“The Great British Sewing Bee Ep 1: What Ribbon Works Where?
- Alison from Mokshatrim
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
If you watched the first episode of The Great British Sewing Bee Series 11 and muttered, “Why would you use that ribbon?” – welcome, friend. You’re my kind of sewist.
Episode 1 brought us a ribbon-tied blouse challenge — (I can't tell you how excited I was that we had a decent trim challenge) but with it, some questionable trimming under pressure.
If you’ve ever had ribbon regret (or shouted at your telly about satin on linen), this guide will save your seams — and your sanity.
Whether you’re sewing a summer blouse, a Regency cosplay bodice, or secret pyjamas, choosing the right ribbon makes all the difference.
First - I'm going to put this in block caps because it's important....
Not all ribbons are cut out for the job.
If you’re sewing something that’s going to be tied, tugged, or worn all day, you need to choose your ribbon like you’d choose your shoes – for looks and for function.
First let's look at the results of the pattern challenge...... Then let’s talk trims (ooh my favourite thing!)
There are 3 suggested pattern matches if you wanted to recreate this look (as recommended by Sew Essential).
McCall’s 8557 – Features peplums, puff sleeves, sleeveless styles, shirt collars, and patch pockets.
Tilly and the Buttons - Nell – A fantastic value pattern with tie-front blouse and dress options, including button-down fronts.
Style Arc Porter Pack – An incredibly versatile capsule wardrobe pattern with mix-and-match tops, skirts, and dresses.
Sewing Bee Episode 1, lets recap ribbon choices
Looking carefully at each make most opted for satin ribbons.
Glendora and Novello both chose a similar ribbon, which looked almost like it had a wire edge (?) and might have been taffeta.
Peter, Jess and Caz chose grosgrain.
Gaynor chose a cotton tape with ticking (the dashed line) possibly a twill.
Stuart used a velvet ribbon.
So let's talk ribbons in dressmaking .....
Satin Ribbons: Pretty but Perilous
Satin ribbons have a lovely smooth surface that makes them both elegant and shiny.
But beware, they can :
🎀 fray easily
🎀 wrinkle under heat
🎀 slip undone if under tension.
Be sure to seal or turn under ends.
🧵 Great for: light, decorative uses – not any heavy lifting. Decorative neck ties, bows on cuffs.
Not what I would have chosen for this challenge due to function but it does look the part....
Taffeta Ribbon – The Crisp Classic
Woven and structured with a smooth, matte finish, taffeta ribbon holds its shape like a dream and adds a touch of vintage charm.
It’s less slippery than satin and ideal for bows and neat details.
Some may fray easily – seal those ends!
🧵 Great for: Decorative bows, collars, vintage-style garments
❌ Avoid for: Drapey or fluid garments – its firmness can feel too rigid and may fight with softer fabrics.
Gives a lovely bow but not with drapey fabric.
Grosgrain Ribbons: Sturdy and Structured
With it's signature ribbed texture and slightly more robust feel, grosgrain offers more grip and structure.
It holds a bow shape beautifully and doesn’t fray as quickly as satin.
It can feel a little stiff for delicate garments, so pair wisely.
🧵 Great for: Waist ties, belts, structured embellishments
❌ Avoid for: Ultra-drapey or floaty fabrics
I'd say these have their advantages for this challenge. But might be a little robust in comparison to a more drapey fabric.
Velvet Ribbons: Luxe and Lovely
Velvet has that lovely brushed surface which adds serious texture and glamour.
BUT it is usually heavier and can drag on finer fabrics so needs to be used with care.
ALSO Velvet is not a fan of the washing machine.
🎀 The pile can get crushed, matted, or lose its sheen.
🎀 it often has a different shrink rate to the fabric it’s sewn onto. That means after a wash, your garment might lie flat but the ribbon could pucker, twist, or shrink, ruining the line of your make.
🎀 some velvets (especially richly dyed ones) are notorious for bleeding colour in the wash. If it’s a vibrant red velvet ribbon on a white blouse… it might not end well.
So think dry cleaning or spot wash, or at least TEST before using.
🧵 Great for: Statement finishes like bows, ideal for winter makes. necklines, eveningwear
❌ Avoid for: Lightweight blouses or washable everyday garments.
I'd wouldn't have chosen a velvet on a light flowy summer garment, which would be washed frequently.
