6 Best Ribbon Spools For Binding Accents To Try
Elevate your craft projects with these 6 best ribbon spools for binding accents. Explore our top recommendations and find the perfect trim for your next design.
Adding ribbon to a hand-knitted garment transforms a simple piece into a polished, couture-quality design. Whether concealing a neckline seam or creating a structural tie for a cardigan, the right ribbon acts as the vital bridge between textile and tailoring. Choosing the wrong weight or material can ruin the drape of a delicate sweater, turning a soft fabric into a rigid, uncomfortable mess. This guide explores the best ribbon spools to ensure the final result is as functional as it is beautiful.
May Arts Satin Double Face: Best for Silky Edges
Satin double face is the gold standard for projects where both sides of the ribbon will be visible, such as a tie-front closure on a light lace shawl. Because the sheen is consistent on both front and back, there is no need to worry about the ribbon twisting during movement.
The tightly woven nature of these fibers ensures that the edges remain smooth and fray-resistant after cutting. For knitters working with fine-gauge merino or alpaca, this ribbon provides a sophisticated finish that mimics the drape of the fabric itself.
It is important to note that satin can be quite slippery when knotted. For functional ties, consider using a double knot or securing the ribbon with a few discreet anchor stitches to prevent it from sliding loose during wear.
Offray Grosgrain Ribbon: Best for Durability
Grosgrain ribbon features a distinct ribbed texture caused by a heavier weft yarn, providing a structural stability that other ribbons lack. This makes it an ideal choice for reinforcing button bands or lining the insides of a cardigan front to prevent stretching.
When working with heavy wool sweaters that carry significant weight, grosgrain acts as a “stay,” preventing the fabric from distorting over time. It holds its shape remarkably well, even when subjected to the stress of frequent buttoning and unbuttoning.
Because it is less prone to snagging than satin, it is a practical choice for everyday cardigans and children’s wear. The trade-off is a slightly stiffer hand, which might not be suitable for delicate, floaty designs.
The Mulberry Dyer Hand-Dyed Silk: Best Luxury Pick
Hand-dyed silk ribbons offer a level of depth and organic character that mass-produced synthetics simply cannot replicate. The subtle variations in color density create a unique interplay with hand-dyed yarns, making for a truly cohesive, artisanal look.
Silk has a natural, light luster that elevates a simple stockinette project into a high-end heirloom piece. It is exceptionally soft against the skin, making it the perfect choice for necklines or baby garments where comfort is the primary concern.
However, silk requires careful handling as it is more prone to snagging and moisture damage than polyester blends. Always ensure hands are clean and free of rough edges—including hangnails—when working with this delicate fiber.
Morex Velvet Ribbon: Best for Plush, Rich Textures
Velvet adds an instant sense of weight and tactile luxury to autumn and winter knits. Its dense pile is excellent for edging cuffs or adding a dramatic, opulent closure to a heavy, chunky-knit wrap.
The density of velvet serves a secondary purpose: it provides a high-friction surface that stays knotted securely. Unlike slippery satin, a velvet bow on a waist tie or a front closure will remain exactly where it is placed.
Be mindful that velvet has a distinct “nap,” meaning the light will reflect differently depending on the direction it is laid. When cutting and applying, ensure all pieces are oriented the same way to maintain a consistent color tone across the entire garment.
Hemptique Hemp Cord Ribbon: Best Natural Fiber Choice
For projects that lean into a rustic, earth-toned aesthetic, hemp cord provides an unmatched organic texture. It pairs beautifully with wools that have a high percentage of long-staple fibers or rustic, untreated yarns.
Hemp is exceptionally strong and possesses a matte finish that contrasts sharply with the reflective properties of silks or synthetics. It is an ideal choice for utilitarian binding or for weaving through lace patterns to create structural lacing.
