Picking the right ribbon without losing your mind
Choosing the right ribbon sounds simple… until you try it. Satin, grosgrain, velvet — they all look pretty, but behave completely differently once you start sewing. One folds like a dream, another pops open like a stubborn spring, and the last one acts like it’s auditioning for a drama series. 🙃
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the three ribbons I actually use when sewing lingerie — which bow styles they suit, what widths work best, and how to avoid those frustrating “why-does-this-look-like-a-cat-toy” moments. If you’re new to lingerie sewing, you can practise on my free beginner panty pattern before risking your favourite fabric.
Satin ribbon – the shiny classic
Satin ribbon is the most traditional choice for lingerie bows. It’s soft, smooth, and folds beautifully, which makes it perfect for folded bows, though it also works well for butterfly bows and sometimes flat bows (especially at 1 cm width).
Widths I use most:
- 1.5 cm for standard bows
- 4 cm (40 mm) for bold statement bows
- 1 cm for flat bows
Fork trick for perfect bows:
For small folded bows, wrap your 15mm satin ribbon around a fork, tie the centre, and slide it off. This keeps every bow identical — ideal when placing two matching bows on bra straps or panty sides. If you’re using wide ribbon like this 40mm satin ribbon, use a large salad fork instead of a normal one. Same method, bigger size, perfect results.
Colour palette strategy:
I keep 1.5 cm satin in many colours — black, red, white, pink, purple — because it’s my go-to size. These multicolour sets or pastel sets are more cost-effective than buying singles. For 40 mm, I only stock classic colours like black, red, white, maybe pink or purple. I never buy full bobbins of colours I rarely use (yellow, for example) because they just take up space.
Extra tip:
1.5 cm satin ribbons aren’t just for lingerie. I use them constantly for crafts and Christmas ornaments too, so they never go to waste.
Grosgrain ribbon – structured and bold
Grosgrain ribbon is firmer than satin and has a ribbed texture that helps it hold its shape. This makes it perfect for flat bows.
Ideal Widths is 1–1.5 cm (match your sliders)
How I make flat bows:
Cut two strips — one slightly longer than the other. Fold the ends of each strip to the centre and secure with stitches or a dot of glue. Layer the smaller piece over the larger one.
- If the ribbon width matches your slider, place the slider in the middle for a polished lingerie finish.
- If it’s too wide (like my 2 cm leopard print), wrap the centre with a strip of 1 cm satin ribbon instead. It looks clean and holds well.
Fun detail:
Grosgrain often comes in prints — animal patterns are my favourite for lingerie. They give a bold accent while still looking sharp. For a quick bit of history ( if you are interesting of course) about why lingerie even has bows in the first place, have a peek at Why Is There a Bow on Girls’ Panties? — it’s surprisingly fun to know.
Velvet ribbon – soft luxury
Velvet ribbon instantly adds a luxurious feel to lingerie, especially when paired with velvet fabric. The textures match perfectly, like they were made for each other. 🖤
Widths I use often: 0.5 cm for delicate folded bows or 1–2 cm for butterfly bows
Folded vs butterfly bows:
Velvet works for both, but folded bows can get bulky at the centre. If you’re using wider ribbon, switch to the butterfly bow technique. Instead of folding a centre knot, layer the ribbon and wrap the centre tightly with thread. This avoids thickness while still giving that full plush shape.
Using ribbons as part of the lingerie design
Ribbons don’t have to be just for bows — they can be part of the underwear itself. Some patterns use them as decorative straps or side ties to add that soft, luxurious look. Replacing standard elastic with satin ribbon instantly makes lingerie feel more special, and it’s easier to sew than you might think. This trick works beautifully on panties, bras, or any piece where you want to soften the edges and add movement.
A gorgeous example of this is the Bikini Lizzy pattern, which is made entirely from lace. It has two main elements — the front and the back — and they are connected with long satin ribbons. At the front, the ribbon runs through the lace to create a small corset-style criss-cross, finished with a neat bow. As a result, it adds a soft, decorative detail to the centre. Meanwhile, at the back, the ribbon laces all the way up from the lower edge to the waist, creating a dramatic corset look. Because of this design, the panties are adjustable, soft against the skin, and beautifully eye-catching. If you want to see how it works, you can watch the full step-by-step tutorial below:
📺 How To Sew A Bikini Panties Lizzy Lingerie Sewing Tutorial
Wrap-up – ribbons you’ll actually use
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations — you now know what each ribbon is secretly plotting to do on your sewing table.
If you’re just building your collection, start with satin ribbons in 1–1.5 cm widths in several colours. They’ll match almost any lingerie fabric you sew, and they’re the size you’ll reach for constantly. Add a few 1–2 cm grosgrain ribbons when you want that clean, structured finish. And keep velvet for the days when you want your underwear to feel special — even if you’re the only one who’ll see it. Sets are also worth it if you sew often; you get a full range of colours for much less than buying singles, and you’ll never be caught mid-project without the right shade.
Now you’re ready to choose ribbons like a pro and sew bows that actually look intentional instead of “accidentally festive”. And if you’re still not sure which style will look best on your next set, go read Flat vs Folded Bows: Which Looks Better on Lingerie? — it will help you pick the right style before you even thread the needle.
