6 Best Velvet Ribbon Spools For Hair Bows To Use

Velvet ribbon serves as the sophisticated finishing touch for hand-knitted accessories, transforming a simple beret or cardigan into a boutique-quality piece. Selecting the right spool requires an understanding of how fabric weight interacts with yarn tension and project drape. While a beginner might gravitate toward any soft texture, seasoned makers recognize that the wrong ribbon can easily overwhelm delicate stitch patterns. This guide cuts through the noise to identify the ribbons that pair best with high-quality knitwear.

Morex Swiss Velvet: The Crafter’s Top Choice

Morex Swiss velvet sets the industry standard for density and consistency. It possesses a high-pile finish that catches the light beautifully, making it ideal for high-end gift items or garments destined for special occasions.

The ribbon is exceptionally uniform, ensuring that every bow tied on a row of cable work or a delicate neckline looks identical. Its structural integrity is a significant advantage when pinning it through a knitted fabric, as it resists snagging or distortion.

For those producing accessories in bulk, the consistent yardage and color accuracy across spools save valuable production time. It is the reliable, professional-grade choice that minimizes frustration during the final assembly phase.

Offray Single Face Velvet: Best Budget-Friendly Pick

Offray offers a practical, accessible option for crafters who require high volume without a premium price tag. While the velvet nap is less dense than high-end alternatives, it is perfectly suited for practice pieces or projects where the ribbon acts as a subtle accent rather than the focal point.

The thinner profile makes this ribbon easier to manipulate through smaller gauge knitting. If a project features a tight 24-stitch-per-four-inch gauge, this ribbon will sit flatter against the fabric without creating unnecessary bulk.

Be mindful that the single-faced construction means the back of the ribbon is plain. This requires a bit more care when tying bows to ensure the nap always faces outward, but it is a manageable trade-off for the cost savings.

May Arts Crushed Velvet: Widest Color Selection

Crushed velvet provides a unique, textured aesthetic that pairs exceptionally well with rustic wools or hand-dyed yarns. The subtle variation in the nap depth creates a more casual, artisanal feel compared to the stark, formal look of traditional velvet.

The primary appeal here is the expansive color palette, which allows for precise coordination with complex colorwork or variegated yarns. Finding a match for a specific shade of indie-dyed merino is significantly easier within this line.

Because of the crushed texture, this ribbon is inherently more forgiving of slight wrinkles or handling errors. It adds visual interest to a project without requiring perfect, symmetrical bow-tying skills to look deliberate and finished.

D. Stevens Stretch Velvet: The Most Luxurious Feel

D. Stevens represents the peak of tactile luxury, offering a ribbon that feels exceptionally soft to the touch. The inclusion of a slight stretch component makes it remarkably easy to tie into voluminous, perfectly shaped bows.

This stretch allows the ribbon to conform slightly to the movement of a knitted garment. If attached to a hair accessory or a sweater shoulder, it moves with the wearer rather than pulling at the yarn fibers, which helps preserve the integrity of the stitches over time.

While slightly more expensive, the drape is unmatched. It is the ideal choice for heirloom-quality projects where the tactile experience of the finished piece is just as important as its visual appeal.

Ribbon Bazaar 3/8″ Velvet: Best for Dainty Bows

When working with light-fingered lace or baby garments, wide ribbons can easily overwhelm the scale of the knitting. The 3/8″ width from Ribbon Bazaar is calibrated perfectly for smaller, more delicate accents.

This narrow width prevents the “clunky” look that often happens when a heavy ribbon is forced onto a lightweight fabric. It adds a sophisticated pop of color without detracting from the intricate stitch pattern of the garment itself.

It is particularly effective for threading through eyelet rows or decorative borders. Because the ribbon is narrow, it passes through yarn overs with minimal resistance, reducing the risk of snapping or pulling the neighboring stitches.

Renaissance Ribbons Vintage: Best Non-Shedding

Vintage-style ribbons often come with the risk of fraying or shedding fibers, which can ruin the look of a clean project. Renaissance Ribbons specializes in high-density constructions that hold their edges firmly, keeping the finished bow looking fresh for years.

The tight weave makes these ribbons feel sturdier and more substantial than many modern equivalents. This added stability is a benefit if the bow is meant to be handled frequently, such as on a frequently worn hair clip or a child’s accessory.

Choosing a non-shedding ribbon is an investment in longevity. It ensures that the dark-colored fuzz of a velvet ribbon does not migrate into the lighter yarn of a garment, maintaining the visual clarity of the original design.

Choosing Your Velvet: Single vs. Double-Faced

The choice between single and double-faced ribbon depends on the visibility of the bow’s backside. Single-faced ribbon is cheaper and thinner, but the reverse side lacks the plush texture of the front.

• Single-Faced: Ideal for bows that will be glued or sewn down, where only one side is visible.
• Double-Faced: Necessary for bows where both sides of the tail will be seen, such as hair ribbons or loose-tied neck accents.

Double-faced velvet is inherently heavier and holds its shape better, which is useful for “perky” bows. However, the increased thickness means it can be harder to knot tightly. If the yarn is particularly delicate, a thick double-faced ribbon might create too much tension.

Tips for Cutting Velvet Ribbon Without Fraying

The secret to a crisp ribbon end is using specialized tools rather than general-purpose household scissors. Sharp shears dedicated solely to fabric are non-negotiable for avoiding jagged, unraveling edges.

• Angle the cut: Cut at a 45-degree angle to create a professional chevron effect that resists fraying.
• Use fray-check: Apply a tiny amount of liquid seam sealant to the cut end if the ribbon weave is loose.
• Heat sealing: For synthetic velvet, a quick pass near a flame can seal the edges, though this must be done with extreme caution to avoid melting the pile.

Always test your cutting method on a scrap piece of ribbon first. The goal is a clean, singular motion that does not chew the fibers of the velvet, which can lead to immediate shedding.

How Much Ribbon Do You Need for Different Bows?

Estimating ribbon length is a common point of frustration for many makers, as it depends on both the width of the ribbon and the intended size of the bow. A good rule of thumb is to allow for at least 12 to 18 inches of ribbon for a standard bow on a hat or sweater.

• Small Accent Bows: 8–10 inches.
• Standard Decorative Bows: 18–24 inches.
• Long-Tail Bows: 30+ inches.

Always add an extra 2–3 inches to account for the knotting process and potential mistakes. It is far better to trim away an inch of excess than to find the tails are too short to tie a balanced bow once the ribbon is already attached to the garment.

Caring for Velvet Bows: Cleaning and Storage

Velvet is a delicate fiber that can easily lose its loft if crushed or exposed to moisture. If a velvet bow becomes slightly flattened, hold it above the steam of a kettle for a few seconds to rejuvenate the fibers, taking care not to touch the ribbon directly to the steam source.

When storing garments with velvet ribbons, avoid folding them in a way that compresses the bows for long periods. If possible, hang the item or store it in a box with enough room to prevent the velvet from being flattened against other fabrics.

Spot clean only with a soft, dry brush to remove dust. If the ribbon must be washed, hand-wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash, lay flat to dry, and do not wring, as this will permanently damage the delicate nap.

Selecting the right velvet ribbon elevates a handmade item from a simple project to a polished, professional-grade accessory. By matching the ribbon weight and construction to the yarn’s texture, a cohesive and long-lasting finish is guaranteed. Investing in quality ribbon ensures that those final decorative touches remain as beautiful as the stitches themselves.