INSPIRATION & EDUCATION

Ribbon Materials

Ribbon is a decorative product with an almost infinite variety of materials, sizes, styles, and colors. It is classified as a narrow fabric ranging from 1/16" to 12" in width.

Ribbon began when fabrics began. It is among the oldest of decorative materials. Modern ribbon with selvedges (finished edges) began by 1500. In the 1770’s, the Dutch engine loom was developed and six types of ribbon could then be produced. In 1813, picot-edged ribbon (scalloped along the edge) became popular. Ribbon diversified into braids, cords, fringes, silk pictures, and bookmarks.

Three Principal Categories of Manufactured Ribbons

CUT-EDGE

Acetate cut by a hot knife that fuses the edges

WOVEN-EDGE

Textile industry

WIRED-EDGE

Most Common Types of Ribbon

Acetate

Brocade

Brushed Sateen

Burlap

Grosgrain

Feather Edge

Jacquard

Knits

Microfibers

Moire

Ombre

Pellon

Satin

Sheers

Tafetta

Tulle

Velvet

Ribbon Textures

ORGANDIES

Sheer and delicate

SATIN

Single or double-faced

VELVET

Soft pile on one side

GROSGRAIN

Woven blends

METALLICS

Woven from Lurex or metallic yarns

NATURAL FIBERS

Paper, cotton, jute, and linen

JACQUARDS

Specialized type of ribbon overlapping several textural types

CURLING

Bathed in glue and pressed which gives it its curling property

Ribbon Sizes

Which Ribbon to Use

What you are doing with the ribbon will determine which type you use. Some ribbons are more accommodating to creating bows, wrapping around shapes, and using as other forms of decoration. Ribbon is said to have a “good hand” if the material is substantial enough to make a bow that will stand up and look pretty.

The most common uses for ribbon in floral design would be bow-making for arrangements and wreaths and tying ribbon around bouquet handles, containers and bundles. Ribbon can bring designs together through color, texture, and pattern. It adds an extra element that provides a finishing touch to designs.