Tradamis

Traditional Music and Dance In Schools

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Maypoles and Ribbons
replacing ribbons and making maypoles

Ribbons

What is usually used is coloured webbing. 1 inch wide for small poles, 1.5 inch  for larger poles. 

You will need lengths of 1½  times the height of the pole.

The ends of the webbing should be sealed to stop them from fraying, to do this you can applya  small amount of clear adhesive along the edge.

The end that is held can be folded over and sewn to form a loop to place the hands in.

Satin ribbon is to light and is more likely to tangle if it is windy.

Close up of webbing weave

Where can I buy ribbons?

 This type of webbing can be purchased from Sew Divine (Bracknell Market and Reading)  They can provide items by post, their address is  24 Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1JQ  phone  0118 926 8664    Email  info@sewdevine.com

Attaching Ribbons to the maypole

One of the ways each ribbon can be attached to the crown (a disk with holes drilled around the edge will serve well) is with a small animal leash clip with swivel link. The left hand end can be hooked through the holes on the rim of the disc.
If the top disc has hooks attached to the rim then key rings or curtain rings can be sewn onto the end of the ribbons to attach them.

Construction of Maypoles and Crowns

For those with woodwork and metalwork skills you could make your own. It is fairly simple to get a netball post and attach a small bicycle wheel to the top and tie the ribbons on to that.

For something more sophisticated (for up to 16 dancers) the latest edition of the  book  has instructions on making a really nice wooden pole. This does require some time and skill!