dries clear and is flexible, but it requires drying time. If you prefer a more permanent solution, sewing the ribbons at the crossover point with a needle and thread provides a neat, clean finish.

Step Four

The final step is to choose a fastener for your awareness ribbon. When selecting one, make sure it matches the ribbon’s thickness and design. When choosing a fastener for your awareness ribbon, consider various options such as pins, clips or magnets. If the fastener does not come with adhesive, use hot glue to secure it.

Pins are the most common and easy to use, allowing you to attach the ribbon to clothing, bags or accessories. Clips are great for securely attaching the ribbon to items like bags or hats, while brooches can add a decorative touch if you want something more elegant. Magnets offer a no puncture solution, ideal for attaching the ribbon to metal surfaces like a refrigerator or car.

Tips for success

Remember to practice! It might take a couple of tries to get the hang of it. So, don’t be discouraged if your first attempt is not perfect. Try using thinner, more flexible ribbons, which are generally easier to work with. Stiffer ribbons might not hold their shape as well. And the size of your ribbon matters too. Adjust the initial length of the ribbon to create larger or smaller awareness ribbons.

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