These clip-on lip balm holders are a super cute, fast and easy DIY project to make for birthday party favors or thank-you gifts ! I usually make at least a dozen of these adorable little ribbon chapstick holders because they are SO easy and quick to create – and they are a great last-minute handmade gift idea. They’re an ESSENTIAL addition for backpacks, gym bags and purses so we can ALL stop the frantic search for lip balm in our overstuffed, unorganized bags (NO judgement here, friends).
You just need 1 1/2″ ribbon, swivel clips, and basic sewing skills to complete these little holders in minutes. I’ll give you the ribbon / folding measurements I use, but using a little less or a little more is a personal preference, of course. As long as the chapstick stays in its pouch, then your mission is accomplished!
I have a lot of ribbon. Okay….too much ribbon. I just like to have a lot of options, in the event that I need ribbon at a moment’s notice. Or there’s a ribbon shortage. It could totally happen.
Let’s Do This!
1 1/2″ ribbon
1 1/2″ swivel clip
Yep….pretty complicated supply list.
- Cut a length of ribbon about 9″. Finish the ends by singeing with a match, lighter, or heat of some sort (I use a disposable lighter because they are easy to find and cheap).
- Fold one end down about 1/2″ (personal preference) and sew across the width.
- Fold the opposite end over a swivel clip, and allow 2 – 3″ to fold over, as this will be the inside “liner” of the lip balm holder.
- You’re at the FINAL STEP! I know…already?! These are so quick and simple, you just need to make a lot of them so you can give awesome gifts ALL the time!
- Okay..we have to stitch around the holder to form the “pouch”. You can do it a lot of different ways, but I like to start on one side of the folded bottom, sew up the side, across the top (to hold the swivel hook in place, then turn the pouch and finish the remaining side.
Eureka!
You’ve got one rockin’ cute little lip balm holder! BAM!
These are great gifts for teachers, coaches, friends, and random acquaintances. I’ve posted instructions HERE for super easy headbands made out of the same width ribbon, so HOW CUTE would it be to give a lip balm holder (with awesome balm, of course) and a matching no-slip headband??
Perfect for kiddos, tweens, and workout chicks! I like to include a “plumping” lip balm or organic balm for my gym friends and rockin’ moms. Don’t forget to add a headband (instructions here) for a perfect set of accessories!
Was this Ribbon Lip Balm Holder tutorial helpful? I really hope so!! If it was, could you do me a favor and please PIN it to your Pinterest board?
Save it….you will definitely be making more than one of these amazing clippies! If you have any comments, feedback or suggestions, I’d LOVE to hear them in the comment section below.
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Thanks so much for stopping by our Inspired Mess world
This was my first project 🙂 and my daughter loved it. Thanks
So glad you liked the project! We love to make these for little party favors, package toppers, or little “thank yous”. We’re happy you stopped by!
I already make my own homemade lip balm. These will be a great addition. Thanks for the tutorial!!
Love the holders! Thanks
We do goodie bags for our softball girls for district playpffs. I tried 3 different tutorials for a chapstick holder and this one by far was the easiest and the cutest one finished.. Thank you for sharing.
Jacque
I made one for myself today! No more digging in the bottom of my pride while driving! Thanks for sharing!
What kind of ribbon did you use and where did you get it or order it?
Hi Camille! I always use printed grosgrain ribbon as it’s a bit more stable than satin. If you have a Hobby Lobby or Joann’s close by, they always have sales (usually every other week) that are 50% off entire stock of printed ribbon spools. Most Walmart stores even have a craft section, and they have wide ribbon that can be used too!
Thanks for this great tutorial! I am making these as Valentines for my daughters 3rd grade class!
They are so fast to whip up. My teenage daughter wanted one for her lanyard, and i made one for the inside of my purse.
Yay, Amy! What perfect Valentines gifts for kiddos! Seriously, I make batches (20?) of these at one time, then they’re ready to go when I need a little gift or an “extra” something special in a package. So easy, and everyone loves them. They are great for any age! I made one out of camo print ribbon for my husband and he carries it inside his backpack. So glad you found this project!
This site looks AWESOME
Awwww, Kathy. Thank you so much! Stay tuned for some new projects – fun, easy, and super cute for fall.
Did you use a sewing machine or hand sew ?
I sew these with a machine – up one side, across the top, down the other side. Super quick. If you don’t have a machine, hand-sewing would totally work too. Just use a sharp needle, as pushing through two layers of grosgrain ribbon can be a challenge for a dull(ish) needle.
Does the chapstick slip out of the ribbon? I love the idea and have been looking for a tutorial so thanks!
Hey Alison! Surprisingly….and magically….if you use 1 1/2″ grosgrain ribbon, the “standard” lip balm stays in REALLY well! I have one clipped to almost every bag, and my backpack gets thrown around like CRAZY! My lip balm stays in the holder. 🙂 I also have one with a lipstick SHOVED into it, and since it’s a bigger tube, it really stays in place. Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks for stopping by. I hope this tutorial was helpful! – CJ
Made these with fun candy/soda flavored lip balms for a class party.
It’s fun to see them on all the backpacks. I love not digging for Chapstick in my purse now too! Thanks for the great instructions.
Seriously, Amy. I have them on every bag! They are so easy to sew up….and make great gifts. Just when I think I’ve made one for every single person I know, I realize there is a teacher, instructor, or friend that I’ve missed. One day I’ll venture into making my own lip balm, but in the meantime, I find 8 – 10 packs of Burt’s Bees or EOS sticks at Costco. 🙂