What Is Organdy Ribbon?
Organdy is a fine, cotton fabric with a fairly stiff drape used in both formal, elaborately styled evening wear as well as in household linens, such as curtains and bedspreads. In the world of ribbon, it is often confused with organza which is normally manufactured from silk, rather than cotton, and is popular for wedding gowns. Organza is mixed with other fibers for ribbon use. The two terms have become interchangeable when it comes to the sheer, delicate ribbon that is favored in both dressmaking and papercrafting. Organdy, organdie or organza ribbon are all the same kind of ribbon.
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Identification
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Organdy ribbon can be identified mainly by its sheer, fine, usually transparent, appearance. Look out for ribbons with opaque silk borders running along each edge, or those with a translucent, slightly sparkly sheen. Some organdy ribbons are shot through with metallic threads giving them an extra festive appearance.
Manufacture
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Organdy is a plain-weave fabric, meaning that the warp and weft threads are of equal spacing and tension. The plain weave produces a stable fabric that holds its shape and is identical on both sides, making it ideal for ribbon use.
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Functions
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From wedding favors to fantasy cardmaking trims for that special person or occasion, from embellishments on simple summer dresses to gorgeous gift wrapping bows, organdy ribbon fulfills just about every ribbon need when a sheer, luxurious or simple, classic look is desired.
Types
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Organdy ribbon comes in a range of different widths and finishes. Both wired and unwired versions are available. Wired ribbons enable the user to create more structured shapes in bows or other embellishments as the wires can be bent or raised and will independently hold their position. Unwired ribbons are softer and more suited to being either sewn directly onto fabric or loosely tied when a more natural drape is required. Glitters, prints, silken edges, plain flat weaves or ribs in a tumble of colors and widths form the comprehensive range of organdy ribbon today.
Care and Storing
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Like most other fabrics, organdy ribbon should be stored in a dark place out of direct sunlight, otherwise the sun will bleach the color. Particular care should be taken with ribbon containing either lame or metallic threads, as it will lose all its color if exposed for long periods to direct sunlight.
Long lengths of ribbon can be wound into reels and stored side by side in shoe boxes, or odd lengths could be hung side by side on a coat hanger. An ordinary clothes peg can be used to hold them in place.
Ribbon, particularly organdy ribbon, can be expensive but with proper care your stash will stay as good as new for years.
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References
- Photo Credit red ribbon image by Liz Van Steenburgh from Fotolia.com
