Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Jacquard ribbon is a woven tape where the pattern – ornament, geometry, text, or logo – is created by the threads themselves during weaving, not printed on top. This means the design does not wear off or fade when washed. It is used for decorative trims on garments, ribbons on bags and belts, straps, and branding of products.
What is jacquard ribbon
The name comes from the jacquard loom mechanism, which controls each warp thread individually. This allows the thread to appear on the front or remain on the back depending on the pattern program. Combining threads of different colours and weaves creates the design. The result is a ribbon with a textured, dense structure where the pattern is part of the fabric.
Jacquard ribbon is technologically close to woven labels: both are produced on narrow jacquard looms. The difference lies in the purpose – labels are cut into separate pieces, while ribbon is continuous and sold by the metre.
Types of jacquard ribbon
- Decorative with ornament – folk, ethnic, floral motifs, Greek key, geometry. Used as trims on skirts, sleeves, necklines, and home textiles.
- With text or logo – repeating brand name; for straps, inner jacket trims, bag handles, and hat bands.
- Double-sided – pattern visible on both sides, usually in reversed colours. Suitable for loose ties and handles.
- With metallic thread – gold or silver effect for festive and evening collections.
- Elastic jacquard ribbon – with woven elastic; used for underwear waistbands, sportswear, and belts. See also woven elastic.
Jacquard vs printed ribbon – comparison
| Criterion | Jacquard Ribbon | Printed Ribbon |
|---|---|---|
| How the pattern is made | woven into the fabric | printed on finished ribbon |
| Durability to washing and abrasion | very high | depends on method and ink |
| Detail | limited by weaving density | fine lines and gradients |
| Number of colours | limited by number of threads | practically unlimited |
| Appearance | textured, dense, premium | smooth, flat |
| Preparation | pattern programming, sample | print file preparation |
If the design has very fine details or photographic gradients, printing is a more realistic choice. For logos with clear lines and few colours, jacquard offers a more durable and luxurious feel.
Where jacquard ribbon is used
Garments
As visible trims on sleeves, cuffs, hems, and slits; as inner tape along the fastening or inside jacket seam, visible to the wearer; as a neck hanger loop. In ethnic and folk-inspired collections, jacquard ribbons with traditional motifs are a key decorative element.
Bags, accessories, and sportswear
Handles and straps on bags, key fob ribbons, belts, camera straps, hat bands. In sportswear, jacquard ribbon with the brand name on the sleeve or side seam is a recognizable branding element.
Home textiles
Trims on curtains, tablecloths, cushions, and towels. The dense structure withstands frequent washing better than many printed alternatives.
How to order jacquard ribbon by design
- Design – send a logo or pattern in vector format (AI, EPS, PDF) and specify Pantone colours.
- Width and repeat – define the ribbon width and the distance between pattern repeats.
- Material – polyester for strength and colourfastness, cotton for a matte natural look, metallic thread for effect.
- Edges and back – specify if the ribbon will be visible on both sides.
- Sample – approve a sample before full production starts.
The price of custom jacquard ribbon depends on width, number of colours, pattern complexity, material, and quantity. Instead of a general price, send a request with these details for a tailored offer.
Care and sewing of jacquard ribbon
Jacquard ribbon is denser than smooth ribbons, so use a needle size suitable for the thickness – usually 80 to 90 for medium ribbons, larger for dense bag ribbons. Sew with a moderate stitch length along the edge or 1–2 mm from it to avoid damaging the pattern. When sewing onto elastic knitwear, non-elastic jacquard ribbon restricts stretch, so it is used only in non-stretch areas or an elastic version is chosen.
Polyester jacquard ribbons can be washed with the garment at normal temperatures and do not shrink. Cotton ribbons may shrink slightly, so when combined with polyester fabric, a test wash is advisable. Iron on the reverse side at a temperature suitable for the most sensitive material in the ribbon – especially if it contains metallic thread, which does not tolerate high heat.
Design tips for jacquard ribbon
- Simplify the logo – very thin lines and small text under about 2 mm height lose legibility.
- Limit colours to a few contrasting shades.
- Consider the repeat – the pattern should look good even when cut at any point.
- Check washing compatibility with the main fabric and other accessories.
Jacquard ribbon from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer of accessories and haberdashery for garments with over 30 years of experience, including custom design and logo production. Besides jacquard ribbons, you can complement your collection with woven labels in the same style. See other types in the ribbons section or send your design via the contact page – we will prepare an offer and sample.
