Quick Answers
Storing ribbon in a jar can be a great way to keep it organized and prevent it from getting tangled or damaged. Here are some quick tips:
- Use a wide-mouth jar or container so the ribbon can fit through the opening easily.
- Before putting the ribbon in, wrap it around your hand or a cardboard tube to prevent tangling.
- Place the wrapped ribbon coil in the jar carefully without bending it.
- You can use multiple jars to separate ribbons by color, width, etc.
- Add tissue paper on top to protect the ribbon if needed.
- Make sure the lid is secure so the ribbon stays clean and dust-free.
- Store jars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Choosing the Right Jar
When selecting a jar or container to store ribbon, it’s important to pick one with an opening wide enough to easily fit the ribbon without having to fold, bend or cram it in. This prevents the ribbon from getting squished, creased or deformed.
Look for jars with mouth openings of at least 2-3 inches in diameter. Straight-sided canning jars work very well, as do wide-mouth lidded jars intended for dry goods storage. Even some glass or plastic food containers can do the job if they have a wide enough mouth. Avoid jars with narrow necks.
It’s also a good idea to use jars tall enough to accommodate the entire length of your ribbon spools or coils without having to bend them. Measure your ribbon and choose an appropriately sized jar. Quart-sized jars are great for shorter lengths of ribbon, while half-gallon jars will hold longer spools.
You can find suitable ribbon storage jars in many places:
- Glass canning jars – grocery stores, hardware stores, kitchen supply shops
- Acrylic jars – craft stores, specialty containers
- Upcycled food jars – reuse glass peanut butter, pasta sauce, or mayo jars
Pick jars with tightly sealing lids to keep out dust, dirt, moisture and other contaminants that could soil or damage the ribbon. A wide mouth makes it easy to get the ribbon in and out of the jar as needed for crafts and projects.
Preparing the Ribbon for Storage
Before placing your ribbon into the storage jar, it helps to wrap it so it doesn’t get tangled up or knotted inside the container. Here are some tips:
- Wind ribbon around your hand or a cardboard tube – This prevents the ribbon from folding over itself. Wrap it around evenly and smoothly without pulling too tight.
- Control errant ends – Make sure any loose ends of the ribbon are tucked in securely so they don’t catch or snag when removing the ribbon from the jar.
- Wrap short lengths into a coil – For ribbon too short to wrap around your hand, simply coil it up neatly like a spiral snake.
- Use tissue paper as needed – Place a sheet or strip of tissue paper on the ribbon while winding it to prevent it from sticking to itself inside the jar.
- Secure with rubber bands if needed – Lightly band the wrapped ribbon to keep it from springing loose when placed in the jar.
Taking this time to properly wrap your ribbon means it will pull out neatly from the jar every time you need to use it.
Placing Ribbon in the Jar
Once your ribbon is wrapped and prepared, it’s time to place it in the storage jar:
- Gently insert the wound ribbon into the jar, guiding it through the mouth opening. Avoid bending or twisting the ribbon coil.
- Center the ribbon coil in the jar if possible so it doesn’t slump or lean.
- For multiple spools, place each one vertically with a little space between them.
- Pour the ribbon coils in one at a time, being careful not to tangle them up.
- Let extra lengths of ribbon hang down the side if needed, don’t force or cram it in.
- Add sheets of tissue paper between ribbon layers and on top to prevent snagging.
The key is to put the ribbon in the jar in a way that avoids kinks, knots and tangles. With some care, it will pull out just as neat and organized as when you put it in.
Storing Different Types of Ribbon
Ribbon comes in varying materials, widths and textures. Here are some tips for storing different kinds of ribbon in jars:
Satin Ribbon
Satin ribbon tends to be slippery and delicate. Wrap tissue paper around it before coiling to prevent snagging. Use jars with smooth, rounded edges to avoid fraying the edges.
Organza Ribbon
This very lightweight transparent ribbon should be wrapped around acid-free paper strips to hold its shape. Use short jars since organza creases easily when bent.
Wired Ribbon
The wire edges on grosgrain or other wired ribbons can poke through tissue paper. Wrap them around soft rags or foam before storage.
Velvet Ribbon
Velvet is prone to crushing and needs extra protection. Wrap coils with bubble wrap or layers of tissue before storage.
Sheer Ribbon
Very lightweight, delicate ribbons can be secured with cornstarch or powdered chalk to prevent sticking and tangling.
Wide Ribbon
Extra wide ribbons over 4 inches across may need larger jars. Wrap around cardboard tubes before coiling and storing vertically.
