awareness ribbons - Ribbon Impressions

Printing on ribbon ends is great for awareness ribbons, wrapping gifts and using at most events.

Use these instructions if you would prefer your imprint to only appear at the ribbon ends of your project, rather than repeating over and over the entire length of your project (example: awareness ribbons).

DETERMINE YOUR LENGTH
The best way to ensure correct placement of the imprint is to create a “mock-up” using ribbon similar to the width that you will be ordering. Create the loop or bow the size that you want. If you will be tying a bow around an object, make sure you use a similarly sized object to create the mock-up. Longer words or logos will require a longer imprint area; you may need to lengthen the “tails” of your ribbon. Trim or mark the ribbon ends.

MEASURE THE GAPS
Mark where you would like the imprints to begin and end on the ribbon ends. Please note that if you are tying a bow it is harder to get the tails to hang with both imprints showing; one side tends to flip over and show the back of the ribbon instead. Once marked, untie your ribbon piece and lay it out flat. See diagrams below and left for measuring details.

LONG GAP – This is the area of ribbon where your bow or loop happens, above the tails.

SHORT GAP – This is the area of ribbon at the tip of the tail, below the imprint. If you will be cutting the ribbons at an angle (recommended to minimize fraying in most ribbons) measure from the longest point. You will then have to double that measurement to create the same distance on either side of your cut (see below).

HOW WILL IT LOOK?
We will be imprinting one length of ribbon with the long and short gaps that you specify. It can be difficult to visualize how the measurements you’ve requested will look end-to-end.

View entire infographic by clicking on the image. (Infographic and text courtesy of: Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist, Coller Industries Incorporated.)

Custom Ribbon rolls cut to symbolize the colors red orange yellow green blue purple for awareness

Different colors and patterns 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 awareness ribbon showed up to support the US military while serving abroad. Since then, ribbon colors have been used for various causes and symbolize various concerns depending on the color and pattern.

Awareness ribbons are meant to show support or raise consciousness for a cause.

While these ribbons are used year round, some of the most prominent reasons for wearing awareness ribbons happen in October. Many schools acknowledge Red Ribbon Week during the last week of October. 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 https://fundraisingforacause.com/pages/ribbon-color-meanings.

Creating Awareness

Yellow ribbon for support our troops awareness

Here is a simple tutorial on creating any color awareness ribbon you might need.

Step 1: Begin the ribbon by cutting a section of personalized ribbon that includes the entire text. It is key to make sure that when ordering personalized awareness ribbons, you appropriately space the text. In this example, they cut between Support and Troops. At this point, consider the finish of the ribbon. If the awareness ribbons need a slanted end, cut the section of the personalized ribbon at an angle.

Step 2: Form a small loop in the ribbon, leaving each end hanging down so you can see the text on the ends without covering it with the crossover. Attach this crossover, or intersection, using either a small piece of tape or hot glue. This will secure the shape of the awareness ribbon. Hot glue is the best option if you need to keep the awareness ribbon for long-term use.

Step 3: At this point, choose a fastener for the awareness ribbon. Pins are available at https://www.nametag.com/name-tags/fasteners.php. Keep in mind when ordering fasteners to go with the awareness ribbons to make sure they will match the thickness and design of the personalized ribbon. There are many options for fasteners. If they do not come with adhesive, use hot glue to affix them properly.