How to Line an Alligator Clip with Ribbon (Easy +VIDEO)

Learning how to line an alligator clip involves wrapping ribbon around a metal hair clip and securing it with glue to create a smooth, professional finish. Lined alligator clips look more polished, feel comfortable to wear, and are perfect for attaching bows, flowers, and other DIY hair accessories. This simple technique is widely used in hair ribbon bow making and gives your handmade accessories a boutique-quality appearance.

Supplies to Line a Clip with Ribbon

Here is a list of the materials you will need to cover your metal clip in ribbon:

• Clips – There are 2 types of alligator clips: double-prong and single-prong. Either will work for this tutorial. I have used a double prong that I purchased online from Aliexpress. You can get bags cheaply from Amazon and eBay.
• Hot glue gun – cool glue generally doesn’t stick it as well.
• Ribbon – Cut 6 inches (15cm) of 3/8 inch (1cm) ribbon. This is a little longer than you will need for most clips, but it gives you a small margin of error at the end.

Best Ribbon for Lining Clips – Grosgrain ribbon is the most popular choice because it is durable, flexible, and easy to glue. Satin ribbon can also be used, but it may be more slippery.

How to Line an Alligator Clip with Ribbon (Step by Step)

Here are the step by step instructions for how to make alligator clips:

If your ribbon frays a lot, you can seal the ends either by melting them with a lighter or applying an anti-fraying solution like Fray Stop. (Read how to stop ribbon from fraying)

Apply Glue to Underside

• Start by applying glue to the last 2 inches (5cm) of the ribbon’s underside. Read this article if you have never used a hot glue gun before.

• Open up the clip and put the end of the ribbon wrong side up at the back hinge. Smooth the ribbon on the top of the inside.

• Wrap it around and bring the ribbon to the top.

Glue the Ribbon to the Top

• Put glue along the top of the prong. Smooth the ribbon on top.

• Put a dab of glue at the back on the hinges. Smooth the ribbon in and out of the hinge.

• See how I have followed the contours of the end. Here is a close-up photo. Check the length of the remaining ribbon. You want it to finish about ½ inch (12mm) past the hinge. Trim if necessary.

Finish the Underneath

• Finally, put a bit of glue underneath the remaining ribbon and smooth it along the prong of the DIY alligator clips.

Now you could put ribbon all the way along the underneath prong, but I find that leaving the bottom exposed allows the clip to grab the hair much better. Clips that are completely covered in ribbon tend to slide out. You can experiment with what works best for your hair.

Here are some finished clips in all the different ribbons. All done and ready to add to bows, tulle, and flowers. Try these fun and free hair clip tutorials.

How to Attach a Bow or Flower to a Lined Alligator Clip

Once your clip is lined, it is ready to decorate. Hair bows, felt bows, and fabric flowers can all be attached using hot glue.

Attaching a Bow

Apply a thin line of hot glue to the center back of the bow. Position the bow on the top of the lined clip and press firmly for several seconds until the glue sets.

Attaching a Flower

Fabric flowers and felt flowers are attached in the same way. Add a small amount of hot glue to the back of the flower and center it on the clip. For larger flowers, glue a small felt circle to the back first to create a flat surface and provide extra stability.

Allow the glue to cool completely before wearing the clip.

These lined clips are perfect for attaching bows and flowers. Explore my DIY Hair Accessories guide for more ideas, including fabric bows, scrunchies, flower clips, and headbands.

Covering a Clip with Ribbon FAQs

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In Conclusion

Learning how to line an alligator clip is a simple technique that makes a big difference in the quality of your DIY hair bows and accessories. By covering the clip with ribbon, you create a smooth, professional finish that looks more polished and feels more comfortable to wear. Lined alligator clips also provide a better base for attaching bows, flowers, and other decorations.

With just a few basic supplies and a couple of minutes, you can transform plain metal clips into beautiful boutique-style hair accessories. Once you have mastered lining clips, you can experiment with different ribbon colors, textures, and patterns to perfectly match your projects. This small extra step will give your handmade hair accessories a professional look that stands out. With just a few basic supplies and a couple of minutes, you can transform plain metal clips into beautiful boutique-style hair accessories.

More Hair Accessories Tutorials:

1. How to Make Fabric Hair Accessories
2. Felt Bow with Printable Template
3. How to Make Fabric Bows
4. DIY Felt Bow
5. DIY Fabric Bow for Clothing 
6. DIY Hair Ties: Bow Hairbands {Free Pattern}