5 Common Types of Ribbon and Their Most Popular Uses

From satin to lace, we cover different types of ribbons, and how you can use them in your projects.
By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 25, 2023
JustToSew is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

There was a time ribbon was considered an expensive commodity reserved for the rich. However, today, if you take a stroll on the internet and search for types of ribbons, you will be presented with a wide range of options. This is no surprise considering their extensive usage – from serving as wrappings for Christmas and birthday gifts to doubling up as decoration items for wedding cakes. When it comes to their usage in decor, there are no limitations, and they can take on different shapes.

However, to achieve the perfect styling with ribbons, you need to know how to use the different options. Your ability to use ribbons creatively is the difference between an amateur and an A-list decorator. This article presents you with all the most common types of ribbons out there and how to use them creatively.

Common Types of Ribbon

Most ribbons are differentiated by the materials they’re made of. The most common types of ribbon material include mesh, fiber, silk, lace, and nylon. The materials they’re made from gives them a different texture. While some ribbons are sturdy and durable, others are soft and flexible.

Below, you will discover the most common types of ribbons in the market and the right occasion to utilize each type.

1. Satin Ribbon

5 Common Types of Ribbon and Their Most Popular Uses

Satin ribbons are favored for their versatility and their ability to catch the eye quickly. They’re suitable for a variety of tasks thanks to their shiny and smooth surface. Many decorators favor satin ribbons than others due to their soft nature, which allows them to run cutting tools such as sewing scissors over it with little effort.

Satin ribbons also come in different shapes and sizes. There are a variety of solid color choices to pick from. While some brands offer 5 color choices, Vatin offers 10 color options in a single pack. The more numbers you have, the better your chances of expressing your creativity.

2. Grosgrain Ribbon

5 Common Types of Ribbon and Their Most Popular Uses

Grosgrain Trusted Source Grosgrain - Wikipedia Grosgrain, is a type of fabric or ribbon defined by the fact that its weft is heavier than its warp, creating prominent transverse ribs. It is called a “corded” fabric since the weft resembles a fine cord. Grosgrain is a plain weave corded fabric, with heavier cords than in poplin but lighter than in faille. Grosgrain has a very dull appearance with little luster but is very strong. en.wikipedia.org ribbons are preferred when it comes to fabric decorations. They are used for adding extra details to fabrics – hence, you can make them into a bow to attach to your gown, jacket, and coat.

The Grosgrain ribbon has a textured appearance which gives it a unique glossy look. This ribbon type isn’t soft; instead, it’s durable and can be altered into different shapes. While Grosgrain got its roots in fabric design, modern decorators use it for gift wrapping and flower decoration.

It’s common for Grosgrain ribbons to be made into bows that are attached to birthday gifts, wedding gifts, and bridal shower gifts. It creates a more personalized look, which makes them stand out.

3. Organza Ribbon

5 Common Types of Ribbon and Their Most Popular Uses

If you’ve seen those ribbons used for decorating wedding chairs and tables, then organza ribbons shouldn’t be a mystery to you. They’re thin, lightweight, and easy to smoothen with a pressing iron when they wrinkle.

This type of ribbon is also used to line up wedding gowns to add a touch of elegance to the fabric. Organza ribbons come in different forms, and their width determines how you can use them. For example, most 1 inch wide sheer ribbons are suited for gift and bouquet wrapping. You will need something wider for chair and table decoration.

4. Lace Ribbon

5 Common Types of Ribbon and Their Most Popular Uses

Lace ribbons can be manually sewn into fabrics using a sewing kit. Although they don’t offer the same durability as other types of satin, they will add an extra spark to your decorations, especially if you pick them for high-profile events.

5. Velvet Ribbon

5 Common Types of Ribbon and Their Most Popular Uses

Velvet ribbons are the pick of most glamour events. They symbolize elegance and are used as a decorative element in most luxurious occasions. They’re mostly used in birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, and other high-end projects where special dignitaries are present.

Unlike Satin ribbons which are easy to use, velvet ribbons should be handled with care. They tend to come with a plain underside in addition to a velvet surface. It’s important to prevent the plush surface from getting shiny as you run some sewing tools over it during decoration.

Ribbon Uses

Almost everyone associates ribbons with gift wrapping, but their usage goes beyond that. If we’re to count, there are probably over 100 ways to use ribbons. This is because they allow decorators to channel their creativity to achieve different results. Below, we’ve listed the common projects ribbons are used for.

Gift Wrapping

Ribbons are used to generate wraps for birthdays as well as wedding gifts. When it comes to gift wrapping, there are different options available. However, your choice of ribbon depends on the purpose you want it to serve. For instance, Satin and organza ribbons are preferred for gift wrapping because of their shiny look and soft nature.

Wedding Fabric Lining

Ribbons are also used for fabric underlining. It’s difficult to find a wedding gown without a touch of ribbon in it. They are used to add a touch of elegance to fabrics and can be made into a bow. When it comes to wedding gowns, satin ribbons are mostly used. This is because they’re soft, readily available, and also affordable.

Florist and Craft Projects

5 Common Types of Ribbon and Their Most Popular Uses

Whether you want to design a bouquet or add a touch of elegance to your Christmas tree, there are different types of craft ribbons that can help you get the job done. Grosgrain ribbons are the best for craftwork due to their sturdiness. They’re easy to trim and have the perfect elasticity for craft projects.

Alternatives to Ribbons

Ribbons serve a lot of purposes, from home decor to gift wrapping. However, there are several alternatives in gift wrapping and craft projects Trusted Source 13 Ways to Craft With Ribbon Recycle all those rolls of leftover ribbon you have from wrapping birthday and holiday gifts. Check out our 13 favorite things to make with ribbon. www.thesprucecrafts.com when the perfect ribbon is hard to find.

Gift Wrapping Alternatives

While there are different types of ribbon bows for gift wrapping, there are other ways to create a bow for a gift wrap without using a ribbon. One of the easiest options is a paper bow which costs less than a ribbon and is readily available.

5 Common Types of Ribbon and Their Most Popular Uses

Other ribbon alternatives for gift wrapping include maps and gift bags. When it comes to gift wrapping, there are tons of creative options outside ribbons.

Wedding Decor Alternatives

When it comes to wedding decoration, ribbons are the go-to option, especially for chair decoration and draping. A lot of draping for wedding arch make use of organza ribbons. However, materials such as voile and chiffon can serve the same purpose and create a better result than organza ribbons.

Final Thoughts

There are several ways you can use ribbon for decoration. Whether you need something for wedding decorations, gift-wrapping, or a craft project, there are several types of ribbon lined up for you to choose from.

However, the texture of these ribbons helps you narrow down your choice to the one that fits the right occasion. For instance, satin ribbons are very popular, soft, and affordable, but they’re unfit for craftwork due to their fragility. On the other hand, they can be used to make several types of bows ribbon.

Also, some ribbons have a plush nature which makes them suitable for high-profile events such as weddings, birthday parties, and event launches. When considering ribbons for decoration, it pays to know which one suits the occasion. This is where taste comes into play.

References

1.
Grosgrain - Wikipedia
Grosgrain, is a type of fabric or ribbon defined by the fact that its weft is heavier than its warp, creating prominent transverse ribs. It is called a “corded" fabric since the weft resembles a fine cord. Grosgrain is a plain weave corded fabric, with heavier cords than in poplin but lighter than in faille. Grosgrain has a very dull appearance with little luster but is very strong.
2.
13 Ways to Craft With Ribbon
Recycle all those rolls of leftover ribbon you have from wrapping birthday and holiday gifts. Check out our 13 favorite things to make with ribbon.
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

X