6 Best Velvet Ribbons for Finishing Felted Ornaments
Elevate your felted ornaments with these six premium velvet ribbons. Discover the best textures and hues to add a sophisticated, professional finishing touch.
Adding a velvet ribbon to a hand-felted ornament is the definitive way to elevate a simple wool sphere into a cherished heirloom. While the felted core provides the rustic charm, the ribbon introduces a sophisticated contrast in texture and sheen. Choosing the right ribbon is about balancing the weight of the wool against the drape and durability of the trim. These selections will ensure your finishing work looks as professional as your knitting.
Mokuba Fine Velvet: The Professional Gold Standard
Mokuba is widely considered the pinnacle of ribbon quality, and for good reason. When you hold this ribbon, you immediately notice a density in the pile that mass-market brands simply cannot replicate.
For delicate felted ornaments, this is my top recommendation because it doesn’t crush easily. Even if your ornaments are packed away in a box for eleven months, the velvet tends to spring back to its original plush state.
The color range is vast, offering subtle, muted tones that pair perfectly with natural wool roving. If you are gifting your work, using Mokuba signals that you haven’t cut corners on the final presentation.
Berwick Offray Double Face: Best Value Choice
If you are producing a large batch of ornaments for a craft fair or holiday gifts, you need a reliable ribbon that won’t break the bank. Berwick Offray offers a consistent, double-faced velvet that looks great from every angle.
Because it is double-faced, you don’t have to worry about the "ugly" side showing if the ribbon twists while hanging. This is a massive time-saver when you are finishing dozens of pieces in a single weekend.
While it lacks the deep, luxurious pile of high-end silk velvet, it is incredibly durable. It stands up well to the occasional tug or snag, making it a practical choice for ornaments that might be handled by children.
May Arts Silk Blend Velvet: For Elegant Texture
Silk blend velvet offers a unique, luminous quality that synthetic ribbons often lack. The inclusion of silk fibers allows the ribbon to catch the light, creating a soft, ethereal glow against the matte surface of felted wool.
This ribbon is much thinner and more supple than standard polyester velvet. It drapes beautifully, which is ideal if you are creating longer loops or decorative bows that hang off the side of the ornament.
Be aware that because it is thinner, it is more prone to fraying at the cut edges. You will need to be meticulous with your finishing techniques to keep it looking pristine over time.
Lion Ribbon Luxury Velvet: Best for Ornament Loops
Lion Ribbon consistently delivers a medium-weight velvet that strikes a perfect balance between stiffness and softness. For an ornament loop, you want something that holds its shape without being too rigid or "plastic" feeling.
This ribbon has just enough body to stand up as a neat, rounded loop on top of a dense felted ball. It won’t flop over or look limp, which is a common issue with cheaper, overly soft ribbons.
It is also very easy to work with when using a needle and thread to secure it. The fabric is dense enough that it won’t tear when you pull your stitches tight during the attachment process.
Offray Velvet Ribbon: Reliable Craft Store Staple
Offray is the brand you can find in almost any local craft store, and its accessibility is its greatest strength. If you realize at 9:00 PM that you are short on ribbon for a project due the next morning, this is your reliable backup.
It is a standard polyester velvet that is highly resistant to staining and moisture. If your felted ornaments are displayed in a kitchen or near a tree with live needles, this ribbon will hold up well to the environment.
The color consistency is excellent, meaning you can buy a spool today and another in six months and expect them to match. It is a workhorse ribbon that does exactly what it promises without any fuss.
Morex Ribbon Velvet: Durability for Heirloom Decor
Morex produces a velvet that feels slightly sturdier than the competition, making it a fantastic choice for heavy or large felted ornaments. If you have spent hours knitting and felting a complex, dense piece, you want a ribbon that reflects that effort.
The weave is tight, which prevents the ribbon from stretching out over time. This is particularly important if you are hanging ornaments that have a bit of weight to them.
It holds a knot very securely, which is helpful if you prefer tying your loops rather than sewing them. If you want your ornaments to last for generations, this is a ribbon that won’t degrade under the stress of annual display.
How to Select Widths for Felted Ornament Loops
Choosing the right width is a matter of visual proportion. A 3/8-inch ribbon is generally the "sweet spot" for standard 2-to-3-inch felted spheres.
If you choose a ribbon that is too wide, it will overwhelm the ornament and hide the texture of your felting. Conversely, a ribbon that is too thin might look like an afterthought or lack the structural integrity to hold the weight.
Always consider the weight of the ornament; a heavier, denser felted piece can support a wider ribbon. Test a small scrap of ribbon against your ornament before you commit to cutting your full length.
Securing Velvet Ribbon to Dense Felted Surfaces
Securing ribbon to felt requires a different approach than sewing onto woven fabric. Because felted wool is dense, you should use a sharp tapestry needle and a strong, thin thread that matches the ribbon color.
Do not try to push the needle through the entire thickness of the ornament. Instead, catch only the top layer of the wool fibers to create a secure anchor point without distorting the shape of the ornament.
If you are concerned about the ribbon slipping, a tiny dab of clear fabric glue can act as a secondary stabilizer. However, sewing is always the most secure method for items that will be handled frequently.
Preventing Fraying on Cut Velvet Ribbon Edges
Fraying is the enemy of a polished finish, especially with silk-blend velvets. The most effective way to prevent this is to use a very sharp pair of fabric shears and cut at a 45-degree angle.
For synthetic ribbons, you can lightly singe the very edge with a flame, though you must be extremely careful to avoid melting the pile. Another professional trick is to apply a tiny amount of clear fray-check liquid to the cut edge.
Always allow the fray-check to dry completely before you attempt to sew the ribbon onto your ornament. A little patience at this stage prevents the "ragged edge" look that can ruin an otherwise perfect project.
Creative Ways to Style Ribbon on Felted Knits
Don’t feel limited to a simple loop on top of the ornament. You can wrap the ribbon around the circumference of the ornament to create a "gift-wrapped" effect, securing it with a small bow at the top.
Consider layering a thin satin ribbon on top of a wider velvet ribbon for a multi-dimensional look. This adds a level of complexity and color play that makes your ornaments look truly high-end.
You can also incorporate small beads or charms onto the ribbon loop before sewing it down. These small, thoughtful details turn a simple felted ball into a unique piece of art that reflects your personal aesthetic.
Selecting the right velvet ribbon is the final, vital step in honoring the time you spent knitting and felting your ornaments. Whether you choose the luxurious pile of Mokuba or the reliable utility of Offray, the goal is to enhance the natural beauty of your wool. Take your time with the finishing, secure your stitches firmly, and your ornaments will be ready to adorn your home for years to come. Happy crafting, and enjoy the process of turning your fiber art into a holiday tradition.
