| components of ribbon |
A traditional ribbon is comprised of three basic parts:
1) Selvage edges or the "woven" edges
2) Weft fibres - fibres that run between the two selvage edges
3) Warp fibres - fibres which run the length of the ribbon, parallel to the two selvage edges
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| basic types of ribbon |
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The biggest misconception regarding satin ribbons, is that they are woven from a satin fibre. Actually, the terms satin as well as grosgrain,
taffeta and organdy, refer to a specific type of ribbon weave. Generally, ribbons
can be woven using different weaves (refer to chart below) and from different materials and combinations of materials (most commonly: polyester, rayon, silk, cotton and nylon).
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| satin |
grosgrain |
organdy |
taffeta |
velvet |
picot/feather edged |
jacquard |
moiré |
wired-edge |
| greater quantity of warp fibres |
greater quantity of weft fibres |
equal amounts of warp and weft fibres spaced in an 'open' weave |
equal amounts of warp and weft fibres spaced in a 'tight' weave |
a 'tight' weave with a woven pile or 'nap' |
tiny loops of the woven edge twisted to create the picot or 'feather' effect |
a type of weave based on the loom of the same name, which lifts
the warp and weft fibres in combinations to produce pictorial effects |
is a technique in which a heated roller is applied to the ribbon
to create the moiré or 'water' effect |
the ribbon is woven around fine copper wires placed in the selvage edges of the ribbon |
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| ribbon facts |
| fact 1 |
| In order to create different types of ribbons, one can combine basic weaves to achieve effects such as a satin-edged organdy ribbon or a
satin-striped taffeta ribbon.
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| fact 2 |
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Taffeta ribbons are sometimes
pre-dyed to create ginghams and plaids. The warp fibers are screened with the finished plaid
and the alternating weft fibers are woven through. This creates more vibrant colours.
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| fact 3 |
| Originally, a numbering system was used for measuring ribbons. In the early part
of the 20th century, clients would ask for a No. 9 (1˝" wide ribbon) or a No. 5 (1" wide ribbon). Currently, in North America ribbons are
measured using either the imperial or the metric system.
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