CAP Talk

General Discussion => Uniforms & Awards => Topic started by: James Shaw on August 15, 2007, 12:23:05 PM

Title: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: James Shaw on August 15, 2007, 12:23:05 PM
Greetings folks. I was wondering if anyone has some good pictures of the way the Ultra Thin Ribbons are made. I have been experimenting myself and have comeup with a pretty good sample. I want to compare them as far as how they look. Alot cheaper for me to make than order. If I can "perfect" my method than I may start making them ... and maybe saving some money! I would appreciate the help.
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: dwb on August 15, 2007, 12:59:05 PM
I don't have a picture of my UltraThins available on the 'Net, but basically, they're just the fabric of the ribbon folded flat and glued to a piece of clear plastic.  The plastic can either have standard posts or magnets to attach to the uniform.  Mine have the posts, I wasn't sure if the magnets would work well.

Christie Ducote posted some pics of hers on CadetStuff -- linky (http://forums.cadetstuff.org/viewtopic.php?p=182097#182097).

Interestingly, her NCSA ribbon has the clasps close together.  On all my ribbons that have clasps, they're evenly spaced across the ribbon.
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: James Shaw on August 15, 2007, 02:39:31 PM
Thanks for the info. I have managed to do almost the exact same thing. They are 3/16 of an inch thick.
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: IceNine on August 15, 2007, 05:16:14 PM
Only advice I have is to use regular white glue, not super or hot glue as they do not try clear
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: James Shaw on August 16, 2007, 08:58:49 PM
Works great. I will add a picture later.
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: Major Carrales on August 16, 2007, 09:05:16 PM
As an aside, the other day I saw a guy with what looked like "embroidered ribbons."  Could these have been ultrathins?
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: O-Rex on August 16, 2007, 09:29:45 PM
Quote from: Major Carrales on August 16, 2007, 09:05:16 PM
As an aside, the other day I saw a guy with what looked like "embroidered ribbons."  Could these have been ultrathins?

There are some companies that embroider ribbons: once in a while you'll see some flag-rank officers wearing them.

They are expen$ive. . . .

Ultrathins aren't cheap either, but they rock, particularly the magnetic sets.

If you prefect the technique, PLEASE share: I'm a bit of a do-it-yourselfer:  Got tired of paying five bucks a pop for the drycleaning shop to sew-on patches, got myself a sewing machine, and never looked back!

Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: Major Carrales on August 16, 2007, 09:31:53 PM
Quote from: O-Rex on August 16, 2007, 09:29:45 PM
Quote from: Major Carrales on August 16, 2007, 09:05:16 PM
As an aside, the other day I saw a guy with what looked like "embroidered ribbons."  Could these have been ultrathins?

There are some companies that embroider ribbons: once in a while you'll see some flag-rank officers wearing them.


I wasn't close, however, these things looked as if they were embroidered on a cloth and then cloth as sewn to the service coat.
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: James Shaw on August 17, 2007, 12:05:36 AM
I was actually able to get the magnets to stick pretty good as well. I have a little more experimenting to do but will probably have a good rundown in a few days. The only kick back is that I had to have a special tool made for the ribbons. I made a set and even wore it for a photo to go in the Volunteer Magazine. I will share more at a later time.
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: IceNine on August 17, 2007, 01:38:00 AM
When do you plan on accepting orders?
Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: O-Rex on August 17, 2007, 01:52:54 AM
Another thing that works well are magnets on miniature wings, ground team and specialty badges.

Radio Shack sells "rare earth" magnets for $1.98/pr. (need 2 pair)  that are strong enough to keep the badge on the shirt (not recommended for jacket.) I grind off the prongs with a dremel, then  glue them with epoxy: two magnets for the badge, and two for clear plastic backing, cut to shape like the badge.

Title: Re: Ultra Thin Ribbons Question
Post by: James Shaw on August 17, 2007, 05:17:03 PM
Working on a second set. I have figured out a great way to get the magnets to stay even better. I put the jacket on and took it off about 7 times and the ribbons did not slip at all. The only time they slipped was when I stretched above my head. Here are some pictures. They look better in the hand than they do the picture. I have found that the S&R ribbon is slightly wider than the rest.