Securely tied velvet ribbons require little more than periodic steaming.
Velvet ribbon has adorned the edges of gowns, coats and hats for hundreds of years. The addition of velvet ribbon connotes sophistication, luxury and an iconic, traditional femininity. Once made exclusively of cotton or silk, modern velvet manufacturers create this high-pile fabric using any number of materials or combination thereof, including, rayon, acetate, silk, nylon or cotton. Proper care of your velvet ribbon requires diligence and patience to avoid damage.
Instructions
1. Determine the material of your velvet ribbon. Most velvet ribbon sold at large craft stores are made from synthetic materials such as acetate or nylon. Higher quality velvets include natural fibers like silk and cotton, and are more sensitive to humidity and sun-bleaching.
2. Smooth your synthetic or natural velvet ribbon using a vevlaboard and a handheld steamer or iron with steam setting. Velvaboards are available at any craft store and are similar to an ironing board covered in velvet. Place your ribbon flat on the board, velvet side facing down, and hold the steamer at least a half inch above the ribbon. Select the lowest heat setting and slowly move the steamer over the the back of the ribbon, taking care to never actually touch the fabric. Smooth the ribbon with your hands or have someone hold the ends taut during steaming. Never let the iron touch your ribbon, because doing so could crush and ruin the velvet permanently.
3. Give your velvet ribbon a quick lift by brushing the velvet in a single direction using a small, bristled brush. Avoid brushing back and forth, which weakens the velvet nap. A few light strokes can freshen any velvet ribbon before tying it into your hair or around a decoration.
4. Clean your velvet ribbon using a non-water based solvent or by dry cleaning. Water and chemicals in laundry detergent can stain your velvet and disrupt the direction of the velvet nap flow. Prevent damaging your velvet ribbon by avoiding stain removers or pre-wash laundry spray.
5. Store your velvet ribbon in a cool, dry location. Your bedroom or hallway closet is a good storage option. Only roll your velvet ribbon if the storage unit is completely dry and you live in an equally dry climate, otherwise the rolled edges become easy targets for mold. Lay the ribbon flat, velvet side down, to prevent attracting dust particles on the nap. Avoid storing velvet ribbon in your basement and attic, which often contain high levels of damaging substances like moisture, dust and mold.
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