How to Make Ribbon Flowers

By
Megan Graney
Megan Graney
Megan Graney
Megan Graney is a crafting expert, art teacher, and writer who shares her knowledge of DIY painting, furniture refinishing, and sewing. She has almost a decade of hands-on experience and has been writing about crafts for five years. 
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Updated on 08/26/20
Project Overview
  • Yield: 1 flower
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Spruce up wrapped packages, try a DIY brooch, add some flair to a headscarf, or spend a fun crafternoon with kids with this straightforward ribbon flower tutorial. These cuties can add a bit of color and interest to otherwise basic accessories, all while being easy on the budget. Take an afternoon to construct a bouquet of ribbon flowers in a variety of colors and patterns with this step-by-step tutorial. Ribbon comes in such a great variety of patterns and textures and makes for an extremely versatile, and all-too-often neglected, crafting material. Time to get creative!

ribbon flower
The Spruce / Megan Graney

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors

Materials

  • Ribbon
  • Buttons

Instructions

  1. Cut the Ribbon

    Cut six to eight strips of ribbon that are 4 to 6 inches long and equal in length. The longer the ribbon, the larger the flower in the end. The more strips you cut, the fuller your flower will be.

    Tip

    While this is a super-fun project for younger crafters, they may need your help using sharp sewing scissors here and the hot glue gun in later steps.

    ribbon flowers
    The Spruce / Megan Graney

  2. Glue the Petals

    Each piece of cut ribbon will form two flower petals. Dispense a dab of hot glue onto the center of the ribbon, then bend each end in and affix. If you're using satin or patterned ribbon, make sure you glue so that the shiny/decorated side is facing out.

    ribbon flowers
    The Spruce / Megan Graney

  3. Assemble the Flower

    Stack your petals, one on top of the other, so that the middles align but the petals are offset. Add a drop of glue in between petals to adhere. Continue stacking until you've reached your ideal flower fullness.

    Unbend your petals slightly so that your flower looks bountiful. Make any final adjustments to petal placement and length here with an extra dot or two of glue to hold things in place.

    ribbon flowers
    The Spruce / Megan Graney

  4. Finish With a Button

    Add a complementary button (or two) to the center of your flower to finish the project. This is the perfect craft to use up those spare buttons from new sweaters and blouses that have been gathering dust in your sewing box. Get creative with rhinestones or beads if buttons aren't your cup of tea.

    ribbon flowers
    The Spruce / Megan Graney

  5. Put the Ribbon Flower to Use

    Add your ribbon flower to enhance the look of any accessory or gift. These look particularly cute on DIYed embroidered headbands, or as a happy little magnet to brighten up the fridge.

    ribbon flower
    The Spruce / Megan Graney

    Tip

    Make a whole bunch at once with leftover ribbon and buttons, then grab a finished flower to add to a project whenever you'd like!