Wire Ribbon

Definition and Overview

Wire ribbon is ribbon with thin wire inserted along the left and right selvages, or along the edges. Because the wire can be bent and held by hand, it has the characteristic of making loops and folds stand out more voluminously than ordinary ribbon and of making them easier to hold in shape.

In addition to garment decoration, it is used for applications that call for a dimensional look, such as wrapping, corsages, stage costumes, and display. The finished appearance and ease of handling vary depending on the wire position and stiffness, as well as the type of ribbon base.

Materials and Structure

The ribbon base may be polyester, nylon, cotton, rayon, and the like, and there are various textures such as plain weave, satin weave, grosgrain-like, organza-like, and velvet-like. Wire ribbon is not a name for the weave itself, but a name for a structure that incorporates wire.

In many cases, the thin wire is fixed in the woven sections at both selvages or in the finished edge sections. Because the wire may move or come out from the cut edge, finishing appropriate to the application, such as folding in the end or sewing it down, is necessary.

• If you want to make use of sheerness, a lightweight material such as an organza-like type is used.
• If you want to emphasize sheen, one with a satin-like surface is chosen.
• If you want to highlight the outline, a ribbed surface such as grosgrain-like is also suitable.

Width and Applications

Width is generally shown in millimeters. Narrow widths are suited to small ribbon bows and accessories, while wide widths are suited to large bows, gathers, and dimensional decoration. Even at the same width, the size of the loops that can be made and the ability to hold shape vary depending on the thickness of the material, the stiffness of the wire, and the selvage specifications.

Main applications include dress and hat decoration, corsages, bouquet decoration, gift wrapping, and store display. When sewing onto garments, place it where it is less likely to touch the skin, and design it so that the wire ends are not exposed.

How to Choose and Handling Precautions

When selecting, check the width, the sheerness and sheen of the base, the stiffness of the wire, the edge finish, and how the ends are finished after cutting. A moderately stiff type is suitable for applications where a large shape must be maintained, but for delicate garment decoration, one that bends easily and whose ends can be safely finished is more suitable.

Because it contains wire, strong pulling or repeated bending may cause distortion of the material, fraying at the edges, or wire protrusion. Whether it can be washed depends on the ribbon base and the wire specification, so when using it in products, it is important to perform a wash test and confirm the care instructions.

When sewing, choose a position where the needle will not hit the wire. Forcing the needle through the wire can cause needle breakage or poor stitching, so sew while avoiding the wire, or, if necessary, sew the section where the wire has been removed.

Differences from Similar Terms

Satin ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, velvet ribbon, and organza ribbon are mainly classified by surface texture, weave, or material feel. If these ribbons have wire inserted, they are called wire ribbon.

Ordinary ribbon is soft and tends to drape, whereas wire ribbon differs in that it makes it easier to shape the edges and create an outline. By contrast, piping and cord materials with cores are materials that add roundness or thickness by inserting a core into the cross section, and their purpose differs from a structure in which wire is run through the edge of a flat ribbon.

Frequently Asked Questions