Cosplayers — yes, I see you eyeing the velvet ribbon. Let’s talk washing instructions before you commit.
Organza Ribbon – The Daydreamer
Sheer, floaty, and full of whimsy – organza ribbon is the fairy godmother of trims.
But watch out: she frays faster than your patience. So seal or turn under ends.
🧵 Great for: Romantic blouses, floaty sleeves, decorative ties
❌ Avoid for: Garments under strain or frequent washing – organza isn’t built for tension or tumble dryers.
Not ideal for this challenge either ....
Cotton Tape (Plain Weave) - The Utility Hero
It may not get the spotlight, but this humble ribbon is the one you’ll reach for time and time again. With a smooth, flat weave and soft handle, plain cotton tape is perfect when you want something practical, washable, and non-fussy.
Think of it as the behind-the-scenes hero — ideal for ties, casings, or seam reinforcement, especially in everyday or loungewear pieces.
It's soft, flat, flexible, and machine-washable.
🧵 Great for: Pyjama waist ties, casings, internal drawstrings, stabilising seams
❌ Avoid for: Decorative uses — it’s usually functional, not flashy
Maybe not quite right but a pretty version might work ....
Twill Tape - The Everyday Classic
This is also a matt woven tape but differs from plain tape in that it has a twill weave, a herringbone pattern; the diagonal lines you can see in the texture.
Can feature decorative elements like the ticking (dashed line) shown in the image.
Though slightly thicker and sturdier than plain cotton tape, it is soft and strong and resists twisting.
Copes well with regular washing.
🧵 Great for: waist ties, apron strings, or reinforcing shoulder seams.
❌ Avoid for: Very drapey garments. When a lux feel is needed.
A soft twill might just be perfect! Good on you Gaynor!
Jacquard Ribbon – The Statement Maker
Woven on a jacquard loom, these ribbons feature intricate patterns (floral, paisley, ethnic motifs, etc.).
They’re strong, often double-sided, and visually stunning.
The ribbons can be a variety of thicknesses and stiffnesses.
Jacquards are durable, washable and don't fade easily. (That's why they are often used for dog collars).
🧵 Great for: Waist ties, trims on hems or yokes, visible accents
❌ Avoid for: Very drapey garments. Thicker bulky jacquards are better on medium to heavyweight fabrics.
What to consider when choosing a ribbon
Is the fabric you are using lightweight or structured?
Does it compliment or contrast with the garment?
How will the ribbon be attached?
Will this be tied and untied often?
Is the ribbon decorative or functional?
Does it need to be machine-washable?
Is the ribbon colourfast?
Will it shrink after washing?
(You may wish to test this before using.)
Do you need to finish the ends of the ribbon to avoid fraying?
How will the ribbon look after washing - will it need ironing separately?
(And finally – does it spark joy, or are you wrestling with it like a contestant in the haberdashery aisle?).
What would I have chosen if I'd been on the Great British Sewing Bee
I sell mostly jacquard ribbons, (though we do have some complimentary velvets).
I'm not sure I'd choose a jacquard for this challenge, as the ties, unless it was a heavier more evening wear version of the garment and I was making the ties a sparkly feature.
I think I would personally have used either a soft twill (like Gaynor), or more likely if I'm honest, and I was making for myself, I'd have made my own ties with the material.
That said there are a few options below. Mostly narrower, softer options.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Ribbon Ruin Your Make
The right ribbon isn’t just a pretty face.
It’s the unsung hero of many a successful sew – and the reason that tie-front blouse stays closed (or doesn’t).
If the Sewing Bee taught us anything this week, it’s this: next time you’re tempted to grab that cheap satin in a panic… take a breath, take a beat, and grab something beautiful and functional.
Or better still – let me help you choose.
Want more tips, trims and tea?
🎀 Sign up to Mokshatrim's newsletter or socials below for sneak peeks, samples, and Sewing Bee hot takes.
🎀 Don’t forget to tag us in your creations with #MokshaMakes – I’d love to see your ties that bind.
🎀 Want to try before you tie? Contact me at alison@mokshatrim.co.uk to grab a sample – or better yet, let me know your fabric plans and we’ll play haberdashery matchmaker.
🎀 You could even share this post with a friend!
As ever
Stay Colourful, Alison
Comments