Badge ribbons

What are badge ribbons?

You may have noticed colorful fabric strips folks attach to their badges to show off personality and creativity. They’re a fun, optional part of the festival experience, and with Otafest’s switch to badges for all attendees, it’s time to join in the fun!

Etiquette

Always be polite when it comes to trading or taking part of a ribbon swap.

Be considerate in shared spaces. Not everyone in the room is there for ribbons, so please keep trading polite and out of the way.

At official ribbon swaps:

• Leave one of your ribbons for each ribbon you take. For example, if 10 designs are on display and you want one of each, leave 10 of yours. They can all be the same design or all different.
• If someone is browsing a display, let them finish before you ask whether they want to trade with you directly.
• Staff and volunteers running the swap are happy to answer questions!

When you see someone with ribbons

Having ribbons on their badge doesn’t automatically mean they’re trading. They might have bought them from a vendor or got them from friends or events. Otafest is a friendly place and people usually like to chat. Something like “Hey, I love your ribbons! Where did you get them?” is a good opener. If they’re busy or don’t want to talk, let them go.

• It's generally bad form to ask a stranger to give you one of their ribbons. If you want to trade, you can ask politely if they are interested in trading with you.
• If someone is openly handing out ribbons, it's okay to ask politely whether you can have one.
• If someone is handing out ribbons quietly, or only to certain people, leave them be. They may be for friends or a group.

Some ribbons are prizes for games, quests, or saying a password. You can ask how to earn one, but asking for the ribbon without playing is rude. Panel ribbons are for people who come to the panel. If a panel gives out ribbons for attending or taking part, stay for the panel. Don’t grab a ribbon and leave.

Respect “no.”

People pay real money to have ribbons made. If someone turns down a trade or won’t give one away, respect that. They might be running low, saving them for an event, or keeping them for friends. Common polite refusals are “Sorry, these are just for my friends” and “You need the password for this one.” Take it gracefully and move on.

Where to find ribbons

Ribbons are almost everywhere if you know what to look for! Here’s a list of common places to find them:

• VendorsSome vendors in Artist Alley and the Exhibitor Hall sell ribbons, or give them away when you buy something or follow them on social media. Look for them on display at their tables.
• PanelsSome panelists hand out ribbons to people who attend or take part.
• CosplayersSome cosplayers give them out at meetups, to people cosplaying from the same series, or to people who ask for a photo.
• Fan groupsClubs, fan communities, and small businesses often use ribbons to promote themselves.
• Games and questsSome people run games or quests and give out ribbons as prizes.
• Other tradersIf you see someone with a long roll of ribbons, they're usually happy to be asked whether they have any to trade. If they don't, that's okay.

Making your own ribbons

So you want to get in on the fun, eh? You have two options: order them online, or make them by hand. Most people make or order their ribbons before the festival and hand them out for free or trade them.

Size

Ribbons are usually 4” wide, and the two most common heights are 1⅝” and 2”. Otafest badges are 80 x 120 mm (about 3.2” wide by 4.7” tall), so a standard 4” ribbon will stick out about 0.4” past each side of your badge. To keep the exposed tape from sticking to everything, people often leave a bit of the tape backing on the overhang or cover it with small charms.

Making ribbons by hand

You can make ribbons by hand or with crafting tools like a Cricut. Here’s what you’ll need for the iron-on transfer method:

• RibbonCraft stores and dollar stores carry lots of options. Pick a colour for the background of your ribbon. Choose something with a bit of stiffness to it, and avoid wired ribbon.
• Iron-on transfer paperThis is what you print your design on. Some transfer paper is made for light fabrics and some for dark. Some brands may need you to mirror your design before printing, so read the instructions. You can do a test print on plain paper to make sure the design works out.
• A heat press and heat padHeat bonds the transfer to the ribbon. Small heat presses are available online and are the perfect size for ribbons. Use a heat pad underneath to protect your work surface.
• Double-sided tapeThis sticks the ribbon to the badge. Half-inch is the most common width. Make sure to buy tape made for crafts from a craft store or online. Hardware store tape doesn't usually work well.
• Pinking shearsPinking shears give you the zig-zag edges that you see on many ribbons. Optional but can be a nice touch.
• FrayingThe ends of your fabric may fray. Some fabric stiffening spray or a liquid seam sealant will help. You can also singe the edges carefully with a lighter if the ribbon is synthetic, but make sure to have good ventilation and be cautious.

Ordering ribbons online

DIY isn’t for everyone, but fear not! Tons of companies make custom ribbons. Some even have online design tools so you can build your ribbon on their site.

Most websites offer with a one- or two-colour options. Some companies offer full-colour printing, but it usually costs more or has a higher minimum order.

Order early! Production and shipping take time, especially if your order is coming from the USA. Leave yourself plenty of time before the festival.

Here are some places to start. Please note that the following are suggestions only and Otafest doesn’t officially endorse any of them.

• PC Nametag - They have a design tool for custom ribbons and do single imprint colour or full colour.
• Hodges Badge Company - Filter the search with Tape Top Ribbons to find their badge ribbons. Single imprint colour or full colour options.
• Marco Promos - They have single and two color imprint options as well as full colour ribbon options.
• Canuck Amusements - A local Calgary shop that can print full-colour ribbons in store. You can also order through their online shop.

What do I put on it?

That’s up to you! Some ideas:

• A catchphrase or reference from the character you’re cosplaying
• A meme, old or new (you just lost the game!)
• A character you love
• A show, manga, or game you’re into
• An inside joke with your friends
• Something relatable, like “Tummy Ache Survivor”
• A play on words, like “Back & Body Hurts”
• Something pride-related
• Anything silly that makes you laugh

Look online to see what other people have made, or play around with emojis and silly phrases. There’s no wrong way to make a badge ribbon. If it makes you happy, it’ll probably make other people happy too.

Keep it all-ages, please. Otafest is an all-ages event with kids around, so please keep adult content off your ribbons.