Follow any special requirements for the ribbon material to keep it looking its best. With some trial and error, you’ll find the ideal storage method.
Tips for Organizing Ribbon
Once your ribbon is happily stored in jars, implement these tips to keep your collection neat and organized:
- Categorize jars by color – Group all reds together, greens together, etc. for easy access.
- Sort jars by ribbon type – Satins in one set of jars, wired ribbons in another set.
- Arrange jars by width – Narrow ribbons in small jars, wider ones in larger jars.
- Label the lids – Mark the jar lids with the color/type of ribbon inside for quick identification.
- Store horizontally if possible – Lay jars on their sides so you can easily see contents.
- Keep an inventory list – Track what ribbons you have and where they are stored.
- Re-wrap ribbons before returning to the jar – Prevent tangles and snags.
With labeled jars stored neatly on shelves, you’ll have instant access to any ribbon you need for projects.
Preventing Ribbon Damage
Use these simple precautions to keep ribbon in good condition inside the storage jars:
- Keep lids sealed tight so dust and dirt can’t enter.
- Store jars in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight to prevent fading.
- Avoid humidity which can make ribbons limp and moldy.
- Don’t stack jars to prevent crushing or cracking.
- Wash jars thoroughly before reuse if they contained food products.
- Check ribbons periodically and re-wrap if needed to prevent tangling.
- Consider adding silica gel packs to absorb excess moisture.
With proper care, the ribbons can look pristine for many years of crafting to come!
Creative Uses for Stored Ribbon
Once you’ve got your ribbon collection neatly stored in jars, what creative ways can you use it?
Gift Wrapping
Jars full of curated ribbons make it easy to create beautifully wrapped packages. Pull out two coordinating ribbons to tie around a gift box or make a fancy bow.
Wreaths and Garlands
Craftnatural wreaths and swags from foraged branches and your favorite ribbons. Simply wind and tie ribbons around the base structure.
Clothing Embellishments
Use ribbon trimmed from the jars to make sweet little girl’s hair bows. Or sew ribbons onto clothing items like denim jackets for decorative flair.
Party Decorations
Raid your ribbon stash to make perfect birthday party decor. Use ribbons to create table runners, wall and ceiling streamers, pom pom garlands, and bows for chairs.
Handmade Cards
Ribbons instantly elevate handmade greeting cards. Cut pieces to embellish card fronts as borders or decorative accents. Use ribbon instead of string for gift tags.
Scrapbooking
Decorate scrapbook pages, frames and albums with coordinated ribbons. Accent photos, journaling and embellishments with relevant colors and textures.
Having a ribbon selection at your fingertips makes any project quick and easy. Follow proper storage methods, and your ribbon will always be ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should ribbon be stored flat or coiled in jars?
It’s best to coil or wrap ribbon before placing it in storage jars. Leaving ribbon loose and flat can cause tangles, knots and creases. Wrapping it around a cardboard tube, your hand or a dowel prevents kinks so it pulls out smooth.
What’s the best way to prevent ribbon fraying in storage jars?
Choose jars with smooth, rounded edges rather than sharp rims. This prevents the ribbon from catching and fraying as you remove it from the jar. Wrapping tissue paper around the outside of the coil also protects the ribbon ends.
Should you use plastic or glass jars for ribbon storage?
Glass jars are best for long term storage as they have an airtight seal and won’t absorb odors or oils. Plastic works too but may hold onto any aromas previously stored inside. Glass also looks nicer for displaying ribbons.
How do I get old, wrinkled ribbon to lie flat again?
Lay the wrinkled ribbon between two towels and gently press with a warm iron. The steam will relax the fibers. Or, fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist the ribbon, then smooth flat between books and let dry.
What’s the best way to prevent ribbon from fading over time in storage?
Store ribbon jars away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Choose darker glass or acrylic jars which offer some UV protection. Wrapping tissue paper around each coil also helps prevent light damage. Make sure jars have a tight seal.
Conclusion
Storing your ribbon collection neatly in jars is an easy way to prevent tangles and have options at your fingertips for any project. Use wide mouth jars large enough to accommodate the ribbon length. Carefully wrap ribbons around tubes or cardboard before inserting vertically into the jar.
Organize jars by color, type or width for easy access. Store in a cool, dry location away from heat, humidity and sunlight. Check periodically to re-wrap ribbons if needed. Follow these tips, and your ribbon will stay beautiful for years of crafting enjoyment!