Ribbons come in an exotic range of colors, styles and textures.
With that, there are more choices for every occasion and purpose.
The widths of ribbons can range from 1/16" to 3 1/2" (1.
5 to 8.
9 mm) or in some cases, even wider.
Most types of ribbons can be bought by the yard.
(meter), whereas craft ribbons are often sold by the reel.
Fashion ribbons are actually small fabrics being woven into specific width with finished edges.
(selvages) Some may consist of delicate wires woven at the edges that can assist shape the bows.
In comparison, gift wrap and craft ribbons are, in general, nonwoven (similar to paper material) with cut sealed edges.
One can easily buy cheap ribbons, but they are not tangible enough to hold on.
They can get crumbled and wrinkled during bow making.
In contrast, better quality ribbons can behave much better to create a nice bow.
Not forgetting that it can be used for recycling.
Double-faced Satin Both sides of satin are shiny.
They come in range of solid colors, either plain or feather-edged.
Also some is featured with floral designs or soft blended stripes.
This type is considered the best in quality to work with.
Grosgrain This weave structure, being a classic material, produces a matt look with a characteristic crosswise rib.
It has multiple solid colors combined with patterned, dotted and striped properties.
However, the printed patterns are only one sided, which makes tying a bow with all the "good" sides facing out challenging.
Jacquard These ribbons come in meticulous details woven into the material.
With colored or multiple-colored features, they look like small-scale draperies.
Further, metallic threads are seen in the floral and geometric designs.
They also can be differentiated with clear right and wrong sides.
They are highly ideal for use as a pinwheel, fan bow or tailored bow where only one side of the ribbon needs to be seen.
Metallic Its shiny metallic nature is challenging to work with, as its woven properties have the tendency of being pulled apart when stressed too hard.
Novelty Ribbon Another term for this is trim.
This simply is made up of fun trims, the term being inherited from the clothing industry.
They come in small embellishments and decorations stringed together.
So they are suitable more for decorative purposes on or around wrapped presents.
Sheer Ribbon Being transparent and finely woven, sheers come in satin and metallic striped forms.
These affordable sheer ribbons are usually meant to make large fleecy bows.
The downside about this type is that it does not have strong colors.
Hence, it cannot stand out from a busy wrap that has many colors.
Single-faced Satin The name suggests that one-side is shiny while the other is flat.
Again, it can be tough trying to make the shiny sides of the ribbon to show on the same side during bow making.
Velvet This fabric spots a cut luxurious and tender pile on one side while a flat one on the other.
It is comfortable to touch and rich-looking that can add depth and dimension to its colors.
Being one-sided, it may not be easy to use in making bows.
Wire-edged Taffeta This synthetic fiber looks crispy and a bit shiny.
They can come with variations; such as those with woven plaids and checks, shades from dark to light, and contrasting colors and shimmering appearance.
Many of these contain wire edges.
By this, it means that fine copper wires are woven into the selvages (finished edges of the ribbon) to give them extra hold and shape.
Given this advantage, the bad thing is that when the ribbon is overworked, it can become warped or twisty.
And that can make the edges look ugly.
With so many types of ribbons to choose from, you may be overwhelmed.
Well, which ribbons to use will depend on where they are going to be used, to what effect you want to make and how long you want them to last.
Fabric ribbons are known to be more costly than art and craft ribbons.
However, they are long-lasting and have lavish qualities which make them ideal for special gifts.
Henceforth, do take your time to research the next time you want to select ribbons for your precious gifts.
With that, there are more choices for every occasion and purpose.
The widths of ribbons can range from 1/16" to 3 1/2" (1.
5 to 8.
9 mm) or in some cases, even wider.
Most types of ribbons can be bought by the yard.
(meter), whereas craft ribbons are often sold by the reel.
Fashion ribbons are actually small fabrics being woven into specific width with finished edges.
(selvages) Some may consist of delicate wires woven at the edges that can assist shape the bows.
In comparison, gift wrap and craft ribbons are, in general, nonwoven (similar to paper material) with cut sealed edges.
One can easily buy cheap ribbons, but they are not tangible enough to hold on.
They can get crumbled and wrinkled during bow making.
In contrast, better quality ribbons can behave much better to create a nice bow.
Not forgetting that it can be used for recycling.
Double-faced Satin Both sides of satin are shiny.
They come in range of solid colors, either plain or feather-edged.
Also some is featured with floral designs or soft blended stripes.
This type is considered the best in quality to work with.
Grosgrain This weave structure, being a classic material, produces a matt look with a characteristic crosswise rib.
It has multiple solid colors combined with patterned, dotted and striped properties.
However, the printed patterns are only one sided, which makes tying a bow with all the "good" sides facing out challenging.
Jacquard These ribbons come in meticulous details woven into the material.
With colored or multiple-colored features, they look like small-scale draperies.
Further, metallic threads are seen in the floral and geometric designs.
They also can be differentiated with clear right and wrong sides.
They are highly ideal for use as a pinwheel, fan bow or tailored bow where only one side of the ribbon needs to be seen.
Metallic Its shiny metallic nature is challenging to work with, as its woven properties have the tendency of being pulled apart when stressed too hard.
Novelty Ribbon Another term for this is trim.
This simply is made up of fun trims, the term being inherited from the clothing industry.
They come in small embellishments and decorations stringed together.
So they are suitable more for decorative purposes on or around wrapped presents.
Sheer Ribbon Being transparent and finely woven, sheers come in satin and metallic striped forms.
These affordable sheer ribbons are usually meant to make large fleecy bows.
The downside about this type is that it does not have strong colors.
Hence, it cannot stand out from a busy wrap that has many colors.
Single-faced Satin The name suggests that one-side is shiny while the other is flat.
Again, it can be tough trying to make the shiny sides of the ribbon to show on the same side during bow making.
Velvet This fabric spots a cut luxurious and tender pile on one side while a flat one on the other.
It is comfortable to touch and rich-looking that can add depth and dimension to its colors.
Being one-sided, it may not be easy to use in making bows.
Wire-edged Taffeta This synthetic fiber looks crispy and a bit shiny.
They can come with variations; such as those with woven plaids and checks, shades from dark to light, and contrasting colors and shimmering appearance.
Many of these contain wire edges.
By this, it means that fine copper wires are woven into the selvages (finished edges of the ribbon) to give them extra hold and shape.
Given this advantage, the bad thing is that when the ribbon is overworked, it can become warped or twisty.
And that can make the edges look ugly.
With so many types of ribbons to choose from, you may be overwhelmed.
Well, which ribbons to use will depend on where they are going to be used, to what effect you want to make and how long you want them to last.
Fabric ribbons are known to be more costly than art and craft ribbons.
However, they are long-lasting and have lavish qualities which make them ideal for special gifts.
Henceforth, do take your time to research the next time you want to select ribbons for your precious gifts.