Most craft drawers contain a tangled stash of ribbon scraps. We save leftover lengths of satin, grosgrain, and velvet with good intentions, but rarely use them. You can easily turn those extra spools into home decor, simple accessories, and thoughtful gifts.
Ribbon adds clean texture to almost any surface. Grab fabric scissors and a hot glue gun to try these 28 ribbon crafts on your next free afternoon.
1. Elastic ribbon bookmarks with charms
Cut a length of fold-over elastic or velvet ribbon to fit the height of a hardcover book. Stitch the two ends together around a small jump ring, then clip on a metal charm. The elastic wraps securely around pages without creasing paper, making this a practical project for book lovers.
2. Woven grosgrain headbands
Take two colors of narrow grosgrain ribbon and weave them in a checkerboard pattern over a plain plastic headband. Fasten the loose ends under the tips with hot glue. This takes under fifteen minutes. If you want more simple projects, check out our guide to easy crafts for kids.
3. Rustic burlap and lace ribbon wreath
Tie short strips of burlap ribbon and cream lace around a wire frame with basic slipknots. Fluff the cut ends toward the outside to create a full wreath for your front door. Visit Martha Stewart’s crafting guides to learn more about wire wreath bases.
4. Realistic satin ribbon roses
Fold wide double-faced satin ribbon into tight triangles, rolling them around a stem of floral wire. Secure each fold with a small drop of fabric glue to shape realistic rose petals. Bunch ten or twelve roses together in a vase for a table centerpiece.
5. Ribbon-trimmed cloth napkins
Sew patterned jacquard ribbon along the outer hem of plain cotton or linen napkins. This border gives plain table linens a custom finish. Pre-wash your ribbon and fabric before sewing so the edges stay flat in the washing machine.
6. Layered boutique hair bows
Layer patterned grosgrain over a strip of metallic ribbon, fold the stack into figure-eight loops, and cinch the middle with craft wire. Glue the center knot onto a metal alligator clip. Crafters make these in batches as summer crafts to sell at school fairs and weekend markets.
7. Flowing ribbon wand favors
Sand the tips of thin wooden dowels and screw a small eyelet into the top of each stick. Tie three long strands of satin ribbon to the eyelet with a small jingle bell. Guests wave them at wedding send-offs, and kids enjoy using them for backyard games.
8. Vintage velvet ribbon choker
Measure a strip of velvet ribbon to fit your neck, then clamp metal ribbon crimps onto each raw end. Attach a lobster clasp and jump ring with flat-nose pliers. Slide a small glass or pearl charm onto the center for a simple evening choker.
9. Sturdy ribbon key fobs
Iron a strip of decorative ribbon onto cotton webbing using fusible tape, then stitch down both borders. Fold the strap in half and clamp metal key fob hardware over the raw ends with pliers. The resulting loop slips over your wrist to keep keys handy.
10. Intricate woven ribbon placemats
Arrange wide satin and grosgrain strips in a crisscross weave over fusible interfacing. Press the surface with a hot iron to lock the strips together, then sew bias tape around all four outer edges. These placemats protect wood tables and clean up quickly with a damp cloth.
11. Fluffy ribbon tassel keychains
Thread assorted ribbon scraps (such as lace, chiffon, and cord) through a split key ring until you reach your desired thickness. Wrap thin gold wire around the bundle just below the ring to secure the tassel neck. Clip the finished piece to tote bags or backpacks.
12. French memo photo board
Cover a corkboard with quilt batting and linen fabric. Stretch lengths of grosgrain ribbon diagonally across the board to create a diamond pattern, stapling the ribbon ends to the back of the frame. Push decorative upholstery nails into every intersection. Slide photos, notes, and cards under the ribbon without using pushpins.
13. Chiffon ribbon fairy lanterns
Brush Mod Podge over clean mason jars and wrap them with translucent chiffon ribbon. Once the glue dries, place battery-operated LED tea lights inside to cast soft patterns across a room. Explore Good Housekeeping’s home DIYs for more lighting tutorials.
