Make Ribbon Leis

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A lei is a neck garland given as a gift in the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures to show affection or mark important occasions. Many lei are made of natural objects like flowers, feathers, or sea shells. Ribbon lei are popular because they don't contribute to over-picking of flowers and greenery and because they last for years. You can make ribbon lei by braiding or sewing.

Steps

Sewing a Ribbon Lei

  1. Pin together 2 satin ribbons 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and 4 yards (3.7 meters) long. The right sides should be facing each other.
  2. Fold the ends down and inward. Secure with straight pins.
  3. Sew the ribbons into a tube. Use a sewing machine to sew along the entire lengths of the ribbons on both edges. Don't sew the ends closed. Turn the ribbon tube right side out.
  4. Wind a smaller satin ribbon through the tube. Use a ribbon 1 yard (91 cm) long and 5/8 inch (1.6 cm) wide.
    • Hook a safety pin into the end of the smaller ribbon. This will allow you to easily maneuver the smaller ribbon through the tube. Leave some of the smaller ribbon sticking out of both ends.

  5. Attach 2 beads to each end of the smaller ribbon. Make knots before and after each bead to secure them.
  6. Tie the ends of the smaller ribbon into a bow.
  7. Shape the lei. Scrunch up the tube until the folds resemble flower petals.

Braiding Ribbon Lei

  1. Purchase satin ribbons in 2 complementary colors. The ribbons should measure 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) wide. Get 6 yards (5.5 meters) of each ribbon.
  2. Hold the 2 ribbons together and make a simple knot. Leave 6 inches (15 cm) loose for finishing touches on the lei.
  3. Grip the knot in your right hand with the smooth side up.
  4. Make the first loop. Use your left hand and the bottom ribbon to make a loop 2 inches (5 cm) long. The loose ribbon tail will be under the knot.
  5. Take the ribbons in your left hand.
  6. Tug the upper ribbon to the right with your right hand. Pull the upper ribbon tightly behind the first loop and very near the knot.
  7. Move the ribbons to your right hand.
  8. Create a loop. Move the left ribbon toward you between the left thumb on top and the index finger. Loop the ribbon beneath itself and grip with your index finger above and your thumb below with the loose ribbon tail dangling.
  9. Fold this loop upwards and through the first loop. Always keep the loose end on top when moving loops through other loops.
  10. Grip both loops in your right hand.
  11. Pull the end of the first loop's ribbon with your left hand. This will secure the second loop. If needed, pull on the lower part of the bigger loop to draw the ribbons tight.
  12. Take the ribbons in your left hand.
  13. Grab the right ribbon with your right hand and make a third loop. Shove the third loop through the second loop.
  14. Move the ribbons to your right hand.
  15. Tug the end of the second loop with your left hand to secure the third loop.
  16. Repeat this looping pattern. Switch your hands after making every loop to pull the ribbon tight. Alternate the ribbons with every loop.
  17. Create loops until 9 inches (23 cm) of ribbon are left at the ends.
  18. Use the ribbon that was to be used for the next loop and pull it through the previous loop. There should be 2 loose ribbon tails.
  19. Grab a ribbon from 1 end of the lei and the alternate colored ribbon from the other end. Tie these together twice to make a bow.
  20. Tie the 2 untied ribbons together without a bow.
  21. Finished.

Video

Tips

  • Note that method one is nearly the same as "How to Make a Ribbon Bookmark" in the Related Articles below. The only difference is the length and width of the ribbon, as well as the outcome.

Things You'll Need

  • Satin ribbons
  • Straight pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Safety pin
  • Decorative beads

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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