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How to Dovetail Ribbon Ends and Seal Edges to Reduce Fraying

Dovetail ribbon ends with assorted wired ribbons for a ribbon finishing tutorial

TextDovetailing ribbon ends is a simple way to give your bows, wreaths, lanterns, gift baskets, and seasonal décor a more finished look. A clean dovetail cut, also called a V-cut, helps the ribbon tails look intentional instead of unfinished.

In this tutorial, I show how to fold and cut ribbon ends to create a dovetail and how to carefully seal the cut edges to help reduce fraying.

I walk, step by step, through the ribbon finishing process using a variety of ribbons. Different ribbons can behave a little differently, so it is helpful to practice on scraps and notice how each ribbon cuts and seals.

Watch How to Dovetail Ribbon Ends and Seal Edges to Reduce Fraying

In this ribbon tip tutorial, you’ll learn how to:

  • Give ribbon tails a cleaner, more finished look
  • Fold ribbon to prepare for a dovetail cut
  • Cut a clean V-shaped ribbon end
  • Seal the cut edge to help reduce fraying
  • Understand why some ribbons behave differently than others

Supplies Used

  • Scissors
  • Lighter or candle flame (electronic lighters will not work)

Detals

  1. Check to be sure your ribbon is 100% Polyester
  2. Fold the end of your ribbon so wired edges touch (It doesn’t matter if right or wrong sides are together. Either way works)
  3. Hold the wired edges in your non-dominant hand.
  4. Open your scissors wide and begin cutting about an inch below the raw edge. Cut from the fold to the wires. Try to make one long cut if possible. When you first feel your scissor blades touch the wires, open the scissors wide. This makes it easier to cut and helps keep your scissors sharp for longer.
  5. Continue holding the cut ribbon in your hand so the cut ends remain in the same position. Run the end through the flame quickly. Many ribbons will seal with three or four very quick passes. Some thinner ribbons need the flame to come near the ribbon and the fewest passes as possible.
  6. Open the ribbon and run your finger over the ribbon to straighten any creases you may have formed.

Shop Wired Ribbon

The Fancy Crow carries wired ribbon for bow makers, wreath makers, decorators, and creative makers across the U.S.

Shop wired ribbon here:

https://thefancycrow.com/ribbon

Keep Learning

Once you learn how to dovetail and finish ribbon ends, you can use this simple technique on many different ribbon projects. It is a helpful finishing step for basic bows, layered bows, wreath bows, and seasonal decorating.