How to Make Brow Bands With Rosettes

Brow bands are decorative pieces attached to the horse's bridle. This accessory is often designed using elaborate trims such as rosettes, gemstones, crystals or beads. Taking time to sketch the brow band concept and mapping out decorative rosette placement allows the artist to embellish the band mixing other trim mediums, as well. Rosettes are generally made from decorative ribbon or fabric. A handmade rosette is coiled into the desired width. The trim is attached to the brow band with craft glue or stitched by hand with elastic thread for ease and movement.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler
  • Ribbon or fabric strip
  • Fabric scissors
  • Hand sewing needle
  • Elastic thread
  • Craft glue
  • Elastic (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the width of your desired ribbon or fabric rosette, such as one-half inch to 1-inch width, with a ruler. As a decorative option, design a large rosette for a narrow width brow band and embellish the center with sequins or pearls. You can also add a decorative brocade ribbon extending from the rosette for the brow band.

    • 2

      Cut the ribbon or fabric strip length 10 times the width of your rosette. Use your fabric scissors on the bias to prevent the ends from fraying. If you are working with fabric, you will have to choose the finished width for your fabric strip such as 1 inch and cut the strip according to your length.

    • 3

      Stitch the two ends of the ribbon or fabric together by hand with your needle using a simple straight stitch. Thread your needle with elastic thread. Pass the needle from the back to the front until the ends are secure.

    • 4

      Turn the ends inside out. The seam will be on the inside for a clean rosette center finish and the strip will look like a loop. Hold the stitched ends.

    • 5

      Coil the ribbon or fabric loosely by holding the stitched ends. Wrap the coiled strip in a circular pattern to form the rosette. Continue to wrap until the rosette is your desired width.

    • 6

      Hide the end of coiled ribbon or fabric slightly underneath the rosette. Stitch the end in place by hand with your needle by passing it from the back to the front several times. Cut away loose threads with your scissors.

    Making the Rosette Brow Band

    • 7

      Spread the brow band flat on your work table. Lay out your rosettes according to your design on the brow band. If your rosette's design is focused in the center of the brow band, for example, space the rosettes evenly on each side.

    • 8

      Glue the rosettes according to your pattern.

    • 9

      Hand-stitch the rosettes to elastic for fabric-covered brow bands, instead of using glue. Make sure the elastic is cut in the length of the brow band.