How to Make Ribbon Browbands

A browband is the leather strip attached to the bridle of a horse right below the ears of the animal. It stretches across the horse's brow and keeps the top of the bridle in place when the horse is moving. Decorate browbands with ribbon that match your riding outfit, or to add flair to your horse's gear. There are many types of browband ribbon patterns, and some even include rhinestones.

Things You'll Need

  • PVC or leather browband (1 inch wide)
  • 7mm satin ribbon (three colors)
  • Fabric glue or super glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length of your browband and add 1 inch to your measurement. This is the length for the first two colors of ribbon. Cut one piece of the first color of 7mm satin ribbon and cut two pieces of the second color of 7mm satin ribbon.

    • 2

      Position the three ribbons horizontally across the front of the browband. Glue one end only of each piece of ribbon to the left end of the browband. Let the ribbon tails hang free. For the best holding power use fabric glue or super glue. Glue the ribbon ends side by side; place the first ribbon color in between the two pieces of ribbon that are the same color.

    • 3

      Cut one piece of the third color of 7mm satin ribbon to a length that equals three times the length of the browband. Glue the end of this ribbon vertically across the three glued ribbon ends. Let sit 20 minutes to dry.

    • 4

      Wrap the third color or vertical piece of ribbon tightly around the back of the browband and bring it toward the front. Lift, only, the two horizontal pieces of ribbon of the same color; leave the middle piece flat against the browband. Wrap the third, vertical ribbon over the front of the browband and cover the middle ribbon. Put the two side ribbons back in place.

    • 5

      Wrap the vertical ribbon again around the back of the browband and bring it toward the front. This time, lift up the center ribbon and wrap the vertical ribbon over the front of the browband covering the two side pieces of ribbon. Lower the middle ribbon back into place.

    • 6

      Repeat the ribbon weaving process described in steps 4 and 5 until the browband is completely covered with ribbon, and you have a tight, even checkerboard pattern. Glue the threee horizontal ribbon ends in place. Wrap the vertical ribbon one last time over the front of the band to cover the ends and glue in place. Trim any excess ribbon ends.