CHOOSING THE RIGHT RIBBON
Unable to find the ribbon you want? We carry large stocks of 100’s of decorative ribbon and floral ribbon. Anything in stock can be sent overnight, and regular deliveries mean we hope to never keep you waiting long.
Ribbon can form an integral part of your wedding decorations. It can help you carry a central colour scheme or concept through from when you send out your wedding invitations to the final places settings at your wedding reception.
The important thing is to plan in advance. Do not leave buying ribbon to the last panic. Many do and regret it. Planning ahead, getting samples, matching colours, widths and styles can be complex. Whether it is Carnmeal Cottage or another supplier take advice from an expert. Most good ribbon stockists will send out free samples as a colour match. If you want a free ribbon sample from us please "contact us".
Please remember where every effort is made to keep ribbon dyes consistent, sometimes dye batches do vary. Ususally this is very minor and does not notice. Try to buy all your ribbon in one batch.
TIP: Important to remember; whether you buy your ribbon from us or any other outlet ensure you can go back and buy more. We get so many dissappointed customers coming to us because they did not buy sufficient ribbon the first time and their supplier has sold out for 6 weeks.
Wired Organza ribbon and unwired chiffon
Chiffon or Organza ribbons are probably the most popular ribbon at present as a wedding accessory. Used in favours, wedding bouquets, wedding decorations or general floristry these beautifully delicate " see through" ribbon comes in a mass of colours and a large range of widths. Unwired chiffon is the most common and comes in the largest range of widths and colours. Unwired chiffon can start as narrow as 3mm and go up to oover 30cm wide plus which is really a chiffon fabric. Unwired chiffon ribbon is usually cheaper than wired chiffon.
TIP If you want to make bows do not rush into buying wired chiffon or organza. Most unwired chiffon is stiff enough to make perfectly good bows. Only when you get above a 60 mm ribbon does it get difficult. Save money and try unwired chiffon ribbon first.
Due to a demand for lots of different widths and colours we stock several different manufactures of chiffon ribbon . They are all different prices which does not mean that the most expensive ribbon in the best and visa versa. They are just different. The largest difference is "sheen". All chiffons shine in the light, however some chiffons more that others. If you want something that really "glitters" or a ribbon more "mat" let us know and we will advise you.
TIP . Some makes of chiffon ribbon does not have a sealed edge. Look for a thin seam running along both outside edges. Where they are not sealed they are usually cheaper. However this ribbon may not hold it's shape and is more likely to fray.
To buy Chiffon and Wired Organza Ribbon.
Double Edged Satin Ribbon
Double-edged satin ribbon, the traditional ribbon, is stocked in a mass of colours and widths. The perfect ribbon for trying bows.
We only stock and recommend Double Edged Satin Ribbon. This is the same both sides and generally better to the touch. Single Faced Satin Ribbon can be bought however, as the name implies, only has the "satin feel" on one side. This is a cheaper option.
Satin Ribbon is made from Polyester, a man made material. It has very much replaced silk ribbon, which although can still be bought is very very expensive.
We have a main range of Satin Ribbon which includes over 40 colours. Ribbon starting with Quick Find Code R121... is carried in large stocks. This range is tested to Oeko-Tex quality standard 100 to meet human-ecological standards for ribbon in direct contact with skin.
Satin ribbon can be bought in widths from 3 mm wide up to 68mm and is normally in rolls 25m or 50 m long.
TIP: When cutting ribbon cut at a slight angle. This will prevent fraying.
If you wish to have ribbon printed to your own logo or design Satin Ribbon will produce the best results. It's fine weave will enable a strong,easy to see print.
Double Edged Satin Ribbon is always the first choice for wedding car ribbon. A 2" wide satin is the best option. R052550. This is a soft ribbon which will grace any car and importantly will not stratch the paint work. A single roll will decorate 2 cars.
.Gingham Ribbon
Gingham Ribbon, a pretty check ribbon is now back in fashion. It is usually a woven ribbon, and if good quality fully washable. Make sure it has the pattern on both sides of the ribbon and then it will make very effective bows. We stock Gingham in 4 widths across several different colours. Visit our Gingham Ribbon Colour Chart
To buy Gingham Ribbon.
Tartan Ribbon
Tartan is becoming increasingly popular as a choice of a wedding decoration. Tartan ribbon can be split into two sections; genuine clan tartan and decorative tartan used mainly for Christmas decoration.
If buying a Clan Tartan make sure they are a genuine tartan and produced under license from the Scottish Tartan Authority. There are 100's of Tartans listed however many are not produced as a ribbon and difficult to find. A good starting point to research Tartans is the Scottish Tartan Authority , try www.tartansauthority.com
To buy Tartan Ribbon.
Grosgrain ribbon
A good quality woven ribbon with a ribbed affect. Typical uses are wedding stationery, craft work, or in haberdasherry. It has a vast range of uses ranging from designer shoes to handbags. Comes in 5 widths in matching colours.
To buy Grosgrain Ribbon.
Velvet Ribbon
Luxurious and soft Velvet Ribbon is one of the oldest ribbons which has changed little over time. Velvet ribbon is always single faced, ie the flock is only on one side. Velvet is available in a broad range of colours and widths. Although we stock up to 20 colours there are over 80 available to special order. Please request a free sample. Buy velvet ribbon.
Polka Dot Ribbon
A traditional printed polka dot satin ribbon. Now back in fashion as a popular decorative ribbon. Full washing instructions are included on every roll.
Please request a free sample of the colour andwidth you require. contact us.
To buy Polka Dot Ribbon
Florist Ribbon
The least expensive of all ribbons with either 100 yards or 100 metres per roll. Manufactured from Polypropolene in a vast range of colours. Only comes in a 2" width although can be bought as a curling ribbon. Florist ribbon can be split and curled along it's length to product a variety of effects. Used by professional florists in general floristry, wedding and funeral work. It is quite a hard ribbon and not recommended where you are looking for a soft delicate effect.
Using a ribbon shredder this can be shredded into narrow widths.
Florist ribbon can be used as an inexpensive wedding car ribbon. However be aware that constant use on a car can damage the paintt work.
Curling Ribbon and Florist Bows are available in the same colour range as Florist Ribbon. The bows are supplied flat packed and are very easy to make in a matter of seconds.
Wide Ribbon
Wide Ribbons are generally those 100mm wide and above. Most ribbon above this width is either chiffon or organza (wired chiffon). There are very few very wide satin ribbons. Most Satins will not exceed 3 to 4 inches. The widest stocked by Carnmeal is R5016825
