Ribbon Glossary

Acetate: This ribbon is an interwoven fabric from acetate thread and it cut into various widths thru a heat infused process. It is a stiff water resistant ribbon, commonly used for floral arrangements, bows and gift packaging.

Bias Cut: A ribbon is cut on diagonally from a bolt of fabric.

Brocade: Similar to jacquard, an intricately woven design that is embroidered on one.

Burlap: A ribbon that is woven from natural fibers such as jute & hemp.

Chenille: Is a ribbon made from a type of yarn or fabric made into a fuzzy look.

Chevron: A zig zag pattern that can be printed or woven onto fabric.

Cord: Natural or synthetic fibers that are twisted together to form a rope or string. Cotton Made from a soft, fluffy staple fiber from the seed of a cotton plant.

Crochet: Interlocking loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials using a small hook.

Cut Edge: Fabric that is slit with heat that will fuses the edge to prevent fraying.

Damask: A ribbon that features an intricately woven design, seen mostly in floral prints.

Dupioni: A ribbon with uneven surface texture that is a bit nubby. True dupioni is made from silk, faux dupioni is made with other fibers.

Embroidery: A ribbon that has a decorative stitched pattern woven into it.

Feather Edge: Usually satin ribbon that has delicate loops or feathers along the edge of the ribbon. Also known as picot edge

Felt: A non-woven ribbon that is made by rolling and pressing wool or another suitable textile which causes the fibers to mat together to create a smooth surface.

Flock: Velvety fibers used to create a pattern or design on a fabric.

French Wire: A ribbon that has a fine wire woven directly into the edge of the fabric.

Gingham: A woven fabric that creates a block or check look.

Grosgrain: A woven edge ribbon that is generally made from cotton or polyester and has a ribbed texture.

Herringbone: Is similar to twill with ribs on both sides; the fibers run diagonally into the center.

Iridescent: A fabric that has two threads in luminous colors that seem to create a varying color effect.

Jacquard: A ribbon that features an intricately woven design that is embroidered on one side of the ribbon.

Lace: A fine open fabric, typically cotton or silk, made by looping, twisting, or knitting thread creating a decorative design.

Lame: Fabric that is woven with metallic threads.

Merrowed: Ribbon that has a wire or monofilament (similar to fish wire) wired into the edges,

Metallic: A ribbon that is made from shiny, reflective fabric that creates the look of metal.

Moiré: A ribbon that’s fabric has been woven to give it a watermarked look.

Monofilament: A synthetic fiber similar to fish wire that is sewn into the edges of a ribbon.

Netting/Mesh: Open weaved fabric the gives the appearance of a web

Nylon: A strong manmade fiber. Ribbon made from nylon is not as stiff as polyester.

Ombre: Is a French word for blending. In ribbon the gradual blending of one color hue to another, usually moves shades from light to dark.

Organdy: A crisp, sheer fabric that is semi-transparent

Picot: Usually satin ribbon that has delicate loops or feathers along the edge of the ribbon. Also known as picot edge.

Plaid: Fabric that is woven with multiple colors.

Pleated: A type of fabric folded formed by doubling fabric back upon itself.

Polyester:  The most common type of synthetic fiber that is found in most ribbons. It has great durability, is wrinkle resistant and durable.

Polypropylene: Is plastic that is converted into ribbon. A florist’s favorite because of its durability and shine.

Raffia: A ribbon that has the look of a “flat rope”. Poplar in the craft & gift packaging industries.

Rayon: A textile fiber or “silk alternative” fabric made from a textile fiber made from rejuvenated cellulose (viscose).

Ric Rac: Thin ribbon in a zig zag pattern generally used in craft & sewing projects.

Saddle Stitch: A ribbon that has colored threads stitched along the edges of the ribbon.

Satin: A ribbon with a smooth, shiny – is available in single faced (shiny on one side) or double faced (shiny on both sides).

Scallop Edge: A ribbon whose edges are curved, forming the shape of a semi-circle.

Sequin:   Small, shiny metallic or plastic disks sewn into ribbon.

Sheer: A crisp, sheer ribbon that is semi-transparent. Also, known as chiffon or organza.

Silk:   A fine, strong, soft, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms in making cocoons and collected to make thread and fabric.

Solid: Any non-see thru fabric.

Taffeta: A light weight plain weaved ribbon made from silk or polyester with a crisp smooth texture.

Tapestry: A multi-colored heavy woven ribbon in a pattern or picturesque pattern.

Tulle: A fine see thru synthetic nylon hexagonal mesh.

Twill: Can be either light or heavy weight tape woven with diagonal lines.

Velvet: A closely woven fabric that has a thick short pile on one side creating a plush surface.

Woven Edge Ribbon: A ribbon with a woven edge has finished edge which will prevent the ribbon from unraveling.