7 Best Velvet Ribbons For Embellishing Projects
Discover the top 7 velvet ribbons to elevate your crafts. This guide compares textures, durability, and color ranges to help you choose the perfect trim.
Adding velvet ribbon to a finished knit is one of the most effective ways to elevate a simple stockinette sweater into a couture-quality garment. As a knitter, you know that the weight and drape of your fabric dictate the success of any embellishment. Choosing the right ribbon requires balancing fiber content, pile density, and the physical drape of your finished piece. This guide explores the best velvet options to ensure your hard work is complemented, not overwhelmed, by your choice of trim.
Mokuba New York Luxury Silk Velvet: Best Overall
Mokuba is the gold standard for a reason, offering a silk-based pile that catches the light with unparalleled depth. When you have spent weeks on a hand-dyed wool project, using a budget synthetic ribbon can feel like a disservice to your stitches.
The silk content provides a natural, fluid drape that mimics the movement of high-end knitwear. It is incredibly soft to the touch, ensuring that even when used as a decorative tie on a cardigan, it won’t irritate the skin.
Because this ribbon is delicate, it is best reserved for special occasion garments or heirloom pieces. It is not designed for heavy-duty wear, but for sheer aesthetic impact, nothing else compares.
Berwick Offray Double-Faced Velvet: Best Value
If you are just beginning to experiment with embellishments, Berwick Offray provides a reliable, cost-effective entry point. Double-faced velvet is essential for knitting projects because the ribbon will inevitably twist as you wear the garment.
Having the plush pile on both sides means you never have to worry about the "wrong" side showing. It is sturdy enough to withstand the tension of being woven through eyelets or stitched onto a placket.
While it lacks the decadent sheen of silk, its durability makes it perfect for everyday sweaters or accessories. It handles repeated handling well, which is a major plus if you are still practicing your sewing-on technique.
May Arts Premium Nylon Velvet: Best Color Range
May Arts is the go-to when you need a very specific color match for a complex stranded colorwork project. Their color palette is vast, allowing you to pick up a subtle undertone from your main yarn or a contrasting pop from your heels and toes.
Nylon velvet is remarkably resilient and holds its color beautifully over time. It offers a consistent, uniform pile that looks crisp against almost any yarn texture, from rustic wools to smooth cotton blends.
The tradeoff here is a slightly stiffer hand compared to silk. Use this for structured embellishments, like bows on cuffs or decorative neckties, where you want the ribbon to maintain its shape throughout the day.
Offray Classic Velvet Ribbon: Best for Beginners
When you are first learning to sew ribbon onto knitwear, you want a product that is forgiving and easy to handle. Offray’s classic line is widely available and features a consistent weave that doesn’t fray excessively when cut.
This ribbon is stable, meaning it won’t stretch out or distort your knitting gauge when you attach it. If you are worried about your stitches pulling when you sew the ribbon down, this is the safest choice to start with.
Keep in mind that it is a synthetic blend, so it won’t have the same "cling" as silk. Use a slightly longer stitch length when sewing it to your knit to avoid creating a rigid line that puckers your fabric.
D. Stevens Fine Velvet Ribbon: Best for Texture
D. Stevens offers a level of density and plushness that adds a distinct tactile element to your projects. If you are working with a simple, solid-color project, the texture of this ribbon acts as a secondary design feature.
The pile is deep and luxurious, making it ideal for winter accessories like cowls or hats. It feels substantial against the skin, providing a sense of warmth that complements the insulating properties of your yarn.
Because of the high pile, be careful with your sewing placement. You want to ensure your thread catches the backing of the ribbon securely without flattening the velvet fibers on the front.
Renaissance Ribbon Velvet: Best for Heirloom Knits
Renaissance Ribbon specializes in trims that feel authentic to vintage textiles, making them perfect for historical-style knitting or lace shawls. They often feature unique finishes that pair beautifully with hand-spun or artisanal yarns.
Their velvet has a sophisticated, slightly matte finish that avoids the "cheap plastic" look of some synthetic trims. It feels intentional and refined, elevating the overall value of your finished piece.
Use these ribbons for projects where the embellishment is meant to be a focal point rather than an afterthought. They are the perfect finishing touch for a garment you intend to keep in your wardrobe for decades.
Lion Ribbon Velvet Trim: Best for Quick Projects
Lion Ribbon is designed for accessibility and speed, making it a favorite for last-minute gift knitting. If you have finished a baby blanket or a scarf and realize it needs a little something extra, this is your best bet.
It is lightweight and easy to work with, requiring minimal pinning before you begin your hem. The ribbons are generally thinner, which prevents them from adding unnecessary bulk to your knitting.
While it may not have the longevity of luxury silk, it is perfectly suited for items that won’t see heavy daily wear. It is a practical solution for adding a decorative edge to projects that need to be finished in a hurry.
Choosing the Right Velvet Width for Your Knitting
The width of your ribbon should be proportional to the weight of your yarn and the scale of your stitches. A wide ribbon on a delicate fingering-weight shawl will look clunky and pull the fabric out of shape.
- 1/4 inch: Ideal for delicate lace, baby garments, or weaving through narrow eyelets.
- 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch: The "sweet spot" for most cardigans, cuffs, and hat bands.
- 1 inch and wider: Best reserved for heavy-weight cowls, coat trims, or decorative bows on thick, chunky knits.
Always hold a sample of the ribbon against your swatch before committing. If the ribbon obscures too much of your stitch pattern, drop down a size.
How to Secure Velvet Ribbon to Delicate Fabrics
When attaching ribbon to a knit, the goal is to secure it without restricting the natural elasticity of the yarn. If you sew a tight, straight stitch, you will create a "dead zone" that doesn’t stretch with the rest of the garment.
Use a whip stitch or a loose running stitch, catching only the very edge of the ribbon. I prefer using a thread that matches the color of the ribbon exactly, as this hides any minor imperfections in your sewing.
If you are attaching the ribbon across a wide area, consider securing it at intervals rather than along the entire length. This allows the knit fabric to breathe and move naturally underneath the velvet.
Essential Tips for Washing Knits with Embellishments
Adding ribbon changes the care requirements for your project significantly. Even if your yarn is machine-washable superwash wool, the ribbon likely is not.
- Spot clean whenever possible: Avoid submerging the entire piece if the ribbon is prone to bleeding or losing its pile.
- Hand wash with care: If you must wash the whole garment, use a gentle wool wash and cool water.
- Lay flat to dry: Never wring out a garment with velvet embellishments, as this will crush the pile and leave permanent creases.
Always test a small scrap of your ribbon in water before attaching it to your project. If the color runs or the texture changes drastically, you will need to plan for dry cleaning or removable attachments.
Embellishing your knitting with velvet is a transformative step that turns a project into a true piece of wearable art. By selecting the right width and fiber content, you ensure that the ribbon enhances the drape and character of your hand-knit fabric. Remember to take your time with the attachment process, as a thoughtful finish is the hallmark of an expert maker. Enjoy the process of choosing the perfect trim and watching your garment reach its final, polished potential.