While extremely durable, hemp is significantly more abrasive than silk or satin. Avoid using it in direct contact with sensitive skin, such as the back of the neck or inner wrists, unless it is backed by a softer fabric.
Ribbon Bazaar Assorted Spools: Best Value Pack
Variety packs are an excellent resource for knitters who are still experimenting with the visual weight and drape of different ribbon types. Having a selection on hand allows for quick color matching without the need to purchase full spools of every shade.
These assortments often contain shorter lengths of various widths, which are perfect for small-scale embellishments like bows on socks or accents on mittens. They provide a low-risk way to determine which textures pair best with specific yarn weights.
While convenient, note that bulk assortments are often composed of synthetic fibers that may not match the long-term wear characteristics of natural-fiber knitwear. Test a small piece for colorfastness before sewing it permanently onto a light-colored, high-value wool garment.
Choosing Ribbon Width for Your Binding Project
The width of the ribbon should be proportional to both the weight of the yarn and the scale of the garment’s construction. A narrow 3mm ribbon is generally sufficient for delicate lace, while a 15mm or wider ribbon is necessary for structural support on heavier cardigans.
- 3mm – 6mm: Best for delicate finishing, lace borders, and small decorative bows.
- 10mm – 15mm: Ideal for button band reinforcement and medium-weight sweater trims.
- 20mm and wider: Used primarily for dramatic waist ties or structural collars where the ribbon acts as part of the garment’s design.
Always account for the “give” of the knit fabric when measuring. If the ribbon is intended to be a functional binding, ensure it is cut slightly longer than the area it covers to allow for the natural expansion of the stitches.
Techniques for Sewing Ribbon onto Knitted Fabric
When attaching ribbon, the most critical rule is to keep the stitches invisible and the tension loose. Use a fine, sharp needle and a matching polyester or silk thread, rather than the original knitting yarn, to prevent the binding from becoming too bulky.
The whip stitch is the most reliable method for securing the long edges of the ribbon to the garment. Ensure that you catch the “legs” of the knitted stitches rather than the center of the V, which prevents the ribbon from pulling at the fabric and creating unwanted holes.
If the ribbon is being used as a reinforcement, work the stitches on the inside of the garment using a backstitch. This provides a secure anchor that can withstand the tension of buttons or fasteners without distorting the knit surface.
Satin vs. Grosgrain vs. Velvet: Which is Best?
Choosing between these three depends entirely on the intended function of the ribbon. Satin is purely aesthetic, grosgrain is functional and structural, and velvet is decorative with a focus on tactile luxury.
- Satin: Best for decorative bows and soft accents; requires careful handling to avoid pulls.
- Grosgrain: Best for reinforcing seams and button bands; provides essential structural support.
- Velvet: Best for winter layering and high-friction closures; adds significant visual interest.
Consider the care instructions of the base yarn when making a selection. If the garment is a machine-washable superwash wool, ensure the ribbon is also colorfast and durable enough to survive the agitation of a delicate cycle.
How to Wash Garments with Ribbon Accents
Garments adorned with ribbon require a more delicate approach than standard knitwear. Whenever possible, hand-wash the item in cool water using a gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicate fibers to prevent ribbon colors from bleeding.
If the ribbon is particularly delicate, such as hand-dyed silk or velvet, avoid wringing the garment. Instead, roll the item in a clean, lint-free towel to extract excess moisture before laying it flat to dry away from direct sunlight.
Check that the ribbons are securely anchored at all points before laundering to prevent fraying at the cut ends. A small drop of fray-check or a tiny hand-sewn whip stitch at the ribbon ends can save the trim from unraveling during the wash cycle.
The thoughtful application of ribbon serves to elevate the quality of hand-knitted pieces, providing both structural integrity and a refined aesthetic finish. By matching the texture and weight of the ribbon to the specific properties of the yarn, makers can ensure that their embellishments are as durable as they are beautiful. With these options and techniques in mind, any project is ready to receive a professional-grade final touch.
