Ribbons

Ribbon is a narrow strip or band of fine fabric, such as satin, velvet, organza etc. finished at the edges. Ribbons are generally used for trimming, tying, or finishing. Sometimes materials other than fabric are also used for making ribbons. Some of such ribbon materials include leather, elastic and sometimes metal too.

 

Types of Ribbons
There are basically two types of ribbons- woven ribbons and non woven ribbons. Narrow bands are woven by the ribbons manufacturers either by hand or by using ribbon making machines. Many types of fabrics including satin, velvet, organza and even cotton are used for ribbon making. The woven ribbons usually have finished edges. Non-woven ribbons are also made from textile yarns but instead of weaving, they are bonded with the help of adhesive. Sometimes plastics are also used instead of fabric yarns for making non woven ribbons. The texture and patterns of the ribbons make the difference clear between the woven and the non woven ribbons.

 

As woven ribbons are more flexible and durable, they are mostly used as trimming for clothing and as decorative ribbons for home decorating. Non-woven ribbons have interesting patterns and textures that let them to be curled, shredded, and treated in other ways. As a result, non woven ribbons are used mostly as craft and gift ribbons.

 

Manufacturing of Ribbons
Ribbon manufacturers and suppliers have numerous types of ribbons with different textures and patterns. While manufacturing ribbons, the ribbon manufacturers give various finishes to bring in the desired look. There are three basic ribbons finishing that are done by its manufacturers. These three finishes make woven-edge ribbons, cut-edge ribbons, and wire-edge ribbons.

 

Woven Edge Ribbons

Woven-edge ribbons are narrow pieces of fabric having two selvages or woven edges. These woven edges can be straight or shaped and these edges prevent ribbons from fraying. They are most commonly used by the textile industry for making trimmings for garments, textile furnishings etc. as they can be easily washed and also do not fray.

 

Cut Edge Ribbons

Cut edge ribbons are also made with fabrics that are patterned, printed, or embellished with designs. The prints, patterns or designs on these ribbons are transferred by heat and then they are cut to the required width. The ribbons thus made are then treated with a stiffener to prevent the edges from unraveling. Cut edge ribbons are basically craft ribbons and are also widely used for gift wrapping. is For making high quality cut edge ribbons, manufacturers use such materials as acetate which is a thermoplastic. Acetate is cut with the help of a hot knife that fuses the ribbon edges instantly.

 

Wire Edge Ribbons

These are, in fact, the wire ribbons having wires within the ribbon fabrics. For making wire-edge ribbons, narrow strips are cut from broader strips of cloth with their edges wrapped over thin wires. Alternatively, the wire can also be woven into the fabric along the edges or in the middle. Some ribbon manufacturers use wire mesh that is woven to make ribbons with or without adding yarns or silks to give color. The wire in such ribbons allow them to stay in a definite shape though the finished ribbons can not be washed.