Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Grosgrain ribbon (also known as ribbed ribbon or rib tape) is a dense woven ribbon with clearly visible crosswise ribs, a matt surface and strong woven edges. The ribs give it stability: the ribbon does not stretch, does not crease easily and holds a straight line, which is why it is used for bindings, waistbands, hats, bags and branded bows.
What is grosgrain ribbon and where does the name come from
The name comes from the French gros grain – "coarse grain", which describes the textured structure of the weave. In practice several names are used: grosgrain, ribbed ribbon, rib tape, and in garment factories often simply "rib". They all refer to the same type of product – a narrow fabric produced on a ribbon loom, not cut from wide fabric.
If you are wondering what grosgrain ribbon is, the shortest answer is: a ribbon whose ribs run across its length. That is exactly what distinguishes it from ribbed fabric by the metre, from velvet ribbon and from smooth satin.
How the ribbing is formed
During weaving, the warp threads (along the length of the ribbon) are densely arranged, while the weft threads (crosswise) are thicker or inserted several at a time. The warp wraps tightly around the thick weft, forming small horizontal ribs across the entire width. The result is:
- lengthwise stability – the ribbon practically does not elongate under tension;
- a matt look – the ribs scatter light, so the surface does not shine;
- good grip – the ribs prevent a bow from untying itself and a seam from slipping;
- closed edges – the ribbon has a woven selvedge on both sides and does not fray lengthwise.
Materials
Polyester
The most common option in clothing and packaging. Polyester is strong, does not shrink noticeably, keeps its colour when washed and can be dyed in a very wide range. The ends of a cut piece can be heat-sealed, which makes work in the factory easier.
Cotton and viscose
Softer, with a more natural look. They are used for classic hats, inside waistband tapes and products where the ribbon needs to be shaped with steam. Viscose and cotton shrink more than polyester, so it is best to wash or decatise them before sewing.
Nylon and blends
Found in sports and technical products where greater wear resistance is needed. If the ribbon is part of the garment, its composition must be reflected on the composition label in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011.
Properties that matter when sewing
| Property | Grosgrain ribbon | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Lengthwise stretch | minimal | suitable for binding straight edges and for stabilising |
| Bending into a curve | difficult | curved edges require easing or a different tape |
| Surface | matt, textured | hides small seam irregularities; prints look calm |
| Stiffness | from soft to very firm | the choice depends on the function – a bow or a handle |
| Fraying | only at cut ends | ends are sealed or turned under |
Where grosgrain ribbon is used
Thanks to its stability, the ribbon works where satin is too slippery and soft and leather too heavy or expensive:
- bindings on jackets, waistcoats, coats and blankets;
- inside waistband tape on skirts and trousers;
- outer and inner hat bands;
- handles, straps and bindings on bags and pouches;
- button and snap button plackets – as reinforcement;
- hanger loops and logo tapes;
- bows for packaging and gift boxes.
The full range of widths and colours is in the grosgrain ribbon category.
How to recognise a quality ribbon
- Even ribs. Look at the ribbon against the light – the ribs should be equally thick and evenly spaced.
- Straight edges. The woven selvedge should not wave; a wavy edge betrays uneven tension during weaving.
- Density. Press the ribbon between your fingers – a cheap ribbon "breaks" and leaves a white line at the fold.
- Colour in depth. When the ribs are parted, no lighter base should show.
- Behaviour when ironed. Test a piece at low to medium temperature – a good polyester ribbon does not shrink or become shiny.
Grosgrain ribbon in production
In series production the ribbon is supplied on reels, cut on automatic machines with a hot knife and sewn with a straight or double straight stitch. For bindings, binders (folders) are used that fold the ribbon in half in front of the needle. For this technology it is important that the width is constant throughout the reel – even half a millimetre of difference leads to uneven binding.
If the collection calls for a shiny, soft detail, compare it with satin ribbon, and for an overview of the types see the ribbons section.
Caring for products with grosgrain ribbon
The ribbon must tolerate the same care as the main fabric, otherwise it becomes the weak point of the product. Polyester grosgrain can usually be washed at 30–40 °C without problems, but colour and shrinkage should be checked together with the fabric, especially with dark ribbons on light fabrics. Iron at low to medium temperature and, if possible, from the wrong side – excessive heat and pressure flatten the ribs and make the ribbon shiny. Cotton and viscose ribbon is best steam-decatised before sewing so the binding does not pucker after the first wash.
On multi-layer products (jackets, coats), the ribbon is sewn on after the final pressing of the edge, not before – this keeps the binding straight and even. If the product will be dry-cleaned, mention this when choosing the ribbon so you receive a suitable material and dyeing.
Grosgrain ribbon from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories based in Sofia. We offer grosgrain ribbon in various widths, dyed to a sample or Pantone, and printed with logo. Send us a description of your product via our Contact page – we will suggest a suitable ribbon and send a sample. Minimum quantities depend on the article.
