1Prepare the curling rod.

Obtain a dowel, stick, pencil or rod on which to curl the ribbons around. A smaller diameter makes smaller curls while a larger diameter makes bigger curls.

2Make a cornstarch solution.

Mix about 1 tablespoon cornstarch powder and 1 pint (470 mL) water in a spray bottle. Swirl the bottle to completely dissolve the cornstarch.

3Cut a length of ribbon.

Cut a length of fabric ribbon. Remember that curling will shorten the ribbon so allow for a few inches of extra length.

4Tape the ribbon onto the rod.

Tape the tip of the fabric ribbon or clip it in place with a clothespin onto one end of the rod or dowel.

5Wind the ribbon around the rod.

Carefully wind the ribbon around the length of the dowel.

a.)  Tight curls - to come up with tight curls, wind the ribbon close together, but not overlapping.

b.)  Loose curls - for loose curls, use a longer stick or rod. Wind the ribbon around the rod at widely-spaced intervals.

6Tape the end in place.

Tape or clip the end of the ribbon in place.

7Spray with the cornstarch solution.

Spray with the cornstarch solution until the entire ribbon is soaked.

8Let it dry.

Allow the ribbons to dry completely.

9Remove the ribbon.

Once the ribbon is dry, remove the tape or clips at the end of the rod. Carefully slide the curled ribbon off of the rod.

The curls on these starched ribbons will stay unless you wash the ribbon in water. For more permanent curls, you can bake the ribbons at 125°C (255°F) for 10 minutes.