6 Best Spool Ribbons For Creating Custom Ornament Bows

Adding a hand-tied bow to a finished knitted ornament transforms a simple accessory into a polished, gift-worthy heirloom. Much like choosing the perfect yarn weight to achieve the right drape in a lace shawl, selecting the appropriate ribbon requires an understanding of fiber structure and tension. A well-chosen spool adds character without overwhelming the delicate stitches of a Fair Isle or cabled bauble. These recommendations bridge the gap between textile expertise and holiday craft, ensuring every project displays professional-grade finishing.

May Arts Wired Velvet: Best for a Luxe, Rich Feel

Velvet ribbon provides a depth of color that mimics the plushness of a mohair-blend yarn. The inclusion of a fine wire along the edges allows for the kind of sculptural shaping usually reserved for blocking intricate lace or stiffening a garment’s collar.

This ribbon is ideal for larger, statement ornaments where a heavy, drooping bow would look out of place. Because velvet absorbs light rather than reflecting it, the texture creates a sophisticated contrast against smooth, stockinette-stitched ornaments.

Be aware that velvet can be prone to crushing if stored improperly. Treat it with the same care as a luxury silk-mohair blend, ensuring the pile stays elevated and clean.

Offray Grosgrain: Best for Classic, Sturdy Bows

Grosgrain ribbon is the workhorse of the craft world, characterized by its distinct horizontal ridges. Its structure is comparable to a firmly spun wool yarn—it holds its shape exceptionally well and resists sagging even when subjected to the humidity changes common in seasonal storage.

If the goal is to create a crisp, architectural bow that stays upright on a tree branch, this is the superior choice. The ridges provide a slight “grip” that prevents the knot from slipping, which is a major advantage for those who struggle with bows that loosen over time.

It lacks the shimmer of silk, but its reliability is unmatched for beginners. It serves as an excellent foundational material for adding embellishments like small buttons or tiny, knitted charms.

Morex Sheer Organza: Best for an Ethereal Look

Sheer organza is the fiber-arts equivalent of a fine lace or cobweb-weight mohair. It offers a delicate, airy quality that complements translucent or glass-bead-embellished knitting without hiding the craftsmanship underneath.

Because this material is exceptionally lightweight, it requires a firmer hand when tying. A double knot is often necessary to ensure it remains secure, as the slick surface can be prone to sliding if the ribbon is high in polyester content.

This ribbon excels when layered with a heavier base ribbon to create a dimensional look. Use it sparingly to add a subtle, gossamer highlight to an otherwise solid-colored knitted ornament.

Berwick Double Face Satin: Best for Timeless Shine

Double-face satin features a luxurious, smooth finish on both sides, ensuring that no matter how the bow twists on the tree, the visual impact remains consistent. It mimics the sheen of high-quality silk or bamboo fibers, offering a fluid drape that moves naturally with the branch.

This is the preferred option for delicate or heirloom-style ornaments where a “vintage” look is desired. The sheen reflects tree lights beautifully, adding a luminous quality to the finished piece.

The tradeoff for this elegance is its tendency to unravel at the cut edges. Always seal the ends with a quick pass of a flame or a small drop of fray-check liquid to prevent the weave from distorting.

Schiff Tartan Plaid: Best for a Festive Pattern

Tartan ribbon injects a sense of traditional holiday nostalgia into any knitting project. Like stranded colorwork, the appeal of a tartan lies in the intentionality of the pattern and how it pulls together various color palettes within a project.

These ribbons are often made from a polyester-blend taffeta, giving them a slight stiffness that is helpful for maintaining the shape of a voluminous bow. They provide a vibrant pop of color against neutral-toned wools like cream or charcoal grey.

Ensure the pattern scale matches the size of the ornament. A large-scale plaid may look overwhelming on a small ball, whereas a fine-gauge tartan provides a more subtle, sophisticated accent.

Reliant Burlap Ribbon: Best for a Rustic Finish

Burlap ribbon brings a rugged, homespun aesthetic that works beautifully with wools containing visible plant fibers, such as cotton, linen, or tweed. It echoes the texture of raw, undyed wool and creates a warm, cozy atmosphere.

While it is beautiful, this ribbon can be difficult to manage due to its coarse weave. It is significantly thicker than satin or grosgrain, so it works best on larger ornaments where it won’t overwhelm the proportions.

Expect a certain amount of shedding and fraying when working with this material. It is best suited for styles where a slightly “undone” or farmhouse aesthetic is the intended goal.

How to Pick the Right Ribbon Width for Your Ornament

Selecting the correct width is just as important as choosing the correct needle size for a specific yarn weight. A narrow 1/8-inch ribbon is ideal for delicate, small-scale knitting, as it won’t hide the stitch definition.

Medium-width ribbons (between 5/8 and 7/8 inch) are the standard for most ornament sizes, offering a balanced silhouette. Anything wider than 1 inch tends to dominate the object, shifting the focus away from the knitting and toward the decoration.

When in doubt, consider the weight of the yarn used for the ornament. A chunky, oversized knit can support a wider, heavier ribbon, while a finely knit lace piece requires a lighter, thinner touch.

Wired vs. Non-Wired Ribbon: Which Is Best for Bows?

Wired ribbon acts like a skeleton for the bow, providing structural integrity that mimics the effect of blocking a finished knit. It is indispensable for creators who want their bows to stand out from the ornament with gravity-defying loops.

Non-wired ribbon offers a softer, more fluid drape that is often preferred for a traditional, understated look. It is much easier to tie into intricate, multi-layered knots but lacks the “memory” that wire provides.

Choose wired if the ornament will be handled frequently or if the bow needs to retain a specific sculptural shape over time. Use non-wired if the preference is for a natural, flowing appearance that conforms to the shape of the ornament.

Tips for Tying the Perfect, Symmetrical Bow by Hand

The secret to a symmetrical bow lies in maintaining even tension throughout the process, much like achieving an even gauge in knitting. Start by creating your two loops, ensuring they are identical in size before pulling the center tight.

If the bow feels lopsided, untie and reset the knot; never try to “tug” a skewed bow into place, as this will distort the fiber grain. For slippery materials like satin, incorporate a small twist in the tail to help it lay flat.

Keep the tail length proportional to the loop size. Aim for a ratio where the tails are roughly twice the length of the loops for a balanced, professional appearance.

How to Store Ribbon Spools to Prevent Tangled Messes

Ribbon spools should be treated with the same respect as a cake of hand-dyed yarn. Keep them on a dedicated dowel or rod to ensure they unwind smoothly and remain wrinkle-free.

Avoid storing ribbons in direct sunlight or humid environments, as these conditions can cause synthetic fibers to lose their stiffness or dyes to fade. If you have limited space, consider winding lengths of ribbon onto flat cardboard cards to save room and prevent dust accumulation.

Proper storage prevents the frustration of wrinkled or frayed edges. A clean, organized ribbon supply is the best way to ensure your future ornament projects remain stress-free.

Finding the right ribbon is a final, satisfying step in the creative process that validates the hours spent at the needles. By balancing the structure of the ribbon with the texture of the yarn, you can ensure that your finished ornaments remain cherished fixtures of your home for years to come.