Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Jacquard ribbon is a woven ribbon in which the motif – an ornament, geometric pattern, text or logo – is formed by the yarns themselves during weaving rather than printed on top. That is why the design does not wear off or fade in the wash. It is used for decorative trims on clothing, bag straps and belts, shoulder straps and product branding.
What jacquard ribbon is
The name comes from the loom's jacquard mechanism, which controls each warp yarn individually. This way the yarn can come to the face or stay on the back according to the motif programme. The combination of yarns in different colours and different weaves creates the design. The result is a ribbon with a textured, dense structure in which the motif is part of the fabric.
Jacquard ribbon is technologically close to woven labels: both are produced on narrow jacquard looms. The difference is in the purpose – a label is cut into separate pieces, while the ribbon is continuous and used by the metre.
Types of jacquard ribbon
- Decorative with an ornament – folk, ethnic and floral motifs, Greek key, geometric patterns. Used as a trim on skirts, sleeves, necklines and home textiles.
- With text or logo – a repeating brand name; for shoulder straps, inner jacket trims, bag handles and hat bands.
- Double-faced – the motif is visible on both sides, usually in reversed colours. Suitable for loose ties and handles.
- With metallic yarn – a gold or silver effect for festive and evening collections.
- Elastic jacquard ribbon – with woven-in elastic; used for lingerie waistbands, sportswear and belts. See also woven elastic.
Jacquard or printed ribbon – a comparison
| Criterion | Jacquard ribbon | Printed ribbon |
|---|---|---|
| How the motif is created | woven into the fabric | printed on a finished ribbon |
| Resistance to washing and rubbing | very high | depends on the method and ink |
| Detail | limited by weaving density | fine lines and gradients |
| Number of colours | limited number of yarns | practically unlimited |
| Look | textured, dense, premium | smooth, flat |
| Preparation | programming the motif, sample | preparing a print file |
If the motif has a lot of fine detail or photographic gradients, printing is the more realistic choice. For a logo with clear lines and few colours, jacquard gives a more durable and luxurious feel.
Where jacquard ribbon is used
Clothing
As a visible trim on sleeves, cuffs, hems and slits; as an inner tape along the fastening or the inner seam of a jacket, where the buyer sees it when putting it on; as a neck hanger loop. In ethnic and folk-inspired collections, jacquard braids with traditional motifs are a key decorative element.
Bags, accessories and sport
Bag handles and shoulder straps, key lanyards, belts, camera straps, hat bands. In sportswear, a jacquard ribbon with the brand name along the sleeve or side seam is a recognisable 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 to your design
- Design – send a logo or motif in vector format (AI, EPS, PDF) and specify the colours in Pantone.
- Width and repeat – define the ribbon width and the distance between repeats of the motif.
- Material – polyester for strength and colour fastness, cotton for a matt natural look, metallic yarn for effect.
- Edges and reverse – specify whether the ribbon will be visible from both sides.
- Sample – approve a sample before production of the whole batch begins.
The price of custom jacquard ribbon depends on the width, number of colours, complexity of the motif, material and quantity. Instead of a general price, send a request for a quote with this data.
Care and sewing of jacquard ribbon
Jacquard ribbon is denser than smooth ribbons, so when sewing use a needle size matched to the thickness – usually 80 to 90 for medium ribbons and larger for dense bag straps. Sew with a moderately long stitch right on the edge or 1–2 mm from it so as not to disturb the motif. When sewing onto stretch jersey, a non-elastic jacquard ribbon restricts stretching, so it is placed only where the fabric is not stretched, or an elastic version is chosen.
Polyester jacquard ribbons are washed together with the garment at the usual clothing temperatures and do not shrink. Cotton ones may shrink slightly, so when combined with a polyester fabric it is sensible to do a test wash. Ironing is done on the wrong side, at a temperature suited to the most sensitive material in the ribbon – especially if it contains metallic yarn, which does not tolerate high temperatures.
Tips for jacquard ribbon design
- Simplify the logo – very thin lines and small text below about 2 mm in height lose legibility.
- Limit the colours to a few contrasting shades.
- Think about the repeat – the motif must look good even when cut at any point.
- Check wash compatibility with the main fabric and the other accessories.
Jacquard ribbon from Polkom
Polkom has been manufacturing and supplying garment accessories and haberdashery wholesale for over 30 years, including production to the customer's design and logo. Besides jacquard ribbons, you can combine your collection with woven labels in the same style. See the other types in our ribbons section or send your design via our contact page – we will prepare a proposal and a sample.
