With so many different types of ribbons to choose from, this glossary will help you pick the perfect ribbon for your holiday gifts.
Organdy
-Ethereal look
-Great for poufy bows, embellishing, and for mailing things like wedding invitations
Grosgrain
-From the French meaning "large"
-The larger weft fibers create the bumpy texture
-Not the best for bows -- you'll get a more angular bow with grosgrain
Jacquard
-Novelty ribbons
-Jacquard ribbons often have beautiful combinations of colors
-Great for clothing and scrapbook decorating
Printed
-Musical notes: its width makes it great for wrapping large boxes
-Playful
-Less expensive than jacquard (with a similar effect)
Wired Taffeta
-This two-tone look creates a dramatic effect when the light bounces off it
-Wire adds another dimension -- you can sculpt with it
-Crisp; good for wrapping boxes
-It creases, so you have to be careful
-Tends to be more matte than satin
Satin
-Double-faced satin ribbon
-Comes in hundreds of colors
-The most versatile of all ribbons and the best for wrapping. (Most satin ribbon is not really satin -- it's polyester, but soft as silk.)
Special Thanks
Thanks to Steven Fraser, owner and president of Masterstroke Canada. And, learn how to tie a beautiful rose bow.