Satin Ribbon for Bows by Area

Satin Ribbon Bow Calculator (by Area)

If you're covering a decorated surface with satin ribbon laid out in parallel strips or interlaced bows, how much you need comes down to two things: the area and how wide the ribbon is. Divide the total area by the strip width and you get the linear length you'll have to buy: length = area / width. Then pad that figure by 10% to 20% for the knots, loops and tails of any decorative bows. A finished bow tends to eat up another 30–60 cm of ribbon on top of the strip you actually see.

You'll typically find satin ribbon sold in widths of 6 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 25 mm and 38 mm, on rolls of 50 m or 100 m. Double-faced satin carries the finish on both sides, which matters for bows where both faces end up showing; single-faced has a matte back and costs less. Most ribbon is polyester these days, though silk satin still holds onto the premium end.

Applications

Think bows for children's clothing, ballerina shoes, gift wrapping, wedding favors and groomsmen pins, Christmas wreaths and garlands, baby shower decoration, scrapbook and headbands. Double-faced ribbon also turns up on award medals and around confectionery wrapping such as panettone and chocolate boxes.

FAQ

How much ribbon does a classic bow consume? A bow built from two 8 cm loops and two 10 cm tails runs about 50 cm of ribbon, plus whatever the knot takes.

How to prevent the ribbon end from fraying? Cut it on the diagonal and pass it quickly through a lighter flame to seal the edge. On cotton ribbons, run a thin line of fabric glue along the cut instead.

Can I iron satin ribbon? You can, as long as you keep the iron on the low silk setting and work from the reverse side. Lay a cotton cloth between the iron and the ribbon so you don't end up with shiny marks.