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Dark and light blue ribbon lei lying on top of 3 red and white leis
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How to Make a Ribbon Lei

Craft a vibrant ribbon lei in just a half an hour with this step-by-step tutorial.
Active Time29 minutes
Yield: 1 ribbon lei
Cost: $3-5

Equipment

  • Pair of Scissors
  • open table space you need a space approximately 3' by 3' or more

Materials

  • 2 spools 1/4" wide satin or grosgrain ribbon in coordinating colors You'll need approximately 10 yards of each color of ribbon for a shorter or average height person and 12 yards or more for a taller or larger person.
  • 1-2 yards coordinating ribbon for bow

Instructions

  • Remove the ribbon from the spools. Find the middle of each color of ribbon. Crease the ribbon at the mid-point.
  • Insert the first ribbon loop (the light blue) inside the other loop.
  • Insert the second ribbon loop (the dark blue) inside the previous loop. Pull the previous loop (the light blue) tight. Be careful not to pull the loop so tight that the ribbon buckles. You want the loops to secure each other, but still have the ribbon lei lay flat. 
  • Insert the first ribbon loop (the light blue) inside the previous loop.
  • Pull the previous loop (the dark blue) tight. Be careful not to pull the loop so tight that the ribbon buckles. You want the braided ribbon to lay flat and smooth.  
  • As you braid the ribbon you will see the checkboard pattern develop. Continue the braiding pattern with the loops until you reach the end of the ribbons. 
  • When the ribbon is too short to continue making loops, thread the ribbon through the final loop and pull tight.
  • Tie the two colors of ribbon securely into a double knot.
  • Secure the two ends of the lei with thread Add a coordinating bow to cover the joined ends of the ribbon lei. Add a tag wishing your graduate best wishes.