Rayon Seam Binding - Crinkle Ribbon

I have had several e-mails from people asking about using Rayon Seam Binding to make Crinkle Ribbon.   Most saw a video or read somewhere that you couldn't use Rayon Seam Binding to make Crinkle Ribbon....you had to buy a "special" ribbon designed specifically for making Crinkle Ribbon.   

I have one thing to say to that...

Bull!

You do not have to buy any special ribbon to make Crinkle Ribbon and I'll prove it to you...

(NOTE: I did not alter any of these photos in any fashion.)

Some months ago I shared the technique I use to dye and crinkle Rayon Seam Binding but I will share it with you again and use the stop watch on my phone to show you it can be done...

First about 100% Rayon Seam Binding.  I have two types ~ new (yellow label) and vintage (blue/cream label).  I have made Crinkle Ribbon from both types and each work equally well. 

The reason I have two different types of binding can be seen in this photo ~ when the ribbon is wet then crinkled the vintage seam binding takes on a gauze-y distressed look while the new seam binding looks basically the same.  I believe the reason for this is that the vintage ribbon isn't as tightly woven as the newer type of ribbon.  I particularly like to use the vintage Crinkle Ribbon on projects where I'm wanting a REALLY vintage feel.  It also looks really cool when used on Halloween projects too!  

On to the Crinkle Ribbon....

I usually pounce my ink onto my Non-Stick Craft Mat, spritz it with a bit of water and dip my ribbon into the puddle of inky water.  If I'm looking for a more intense color or some variation in the color I will then rub my ink pad directly on the wet ribbon.  

I then wad the ribbon up into a ball ~ this is where you put the "crinkle" in Crinkle Ribbon.

Then I heat the ribbon with my Heat Tool to speed drying.  It usually only takes about 15-20 seconds to dry the ribbon because it is very thin and filmy.  

This step is where the dispute over Rayon Seam Binding apparently arises.  One or several people have mentioned that if you heat the Rayon Seam Binding the ribbon will burn or melt!  Which is also where it has been said that you have to purchase the "special" ribbon.

I say ~ Nonsense!!!!

I set about to prove these naysayers wrong and show you the proof. 

I placed a piece of the vintage 100% Rayon Seam Binding on my Non-Stick Craft Mat.  I placed a drop of water on the binding to initially hold it in place because it likes to flit and flutter about when it's dry.    I warmed my Heat Tool up prior to heating the ribbon for about 30 seconds.  I then turned the gun on the ribbon and started my stop watch on my phone.   I held the heat tool over one spot on the ribbon, never waving the gun or diverting the heat to any other section.

As you can see the timer was at a minute and twelve seconds and the ribbon hasn't yet burst into flames or even singed yet....

I repeated the same test using the new 100% Rayon Seam Binding.  There was a tad bit of shrinkage after about 35 seconds and at one minute and 5 seconds the seam binding did start to singe in one area.

There was a bit of "smoke" with both types of ribbon when the water was initially evaporated by the heat tool but that "smoke" is actually steam which occurs with the "special" ribbon as well. 

Here are both pieces of heated ribbon... 

So while I'm sure the "special" ribbon works great I say that 100% Rayon Seam Binding works just as well as these photos have shown. 

I hope that clears up some of the confusion about using 100 % Rayon Seam Binding to make your own Crinkle Ribbon.