Ultra Thin Ribbons Question

James Shaw · 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.

dwb · 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.

Interestingly, her NCSA ribbon has the clasps close together. On all my ribbons that have clasps, they're evenly spaced across the ribbon.

James Shaw · 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.

IceNine · 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

James Shaw · August 16, 2007, 08:58:49 PM

Works great. I will add a picture later.

Major Carrales · 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?

O-Rex · 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!

Major Carrales · 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.

James Shaw · 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.

IceNine · August 17, 2007, 01:38:00 AM

When do you plan on accepting orders?

O-Rex · 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.

James Shaw · 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.