14. Ribbon embroidered canvas art
Thread narrow silk ribbon through a large chenille needle and stitch floral patterns directly into a stretched artist canvas. Silk ribbons hold their shape and create distinct raised petals that standard cotton floss cannot match. Set the finished canvas in a floating frame to display on a wall.
15. Windblown ribbon mobile
Tie assorted pastel ribbons, lace strips, and linen cord around a wooden embroidery hoop. Suspend the hoop from the ceiling near a window or fan. The ribbons flutter in gentle drafts and add movement to nursery corners.
16. Elegant ribbon rosette brooches
Pleat satin ribbon in a circle onto a small felt disc, then glue a vintage button directly over the center hole. Attach a locking bar pin to the felt back with hot glue. Pin these rosettes onto coat lapels, canvas totes, or knitted hats.
17. Braided ribbon dog leash
Braid four long strands of heavy grosgrain ribbon together, securing a metal swivel snap hook at the bottom end. Form a handle loop at the top and reinforce the joint with a sewn box stitch. This creates a strong, flexible leash for daily dog walks.
18. Patriotic ribbon wall bunting
Tie strips of red, white, and blue ribbon along a length of sturdy jute twine, spacing them closely to create a full garland. Hang the garland across a front porch or mantel. If you want more holiday ideas, explore our list of 4th of July crafts for adults.
19. Origami folded ribbon stars
Weave four long strips of paper-finish ribbon together to build three-dimensional German Froebel stars. Hang them individually from tree branches, or thread several along twine to make holiday garlands. Retailers like Michaels sell stiff craft ribbons that hold crisp creases for folding.
20. Ribbon-trimmed canvas tote bags
Stitch jacquard ribbon directly over the handles and lower hem of a plain canvas tote bag. This detail reinforces high-wear stress points and helps you identify your bag easily at farmers markets and grocery stores.
21. Satin ribbon shoelaces
Swap the factory laces on canvas sneakers for wide satin ribbon cut to the same length. Slide small pieces of clear heat-shrink tubing over the cut ends and warm them with a hair dryer to make durable aglets. This gives basic sneakers a clean, custom look.
22. Giant ribbon topiary trees
Fold short ribbon strips in half and pin the loops into a foam cone with dressmaker pins, working from the base upward in rows. Glue a small painted wooden dowel into the bottom of the cone and set it into a miniature clay pot for a tabletop holiday decoration.
23. Ribbon bookmark paperclips
Tie scrap ribbon remnants onto the tops of jumbo paper clips using double knots. Snip the ends into inverted V-cuts to prevent fraying. Use them as section tabs in journals, cookbooks, and planners.
24. Layered ribbon tree ornaments
Tie graduated strips of green grosgrain ribbon horizontally across a whole cinnamon stick to form a tree shape. Trim the ribbon edges into a triangle, then glue a loop of twine to the top. The cinnamon stick adds a natural scent to your holiday tree.
25. Sculpted ribbon flower hair pins
Fold satin ribbon squares into pointed petals using the Japanese kanzashi method, sealing raw edges with brief heat from a flame. Glue five petals together around a central bead, then attach the flower to a sturdy bobby pin for formal hairstyles.
26. Velvet ribbon curtain tiebacks
Cut two yards of wide velvet ribbon to gather curtain panels toward the side of a window frame. Sew small brass rings to both ends of the ribbon and hook them over wall hooks. Velvet holds heavy drapery fabrics neatly in place.
27. Ribbon gift card sleeves
Weave wide ribbon strips into a flat rectangular sheet, fold it in half, and bond the side edges with double-sided craft tape. Slip a gift card into the open top and tie a small bow around the exterior. The woven sleeve replaces standard paper envelopes with a reusable holder.
28. Cascading ribbon backdrop
Tie floor-length ribbons across a wooden dowel or clothesline, alternating between different widths and colors. Hang the rod against an empty wall or suspend it between two outdoor trees to set up an easy photo background for parties.
Transform your ribbon stash today
Ribbon crafts let you test different textures and patterns without buying expensive materials or heavy tools. Work through the leftover spools in your collection, pick a project from this guide, and put your extra craft supplies to practical use.