Handmade hair bows never go out of style. Whether you’re crafting them for your little one, designing a boutique collection, or starting your own small business, the right ribbon makes all the difference between a bow that’s beautiful, durable, and worth keeping—and one that falls flat.
At The Ribbon Carnival, we’ve spent years helping crafters, moms, and boutique owners find the perfect hair bow ribbon for every occasion. From sturdy grosgrain to soft satin and sparkling glitter finishes, the right choice depends on your project, your audience, and your creative vision.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to select the best ribbon for bows, why certain materials stand out, and what to look for in terms of quality. We’ll also spotlight one of our favorite printed grosgrain ribbons, and share tips for sourcing your supplies at the best value through our wholesale ribbon collection and bow hardware supplies.
Why the Right Ribbon Matters
When it comes to making hair bows, not all ribbon is created equal. The ribbon you choose affects:
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Durability – Will the bow hold its shape and last through wear and tear?
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Texture – Does the ribbon feel smooth, sturdy, or too flimsy?
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Style – Do you want a playful pattern, classic elegance, or bold sparkle?
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Ease of Use – Some ribbons are easier to shape, fold, and glue than others.
Choosing the wrong ribbon can lead to limp, floppy bows or frayed edges. With the right ribbon, you’ll get crisp folds, neat loops, and a professional finish every time.
Top Ribbon Types for Hair Bows
Here are the most popular ribbons bow-makers love, and why they work so well:
1. Grosgrain Ribbon (The Gold Standard)
If you’re serious about bow-making, you’ll want to stock up on grosgrain ribbon. Known for its ribbed texture and medium weight, grosgrain is strong, flexible, and holds its shape beautifully. It’s the number one choice for boutique bows, school bows, and everyday wear.
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Best for: Classic hair bows, boutique styles, stacked bows
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Why it works: Sturdy yet easy to fold, resists fraying
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Bonus: Available in countless widths, solid colors, and prints
2. Satin Ribbon
Satin is smooth, shiny, and elegant. It’s perfect for dressier bows or special occasions when you want a little shimmer. While it doesn’t hold shape quite as well as grosgrain, satin adds a soft, luxurious touch.
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Best for: Wedding bows, holiday looks, gift sets
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Why it works: Beautiful sheen, rich color payoff
3. Glitter Ribbon
Glitter ribbon is a showstopper. With bold sparkle and firm texture, it’s ideal for statement bows and special designs.
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Best for: Cheer bows, holiday bows, party favors
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Why it works: Adds eye-catching shine, stays bold after repeated wear
4. Printed Ribbon
Printed ribbons—especially printed grosgrain—combine durability with personality. From polka dots and florals to seasonal and character prints, they make it easy to add flair without extra embellishments.
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Best for: Everyday bows, themed collections, boutique sales
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Why it works: Pre-designed patterns = less decorating effort
Spotlight: Printed Grosgrain Ribbon
One of our customer favorites is the Polka Dot Printed Grosgrain Ribbon—a playful, versatile option that works across ages and styles.
Why we love it:
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Durable grosgrain texture keeps bows crisp and long-lasting
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Timeless polka dot print pairs well with solids or layered designs
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Available in multiple widths, so you can create everything from tiny toddler bows to oversized statement pieces
If you’re looking for a ribbon that balances fun style with everyday durability, this is an excellent choice to start with.
? Explore it now in our Printed Ribbon Collection.
Choosing Ribbon by Width
Ribbon width plays a big role in the size and shape of your finished bow. Here’s a quick guide:
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3/8” ribbon → Great for small bows, accents, or center wraps
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7/8” ribbon → The most popular size for medium bows
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1.5” ribbon → Ideal for boutique bows and layered designs
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2.25” ribbon → Perfect for large statement bows or cheer bows
Pro Tip: Keep a range of widths in your craft stash so you can experiment with styles.
Don’t Forget the Hardware
Even the best ribbon needs the right hardware to become a wearable bow. Make sure you stock up on:
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Alligator clips (lined or unlined)
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French barrettes
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Elastic hair ties
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Headbands
You can find everything you need in our Hair Bow Supplies collection to finish your bows professionally.
Buying Ribbon: Retail vs. Wholesale
If you’re making bows for fun or personal use, buying by the roll is perfect. But if you’re producing bows for a shop, team, or event, consider buying from our wholesale ribbon collection.
Wholesale benefits include:
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Lower cost per yard
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Larger continuous rolls for efficiency
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Consistent dye lots for matching bows
Final Tips for Success
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Test different textures: Pair grosgrain with satin or glitter for layered designs.
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Match ribbon to audience: Bright prints for kids, classic solids for adults.
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Always heat-seal ends to prevent fraying.
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Keep experimenting: The more you play with ribbon types, the better you’ll understand their behavior.