Ribbon
What Is Grosgrain Ribbon? Uses, Types & Personalised Printing
What Is Grosgrain Ribbon? Uses, Types & Personalised Printing
Grosgrain ribbon is a woven ribbon with a distinctive ribbed texture running across its surface. It is firmer and more textured than satin ribbon, holds its shape well and is commonly used for gift wrapping, bows, clothing, crafts, accessories and branded packaging.
We’ve been supplying ribbon since 2007, including plain and personalised grosgrain ribbon for individuals, businesses, events and packaging.
What Is Grosgrain Ribbon?
Grosgrain is a type of woven fabric recognised by its characteristic horizontal ribs or ridges.
The word comes from the French gros grain, meaning approximately “coarse grain”, referring to the pronounced texture of the weave.
When used as ribbon, grosgrain has woven edges and a firmer feel than smooth satin ribbon. Its ribbed surface gives it a distinctive appearance and helps the ribbon retain its shape.
What Does Grosgrain Ribbon Look Like?
The easiest way to identify grosgrain ribbon is to look closely at its surface.
Unlike satin, which has a smooth and slightly glossy face, grosgrain has clearly visible ribs running across the width of the ribbon.
These ridges give it a more textured, matt appearance and make it feel slightly firmer in the hand.
What Is Grosgrain Ribbon Made Of?
Grosgrain describes the weave and texture rather than one particular fibre.
Historically, grosgrain could be made using natural fibres including silk. Modern grosgrain ribbon is commonly manufactured using synthetic fibres such as polyester, although other materials are also available.
This is similar to satin: the name tells you something about the way the material is constructed rather than automatically telling you which fibre it contains.
What Is Grosgrain Ribbon Used For?
Because grosgrain is relatively firm and holds its shape well, it has a huge range of decorative and practical uses.
Common uses include:
- Gift wrapping and gift boxes
- Hair bows and accessories
- Clothing and fashion trims
- Hat bands and millinery
- Craft projects
- Wedding and event decorations
- Product and branded packaging
- Decorative bows
Its ribbed texture can give packaging a very different appearance from satin, particularly when a more structured or matt finish is wanted.
Grosgrain Ribbon vs Satin Ribbon
Grosgrain and satin are two of the most familiar ribbon styles, but they look and behave quite differently.
Satin ribbon has a smooth surface with a soft sheen. It is particularly popular for gift packaging, weddings and personalised printing where a smooth print surface is important.
Grosgrain ribbon has a ribbed, more textured surface and tends to feel firmer. This makes it particularly useful for bows, crafts, accessories and packaging where the texture itself is part of the finished look.
Neither is inherently better — the right choice depends on what you’re making and the appearance you want.
Read our guide to the different types of ribbon.
Can Grosgrain Ribbon Be Personalised?
Yes. Selected grosgrain ribbons can be personalised with logos, wording and designs.
The ribbed surface means grosgrain behaves differently from smooth satin when printed, so the artwork, ribbon width and printing method all need to be suitable for the material.
Simple logos and clear lettering can work particularly well.
If you’re unsure whether your artwork is suitable for grosgrain, send it to us and we’ll advise you before Your Ribbon goes into production.
Printed Grosgrain Ribbon for Businesses
Grosgrain can be an attractive alternative to satin for businesses wanting a more textured finish for their packaging.
Personalised grosgrain ribbon can be used around:
- Gift and presentation boxes
- Shopping bags
- Corporate gifts
- Product packaging
- Hampers
- Promotional gifts
Your company name, logo or message can turn the ribbon itself into part of the branded presentation.
Is Grosgrain Good for Making Bows?
Yes. Grosgrain is particularly popular for bows because its firmer construction helps it retain its shape.
The textured surface also gives a grosgrain bow a very different appearance from a softer satin bow.
This makes it popular for hair bows, craft projects, gift bows and decorative applications where a little more structure is useful.
Is Grosgrain Ribbon the Same on Both Sides?
Many grosgrain ribbons have a similar ribbed appearance on both sides, making them useful for bows and wrapping where both faces of the ribbon may be visible.
The exact construction and finish can vary between ribbon ranges, however, so check the individual product specification if the appearance of both sides is important to your project.
Does Grosgrain Ribbon Fray?
Like other woven textiles, grosgrain can fray when it is cut.
How much it frays depends on the fibre and construction of the particular ribbon. For projects where the cut ends remain visible, they may need to be finished appropriately.
Where Can I Buy Grosgrain Ribbon?
We supply grosgrain ribbon in the UK for gift wrapping, crafts, packaging, events and business use.
We’ve been selling ribbon online since 2007 and offer both plain ribbon and personalised printing options.
If you’re ordering for a business or need a larger quantity, we’re also happy to help with widths, colours, printing and quantities.
Need Your Logo Printed on Grosgrain Ribbon?
If you need personalised grosgrain ribbon for packaging, promotions or an event, send us your artwork and details of what you’re creating.
Your dedicated contact can advise on the ribbon and printing options and help you choose a suitable format for Your Order.
REQUEST A QUOTE FOR PERSONALISED GROSGRAIN RIBBON