Cancer ribbons are colored ribbons that are used as symbols of support for specific types of cancer. Wearing a cancer ribbon shows solidarity with cancer patients, raises awareness about different types of cancer, and demonstrates support for cancer research. Cancer ribbons come in a variety of colors, with each color representing a specific type of cancer. Making your own cancer ribbon at home is easy, inexpensive, and meaningful.
What you’ll need
To make a cancer ribbon by hand, you’ll need just a few simple supplies:
| Ribbon or fabric | The ribbon should be in the color that represents the type of cancer you want to support. Common cancer ribbon colors include pink for breast cancer, orange for leukemia, and teal for ovarian cancer. |
| Scissors | You’ll need a good pair of fabric scissors to cut the ribbon cleanly. |
| Hot glue gun | A hot glue gun allows you to seal the edges of the ribbon to prevent fraying. |
| Hair clip or pin back | These allow you to wear the finished ribbon. Look for alligator clips or pin backs with a strong grip. |
You may also want to have on hand:
– Pencil and paper for drafting your design
– Ruler for measuring ribbon lengths
– Iron to press flat ribbon edges
– Decorations like beads, buttons, or acrylic paints for customizing
Selecting your ribbon
The first step is choosing a ribbon in the appropriate awareness color. Cancer ribbon colors include:
| Pink | Breast cancer |
| Dark blue | Colon cancer |
| Teal | Ovarian cancer |
| Purple | Pancreatic cancer |
| Dark green | Kidney cancer |
| Gray | Brain cancer |
| Peach | Uterine cancer |
Look for grosgrain, satin, or silk ribbons about 1-2 inches wide. The ribbon should be long enough to form the loops and tails for your design. 24-30 inches is a good length to work with. Pick a ribbon width and texture you find appealing.
Design your ribbon shape
Classic cancer ribbon shapes include:
– Loop ribbon: A single ribbon folded into a loop and secured. This is the simplest design.
– Folded ribbon: A ribbon folded into a V-shape and secured at the bottom point. Creates two long ribbon tails.
– Double loop: Two separate ribbons anchored together to create two adjacent loops.
– Triple loop: Three separate ribbons looped together side-by-side.
Sketch your chosen design on paper, considering the ribbon length and width. Simple designs are best for beginners. You can get creative and make multi-layered or asymmetrical designs once you’re comfortable with the basics.
Cut your ribbon
Using fabric scissors, cut your ribbon to the desired length based on your sketch. For loops, the ribbon length should be half the desired loop circumference. For folded ribbons, cut the ribbon to the desired finished length from the base to end of tails.
Cut carefully and evenly for clean edges. For polyester grosgrain, you can melt and seal the cut edges with a lighter to prevent fraying. For silk or satin, plan to use a hot glue gun to seal edges.
Shape and glue the ribbon
Shape the ribbon into the desired loops or folds, using your sketch as a guide. For loops, bring the ends together and overlap about a 1/2 inch. For folded ribbons, make the central V-fold and overlap the cut ends at the base.
Apply hot glue within the overlapped area, being careful not to burn your fingers. Firmly press and hold for 30 seconds while the glue sets. This seals the shape and prevents fraying. Make any additional loops or layers using more hot glue to anchor ribbons together.
Seal ribbon edges
Run a thin bead of hot glue along the raw edges and cut ends of the ribbon shape. Work slowly and carefully to avoid burns. The hot glue will soak into the fabric and create a plastic-like seal to prevent unraveling or fraying with wear.
For added security, you can reapply glue to high-wear areas like fold points after drying. Let the glue fully cool and harden before wearing or handling the ribbon.
Add embellishments
Once the ribbon shape is assembled and edges sealed, decorative touches can be added. Sew or glue on beads, buttons, or acrylic paint designs.
Simple options include painting on dots, stripes or the name of the cancer type. Add sparkling crystals, metallic beads, or letter beads to spell out messages like “Hope” or “Cure.” Make it unique to your style.
Attach a pin back or clip
To complete your cancer awareness ribbon, attach a finding so it can be worn. Sew pin backs and alligator clips to one side of the ribbon, adding a drop of hot glue for reinforcement.
Pin backs allow you to securely fasten the ribbon to clothing or bags. Alligator clips are great for attaching the ribbon directly to hair or hats.
Show your support
Once your cancer ribbon is complete, wear it proudly to show your commitment to fighting cancer. Spreading awareness of major cancer types that affect both women and men can go a long way to boosting research, early detection, and better patient outcomes.
Handmade ribbons also make thoughtful gifts for fellow supporters. Make ribbons for family members or friends who have been impacted by cancer. Coordinate with charity events or fundraisers by creating matching ribbons for all attendees.
With some simple supplies and basic techniques, it’s easy to DIY cancer ribbons in any color. Put your crafting skills to good use and show some love for cancer fighters and survivors.
Conclusion
Making your own cancer ribbon only requires some colored ribbon, basic craft supplies, and a few easy steps. Choose an awareness color that represents the type of cancer you want to support. Design a classic loop, folded, or multi-loop shape that you can assemble from cut ribbon lengths. Use hot glue to seal the shape and edges before adding any decorative embellishments. Finally, attach a finding like a pin back so the ribbon can be worn in support of cancer fighters, survivors, and research. With a bit of craftiness and creativity, you can easily make custom cancer ribbons for any cause close to your heart.