Taffeta

Why does taffeta hold up so well

Taffeta owes its rigidity to its tight plain weave and the nature of its threads. Unlike satin, which is supple and fluid, it offers resistance which allows it to keep a given shape.

Practical consequence: a bow made of taffeta remains open and voluminous for several days, whereas a satin bow sags within a few hours. It's the difference between a decoration that lasts an entire ceremony and one that requires redoing.

Tie a beautiful knot

Plan generously: a knot with double loops uses three to four times the desired width. For a finished 10 cm bow, allow at least 60 cm of ribbon.

Form the loops flat on the table rather than in the air, tighten the center gradually, and spread the loops by hand once the knot is closed. Cut the ends at an angle or in a V : it is this detail that distinguishes a carefully made knot from a sloppy knot.

Uses

• Gift wrapping — the king use of taffeta, particularly on ceremonial packages.
• Table decoration — chair bows, napkin ring, menu links.
• Wedding and baptism — bouquets, boxes of sugared almonds, car decoration.
• Couture — dress belt, bodice tie, decorative border on a dress piece.
• Creative hobbies — scrapbooking, decorative wreaths, suspensions.

Prevent the ends from fraying

Taffeta frays much more than satin. The bias cut limits the phenomenon but does not eliminate it.

On a synthetic ribbon, quickly pass the end near a flame: the fibers melt and weld together. On natural taffeta, a drop of transparent textile glue or a machine locking stitch will do the trick.

Ironing the taffeta

A ribbon stored in a roll keeps the fold mark. Iron it at low temperature, without steam, through a fine cloth - too strong direct heat shines the surface and causes it to lose its characteristic reflection.

Also discover

Discover our satin ribbons , our grosgrain ribbons and our ribbons department .