Before We Begin
To create your Ronghua piece smoothly, prepare the following tools and materials
If you ordered our complete Ronghua Craft Tool Kit, you’re all set already.
Otherwise, you’ll need:
- A bristle brush
- A flat iron / hair straightener
- Tweezers
- Two or more pairs of scissors (A pair of long-blade scissors )
- Wooden sticks, pencils, or chopsticks
- Hair spray or white glue diluted with alcohol or water
(recommended ratio: 1:2) - Small clips and Large clips (about 15 cm long)
- Twisting boards and wooden blocks
- Anti-slip powder for better grip during twisting
Full Tutorial Video
Step 1. Preparing the Threads
Start by opening the silk bundles.
Find the tied end of each bundle and carefully cut the knot. Once opened, cut all of the silk threads in half once more.
Carefully arrange the strands in the same direction, then secure them onto a thin stick with the ends aligned evenly. Keeping the lengths consistent will help create a smoother and more even texture in the later steps.
Step 2.Preparing the Silk Rows
Be sure to follow the measurements shown in the diagram, as each row may vary slightly in length and thickness. Below are the completed silk rows we prepared.
Step 3. Brush the Silk
Fix the silk fibers in place using your preferred setup, then carefully comb the fibers to align them smoothly and evenly.
Don't have a Ronghua stand? Click here for alternative setup options.
Use a bristle brush to gently comb through the silk rows.
Continue brushing for around 3-5 minutes until the silk fibers become soft, fluffy, and fully loosened with no strands sticking together. If static occurs, lightly mist water into the air nearby.
Step 4. Attaching the Copper Wires
We recommend clicking the video below to watch how to attach the copper wires.
Once the silk has been brushed thoroughly, secure the opposite end with another large clip to keep the silk stretched tightly and evenly.
Take one copper wire from the folded end of the silk row and straighten it completely. Twist the folded section into a small spiral about 3 cm long.
Place the silk fibers between the two copper wires. Keep both wires taut and twist them gently to clamp the silk fibers between the wires. Continue until the entire strip is secured.
Make sure the wire spacing matches the measurements shown in Step 2.
If you have anti-slip powder, lightly applying some to your fingers can make the twisting process much easier.
Step 5. Cutting the Silk Strips
Neatly trim the end of the silk row, then cut between each pair of copper wires to separate the silk into individual strips.
When cutting, make sure the scissors are positioned exactly in the center between two copper wires. This helps keep the width of each silk strip even and consistent.
If silk fibers begin sticking to the scissors, clean the blades before continuing — this is usually caused by static or glue residue. Make quick, clean cuts to keep the edges neat and even.
Be careful not to touch or press against the copper wires while cutting, as this may shift their position. If a wire does move slightly, gently adjust it back into place before continuing to cut.
Step 6. Centering and Twisting the Silk Strips
Use a flat surface or wooden block to gently adjust the copper wire until it sits in the center of each silk strip.
Once centered, hold both ends firmly and twist your hands in opposite directions to tighten the strip.
Next, place the copper wire section between the twisting boards and continue twisting in the same direction while keeping the wire taut. Stop once the strip feels firm and compact.
Avoid overtwisting, as this may cause the copper wire to deform or break.
To check if the strip is tight enough, gently rub the twisting boards against the strip — there should be slight resistance. Properly tightened strips will only show a faint trace of the copper wire.
Step 7. Flattening the Silk Strips
Next, prepare the remaining silk strips.
Use tweezers to gently straighten and tidy the fibers. For the petal strips, Trim the wire from the white end. Then use a heated flat iron to press the strip flat. Always press from the back toward the front.
Soak the strip with hairspray to help it keep its shape. If you do not have hairspray, you can use a mixture of white glue and alcohol at roughly a 1:2–1:3 ratio instead.
Remove any excess liquid before drying, otherwise the strip may become too thick or stiff.
Stand the strip upright and allow it to dry completely
Step 8.Wire Shaping
Now, prepare 5 petal pieces, and 0.5 mm copper wire for the next step: shaping the petals.
Take out the shaping mold included in the kit. Use tweezers to help shape the mold into the desired curve. Then apply glue and attach the wire frame to the matching silk piece.
Optional: To improve adhesion between the wire frame and the silk piece, gently heat the glued area with a hair straightener. This helps the glue dry faster and creates a stronger bond.
Step 9.Shaping and Setting the Silk Strips
Allow the glue to dry completely. Then carefully trim away the excess silk along the wire frame.
Step 10. Assembling
Use two strands of thread to wrap and assemble the petals.
Assemble the petals, flower center as desired. Adjust the arrangement freely to achieve your preferred design.
Next, use a stick to hold the hair clip in place, making it easier to attach the Ronghua piece to the clip base.
Use 3 strands of thread to firmly wrap and secure the flower onto the hair clip. Try to keep the wrapping neat, smooth, and evenly covered without visible gaps.
To finish, lightly heat the wrapped thread with a lighter to tighten it. You can also apply a small amount of white glue to reinforce the wrapped areas for extra stability.
We can’t wait to see your creation
If you have any questions, feel free to DM us on Instagram anytime.